Adelaide
I tap my pen against the clipboard I’m holding.
In my mind, I’m playing the opening bars to some melody I know, but if I had to name it, I wouldn’t be able to. The tune is stuck from some television commercial. Annoying how those things worm their way into your head and won’t ever leave.
I sigh.
It’s not looking good. No matter how many times I go over the stock in the cupboard, I come up with the same result.
My supplies are running low.
Low medical supplies spells danger. And I mean in danger—in the sense of life and death. In an emergency, I need full medical supplies to be able to deal with anything that may crop up.
If I don’t have a full cupboard of medicine, patient care can be compromised.
“Everything okay?”
I spin around.
“How do you do that,” I rouse on Ford.
“Do what?”
I slap him gently on the chest.
“Sneak up on me like that.”
Without a response, he grabs me around the waist and kisses me.
Struggling against him is useless. Of course I don’t really want to struggle against him.
On the contrary—I want him to pick me up and take me back to my hut.
What am I thinking?
There’s no time for that sort of stuff. I’ve got important work to do. And he no doubt has to go on another perimeter check or something.
He releases me.
My chest is heaving as if I’ve just set a new world record in the hundred meter sprint.
“If you keep doing that I won’t get any work done around here,” I grumble and pick up the clipboard, which I accidentally dropped.
“What are you doing?”
His eyes run over my writing.
“Writing a list of medical supplies we need.”
He furrows his brow.
“And how are you getting those delivered?”
I sigh.
It’s just like Ford to get into super serious protection mode. Whatever I’m going to say now is going to be the wrong answer.
Pity he won’t lighten up about this security stuff. It can get rather wearing. I mean, does he seriously believe I’m a risk way out here in the middle of nowhere?
I can’t see it myself.
But then again that might be the problem. I’m too relaxed, and Ford is too tense. Together we’ll bring the right mix of worry and concern to the problem.
Life sucks if you’ve got to be on guard just because you’ve got wealthy parents.
“I don’t have them sent from anywhere.”
“So someone else organizes it for you?”
I shake my head and his frown deepens. I’m not sure why I’m reluctant to spell it out, but I guess I don’t think he’ll take my news very well. I don’t want to argue with him.
“I’ve got to pick them up.”
“From where?”
I’m sure I can see his mind work already. He’s thinking ahead. He’s thinking security nightmare.
“Nairobi.”
“What the fuck?” he shouts, and I’m pleased there’s no one nearby to hear him.
“You know what attracts attention?” I put my hands on my hips. “You yelling and carrying on. And once you attract attention, people will start asking questions.”
I know my own voice is getting a little louder, but I’m warming up to my rant.
“The more you carry on the worse it gets. With all this attention, one day someone will ask what’s going on. And then they will find out who I am and then the shit will hit the fan.”
I leave not waiting for his response.
“And I’m going to Nairobi to get supplies whether you like it or not.”
I stride to my hut, knowing it’s better if I get going. I need to pack and arrange for the pilot to pick me up.
“If you’re going, I’m going.”
I wasn’t surprised that he’s behind me.
I bite my lip. Of course I want him to come. I just don’t want him to be so uptight about this security crap all the time.
“Okay,” I mutter and pull out my bag.
“How many days?”
I turn to him and shrug.
“One, maybe two.”
He nods and gets his own gear into a bag.
Suddenly, he stops, and I sense him behind me. He’s so close I can feel his warm breath on my cheek.
“I don’t want to fight,” he murmurs into my ear.
I give an involuntary shudder.
“I don’t either,” I mumble and turn to face him.
“Good,” he’s grinning now. “Then let’s not.”
I nod.
Before I can stop him his mouth is on mine. This time it’s a light, quick peck.
“Have you radioed the pilot?”
I shake my head.
“I’ll do it while you finish packing.”
Gone is the Ford who barks orders and fears an attack behind every corner and under every rock. But he’s probably wanting to radio the pilot for security measures, and I sigh at the thought.
If I leave him to it, he’ll feel like he’s doing his job.
What’s the harm in that?
None.
Before I find Ford, I went to my nurse and leave her instructions on what to do in case of an emergency. Fingers crossed, everyone will get along just fine for a few days without their daktari.
I smile at myself.
I’ve been here too long already that I’m starting to think of myself as a local.
As I stride through the village looking for Ford, I acknowledge my feelings. I like it here. I may not want to leave.
What about Ford?
He hasn’t said anything about long term. It’s probably too early. But if we were to stay together, would he stay here?
Would this be too boring for a man like Ford after a few weeks?
So many questions and so few answers.
Ford waits for me by the pick up truck.
“Perimeter checked and secured?” I joke and ignore the look he gives me.
“Off to the airport,” he says and climbs aboard.
It’s not a long drive, but a hard one.
The truck seems to have almost no suspension and the road about a billion bumps. Thankfully, I had very little for breakfast, otherwise I might be wearing it again.
“Can’t you drive any gentler?” I ask jokingly at Ford who only grimaces.
It’s quite noisy inside the cabin. I make a mental note to check out the cost of a new pick up truck. Surely, we must be able to rustle up some money to replace this old rust bucket.
Ford parks it at the airport and helps me out. He smiles at me, and I’m please he’s coming along this trip.
It wouldn’t feel right to do it on my own.
Funny how quickly I’ve got used to him.
The pilot is waiting by the plane. Involuntarily, I shiver at the sight of the size of the aircraft.
Had it always been this small? Was that rust on the right wing?
“Hey, my man,” Ford greets the pilot and hands him our bags.
It doesn’t escape me that the pilot is eyeing Ford off. When he returns to get us on board, he turns to Ford.
“No stunt getting into Nairobi,” he mutters. “You not jump out of plane or you arrested.”
I look at Ford who only shrugs.
Obviously, there’s a story behind the comments of the pilot, but I don’t pursue it. If Ford doesn’t want to enlighten me, so be it.
As soon as we both have our seat belt fastened, the plane gets ready for take off.
I kept my eyes glued to the window as the dry countryside zooms by faster and faster. In the distance, I see elephants, giraffe, and a group of lionesses lying under the shade of a tree.
I swallow the lump that always forms in the pit of my stomach as the plane lifts off the ground. Suddenly, I feel Ford’s hand on my thigh.
“Look,” he whispers into my ear and points out the small window.
I strain to see what he’s pointing at.
“What?” I finally ask since I’m not sure what I’m meant to be looking at.
“Look at how amazing this country this.”
My eyes find his.
He’s grinning from ear to ear. I don’t think I’ve eve seen him so relaxed.
“I mean I know it’s dry and has its problems. But at the same time, it’s fucking beautiful, don’t you agree?”
I chuckle.
His trick is working, and I already feel better.
The plane levels off, and I take a deep breath. This trip is going to be a lot better with Ford coming with me. I could get used to him by my side.
The question is, could Ford get used to being by my side, or will he tire of me and my lifestyle?
We haven’t had the conversation about our future. We haven’t talked about anything involving us.
I sigh.
Why dwell on something that may or may not be a problem?
It’s time to just enjoy the moment. There’s plenty of opportunity to think about possible problems and how to solve them another day.