And love
Chapter 94 Friends?
ON THE ISLAND – SATURDAY
CHIME – FRONT DOOR
"It's the sheriff!" 3 voices exclaim.
"I'll get it," dad declares.
He goes to the door and opens it wide. "Sheriff, welcome. Come in, please." The sheriff enters the foyer.
"May we talk Jameson, please?" He holds his hat in his hands, figuratively.
"Yes, let's go to our home office." He extends a hand and ushers the sheriff to the office. They take seats, "Would you like something to drink, sir? Water, lemonade, beer?" Jamie suggests.
"Ah, lemonade sounds delightful, thank you."
Jamie sends a family TXT: 2 lemonades to the office, please.
Mal soon appears with the requested beverage. "Here you are, daddy." She hands a glass go each man.
"Thank you, sweetie." She bows slightly and leaves.
Sheriff Abdul's respect for the Reagan family rises even further.
"Jameson, I ah . . . I want to compliment you on your respectful family. I was told about your daughters praying to Issa for my son Ibrahim." He took a sip of his beverage.
"How . . . how did you come to that knowledge, sir?" Jamie is troubled.
"I ah . . . have had Father Abram at school gathering . . . things for me."
"What! Since when? How could you?" Jamie stands, angry-
"Jameson, please, let me explain."
"This better be good!" Jamie retakes his seat.
"I will acknowledge that we got off to a bad start. My family and yours. That was largely my fault."
He takes another swallow of the cool, sweet lemonade.
"Some days I imagine we are home in Iraq. Then I remember that we are in America . . . and I am glad, even proud that we are."
He shakes his head and takes another drink; Jamie does also.
"Sometimes also, I try to run my family the way my culture demands – as it has for centuries. Then I realize where I am. And how the culture has changed. And how young people have changed. And those changes are not necessarily evil – as my culture has depicted them to be, for centuries. Mix in my over-enthusiastic son, Ibrahim. He was so impressed with Cassandra – he wanted me to do things as my people have done for centuries. And I complied, for a while."
"Mohammed-
"Jameson, allow me to finish, please."
"Ok, but please call me Jamie. Ok?"
"Of course. As I was saying, I was going along with my son's desire, even convincing Father Abram to keep an eye on Eli and Cassandra and report to me. But I kept getting information showing me how trustworthy and respectful your family was – and is. I knew that I was doing wrong . . . and I am ceasing that. I'm sorry, so sorry. Can you ever forgive me, Jamie?"
He hangs his head, then looks up and gazes steadily into Jamie's eyes – hopeful.
Jamie extends a hand; they shake and the younger man speaks. "Yes, of course I forgive you. You have two fine sons. I applaud your desire and efforts to raise them well. May I ask you something in return?"
"Of course."
"May I tell Cassandra that she and Eli can be friends? Keeping it respectful at all times?"
"Yes, but if I may. Can I speak to her? Here in your presence of course?"
"Surely. May I have my wife join us also?"
"Yes, that would be good."
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ON THE ISLAND, HOME OFFICE
Eddie and Cassie have joined the gentlemen. After largely unneeded introductions, everyone is seated.
The sheriff starts: "Cassandra and Edit, I have explained my recent behavior to Jamie. He has graciously forgiven me. Let me add this, on your behalf."
"Would you summarize the behavior you are talking about, for me and Cassie? Please?" Eddie asks.
"Surely. I have been attempting to enforce old cultural norms, my culture, on Eli. Thus, on Cassandra as well. And I have had the St. Bridget's principal keeping an eye on them, even gathering evidence of interactions thru school staff. That stops NOW!"
"Really?" Cassie whispers.
"Yes, my dear. The more I learned, the more I became convinced that you, and your family, are completely trustworthy and respectable people. So, I am going to cease my efforts to control any and all interactions between our families. You and Eli may be friends; I only ask, as I am sure that your parents do also, that the two of you behave properly and with respect for each other and your other friends. At all times."
The sheriff pauses, his explanation complete. He hopes!
Cassie sheds a tear, "Thank you, sir." She croaks out.
Eddie is amazed. She never thought that she would hear such conciliatory words from the sheriff.
Jamie is not surprised. This matches what he heard just a while ago, right her in the office.
Cassie is relieved beyond belief! She can hardly wait to tell Eli. She knows, however, that a cautionary talk will be forthcoming from her parents. And she knows that talk will be helpful. And meant that way.
They all shake hands, and Jamie escorts sheriff Abdul to the front door.
"Thank you, sheriff. This was very kind of you."
"Thank you for your understanding, Jamie. I'd like for our families to get together soon. Perhaps to share a meal?"
"That would be good. I will talk with Eddie and our girls, and get word to you."
"Wonderful, I will wait to hear."
They shake hands again, the sheriff leaves.
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AT LUNCH
Cassie and dad summarize the morning's talks for Mal and Mary Rose.
The idea of a shared meal excites Mal.
"YES! Can we host that meal? I would love to do a Halal meal! Please?" Mal is jumping out of her seat.
"Do you know how to do that?" Mom asks. "Where to get Halal foods?"
"No, but I will learn, fast. Maybe Eli's mom and I can work together?"
Cassie contemplates that. "May I extend the invitation thru Eli? Maybe suggest that his mother come and meet Mal?"
Mal nods vigorously, "Please do, Cass."
"Any objections?" Cassie voices.
There are none.
Now Cassie and Eli have something substantive to talk about!
Jamie and Eddie have something to talk about too. Relationship advice, maybe?
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ST BRIDGET'S MONDAY – LUNCH
Cassie gets through line first; she picks an empty table way off to the side. Eli soon joins her.
"Did your dad tell you that we can be friends, Eli?"
"Yes, but he read me the riot act!" He chuckled, letting Cassie know he was kidding, sort of.
"Well, we talked about it, and would like to invite your family to a meal sometime soon." Cassie tells him.
"Well, we eat-
"Halal, we know. My sister Malina is really interested in cooking. She jumped at the chance to do a Halal meal! Maybe work with, and learn from your mother. Would she do that? With Mal?"
"Hm . . . I can ask. She might."
"Will you ask, please? And let me know?"
"Yes, I'll ask tonight."
RING RING RING
"Oops, gotta run to class. See you after school, Eli."
"Yup, see ya Cass."
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TBC