Chapter 2 – Practical as ever
"In that case, you had better return with us to Hope Island to wait for him." Linka said, accepting the news without question, though her face had gone pale and her voice was colder than ever.
Kwame's eyebrow's raised a notch. "Can I speak to you for a moment Linka? Will you excuse us Trish, we wont be long." As she nodded, he gently guided her to a chair and led his team-mate outside.
"Linka don't you think we should ask Gaia before making that sort of invitation?" the earth planeteer asked as soon as they were alone. "Wheeler might have something to say about it too."
"Wheeler has done nothing but talk about Trish since he got home from his visit." A slight exaggeration but Kwame couldn't deny that the American had mentioned his old friend quite a lot so he let her continue. "He loves children, I am sure he will be thrilled about it, he would want us to help her and we cannot leave her to sleep in the street." Linka looked very unhappy.
"We could call him and ask…" Kwame was still worried about just taking Trish back with them. The others had only gone to Oceanus, but they couldn't tell Trish that.
Linka shook her head, "As you said they will be back soon anyway and Gaia would not want them to rush back before they are finished. Besides, it is Wheelers responsibility to provide for his child and Gaia will not object to having Trish on Hope Island, we are all entitled to have our families there."
"Do you object?" Kwame said gently, concerned for her feelings.
Looking away the Russian replied, "It is none of my business."
"Very well." Kwame nodded slowly and turned to go back inside, but paused again as Linka spoke.
"Kwame. I will welcome her as Wheelers partner and make sure she is comfortable, but I cannot make a friend of her." The wind planeteers eyes were sparkling with unshed tears. "Will you…" She waved her hand in a vague gesture, unable to continue as her voice was becoming unsteady.
Kwame put his hand on Linka's shoulder, only to have her pull away. "I will do my best to make her feel welcome Linka, do not worry."
Recovering her composure, Linka nodded her gratitude and they both returned to a worried looking Trish.
"Well it is all agreed." Kwame said with a smile, "You are to return to Hope Island with us."
Still looking anxious, Trish asked "Are you sure? I don't mean to bother you with this, if I could think of something else I wouldn't bother Wheeler with it…"
"Of course you should tell Wheeler, and it is only right that he help you. He talks about you a lot you know, I'm sure he will be pleased to see you." Kwame assured her before picking up one of the boxes they had been packing. Linka followed his example and left to take her container to the geo-cruiser without waiting for them.
Trish smiled and went to pick up one of the boxes but Kwame stopped her. "You should not lift anything heavy. Wait here until we finish packing okay?" Trish tried to protest but he overruled her.
When they returned to get the rest of the leftover information packs, Linka and Kwame found that Trish had retrieved a rucksack, a large but shallow wooden case and a couple of canvas's from somewhere.
"I help out here sometimes." The American girl explained, a little embarrassed. "I have a key, so I've been crashing here for the last few days. I knew the planeteers were booked for the fair so I figured on being able to speak to Wheeler." She shrugged.
"Of course." Kwame said offering to take her bags, but finding himself refused.
Linka offered to fly the geo-cruiser home, mainly so that she wouldn't have to make conversation. Trish had never been in a plane before so it was easy for Kwame to keep her amused by pointing out various landmarks. In fact the African took a great deal of pleasure in seeing the joy on Trish's face, and in the interest she took in what he was saying.
When they arrived on Hope Island, Linka went to prepare Wheelers room for his guest while Kwame took Trish to meet Gaia, who greeted her very kindly and had the foresight not to be transparent.
After the American girl was settled, the earth planeteer offered to take her on a tour of the Island while Linka made dinner. "Oh that would be wonderful but… shouldn't we help Linka?" Trish asked, still feeling a little like a trespasser.
Kwame shook his head and smiled, "Linka loves to cook, we would only be in her way."
"If you're sure…" Trish said doubtfully, "But you have to find me something to do to help out while I'm here, I don't expect a free ride you know."
Kwame shook his head and said, "We will see, for now you are a guest so enjoy yourself."
When they entered the kitchen, Trish was still exclaiming over the Island. "I can see why Wheeler loves it here so much."
Linka served their dinner, and accepted their compliments on the food, though she really only picked at her own dinner. The Russian remained polite, answering any questions that were addressed to her and agreeing with Kwame's suggestions for Trish's entertainment, but she remained distant and when Trish insisted on being allowed to do the washing up, excused herself to do some work on the computer.
"Is she always like that?" Trish asked as she handed Kwame a plate to dry.
The African felt suddenly very uncomfortable, not wanting to explain Linka's behaviour to the pretty girl. "Do not take it personally, Linka has something on her mind at the moment."
"Oh? I didn't mean to be unkind…" Trish said with concern.
Kwame smiled down at her, taking another plate. "I know. Linka likes to keep her feelings to herself though so it would be best to just give her a wide berth for now okay?"
"Sure, I hope it's nothing serious though?" The blond persisted.
Kwame shook his head and smiled at her, musing as he did so, Wheeler does not deserve either of you.