ZHUNI'S SOULMATE  Part 1

Hello all!
This is a short story that I have had formulating in my brain for quite some time
I hope you all enjoy it.

Chapter 1:Zhuni's Troubles

Zhuni was late again! Try as she might,it seemed
like there were always hidden forces keeping her
from getting to work on time. Mr. Florez,the owner
at the insurance company she worked at,was really
trying to be patient,but she could tell,that would
only last so long.

"Yaya,get up!" Zhuni screamed as she grabbed her
meager lunch from the fridge."Please get your sister
to her bustop on time PLEASE!" Yaya was her son,and he
was 17.Zhuni couldnt complain though, because every since His and
Zhane,father walked out on them 7 years ago,Yaya stepped up
and became the little man of the house.
Today was diffrent though, someone had broken into there house
last night.
Yaya had no  heart for it today,he grumbled an acknowledgment at his mothers request,and it broke Zhuni's heart to see him that way. His favorite games,along with the playstation he got for christmas was stolen,along with there livingroom T.V. and Zhane's Antique Doll House,the one Gramma Lindsey  gave her before she died.

"Hey sweety", Zhuni said softly to Yaya,"If you dont want to go to school today, thats fine just get Zhane up and on her bus."
"Okay Mama, thanks."then he slid of the futon, he slept on in his room,and went to go wake his sister up.

"I wont be home till late baby, there are hot pockets in the freezer,I'll bring something home when I get off from work."
and with that being said, Zhuni flew out the door, to catch her bus.    

"It's ten after 9, and that girl STILL isnt here, Mr. Florez huffed.Eventhough there were no customers and probably wouldnt be any till 11 am.Seemed like no body woke up in the neighborhood until about noon.Sipping his coffee he looked thoughtfully at Zhuni's picture on the wall,he loved her like a daughter,after all she had been his receptionist for 10 years,and he had been by her side thru some very hard times.

That's why he always sent up prayers for her,during his petition and offering time.Zhuni always felt that Mr. Florez was a very religous man, but in fact he was a Babaloa, a Shaman if you will in the Art of Santeria.
Just this morning, he poured libations for the ancestors,and did his daily offering and prayer.Always asking the ancestors to bless Zhuni and her family, because he knew how hard things had been.
"Mr Florez!" Zhuni yelled, as she came flying into the office."I am so sorry that I'm late"."Someone broke into my house last night,and between the report I had to give to the Officer who came, and getting the locksmith  to fix my back door; time kinda got away from me." "Is everyone ok Zhuni!?"Mr. Florez asked as he rounded the desk to see Zhuni up close, making sure she wasnt hurt. "What the hell happend!, I told you you should have BEEN moved out of that neighborhood Dios Mio!" "The children are you sure they are ok?" " "Yes Mr.Florez,Zhane was still sleeping till this morning, and Yaya was at Luciens house last night so yes they are fine, but Yaya's heart is broken over his playstaion being stolen,and Zhane doesnt know that her Doll house is gone yet".

"Damn thugs! Baby girl things are gonna have to change and soon for you. Look, Im giving you the rest of the day off ... with pay.And here is  a little something for you so you can go purchase a second hand playstation from Bill's Pawn Shop around the corner." " Mr. Florez, I cant except this!... You ...I cant !" " Oh yes you can!,and you will! You are like a daughter to me. Today is Thursday and you know like I do that Thursday's are slow, I can handle it in here by myself for today."

Just then, Mr. FLorez handed Zhuni 10 crisp 20 dollar bills
and told her to get Zhane some dolls at least, and get herself some rest. "Mr.Florez, I cant thank you enough,then she grabbed him and hugged him so fiercely, he thought his rib cage was cracked,but he understood, and knew she appreciated it.

Chapter 2 :Winds Of Change

As Mr. Florez watched Zhuni round the corner,he wistfully remembered his first time meeting her.Ironicaly it was thru that
asshole of an ex-husband of hers. He was doing some work on the Building, fixing the awnings on the roof and Zhuni always brought lunch. Lemuel was a vegetarian,so Zhuni always fixed something succulent for him,then finaly after seeing her for 4 months straight;He finaly asked Lem if his wife needed a job since Merita quit after having her baby.
The rest was literaly history.
He knew that tonight.. he would be sending up a special prayer for her.

It was so beautiful outside today,and to have an unexpected day off was really just what Zhuni needed. She went to Bill's Pawn as instructed by Mr. Florez,and found a really nice playstation.Mr Bill was always kind to her,since he would see her everyday getting on and off the bus to work, plus He and Mr. Florez were Dominoes buddies, they would play together in the park across the street from Zhuni's house on Saturdays.
"Well young lady,I hate to hear bout you being robbed an all,seem like this part a town is goin ta hell in a hand basket. ya ask me!"as he wrapped her items up,Zhuni smiled... he reminded her so much of Grandpa Tom, who passed away 3 1/2 years ago.
Zhuni thanked Mr.Bill as she left the store,and decided that she really did need a minute to regroup,she hadnt realized how exhausted she was until now.She decided to call Khandee, her best friend of 11 years, she worked just up the street at Wallen & Whitfield's Attorney's office,she was a researcher for a group of paralegals there.
"Hell Yeah!, I'm on my way outa here anyway girl,I took a half a day, so lets meet at Khalil's Utopia for lunch.
Once seated the ladies sat back and finally breathed deeply for the first time that day, Khandee couldnt believe what had happend to Zhuni,"I told you you should have sold that house once Lemuel was gone.!, He's such a bastard!" "Ok Khandee, I really dont wanna hear you get started again on Lem,yes he IS a bastard, but he is still my childrens father so.." No, YOU stop Zhuni!, when was the last time he did ANYTHING for his children, huh?, He left you, and his children for a 2 bit bitch from Brazil,and only sends cards on christmas! Some Father he is!"
I knew she was right, but it wasnt helping my mood any,I was starting to feel like I just shoulda went home.
"Look Z,I love you,you are my best friend, its just that you have done nothing but struggle since he left, so forgive me for not having any sympathy for him. Hell Z, you havent even gone on a date in at least what...3 years?" "Yeah, its been about that, but girl you know that last guy... what was his name ...Jerimiah, yeah, his ass was down right crazy girl!, I couldnt deal with him... let alone have him around my babies,with his no job havin, expectin me ta pay all the bills and lunches and dinners's havin ass!"We high fived at that one! "Yea I guess youre right Z, but damn, look at you, youre beautiful,any GOOD man would and should be proud to have you."
Now, the waiter had come to take there orders,which was easy, they both got there usual.Khandee had her curry chicken, and Zhuni had her turkey burger with the works.After a few drinks,
they were laughing,and having a good time.
Upon leaving Khandee hugged Z and told her to call when she got home,and they went there separate ways.
Khandee, had always been Zhuni's friend, she watched the kids when they were younger,and was always there when Z needed her,but
Z was just a bit jealous, since Khandee was still married to the same man for 15 years,and he still never forgot to send her flowers and candy on special days...even on regular days Khandee would call her gushing over some wonderful thing that John Paul had done for her... with a sigh, she thought "maybe thats just how French men were.
Zhuni decided to walk,since it was still daylight,and Zhane wouldnt be in from school for another hour.While walking,she wistfully thought of her past...how could she have been so happy
only 10 years ago, and be so miserable now.She almost wished that she had never found out about Lemuel's affair,because it absolutely destroyed their family.
She had decided a long time ago though, that she would never give her heart like that to another man.Her cell phone ringing jolted her out of her dismal thoughts, it was Mr. Florez.
"Hey Mr. Florez,yes Im fine... thank you ... yes sir I will be in on time tommorrow, I promise, yes, thanks for checking on me.

He told Z to get some rest and let her know that tonight was a full moon and he would be sending up some special prayers for her.
Once home Zhuni ordered Chineese food for the children and set up the gently used playstation in Yaya's room with the free games Mr. Bill threw in then she went to Zhane's room and placed 2 new dolls on her bed.

By the time the children were coming in Zhuni had food on the table and was heading to the bathroom to take a shower. They were excited about there gifts, especially Zhane " Mommy, thank you sooo much, as she bounced around like a mexican jumping bean with her 2 new Kenya dolls. Yaya, was  full of questions though. " Ma, where you get the money for this?" "Dont you worry about it just say thankyou, and go on!"

While soaking, Zhuni thought of the days events,and decided that before she sulked any further, she better be thankful that nothing else was taken, and tha she did have a few people in her life who cared... even if she didnt have someone to hold her at night.
After dinner, she watched sleeping with the enemy, with Julia Roberts, helped Zhane with her home work, and tried to sleep. It was only 9 pm  so she figured maybe she would go for a walk to make her tired.

Little did she know... This would be a walk she would never forget. Around 8:45 Mr. Florez was performing a special ritual... one that had been taught to him by his grandfather. It was a petition for the Ancestors to bring a chosen persons soulmate into there life .... where ever they were in the world,He chanted the ancient words,and Lit the sacred torch and gave a special offering for Zhuni,He knew, with this offering something wonderful was in store for this precious child.
He just didnt know how special it would be.

Chapter:3 Don't I Know You?

Zhuni laced her pink and green walking shoes, the ones that Zhane loved and Yaya hated,she smiled at the thought of the faces her son would make when she wore them.
but she needed this walk,she needed to get out tonight and feel fresh night air on her face.Ya ya was still up playing his game and she made him lock and deadbolt the door behind her.
It was strange...the air was sweet and warm...like how the air smells after cinnamon rolls have been taken out of the oven,and it was only late April, so this sudden heat wave and at this hour of the evening definitely had her feeling even more eager to walk.
Before she knew it she had walked 3 miles,almost to where her job was, she figured she had better turn around since it was closer to 10 pm now. This walk had done her good, and the moon was so bright and full, Zhuni couldnt remember ever seeing the moon so full, or so Orange before.
She decided to stop in and grab a Mocha Latte from Stans Cafe at the corner, before turning down Elain Ave toward home,and that
is when  she felt it,or sensed it...it was hard to explain,but
every hair on the back of her neck was raised, her heart was beating fast,and she began perspiring... ever so slightly.

While still contemplating what was happening to her,as she walked out of the Cafe,she walked right into Him.
This tall,broad shouldered, dread locked, Brother in jeans.
Zhuni's coffe spilled all over this man, yet all he did was smile at her.
For a moment, she almost asked him " Dont I know you?" but knowing him wasnt quite as important at that moment as apologizing for doucing him in scaulding hot coffee.
Strange... he didnt even wince once the Lava like liquid touched him. "I am so sorry!, I didnt mean to do that! Oh My Goodness, please let me run back in here to get some napkins for you!"

"No... that's ok..."he said while still staring at Zhuni with this strange, yet loving look on his face.He was smiling so hard, that instinctively, Zhuni Began to smile as well.
"I can be so clumsy sometimes, I ... I was watching the moon, I dont think I have ever seen a moon that looks quite like this" "Well, you would be correct, then because this moon...IS SPECIAL indeed." Zhuni had no idea what he meant, and at that moment she didnt care, she only wanted to find a reason for him to stand there and talk to her just a little longer.
"I'm sorry, but I have to ask you, what is your name... your face... it looks so familar to me." "Jahbril, is what I'm called" He said,then as if he had read her mind,he asked if he could walk her home because it was getting late and no woman as beautiful as she should be walking alone at night.

The walk was magical,it seemed as if the universe had opened up and sent this man...to her, and to her alone. they shared a multitude of information she told him about her divorce,and the robbery the night before. He told her that he was new to town and had just moved in 2 blocks over from were they met at Stans' Cafe.and somewhere in between the familiar laughter they shared and this gentle conversation... he took her hand and held it,until they reached her door step. "Wow, it feels so strange, I... I feel like I've known you forever Jahbril, and it has only been 2 hours".At this statement he smiled,and asked if he could see her again. " of course, here is my number" How's does tommorrow night at 7 pm sound", he said. " Perfect",Zhuni said with a smile,and as she turned to go in the house, Jahbril called out to her...and said, "You know Zhuni,I was called here...to this place.... to this city....and this time....for you...Only You.
Before she could respond he had turned the corner and was gone.She had a million thoughts running through her head, but most of all.... she wondered where this Lovely Man had come from....she fell asleep dreaming about cinnamon buns and coffee.