The Colonial Heart ✓ (Editing)

Chapter 6

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"Ama, are you well?" my dear friend Yaa inquired, her voice a gentle prod that roused me from my reverie. "I was lost in thought,"

I replied with a smile, though her skeptical gaze suggested she saw through my ruse. In truth, my mind was consumed by the stranger I had encountered earlier that day. His eyes, a radiant blue that seemed to hold a warmth that could kindle a fire, had left an indelible mark on my heart.

Or perhaps it was his curly black hair that beckoned my fingers to twirl them around? "Ama!" Yaa's voice cut through my musings once more, this time with a hint of impatience. "Forgive me, dear friend," I said, my tone contrite. "Is it Akwasi who troubles your thoughts?" she asked, her eyes narrowing in curiosity. I shook my head, dispelling the notion.

"I care not for that person," I declared, my lips curling into a dismissive smile. Yaa's eyes sparkled with mirth. "Then pray tell, who has captured your heart? You know you can confide in me, your secret shall be safe." She sealed her lips with a playful zip. I hesitated, then yielded to her prodding.

"There was a man I chanced upon at the market today...he was kind and comely." A soft smile bloomed on my lips as I spoke. Yaa's brow arched in surprise. "A man? I thought you had sworn off all the men in our village!" She laughed, her voice like music. "He is a foreigner, Yaa, and his beauty is a wonder to behold." I sighed, my heart still ensnared by the memory. "And he kissed my hand." Yaa's laughter pealed out, a joyful sound that filled the air.

"He kissed your hand? Oh, Ama, you are a romantic!" She chuckled, shaking her head in amusement. "I thought it a sweet gesture," I protested, my eyes rolling heavenward. "But you would not understand, for your lover lacks a romantic bone in his body." I teased, my tone playful making both of us erupt in laughter.

As our giggles subsided, a tranquil silence descended upon us, like a gentle rain shower soothing the soul.

But Yaa's next query pierced the serenity, leaving me feeling nettled. "What of Akwasi?" she asked, her voice laced with a hint of trepidation. I bristled, my tone turning tart. "What of him?" I retorted, my words dripping with disdain. Yaa's eyes narrowed, her gaze intensifying.

"You seem enamored with the handsome stranger, Ama, but it's not right. You're betrothed to Akwasi, and duty calls." I felt a surge of indignation course through my veins. "I do not love him,"

I declared, my voice firm, my heart aflutter. Yaa's expression softened, her eyes filled with empathy. "Even if your heart doesn't belong to him, your hand is promised. Forget the market stranger, dear one."

I searched her face, seeking a glimmer of jest, but her countenance remained solemn. I sighed, feeling a pang of frustration. Yaa enveloped me in a warm embrace.

"Perhaps, in time, you'll learn to love Akwasi," she whispered, her voice a gentle breeze. I raised an eyebrow, skeptical.

"What makes you so certain?"

I asked, my tone laced with doubt. Yaa's grin turned mischievous. "I'll ensure he treats you like a queen, or I'll conjure a spell to make him dance to your tune!" I giggled, despite myself.

"I'll hold you to that!" And with that, our laughter entwined once more, a joyful melody that echoed through the air.