We arrived at Aunt Pauline’s house a little after noontime. She was on the front porch, sitting with a handful of friends and neighbors, waiting.
“Auntie!” I shouted as I climbed out of the rental. I walked over to where she was sitting and gave her a long, tight hug. Aunt Pauline had always been like a second mother to me and I needed her to see that I’d finally gotten my life on track. My real mother, her sister, hadn’t stayed on this earth long enough to witness it.
“Hopeton,” she said once I released her, “You look so good and healthy! Hetty must be feeding you well over in Brooklyn. How long are you here with me?”
“I figured I’d rest here for about a week,” I replied. “After that, I have some business to take care of over in Oracabessa. Anyway, Donovan told me you don’t like guests lingering for too long so I don’t want to overstay my welcome.”
She patted my arm and said, “You stay as long as you like, now. You know you’ve always been my favorite!”
I smiled and gave my auntie another hug.
“Come say hello to everyone,” Aunt Pauline told me. “They’ve been waiting for you since morning.”
I was chatting with Aunt Pauline’s friends when I heard Donovan call “Yow!” over to me. He’d been busying himself, pulling all my assorted luggage out of the car. Some neighbor kids had gathered to watch. I had to admit, it was an impressive collection. I walked over to help get it all sorted.
“That car full up with bags,” one of the kids observed.
“Man bring him whole wardrobe fram farrin,” another kid laughed.
“Yeah man,” Donovan agreed. “You do seem to be well-packed for such a short time.”
I looked over at my luggage. Three small suitcases, a large carry-on bag and an oversized trunk.
“Two of the suitcases are filled with gifts from Hetty and Yasmin,” I explained. “And that ridiculous trunk is for my friend in Oracabessa- his sister sent me down with it.”
“How much overweight fees did you have to pay?” Donovan asked, laughing.
“Two hundred and fifty US,” I replied.
One of the kids gave a long, low whistle.
“But don’t worry,” I said. “I brought a few new footballs and a Game Boy for you kids to play around with- if you behave!”
Donovan laughed again.
“And I’ll show you what I brought for you, later,” I told him.
