Manipulative Old Woman
1100 Words
Ira
James had promised that he would inform Ira of his plans. The last she heard of was when his project was approved and he was driving off to Myponga in his camper van.
Within a couple of days, his calls stopped. She tried calling him up but couldn’t connect.
His stupid phone kept going to voicemail. She tried to connect with Sarena through her mind. Sarena had helped her train for days like these when modern technology failed.
Thankfully she had been able to transmit her emotions to Sarena. She left messages for her parents and for James' parents. No one was aware of his whereabouts and she did not hear from Sarena.
Towards the end of Jan, Ira was finishing up one of her books in her study when she heard a sound from the other room, ‘C*RACK!!’
She rolled her eyes. How typical! The old lady just loves startling people.
“IRA? Darl? Are you busy?” a voice dragged from the kitchen
“Nana! You already know! Why ask?” Ira said walking into the living room to meet Sarena who now sat comfortably on the couch.
Sarena chuckled. “Just kidding girl. I have some serious news.”
“What happened? Is James alright?”
“Good on ya! How did you know?”
“He hasn’t responded to my calls.” Ira pouted. “Nana, why did you send him there alone?”
“Because he has to do a few things alone. Now you need to go join him.” Sarena leaned forward. “If you don’t mind, could you put the kettle on the boil? I could use some tea.”
“Oh, sure! Come on, in the kitchen. We can talk there.” She gestured towards the barstool while she went over to get the chamomile tea out. As the water boiled Ira started, “don’t you think a human-like me won’t be of any use to him if he is in trouble?”
Sarena sat down at the barstool but continued to fidget, shaking her foot causing the barstool to make an irritating creaking noise. Her reaction to loud sounds was very odd as she was unsettled and restless. It looked as if she was scared that someone was following her. “Ira! You need to understand. You are needed there. Things can’t move if you keep hiding in here! You are meant to be in Myponga right now!”
“What do you mean? This doesn’t make sense.”
“James is in danger. He will need your support!” She looked around with wide eyes as if something or someone might attack. Then lowering her volume she continued in a whisper. “You need to trust me, girl! I have stood by your families during the toughest times.”
Ira rolled her eyes at the melodrama. Sarena could be quite dramatic at times. “Alright! I will apply for leave tomorrow. Once my leave is sanctioned I will go.”
“NO!” Sarena shouted looking around again and clearing her throat she continued in a hushed tone. “You have to be there now! ASAP! Not a day to waste. Your pathetic excuse for a boss will not give you the leave. I know the kind of person she is.” Sarena turned around and banged her hands against the tabletop.
“What the…! Nana!” Ira exclaimed as the loud noise startled her.
“Mind your language young lady. Send your resignation now and quickly pack a cabin bag. I am staying until you are ready. Then we leave together.” Holding her cup of tea, Sarena moved to the couch again.
Ira was exasperated. Why did she have to give a resignation? Who was Sarena to take these calls for her? She angrily called her mom to intervene.
Her mom did not respond so she called her dad.
He picked up on the second ring. ‘Princess!’ His voice beamed. ‘Are you alright?’
‘Why wouldn’t I be?’ Ira frowned even when she knew that her dad couldn’t see her expressions. Maybe she should have face-timed instead. But she was so riled up that she used the old school way of making a voice call.
‘Oh! You don’t know?’
She did not like the sound of this. ‘What is it, dad?’
‘Jack and Alex are out. I thought they must have tried to get in touch with you.’
‘Why would they? I don't live in the same neighbourhood now!’ She scowled. What was happening? What was her family keeping from her?
She heard her dad sigh. ‘They served time because of us. They were peddling drugs on the pavement in front of the restaurant. Your mum and I testified. Sorry!’
“Why are you sorry dad? You did the right thing! And don’t worry! They haven’t called me and my house has good security. Remember how James helped me set the security systems up? Any attack and the coppers would be here within 30 mins.’ She tried to explain.
‘I know the princess. But those boys are trouble. They have already tried to attack you once. And 30 mins is a lot of time for things to go wrong.’ She could hear the worry in her dad's voice.
‘Don’t worry dad. I am going to Myponga with Nana. James needs me there.’ She glared at Sarena’s smiling face. The old hag knew how to twist arms.
‘Oh! That’s great. I would be happy knowing you are out of danger for a few weeks. Until the cops track them and let me know their whereabouts.’ Her dad responded, sounding relieved. ‘So why did you call?’
‘To inform you about my travel. Let mommy know. I got to go now, dad. Love you! Bye.’
‘Love you, princess. Call me once you get there. Bye.’
“Sure. Bye.’
She disconnected and looked at Sarena’s smug face.
“You knew!” She accused Sarena.
“Not really. But I guessed. Anyways, I need you to be there for James and that will keep you safe too. It is a win-win. Why don’t you be a darl and send your resignation now?”
“I will need to forfeit my salary.”
“Do it darl! Is money more important or the life of your brother?” Sarena clucked her tongue. But her smug eyes showed how much she was enjoying it.
Ira gave in to the old lady's manipulative tactics and typed her resignation letter.
*****
- Writer
