Story so far

We have seen Elorm grow from the unsure, unsteady and lost lady to fully owning her decisions and actions. From starting and running a business, to letting go of a toxic ex and taking accountability for her mistakes. She has learnt to filter advice from family and friends as well as take her faith more seriously. Her relationship with her sister has blossomed and things are looking good so far when it comes to her love life.

Will she actually let go of Terry? What will her chat with Chris lead to? Will Nuerkie tell Elorm everything?

Do you remember Dede? The fourth married musketeer whose controlling husband is flirting all over Accra . What happened to her ? ( read for reference Episode 5: My Sister’s Keeper )

Enjoy the read

Monday morning in the Ameve Household

Korshi Ameve returned from his trip early in the morning. He looked exhausted, the sweet aroma of vanilla welcomed him as he parked his car. The women were in the bakery, there has been some spark in his wife ever since Elorm employed her fully. He noticed she dresses better and smiles more. But he missed her doting to his every need. At this time, they will be busy packing loads of pastries to be delivered to some of the petrol stations in the city. His daughters had taken over the full expenditure of the house, at least all his savings and pension money can be used to take care of his excesses.

His wife, Dela (Auntie Dee), popped her head out of the bakery and welcomed him. She mentioned, she knew he would arrive early. There was warm korkli¹ on the cooker with fresh tea bread and butter. He was disappointed, not because of the meal. But at the fact that he will have to serve himself. He then dropped his suitcase in the middle of the corridor and slumped into the bed for a nap. When Dela is ready, she will serve him.

After two hours, everything was packed for Emmanuel to deliver. They had hired a small minivan for such deliveries every Monday and Wednesday. With more orders, they hope to buy their own van. Dela’s task with achoomo was done, she had to leave Elorm and their two members of staff to work on other things. She did not want to leave, she enjoyed assisting her daughter. Elorm insisted that she rest and attend to her father. Dela entered the main house and nearly tripped over Korshi’s suitcase. Would it kill him to unpack and put it at the right place? She went to the kitchen and noticed the food was cold and untouched. She rushed to the room and saw him lying in bed watching a video on Youtube on his phone.

‘’Why didn’t you eat?’’ she asked

‘’I was tired’’ he answered.

‘’What about your suitcase? You could have brought it to the room’’ she said.

‘’I will do that later’’ he answered under his breath. She turned to walk away.

‘’What are you doing?’’ he asked

‘’I am going to shower and eat, it is almost lunch’’ Dela answered.

‘’Serve me too so we eat together’’ he ordered.

She just shook her head and walked away. The suitcase stayed on the corridor till evening where Dela herself ended up taking it to the room and unpacking everything. Was it her fault her husband never did any housework? She never had a problem taking care of him but at this her age, she was exhausted. It is like watching a toddler all over again. These tasks may seem minute but they become frustrating and interrupt her day every time. She prays her daughters never marry a man like their father. From the look of things, even though they do not say it. They had observed over the years, and things are looking good especially for Elorm, concerning the gentleman named Chris. Though Worla is currently not dating, her first daughter will not tolerate even a quarter of the things their father does. She is relieved at the thought that her daughters are strong women and wise in their ways concerning marriage. She bowed her head and thanked God for that.

In a plush office at the city center, Nuerkie sat in her office talking to herself. She had just finished the usual Monday morning meeting. Her father was gradually loosening his reins on authority. He had always hoped his  first born son, Kudjoe will be the heir, but he has decided to be a party boy instead. Nuerkie on the other hand has proved herself with the management of the stations in Accra. He had moved her from mid-level to upper-level management, hoping Kudjoe will eventually come to his senses and learn from his younger sister.

NUERKIE

I have been avoiding Elorm since Sunday, I am conflicted between telling her the truth or forgetting it. Just then I received a snapchat message from Terry. I have been avoiding his calls

‘’heyy, sorry about yesterday. I would like to talk more when you are ready. Do not worry, nothing happened…it stays between us’’

I was a bit relieved after reading, but what does he want to talk about? As I was engrossed in my thoughts, Auntie Jemima barged in. She is my mother’s youngest sister and the life of the party, no husband, no kids. Just travelling and living life.

‘’SURPRISE!!!’’ she exclaimed as she walked in with a gift bag.  I gave her a wry smile, I was so glad to see her. My mother, Jessica, though I love her is the leader of the women’s fellowship at church and a deaconess. It is difficult to discuss these issues with her without turning it into a deliverance session. But with Auntie Jemima, though I do not approve of her lifestyle sometimes, is not judgmental and easy to talk to.

From my response, Auntie knew something was up. I narrated everything to her.

‘’I do not understand ooo. I have met Elorm a couple of times. She does not strike me as the type to have a problem with this’’ she said.

‘’I know, but I cannot live with myself. It feels like I am the second option’’ I said.

‘’Do you like this chef? Let me see his picture. To be sure this is not one ugly man’’ she asked and I showed her his Instagram page.

‘’Wawolo², this is a juicy man. My daughter, even Elorm will understand. Plus have a talk with him, it does not sound like you are a second option to this person. Life is too short to not go for what you want my dear and this one is perfect!’’ Auntie exclaimed.

I nodded but deep down, I will not take her advice. I have a reputation to keep, and going for someone’s man is not part of the list. One thing for sure is, I will definitely have a talk with Terry but in my territory, where I am in control. I took the gift from auntie and bade her farewell.

Dede had scheduled a lunch meeting with me, I had apologised to her about my comments and we made peace. I noticed she started a small business, she is a loctician now. Having gorgeous long luscious dreadlocks she made herself, I am sure people kept asking her. She mentioned saving and going for classes and is a certified one now.

My assistant ordered the food to my office and Dede arrived on time. She ordered from Terry, I had a quick flashback to that kiss. Dede looked gorgeous in a lovely pair of jeans and flowery blouse to match. She glowed differently this time. The Dede I met was coming back to life, she had dyed her locks chocolate brown and they complimented her light skin. We sat and shared the meal. She needed business advice on how to brand her new business and to grow it.

‘’I currently do door to door, I wanted to change one of the rooms in the boys quarters into a shop but Prince refuses. I do not have the funds yet to rent a shop, even with door to door, I need a car for that. Prince has refused to allow me to use the second car, he says it is strictly for rounds with Papa Yaw. I am exhausted’’ she whined.

‘’Right now, you need a small car for business. How about I get you one but you pay in monthly installment? We will be auctioning some of the old cars here, I can secure a corolla for you” I asked.

‘’I will be so grateful. I just need to find a way for Prince not to know about it. I want to build my own wealth’’ she said. I was stunned at this sentence.

‘’What happened? Why this sudden urge? ‘’ I asked.

‘’hmmmmm…long story. One day I was at the mall buying some items and then an old colleague. Remember it was during national service that I met Prince, one of my mates still works there. She came over, we exchanged pleasantries and she told me to thank Prince for ‘doing show’ the previous night, like popping bottles in the club. I pretended like I knew, later that night when he was asleep. I decided to go through his phone, he spent 25,000ghs in the club. I kept digging and noticed, almost every month he spends that amount. If not at clubs, then this particular gift vendor. Meanwhile three months earlier, he reduced my allowance from 1000 to 600, saying he needs to save more and that 600 is above minimum wage so I should be fine. Anytime I ask him for money for anything I need, he refuses. It got worse when I started making money doing other people’s hair especially the locked or braided brides. I do not mind contributing to the house, but it is like he calculates the amount I make and ensures I spend all. He does not even want me to have savings‘’ she narrated as tears welled up in her eyes.

‘’This is serious, have you spoken to a counsellor ? or to him?’’ I asked as I handed her a box of tissue.

‘’He will not listen, it is like I married my own enemy, Nuerkie. How have I been blind to this? For some weeks now, I lie about my earnings. I contribute what I can and save the rest.’’ She said amidst sobs as she dabbed her eyes.

‘’Sorry my friend. How will you explain the car when you get it?’’ I asked.

‘’I lied to him that you are my silent partner so part of my earnings come to you. I will just tell him, the car is your investment into the business’’ she said.

‘’hmmmmm…Dede, I am not comfortable with this. I hate encouraging you to lie to your husband. But ..’’ I started.

‘’He is busy popping bottles in the club Kiekie ,for strangers and baddies’’ she interrupted.

‘’Why don’t we make it official? let me partner, contract and everything but I will not take any earnings. Direct what I am supposed to take to my adorable nephew Papa yaw’’ I suggested.

‘’hmmmmm… agreed’’ she said after long period of reflection.

I called my lawyer and she drafted something up.  I sent it to Nuerkie to review and we decided she return in a month to pick up the car. I love that all my friends are growing and making money, this is the tribe I love. I comforted her, changed the topic to make her happy so she does not leave my office sad. Deep down, I am worried about Dede, I noticed she was not wearing her wedding ring. I have decided not to ask unless I am told. There is more to this Prince story, what if the night she snooped through his phone she found something else…

Saturday

ELORM

This week has been so busy with orders, I am so drained. I wish I can postpone my date with Chris. Thank God I will not be the one driving. Throughout the week, we spoke everyday. It was like the first time we met. Terry on the other hand has been quiet, with only messages about business. Once again, here I am confused about what to wear. I decided to keep it simple with a breathable earth-coloured African print jumpsuit Nuerkie bought for me months ago. I accessorised with a brown signet ring and a stack of bracelets and definitely the necklace Chris got me. I packed some achoomo, cookies and new batch of sugar-free cookies Gwen specially requested. It took a lot of trial and error, but I was able to make them and they tasted so good. Gwen requested that I deliver the cookies to Chris the next time I see him. Just as I was ready, I received a video call from him, I noticed he was still at home.

‘’Please do not tell me you are cancelling’’ I said, secretly hoping he would.

‘’Something came up, I will not be able to pick you up so Kwame is parked in front of your gate. He will bring you here’’ he said.

‘’What came up?’’ I asked

‘’I will explain when you get here’’ he said.

We hanged up and I walked outside. Just as he said, Kwame was already there. He quickly jumped out and opened the door for me. I greeted and sat in. I disliked the quiet atmosphere during the drive and so I engaged Kwame in conversation,  about his family. He spoke about his four children and how they were doing well in school. He was grateful for Chris Riverson Snr, he continues to sponsor the tuition fees for all his children.

We finally arrived at a mansion in Ridge, it was not far from Gwen’s. That explains how she knows them so well, they act like siblings. I handed the achoomo over to Kwame to give to his children. He was so grateful and had a surprised look on his face. The house was definitely built in the 80s, it was in excellent condition with noticeable renovations that blended well with the architecture. I loved the huge compound with green grass and trees, making it shady and cool. Houses are rarely built like these anymore, Kwame led me to the main house.

As soon as I entered, I noticed a mantel place with family pictures and vase with fresh flowers. There was this huge space with a flight of stairs on each side leading upstairs with a beautiful chandelier hanging in the middle. Ahead was a sitting area, but not immediately noticeable because of a wooden shelf with artefacts acting as a modern room divider. This was breathtaking, Chris descended from the left side .

‘’Thank you Kwame, I will take it from here’’ he said, dismissing him.

He greeted me with a hug and a huge smile.

‘’Welcome, you look spent, lets go to the sitting area’’ he said as he led the way.

‘’Where are your parents? I will like to greet them first’’ I asked

‘’At a wedding, including Carmen. They will be back in a few hours. Lets go’’

He led me to a sitting area, I noticed there was a reading nook at the corner overlooking a part of the garden filled with allamandas.

‘’ We can sit there if you want’’ he suggested and I agreed, there was a small cozy couch, but we were both able to sit comfortably.

‘’You have a lovely home’’ I complimented.

‘’Thank you’’ he answered, just then two girls who were identical came running to us.

‘’Hi, I’m Marlene’’ one greeted.

‘’I’m Darlene’’ the other added.

‘’Hi, I am Elorm. Nice to meet you lovely ladies’’ I said and extended my hand and they shook it.

‘’Are you uncle’s girlfriend?’’ Marlene asked before Chris could utter a word.

‘’Please do not bother my friend, kindly go back to your rooms and start your homework. Where is Mansa?’’ he interrupted them.

‘’ooooo! I like your bracelet’’ Marlene said as she played with a charm bracelet I wore, the charms were a cupcake, cookie and other sweet items’’

‘’Thank you. You can have it if you want. Just that I have only one, so I will have to buy your sister another one’’ I said. I noticed Darlene was shy and hid behind Chris.

‘’Not you again! you little pirate!! And what did daddy say about taking jewellery from strangers?’’ Chris asked.

‘’She is not a stranger, she is your friend’’ Darlene finally spoke up.

‘’MANSAAAA!!!’’ Chris called and a lady came rushing with a tray of water and drinks to serve me.

‘’sorry sir, I went to pick items for your visitor. They ran out of their room before I could catch them’’ Mansa explained.

‘’It is alright, they are so cute’’ I said.

‘’Till they take all your stuff’’ Chris commented.

‘’You make it sound like we are thieves, uncle. We just ask for things and people give them to us. Auntie Elorm is a pretty woman with pretty things we like’’ Marlene said.

‘’Awww, and you are a pretty girl with pretty taste’’ I said and we both smiled.

‘’my darling girls, kindly leave Auntie Elorm and I alone, we will get you ice cream when we are done’’ he bribed. They whined before leaving.

‘’Now you have met the reason why I could not pick you up. Their dad, Izzy who is my cousin is attending the same wedding as my parents, decided to drop them here. I did not want to leave them alone with Mansa, I think she is scared of them. They always outsmart her’’ he said and we both laughed.

‘’Thanks for coming. It has been a week and I miss you so much’’ Chris said and held my hand.

‘’I miss you too’’.

‘’I know from my end, why we did not work out? Tell me why, what did I do on that rainy night, that made you run so far away?’’ he asked in a hurt voice.

I took and deep breath and mentioned how Nana strung me along for eight years, I wasted my 20s doing wifey duties for a boyfriend. I explained how Nana sending a message that morning triggered me and why I did what I did.

‘’…. I had to work on myself. I was confused about who I was and what I wanted. I had no business being in a relationship. I needed to settle my affairs and establish boundaries. I was celibate for the wrong reasons, the sex was great but me leaving, had nothing to do with you.’’ I ended.

‘’well, my takeaway from all that is the sex was great’’ he joked and I laughed.

‘’on a more serious note, thanks for this clarity. Now my turn, initially I tried to call you after you abandoned me’’ he said.

‘’I believe the word ‘abandon’ is a bit extreme’’ I said.

‘’Are you sure?’’ he asked, glaring at me.

‘’okay, your emotions, your words’’ I said and he smiled.

‘’After you ABANDONED me,  I reached out. I actually came by your office on several occasions but you weren’t there. I respected your boundary but I was reaching out for the wrong reasons. I just wanted to scratch your itch again. Then I started church as I told you, and the one-on-one conversations with the pastor changed my mind about how I saw things. I wanted to control everything down to my love life. My last relationship, I thought was definitely going to end in marriage but she cheated and that left a sour taste in my mouth. She cheated because I, being the church guy that I was at that time. I wanted us to abstain. She agreed and then a month before I could propose, she found her pleasure elsewhere. I hated the feeling and I carried that everywhere. So you declaring your celibacy just made me close up. Thank God for growth and healing. Since then, I have learnt that love is a risk. That is what relationships are for, to learn, grow and study. The time we spent together were the happiest days of my life, I prayed to God for a sign and Carmen brought your bracelet. Hearing you might be dating that chef made me so sad, I just hurt thinking I lost you over some stupid reasons and being stubborn with my ultimatums. Very silly ultimatums. I am not promising perfection, but I am willing to do my best and love you like crazy. Elorm Ameve, once again, you do not have to answer right away, will you be my girlfriend?’’ he asked.

‘’Give me a day to think about it’’ I said. I knew my answer will definitely be yes, but I have to let him stew for a bit. I reflected on how he also made me wait for a week before calling everything off.

‘’oh…okay’’ he said in a disappointed tone. ‘’Is it because of Terry, are you dating?’’ he asked.

‘’Chris, give me a day, please. Let’s not rush it’’ I said and squeezed his thigh.

‘’sure, I can wait’’ he said and pursed his lips.

In that instant, the front door opened and his family members flocked in. His parents, his sister and Izzy. His father just smiled at me and made his way upstairs.

‘’Okay Elorm, meet my mum, you know Carmen and Izzy, you met his daughters’’ he said.

‘’Hi SUNSHINEEE!’’ Carmen and Izzy greeted as they hugged me.

‘’Oh My! is this her?’’ His mother exclaimed in excitement in an impeccable English accent and took me by the hand.

‘’yes she is’’ Chris answered.

‘’Nice to meet you, Mrs Riverson’’ I said.

‘’Nonsense, call me Lucy. Come here and let me have a good look at you’’  she said as she pulled me to another sitting room. Chris was right behind us.

‘’Chris darling, give us a moment please?’’ she said, I was a bit uncomfortable.

‘’Don’t worry Sunshine, I do not bite’’ she said and Chris left. ‘’Where have you been hiding? No wonder Chris has been happy this whole week. He is beaming like the sun again’’ she exclaimed and it dawned on me why he calls me Sunshine.

‘’I have been around’’ I answered sheepishly.

‘’I know Chris can be set in his ways and seem stoic but he has a good heart. Something tells me you have the same. If he bothers you, just call me’’ she said.

She then asked about my family and I started answering.

Just then, Carmen walked in.

‘’Okay Mum, enough of the interrogation. She came to see Chris, not you’’ Carmen said

‘’It is not an interrogation, we are just having a little chit-chat’’ Lucy said as Chris and Izzy walked in.

‘’And then the calvary dashes in’’ Lucy added when she saw them and they laughed.

‘’Elorm, Gwen asked you to deliver some cookies right?’’ Carmen asked with a mischievous smile on her face

‘’yes, they are in the tote bag’’ I said

‘’I will bring it’’ Chris rushed to the other room.

‘’Wait, are you the one who bakes for Gwen? Dee’s Sweets?’’ Lucy asked.

‘’yes, it is me’’ I answered.

‘’OH MY! Sunshine is Dee’s sweets!!! This is a double blessing !!! My favourite baker is about to be my in-law!!!’’ she exclaimed.

‘’And the other shoe drops!!’’ Carmen said and Izzy laughed as Chris returned with the bag.

‘’The little girls and I love your banana loaf, we order it every week through Gwen. This is so surreal. Oh Chris! You did not mention my favourite baker is your girlfriend!’’ Lucy exclaimed.

“I thought you knew!” Chris said. I was relieved he did not tell his mother I am not his girlfriend yet. I am not prepared for any follow-up questions.

”Not at all” she said.

‘’I wondered who that standing order was for. She never mentioned. This week she only ordered the cookies and asked that I leave them here’’ I said.

‘’yes, I was the orchestrator, now let us try them’’ Carmen said with glee.

‘’It is a new recipe so taste and let me know how it goes’’ I said and opened the pack. They loved it and there and then placed more orders. Izzy was excited about expanding sugar-free snack options for his daughters.

Not long Marlene and Darlene came downstairs and we were all engrossed in conversations about pastries. Darlene who was quiet, stood behind me and played with my braids.

After about an hour, I noticed Chris was exhausted and blurted.

‘’Enough! Sunshine belongs to only me. She came to visit me, not y’all. ‘’ he said

‘’Uncle you said we will grab ice cream with her’’ Marlene stated and Chris took a deep breath.

‘’yep, lets go’’ he said and grabbed my hand.

‘’You cannot hide her forever!!’’ Lucy called after us and I laughed.

It was pleasant meeting his family, well… except his dad. Chris and I drove the girls to Osu for ice cream, though we promised their dad one scoop each. We got them two each instead, they were so happy.

CHRIS

I noticed Elorm kept yawning on our way back home after the ice cream. Her gait seemed tired as well. We finally arrived and the girls did not want to leave Elorm’s side. Izzy had to sack them to go watch movies with grandpa so he and Carmen could engage Elorm in their conversations.

I noticed Elorm tried to stifle a yawn, it was time to take her home.

I decided to let Kwame drive us.

‘’You can take a nap on our way’’ I said and gestured to my lap. She refused at first. Later, we got stuck in traffic at Nkrumah circle and she just pushed my hands away gently and lay her head. I admired her as she slept, I noticed the braids Darlene made were still in her hair. I laid my hand on her and said a prayer for her. I am definitely marrying this lady, I have found my wife.

It was like her spirit alerted her when the car branched to her junction, she woke up and muttered thank you.

‘’Sorry I fell asleep’’ she said as she covered her mouth to talk. I asked Kwame to pass the mint strips I stored in the car and handed her one.

‘’So that is why you have fresh breath almost everytime.’’ she exclaimed.

‘’yep, Hygiene is everything. I stock them everywhere, car, bedside, office’’ I said. I noticed she was still seated in the car.

‘’Kwame, kindly excuse us’’ I said and he stepped out and walked a few meters away.

‘’Thank you for today, I had a nice time. You have a lovely family ’’ she said.

‘’Awww, thank you. That is so sweet . Thank you too for your time’’ I said and inched closer to her.

‘’One more thing, is your father cool with me? we did not interact, he just smiled and disapeared’’ she said.

‘’Oh ! sorry about that. Once my mother loves you, he loves you too. It is just a preventive measure he came up with’’ I said.

‘’Preventive?’’ she asked confused.

‘’Oh yeah, in the past, two of the girlfriends I had tried to hit on my dad’’ I said.

‘’What? Why?’’ she was still confused.

‘’As Carmen will say, why settle for the prince when you can get the king’’ I said

‘’That is just sad. What did your father do?’’ she exclaimed.

‘’Sacked them and told us of course. My father married his dream girl, he loves my mother so much it is mind-blowing. Even after all these years’’ I said

‘’Awwww, that is so sweet’’  she exclaimed.

‘’That is how I intend to love you’’ I said and she tried to hide her smile.

‘’Chris’’ she called

‘’Yes’’ I answered.

‘’The answer is yes’’ she said . I was confused for a moment and my eyes widened when it dawned on me.

‘thank you my love, 24 hours would have killed me’’ I answered and she laughed, I got closer and hugged her.  I held her close.

‘’no PDA in my house’’ she said.

‘’we are in front not inside’’ I said as let go and faced her. I stared at her for a bit before planting a kiss on her lips. She then pulled me closer for a deeper kiss. The sound of another car passing by stopped us, thank God the car windows were tinted.

I walked her in and greeted her parents before leaving. I was so happy I got her back. Elorm is officially mine, I texted the florist to arrange flowers to be delivered first thing on Monday morning to her house.

As soon as we arrived home, I thanked Kwame and before he handed me the keys.

‘’Master Chris, please thank Madam Elorm for the achoomo for my children’’ he said with a huge grin.

‘’Elorm just keeps bribing all of you with baked goods’’ I commented and he laughed.

‘’I like to mind my business’’ he said, his way of indirectly trying to say something.

‘’I know you Kwame, free your mind’’ I said

‘’this madam is a correct one, ah this one you have to marry her ooo.’’ He exclaimed.

‘’I am trying Kwame, I really am. She is now my girlfriend so pray she agrees to be my wife’’ I said

‘’Amen ooo’’ he shouted before leaving.

As soon as I entered my bedroom, Izzy and Carmen were seated on the couch.

‘’where are the girls?’’ I asked

‘’asleep’’ Izzy answered. I walked to the bathroom to wash my hands and came back. They were both staring at me.

‘’so what is going on?’’ Carmen asked.

‘’I am coming to sleep. It has been a long day’’ I answered, pretending not to understand her question.

‘’Don’t play with us’’ Izzy warned.

‘’She is my girlfriend now’’ I answered with a dance and they all shouted.

‘’I like her for you, she is smart, knows how to hold a conversation, has an idea about everything. If she doesn’t, she is open to learn. Even when we were debating about education, I admired how she put her points across with wisdom.’’ Izzy went on.

‘’I noticed how she occasionally will gently hold Chris’ hand to alert him that she is right here when he drifts’’ Carmen added and I playfully rolled my eyes.

‘’Love is sweet ooo and the twins love her. They kept going on about the fun time they had at the ice cream place. She is really a keeper, I understand why you lost your mind when she left you’’ Izzy said.

‘’I am definetly not bringing her here again, you guys just hijacked my visitor.’’ I whined

‘’oh please. She is our visitor now’’ Carmen remarked.

”Good work with letting Mum know Elorm makes her favourite pastries” I said sarcastically to Carmen.

”Always welcome Bro” she said and winked before I sacked them from my room.

I took a shower and called Elorm before sleeping. She picked up, I noticed I woke her up.

‘’sorry for waking you up , are we still on for service at my church tomorrow?’’ I asked.

‘’Oh no, I totally forgot. I have to bake right after first service. Last minute order. I am so sorry, I will visit next week’’ she apologized.

‘’It’s alright. please try and rest, you need it’’ I said.

‘’I will’’ she answered.

‘’Your birthday is in a month, take that week of’’ I suggested.

‘’Why?’’ she asked.

‘’Elorm, what was the first conversation we had when we met in your office?’’ I asked.

‘’Work-life b..’’ she stuttered.

‘’I cannot hear you, my love’’

‘’work -life balance’’ she answered.

‘’nice, I love you and I want you to live long. Just make arrangements, put out a notice about your break in advance. I do not mind leaving you in the Aburi house so you can rest.’’ I said.

‘’hmmmm, that sounds good because I will not be able to rest if I decide to stay here. Alright, I will take some days off’’ she agreed.

‘’Great! just keep me posted. Goodnight sunshine, I love you’’

‘’love you too’’…

Author’s Note

One down, one more to go. Parents think children do not see or know anything, Korshi and Dela’s marriage have definitely affected the children’s outlook to love and life. What aspect of your life have you observed from your parents/Guardians? Which parts will you keep and what will you modify?

LEXICONS

1. korkli – Korkli Dzogbor, a type of corn-dough porridge.
2. wawolo- An old expression in Ghana for surprise or wow.