A Woman's Courage: No Matter The Distance, #2

By Molly Gambiza

Hannah is a single mother trying her best to make ends meet for her two young children. With the help of her friend Kumi, Hannah is able to go to work while Kumi minds the children at home. But her mother Bridget doesn’t think Hannah should be living with another woman. She doesn’t think it’s just a friendship; there must be something going on between the sheets. Bridget has not given up on Alastair, the man she had chosen for her daughter in the first place. She will do everything in her power to destroy the relationship between Hannah and Kumi. She knows that without Kumi’s help, Hannah could not cope on her own. She will let Hannah return home on one condition. Without the children…

Hannah finds herself tangled up with her past when Kumi, a God-fearing Nigerian woman, is arrested for assault, drugs and fraud, crimes she did not commit. Hannah is a link to Kumi’s freedom but she doesn’t know how to trust again. The last time she trusted her heart it let her down. With Kumi in prison Hannah has no choice but to return to her parents’ home; a home of nightmares… In the midst of her struggle trying to fit in with her parents, who dislike their coloured grandchildren, she receives a letter from her first love Benjamin, the man who betrayed her…

She wants answers face to face, no matter the distance. In search for answers, Hannah finds herself stranded in Nigeria with her two children…

• Language: English
• Publisher: Molly Gambiza
• Release date: Oct 31, 2016
• ISBN: 9781540149428

Molly Gambiza

As a young girl in Uganda, Molly Gambiza knew she wanted to see the world, so when an opportunity arose to work as a nanny in England, she jumped at the chance. She arrived in the United Kingdom speaking only a little English and taught herself to speak the language by reading as many novels as possible. Gambiza met her husband just as she was preparing to return home. She knew he was the one when he travelled to Uganda to ask for her hand in marriage. Now living in the United Kingdom, the couple has been married for twenty-five years. They have two grown sons, who occasionally pop in to make sure they haven’t been written into their mother’s latest manuscript. While working as a receptionist, Gambiza is passionate about writing and fashion. She has published three novels: True Colours, Mistaken Identity, and A Woman’s Weakness

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Hannah carefully balanced a tray on her slender palm as she headed for table number five. She was serving her last customer, but that was not to say she would not be detained if another customer walked in. Mariana, her manager, was unpredictable and if one tried to wriggle out of overtime, she pulled out their CV and pointed at a section to support her request. In Hannah’s case, when she applied for the waitress job, she had been single and had no responsibilities. She was reliable and flexible, but not any longer. She was a single mother now with two children who got ill at different times and days. When one was recovering from an ear infection, the other got gas in their tummy, and nothing settled them except their mummy's playing nurse around them with warm hugs and wet kisses. Mariana didn’t care about her extra responsibilities. Now Hannah headed for table number five; the customer was facing away from her, engrossed in his phone. Hannah nearly dropped the tray when the man turned and smiled at her.

I was hoping to be served by you. How are you, Hannah? Alastair smiled at the love of his life, the only woman he would ever love.

Good afternoon, sir! I hope everything is to your liking. She placed a plate in front of him. It was beefsteak served with chips and salad.

Really, Hannah! I am not into such ceremony. Feel free with me.

I am sorry, sir! I treat all the customers the same way. Enjoy your meal, sir.

We need to talk, Hannah. He looked her up and down. To his relief she was still beautiful, but she wasn’t on her own. She was the mother of two bastards. If she returned his feelings, he was prepared to take care of her and her bastards, and hopefully she would give him a child he longed for.

Is this what you ordered, sir? If it’s not I can always return it and get the right order. She smiled at him, the same smile she dished out for all the customers.

Obviously this is not place to talk… I will be in touch.

Hannah excused herself. The man was insane to think that she would really want to get involved with him again. She didn’t think he was there by accident. Her mother must have directed him to her workplace. The last time she spoke to her mother, she had gone on and on about Alastair and his mother’s passing away. He needs a woman to run his home; it’s such a beautiful home. You haven’t been there for some time, Hannah, you should see the way he has transformed his conservatory...

Hannah had cut her off. I really have to go, Mother. I thought you were phoning to ask about your grandchildren.

Really, Hannah! What is there to talk about? If there is something wrong or new, you will talk about it without me asking. Hannah’s parents didn’t have that bond, the love grandparents have for their grandchildren. She promised herself never to talk about her children to her mother again but the longing ate at her each time she spoke to her mother. She wanted to hear her say something like How are the little ones? She sighed. She’d made her bed, she must lie in it. She loved her children no matter what. They were not responsible for what happened with their father. She wanted answers but getting them was impossible, because she never wanted to see his face again.

Hannah signed off duty and headed out. She walked briskly to her bus stop, and out of nowhere she felt a tap on her shoulder. She reacted violently, ready to attack. Never do that to me again! What exactly do you want, Alastair?

I am sorry if I startled you.

You are lucky it’s you. She returned her pepper spray to her pocket.

Oh, dear! If you give me a chance, I will take away all the responsibilities that have been heaped on your shoulders. It can’t be easy looking after the little ones on your own.

My children are my responsibility; I don’t need a man to show me how to look after my children. If you’ll excuse me, my bus is here.

I can drop you off, my car is just around the corner.

Hannah was tempted to accept the lift but she had read enough crime stories to know that you don’t accept a lift from someone you have rejected. She gave him a fake smile. Thank you! I like public transport. She walked away. She was nearing home when her phone rang. It was her mother, and she was tempted to ignore it. Yes, Mother?

Your voice is a giveaway. You don’t feel like talking to me but your curiosity got the better of you – you want to know why I am calling.

Mother! Can I call you when I get home? I am getting off the bus and I have quite a lot of shopping bags.

I will be quick! I have just had a phone call from Alastair. He asked for your address; I guess he wants to pay you a visit. He is such a nice man.

I sincerely hope you didn’t give him my address, Mother. I can’t stand that man – there is no attraction between us. I don’t know why you don’t give up.

Oh dear! Was I not supposed to give him your address? My dear child! Alastair is not a stranger to us. He is such a gentleman!

Hannah gritted her teeth. Mother! If you find him so appealing, why don’t you marry him? She cut the call. She realised every passenger was paying attention to her conversation. There were a few giggles around but she wasn’t in a giggling mood. She was furious!

Bridget looked at the dead phone in her hand. I can’t believe this! She insulted me! She looked at her husband.

That’s fuel for your little plans but be careful, dear. Your plans might bite you back, Edward warned his wife. She was like a dog with a bone.

CHAPTER TWO

Kumi heard the gate open and softly close, then footsteps. The rattling key in the lock identified who it was. She lowered the fire on the stove. She was preparing dishes for working mothers who don’t have time to cook a decent meal after a long day at work. She charged a reasonable amount; she was cheaper than the local restaurants. Her dishes were hygienically prepared and fresh.

Hey! Why the long face? You settle yourself down, while I make you a cup of tea.

Hannah hugged her friend. I doubt very much if your tea will work on my stressed mind.

Okay, spit it out! Someone pinched your bottom? I hope you gave them a piece of your mind.

It was more than a pinch! Hannah yawned and checked the time.

Don’t worry about the children, I will pick them up. Just grab a nap after your tea. Kumi handed her a cup of tea. Benjamin and Isobel were both at their local childcare centre mingling with other kids. It was good for them, better than staying with Kumi all the time. Just two hours a day at the childcare centre was enough for them to learn new words and how to be independent.

Hannah took a sip on her tea. I promised to take Benjamin to the swings and the pond to feed the ducks. He will fret if I don’t. She sighed. I am upset with my mother.

What has she done this time? She phoned you and didn’t bother to ask about her grandchildren? Don’t let her get to you.

No, that’s not it. I don’t I get upset by that anymore. She is in touch with that man whom they wanted me to marry. I told her to go and marry him if he is that good. I am pissed off.

Oh, dear! That wasn’t a wise reply, was it? Don’t forget she is your mother, no matter what. Next time she brings up the subject, make excuses and disconnect the call. It works.

She knows how to push my buttons. Hannah filled her in about Alastair at the restaurant.

Shit! It looks like you have a stalker. I am coming with you to pick up the children.

You stay; I will be fine. I will be careful. Hannah hugged her best friend. Kumi was a true friend, always there for her.

Kumi stood in the doorway, waved and air kissed at Hannah’s disappearing back. Her heart felt heavy in her chest. She was worried about Hannah and the children. She didn’t like the idea of this Alastair guy stalking the poor girl. Stalkers become murderers when the stalked refused to give in, and she was sure Hannah hated the man. They must put her house on the market and move away from here. Her heart beat fast in her chest. She didn’t feel good. She had an anxious feeling. Something wasn’t right. Was she coming down with something? She checked her cooking pots. She was preparing beef stew, hot and mild served with Jollof rice, which was cooking nicely on a low fire, then grilled fish served with spicy jacket potatoes and salad on the side. She needed a few more minutes, then it would be ready.

CHAPTER THREE

The front doorbell rang loudly, scaring the hell out of Kumi. Jesus Christ! My poor weak heart! Two seconds later, it rang again and this time the caller kept a finger on the bell. She lowered the heat on the stove and took her time to get to the door, teaching whoever it was a bit of patience. Some people think one must be standing by the door to answer it. Do I look like a concierge? she muttered under her breath as she checked herself in the mirror to make sure she didn’t have spinach between her teeth. She adjusted her headscarf to cover her grey hair. It’s about time I visited my hairdresser for a colour retouch or bought another wig, she muttered to herself and winced when she remembered her last wig – how it caught fire during a barbeque, and the embarrassment that followed after she had been telling a few women that it was her natural hair. She was fifty-five years of age, but with her natural-looking wig people mistook her for a thirty-five-year old woman. She checked through the keyhole and cursed under her breath before releasing the chain. She stood aside to let Hannah’s mother through.

At least you could have phoned You wasted your time. Hannah is not here at the moment.

I know! I saw her leave. I am not here to see Hannah.

Kumi pulled a face followed by a frown. I don’t understand!

Bridget ignored her. She looked around her before settling herself on a one-seater. She was someone who hated sitting on a three-seater – most people used it as a bed to do their carry-on. Sex should be carried out in the bedroom and at the right time, not a little prod on one’s ribs in order to get some attention. One must make an appointment. She directed her gaze at Kumi and wondered what the heck her daughter saw in this ugly woman. The sooner she put an end to their carry-on, the better for everyone. People were beginning to talk about Hannah and this woman, two lesbians with mixed-race kids. That didn’t sit nicely on Bridget’s weak heart. She must put a stop to it, and she knew how. A smile danced on her lips.

Do you mind explaining yourself? Kumi asked. "I was in