Chapter 3
The Charlotte's Family
It was 9:00am, Sunday morning. Ben Charlotte, Adeline's sweet charming hubby has been away for over six months. He's been battling in the country service as a soldier in what was known as the Cyprus Conflict. He left his wife, and two children back home.
Adeline Charlotte, Ben's wife had to come to terms with living a lone life with two kids, whenever hubby was away.
"Ben, we will miss you. Hope there will be intermittent ceasefire this time around; peradventure the war finally ends in record time?"
"That's absolutely unpredictable. It's dependent on certain records we must have set in the process of our engagements, and subsequent aftermath."
'Not to worry, Adeline; all will be fine.'
'As a wife, I must salute your courage (moved closer to his wife, embraced and kissed her).
Tears trickled down her face.' (Ben took his handkerchief, wiped away the tears from his wife's face)
'I love you. Am sure you know. Yes, I do' (in her squeaky voice).
(She became somewhat lively again)
'Ben, you have indeed spurred my courage over the years. My confidence has increased as the years pass by.'
Being emotional is not a symbol of cowardice. As humans, we are bound to express our feelings from time to time. I understood how you felt initially. You have been a brave woman.
It's so surreal, observing as if in a dream, whenever I realize you are still very much present in our lives. Have got a pent up fear at the early stage. Grateful I can still hold on to my husband over and again, and not a final touch for the last farewell.
'Am glad the same way you are. Still seeing each other is one thing have appreciated on this journey. It has not been easy. Thankful our marital journey is not yet enclaved in a one-sided affair, having the other party permanently shut beneath the great beyond.'
'Let's keep being confident. Thanks to your support', Ben applauded.
'You're most welcome, my love.'
Marrying a soldier had meant resorting to a solitary life for Adeline. Catering to their two children, Kevin, eight; and Kerry, two was no mean business. This was coupled with the fact that she was a Barrister. She had been able to push through every moment in her life, with the support received from their families.
(The bell pulsated) Am coming (Adeline took some steps towards the door).
"Hi, Melissa. Glad to have you. I was thinking you would come later in the evening."
"I have an appointment with the dentist today. I decided to stop by on my way home. Oh, I see, that sounds better, instead of having to come back."
Adeline's younger sister had promised to pick Kevin for the week long mid-term holiday. This was to allow her some time to rest, and concentrate on Kerry.
"How is mum, Melissa?"
'She is fine.'
"Hope she is taking her medications?"
'Yes, she is.'
"Hope to check on her next week too."
"That's fine, Adeline. You are always busy, and she is aware. She would have loved to visit you instead, but for her condition. She is always concerned about you."
"I understand, Melissa. You know this time in her life, she needs more attention than us. She is in her payback time.'
"You are right, Adeline. I strongly believe we need to rub each other's back too. All she cares about is ensuring her children are in a pleasant state. Even while we are so worried about her, she kept her mind glued up on her children. You can as well tell how caring your mum is."
She has really been a caring mother to us.
"Kindly extend my greetings to her. Let her understand am fine. Tell her Ben sends his greetings as well."
I will, Melissa responded.
"Okay, let me pack Kevin's bag so you can leave on time. The house is all yours. Feel free and get yourself something to eat. I will be right back."
Sure, I will.
Kerry was taking a nap on the couch.
Adeline's mother-in-law was mostly around on her usual visit. She was still nimble, covering the distance from Moore to Dame Street twice a week at times.
This has been a quota to her son's family. The measure of time she lavished on Ben's family was magnanimous, compared to her other kids, who were lucky to enjoy a family fusion.
Grandma's other children were compassionate enough to see every reason for their mother's devotion to Ben's family, being the youngest child with a tender marriage.
'Mum, you can always stay with Adeline. Am still fine here. Can send for you to come spend some time with us here if the need arises. All I know is Ben's family needs you more at this time. My own husband is available. We can always cover the gaps while you are away.'
'That's so thoughtful of you, Tilda.'
Ben's war engagements as a soldier, had got his mum nervous and apprehensive most of the time. He would always reassure her of his safety, and return from every single combat mission he embarks on. This had been a constant testimonial for Ben, after all.
The phone rang from the sitting room, Sarah Charlotte was busy making her cherished pancakes for the evening. She quickly dashed out of the kitchen to pick the call.
"Hello mum, it's Ben.
Oh, how do you do, son? Good to hear from you."
'How do you do', he responded.
"Mum, I will be home next week Tuesday. My final paper comes up on Monday."
"That's great, son. Am glad to hear that. Looking forward to seeing you."
"Same here, mum. Have missed home. Till then, mum. Bye for now."
Ben was studying Engineering at the University College, Dublin. Ben had topped his class as the best graduating student. This has brought much solace and fulfilment to his mum.
His mum had visited the grocery over the weekend to pack the house full with all vitals in anticipation of Ben's return from school.
The blaring horn of the car, a taxi Ben boarded home from the train station, announced his arrival.
"Hey, Mr Brown. I appreciate your calm driving." (Ben handed over some wands of notes)
'It's a pleasure, Ben.'
Ben alighted, picked his luggage from the booth, and headed to the door.
(Sarah aimed for the door as the bell rang)
'Oh son, it's you. Glad you are finally home. How was your trip?'
"Mum, it all went well. Am happy to see you." (they both exchanged a warm embrace)
Ben sat at the dining after a warm shower. Mum served him his favourite dish; Irish bread pudding with Caramel sauce. Ben and mum conversed late into the night.
"Mum, it was my final exams. The project defence signalled the completion of my course. I had a great time during the final internship. The experience was indeed exhilarating."
"Am glad you have finally completed your undergraduate study. It's quite fulfilling to know you were also the best in your class. You have rewarded me immensely, by putting in your best. Am so proud of the son you have become. You have my congratulations, Ben."
"Thank you so much, mum. Thanks for being a true pillar of support. I so much cherish and appreciate you. Without your efforts, I could not have gotten to where I am today."
'That's okay, Ben.'
"It's time to take another giant leap forward."
'That's quite crucial, mum.'
"There are lots of things you need to consider now, as you move ahead."
"You are right, mum. I understand your concerns. I have some great plans drawn up already."
'That's great. We shall discuss better tomorrow. You need some rest now.'
"Yes, mum. I need a long rest. School work can be very tedious; especially, in the finals."
'Taking some days on exclusive rest is most essential at this time.'
'I will sure work on that. Thanks, mum.'
See you tomorrow, son.
That decision to join the military college for the requisite training after his undergraduate study, was a choice his mother took with dismay. It sounded incredulous to her, due to a shocking memory the army experience had slammed at her.
Sarah Charlotte, Ben's mother lost her husband who was a soldier during the Congo crisis. This has left indelible scars which was still taking time to heal. Her niggling condition lasted for a while, especially when she needed to fiend for her children. Though, she got her husband's entitlements and adequate compensation from the Irish government, this was incomparable to the support and efforts her husband would have offered his family if he were to be alive.
Sarah had not relented in quenching her son's dream. She broached the subject of his dad's demise, when he initiated the idea a day after his arrival. Amazingly, Ben was resolute.
He tactically made his mum see reasons for his decision. The heated argument started a day after his arrival from school. Ben's sister was summoned by their mum as a ploy to make a convincing move against his decision. His implicit and meandering reactions, became a build up to every point he made. His responses took a grip on the conversation as he patiently convinced his family into buying his decision.
"I have no other job am looking at, other than the military, mum. My field of study will produce a long-term impact afterwards. I don't have to be a combatant throughout my service years. In the cause of time, I will engage in other aspects aside war missions. Come to think of it, I could have objected to the idea of going through the university, because it's not a prerequisite in the military service. Due to my long-term goals, I pictured it into fruition."
"No problem, let's be hopeful it turns out as planned, Ben."
'Yes, it will, Tilda.'
Please, excuse me for a moment. (Ben got up).
"Mum, you've got to leave Ben for now. His mind is made up on this. As you can see, he is decided to embark on this mission. Let's support him in our best ways. It's a suggestion, mum."
'That's all you have to say, Tilda?'
"Mum, I repeat, let us agree with him on this. What else will you do to dissuade one who is so determined. Fine, the idea is not bad in its entirety. Is it?
"You've got to take it easy, mum. All will be fine."
The face-off from a sort of imbroglio between Sarah and her dear son, Ben, lasted for a while. Everyone had to accept the new face of the sky dawning on the Charlotte's family. This unearthed a replay of the events in the life of their father; a brief reminiscence of Tony Charlotte.
Sarah at first, tried to take it calmly with her son, in a bid to manoeuvre him out of his wish.
"Ben, you knew how I had to confront the realities and challenges that accompanied the loss of your dad."
A short script of the life of Tony Charlotte was played back in a flashback to Ben. Yet, Ben stood his ground irreversibly.
"Just count me out of your rash and inconsiderate decision", Sarah revolted.
She saw her son's determination as an incautious step.
They kept dragging the matter back and forth with no clue of any, willing to succumb to the wish of the other.
"I would not support this for any reason you may put forward, mum protested.
"Try to understand, mum. I have a vigorous passion for the military mission."