Alex stood there for a few minutes saying nothing, thinking, 'She is right, her dreams was a warning, and she did warn me before I went to work about getting shot.'
When he did speak he said, "Go and take a shower, your skin feels sticky, then we will eat, you fasted the whole day."
Although the tears were flowing she laughs, "I even kept the Sabbath," she said.
"Diandra, you had me so worried, seeing you sleep the whole day, I hope you will be able to sleep tonight?"
"If you set up the television and get some microwave popcorn, I will watch television."
"How about instead of that, we go for a drive, it might help you relax, and you might fall asleep easily?"
"I don't think so."
"But why, since you came you have been locked in and when did Mr. Alvin disconnect the television?"
"Oh, maybe around lunchtime yesterday, but he told me you will call and I waited up until eleven last night, I supposed you got tied up."
"What did you eat for lunch yesterday?"
"It doesn't matter, I am used to eating bread."
"I am so sorry, but things were very hectic yesterday, and I forgot to order lunch."
Alex notices she was normal, thinking, 'Johnny, must have disconnected the television before she sees what was happening?
It could only be he didn't want her to see it in the news, because I had told him of the incident in the morning.'
Hearing her call him, "Alex!"
"Yes!"
"Were you short-staffed yesterday?"
"Yes, I had to call another security firm to get a few officers."
"Well thank God, you are home and safe, that what is important. Will you excuse me now, let me go and freshen up."
After we had eaten, Diandra touch his hand, "Alex, do you mind but we need to get a few items, the kitchen is still off-limits."
"Not a problem, just let me know what is it you need."
"Just bread, cheese, or sausage in the tin, I will make do for a few more days."
Touching her face, "You look so tired."
"I forget to bring my vitamins."
"What is the name of your vitamins? I will get it for you."
"I don't know, Maria always buy it for me."
"Look Diandra, I will teach you how to use the phone, and we could start from the basic."
Observing her reaction then she said, "I don't know."
"Diandra, you need to know how to use the phone, for now, that is important. Instead of you sleeping the entire day to avoid hunger, you could have just called and ordered lunch."
"Maria tried many times to teach me Alex, but it seems very difficult or my head is too hard."
Dropping his hand from her face and stood up, "Diandra, just supposed you have a baby and you need to take the baby to the doctor?
What will you do? How will you administer medication? Will you allow the baby to die?"
Seeing the tears on his face, "Alex, God will help me, but then if I can't be a good wife, who would want an illiterate fool to be the mother of their children?"
"Will you stop being ignorant, this must change, look, I will help you and our separation wasn't your fault."
"How will you do that Alex? I don't know this city, I am going home Saturday to a place where I know the streets, and to the people who understand me."
"Look sweetheart, you don't have to go, we are still married and now we are friends.
Diandra honey, I was young and very stupid, but I have remained faithful during all the years we were separated.
From what I have been observing, you my dear girl is very talented, and if you try hard enough you could learn how to read and to write.
I know it, and if I wasn't so full of myself, today you would be reading and writing everything. Diandra, when I look at you I hate myself so much, so please I beg you."
Stopping him she said, "Alex, so when you are with your friends and the people you work with, won't you feel embarrassed of me when they learn that I am illiterate?"
"No Diandra, I already made a mess of my life once, if I am given a second chance, I promise I will not throw it away."
"Okay, then I will try and make that extra effort, but I am still returning home, I cannot stay here."
"Honey but why, this is your home."
"How do you think I survive all those years Alex? Has it ever occurred to you that I have other people in my life, which I depend on and who depend on me?
You needed my help, and I am here for that reason, but come Saturday I am returning home. I have made a life for myself and I am quite satisfied and contented.
I have my friends, my church, my peace and quiet, I don't fit in here this is your life, not mine. I am sorry if what I am saying upset you, but that is how it must be for now."
Leaving him seeing the way he was looking at her, she went into the study. 'Diandra, knew he had really changed, and was sincere when he said he will not be embarrassed.
But when he hears about Champ, I know for a certainty that he will definitely believe I have been unfaithful in this marriage.
It took him so long to accept my illiteracy, I don't think he will handle the news well about Champ. I know he is hurt but I have no choice, Sam and Maria need me more now, and Champ is their life and is medicine in itself.'
Locking the study door Diandra stayed inside ignoring him when he came knocking announcing he got our dinner, I ignore him and lie down.
Getting up during the morning she prime part of the library, then went to church.
Diandra didn't see Alex until she returned from church, he had bought lunch but hearing him on the phone, wondering, 'What brought about such anger and rage?'
Thinking to herself, 'She feel sorry for the person on the other end.'