Worthy
"What do you think they are doing?"
I ask a question I know Popular won't have an answer to.
"I don't know. Probably telling each other how they will cut off our five o'clock hour the day they see us."
We both chuckle and it fell silent.
"Or simply take us in their arms. Be positive."
I added nonchalantly. My mind involuntarily drifting to Xaya.
It fell silent for a few seconds again.
" Monstrosity."
"It's not as bad as you think."
He tries to appease the guilt in me. Yet it doesn't help. I did the unthinkable.
"I'm her uncle."
Father takes a seat next to us under the shade.
"My sons, tradition says when you unite with a girl, she's brought home."
"Father my issue is complicated. The girl we are talking about is your granddaughter. Akira's firstborn. My niece, father. How will I face the people?"
Father only nods in affirmation.
"Bring the girls home."
Popular places his face in his hands. I can tell he's worried about his own fate. This is my fault. I should have never asked for his help.
"Pop my son!"
"Yes dad."
"You can't run away from your problems and not every problem is as bad. I'd always pray that you leave this dependency of going with every creature that wears a skirt. I guess the maker of all things has his way of answering prayers. You are twenty four. You need to settle down."
Father walks away living us to process his words. One thing I love about my father is that, he always has a solution to a dilemma.
If I am going to bring Xaya here, I'd have to face the bull. Reed.
"Where do I start from? I don't even know her."
"She's a nice girl. You'll fall for her instantly."
"You think so?"
I nod and pull him in a hug. I have five other brothers but Pop is my favourite. He's the only one I share stuff with and the only one that bonded with Xaya.
Xaya
"Tell me something, how is the bond between you and Worthy."
"Strong."
I answer truthfully.
"Then why are you upset with him."
"He marked me when he knows that I'm his niece."
I confess and she quietly observes me.
"You are in love with Worthy."
I love uncle Worthy, true. But being in love? Who falls in love with their family? Their blood?
That's an outrageous atrocity.
"Everyone needs to understand that Worthy and I are blood related."
Owetu nods and I know she still has more questions. I have to ask before she attacks with any more questions.
"What will happen when you see the man who tied the thread on you?"
She stares into the web-ceiling of my rondavel room. Her eyes glitter with excitement and that's when I saw emotions in her eyes. Love at first sight.
"Probably cut his beard off."
"Give me sketchy details about this man."
She shifts and lies on her stomach. I know I'm about to get some long description about this man.
Just then Oleya entered the room.
"Food is ready. You two need to consume something. You haven't had anything to eat all day."
"I do not want to eat in front of Reed so please send someone to bring the food down here."
I say with so much preeminence.
"You have nothing to worry about. Your grandma has gone to a village far from here."
I look over to Owetu. This is the greatest chance to leave this reformatory.
"Actually, I'm not hungry."
She asks me to come up with an excuse with the look in her eyes.
"Grandma leaving
without informing me just took away my appetite."
I explain and Owetu facepalms. Oleya bought it since she suddenly left the room.
"Time to manoeuvre."
I stand up abruptly. Owetu laughs and pulls me back.
"We need a strategy."
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