Love at War

Part 1: Chapter 4: The past remains the past only if we deal with it.

"As-Salam Alaykum, Sonia. What a fine day to do what we love."

"As-Salam Alaykum, Alice."

Alice Abiodun was a local nurse and a dear friend. Her animated nature boosted her energy.

"Here comes David." She waved as he parked. David was the driver, interpreter, their only bodyguard and liaison.

"As-Salam Alaykum, Dr Wek." He greeted the group. He joined them two months ago and proved to be an asset to the area. His volunteer work gave him the opportunity to serve his country and he did his work with no complaints.

The stoic face of the porter appeared; a set of yellow teeth exposed. "Nurse Main, the matron wants to see you right away."

"Thanks, Max."

"What's up?" Alice said.

"Not sure."

"Hurry, we have a distance to drive today," David said.

At a quick pace she entered the hospital entrance, shivers ran along her spine. With a brief prayer she followed the white corridor. Time and age stained the painted walls. The morning shift rushed around. Lively sounds stemmed from the hospital's walls. The smells and sights were familiar.

At the connected building, a replica of the other, Sonia knocked on Matron Nyanath Haleema's office door at the end of a long corridor.

"Come in." The distinct voice of the woman coached her inside and met her with a broad smile, pristine in her uniform.

The cramped space held the bare minimum of furniture: a wooden desk with an office chair and two visitor chairs. One personal item displayed her family in a silver frame. It included her beloved husband, a local doctor and three children - two boys and a lovely girl. The children's presence damped her desires. Her choices did not allow room for a family.

"Sonia, I am sorry for the delay. I must introduce you to Major Scott. He's with the United Nations." At that precise moment two pairs of astounded eyes locked. Years spooled back to the day the door closed. Her perfect world turned into chaos.

Her unease changed to anger. A desire to harm swept through her, but she steeled herself.

"Is everything good, dear?" the older woman asked.

"All is fine." She loathed to lie; sure that the crimson would give it away. In the dim office light she hoped the older woman would not detect it.

"Sonia, this is Major Brady Scott."

A muscular hand extended towards her, but she ignored it. It remained in the air for a second or two before he let it fall to his side.

"He is here as an observer for the UN," she explained.

He could work for the devil for all she cared. His presence disrupted her world, which she so delicately closed off. Her fingers bit into her palms. How did he find her?

"I need to run," Sonia said.

***

Haleema's face was a question mark. Sonia ignored it. She had no explanation to give. The quicker she got away, the better.

"Can I offer you water?" The director of nursing asked. Sonia paused.

"Water will be fine." Her voice's irritated tone betrayed her inner turmoil and accepted the bottle with trembled fingers. With heavy knees she took a seat.

He took the seat next to her. Brady Scott, the only man she gave herself to as an eighteen-year-old. Naively, she believed him. Alert she adjusted but the proximity left no room for distance.

His arm brushed against her every time he moved. She shifted her chair. Hate an actual emotion that threatened to erupt. Bile threatened to overpower her.

"Sonia, Major Scott's orders are to observe. He promised he will help wherever he can." Her heart thumped. Could this get any worse?

"Good," she acknowledged.

"He has to look at the water supplies since diarrhoea is the primary concern. He will note the general state of the camps and so forth. You know the drill."

"Yes," Sonia replied. Of all the people employed by the UN, why him? How could she cope for an entire week with him?

The tensed silence stretched for seconds longer before Haleema continued: "If you have no other questions, you can go."

"Thank you for your hospitality. I appreciate it, Matron." Brady's jovial voice brought a gag on, and she rose.

Sonia left first, in long strides. Her sneakers squeaked on the nylon floors and echoed through the busy corridor. She did not want to be near him, ever.

A food trolley with empty breakfast dishes rumbled past her.

Why God?

"Sonia." He kept with her pace; she moved faster.

"Sonia, please!"

"I have nothing to say to you, Major Scott," and stretched her steps. She would play her part for this week, but that was it.

"Sonia," his voice dipped in frustration. He caught her arm and spun her towards him. "Please."

"What?" Hatred erupted as she glanced at his hand. Brady removed it.

"I didn't know …," he started.

"You didn't know what, Major?"

"I didn't expect to see you here." He moved closer. Her heart rate picked up and she folded her arms, her knuckles white.

"Get away from me."

With a dismissive look she picked up her pace to the entrance. Her team waited outside the double glass doors. Alice's gaze turned to the entrance before she looked at her watch. Time was important, by six they must be on the road.

In search of the water bottle, she sighed. She had left it behind in her rush to get away.

"Do you have an extra bottle of water?"

"Yes." Alice handed her a spare. Her gaze focused on Brady. Half-heartedly she made the introductions.

"Major Brady Scott will join us for the next few days. We should cooperate with him."

David moved first and greeted Brady with a cheerful handshake. The rest followed while she got in the packed van. Once seated, she took a long swig.

"Are you okay?" Alice asked, then peered at Brady.

She brushed through the curly hair. "Yes, thanks Alice," and arranged her hair in a scrunchy she had nearby. From her worn bag, the only possession she had left from her parents, she removed sun block.

"You sure? You don't look well?"

"Don't worry, I am fine," she clipped. Her aggravation was palpable.

"Do you know the man?"

"Alice, please drop it." It came sharper than intended. It grated her enough without the persistent questions. Instead, she focused on the throng outside.

A military truck roared past them and drowned Brady's responses to the men.

She closed her eyes; a headache pounded a staccato behind her eyelids, the window a resting place as she prayed for patience, wisdom, but mostly for peace.

David started the van once the sliding door closed.

***

The town buzzed with people. Their wares balanced on their heads, ready to barter in Bentiu.

Scattered trees lined the gravel road. The rest of the countryside was dry, black and barren. A slight breeze caused toll bushes to cross the veld in a flurry. The rising sun held no promise of rain.

Once they left the busyness behind, the road snaked to the north; dust trailed behind them. The potholes caused uncomfortable moments inside the cabin.

Yet the conversations were amicable. Brady's voice broke the monotone trip. He peppered Dr Wek with questions which the doctor answered in a cool tone.

A heavily pregnant woman hustled towards town, four children behind her. Each balanced a can on their heads, waving at them.

She had to admit Brady looked good. The white shirt which spread over a broad chest, the muscular hands in a flurry as it talked with him. It brought back many memories. The shades concealed the bluest eyes she could drown in.

But time left its mark. His laugh lines were deeper, his skin battered from exposure. The crew cut which framed his face gave him a sharp square appearance that was coated with grey. He was still good looking. Back then, his hair had a natural blond wave.

They talked about a future. That was twenty-five years ago. Brady promised her the world and she believed him. She had nowhere to go, no family to turn to. It was only him.

Then he left. No word, no note or phone call to explain his sudden absence, the streets her only choice. The things she did for survival still left her disgusted.