A Journey For Perlene
Anrol was pregnant so was looking radiant. She was soon to give
birth to Lorraine and though it was a surprise to the girls, Perlene felt
very happy because she loved babies and would help to spoil her; well
at least so she thought.
They drove to Willesden Green where her mother lived in a
maisonette (flat) and she showed them their rooms and around their
new home. It was lovely and Perlene was happy and safe from the
violence, the verbal abuse, sexual abuse and the beatings. God had
given her a second chance but this time she hit the jackpot and God
had given her back security and a loving home.
Perlene’s mum gave birth to a beautiful baby girl 12 days after
they arrived and she was so tiny and cute. Lorraine was loved by all
and she was constantly being held by the family. The girls helped to
care for Lorraine. They had another sister too who was two years old
(Adole). Adole accepted her big sisters as Anrol spoke about them
constantly to her and prepared her in advance for their arrival. Perlene
was very family orientated and so naturally played the role of ‘Big
Sister’ as they all had the same mother who did not show favouritism
in any way. They grew accepting of each other and there was no
segregation even though they did not all have the same father or the
same surnames. Sure there was sibling rivalry because they were
children and had their individual demands.
School in England was quite different in comparison to Jamaica
and she was now in the 10th grade. Perlene did not get to choose the
options she would have preferred because most children chose their
options at the end of year 9 and of course she was still in Jamaica.
However, the options she took were OK and she worked hard to get
good grades. Camille was in year 8 and Antoinette year 7. They were
soon very well known in their new school because they were known
to stand up for themselves and it meant that if they got into trouble for
doing so then so be it.
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