The Ashanti Chronicals

chapter 1

"In this world, people will try to dim your light if you shine too bright. It's up to you to decide whether to let them."

One day, at a certain time in a certain place, someone said these words to me. I can't remember who or when, but those words have always resonated with me. 

Whether you shine or dim depends on where you are and who you choose to be.

It's my last day at work before my big day and surely it is not just any vacation. It is our vacation. Mine and Jonathan's.

Today, Jonathan and I have a date. It wasn't just any date. it was a special occasion. I am about to have the ceremony of my life. The best part about it is that it will be both traditional and a classic wedding. I must admit that planning a wedding especially in Germany is not for the weak.I always admired Jonathan for being in touch with his culture. He promised me that we could visit his family one day in Nigeria. He however has other plans for our honeymoon. His family lives in Abuja, and apparently, they are not fond of Jonathan being with a Ghanaian girl. If only the knoew that I was slightly different.Nevertheless, they bought tickets a few months ago  to meet me today. I actually liked the fact that that they claimed to think so  badly of me yet still kindly bought tickets just to see me. They surely must know how much I love their son. It wasn't anger I felt, just embarrassment that I knew so little about the  Ghanaian culture. Luckily, I had Veronica or Vera for short, one of my best friends. Honestly, I do not know what I would have done without Vera.

Vera might not be the only person that I know who is also from Ghana however growing up in Germany, Vera was the only person I could cope with when it came to my cultural identity. In contrast to me, she grew up with her parents who moved to Germany after living in Ghana for a few years. Vera would tell me that her parents wanted her to have a better future for her and her siblings. I could not really relate to that feeling. My foster home was caring and I made amazing friends. I had my fair share of problems though,I must admit. In school , I felt like an outcast. I could never engage with classmates who looked like  me not  was I confident enough to make friends either way. Until I met Vera in middle school.  Through her, I met the love of my life, Jonathan and also our other two friends Elif and Sandra. Our friend group is a beautiful mixture of various heritages and I would not want to have it any other way.  Recently  we all had our fair share of problems. Vera traveled to Ghana  for a few months to clear her mind and was  really mysterious about it. She only returned a few days ago. She told me there was something she would surprise me with. I cannot wait to hear it.

I think I can imagine though. For the longest time, she dreamed of becoming a mother. All she wanted was a family,a husband and a child of her own. I love that about her. She knows what she wants and gets it no matter what. I assume she met the right person in Ghana after so many failed relationships. She was once so desperate that she wanted to find a sperm donar instead of a husband. I mean I would honestly...

"Ayanna, seriously? You had time to braid your hair for your upcoming vacation but not to finish the research?" the managing editor asked, clearly disappointed knowing that he just interrupted the most random thought that popped up in my head.

"I—I do have the research. It'll be done... in a minute?" I assure him while typing frantically. I wouldn't dare talk back to the managing editor. He's a compelling old man and a perfectionist. Today, I promised myself that I wouldn't make any mistakes, but his unsatisfied gaze made me anxious. I hated criticism; it made me feel worthless. And yes, I am an aspiring journalist. I decide not to tell my colleagues that I am going to have my big day yet.

While waiting for his feedback, I switch the tabs on my laptop, searching for sights to visit in Ghana. Ghana—that's all I know about myself. I barely remember my childhood. My only memories are of the foster home, and the only proof I'm Ghanaian is on my papers.