Love Under the Baobab Tree

Chapter 7: Happier??

I am very sorry for not fully trusting you. I was so scared hat I have lost you. Please forgive me. I love you Jasmine. I am nothing without you Jasmine. There was a knock at the door. I think I have to go Jasmine, your mother is here. You know she doesn't like me. But now you have two legs Owusu. That doesn't matter now Jasmine. But always keep this in mind. "Till the sun goes cold and the stars grow old" not even the grave can tear us apart Jasmine. Owusu please don't leave me again please. I don't want to live my life without you. Don't worry my love, we shall meet again very soon, I promise. Then the knock came in again, this time Owusu hugged Jasmine and whispered into her ears, "I am leaving but not gone". Owusu please don't go. Please don't. I am sorry Jasmine, I have to. Then Jasmine woke.

It was just a dream, but somebody was actually knocking at the door. She went to open the door and it was her mum. Mum what are you doing here by this time of the night? I heard you screaming so I came to check up on you. I'm ok mum. Please go and sleep. Are you sure you are fine Jasmine? Mum I said I am fine, goodnight. She banged the door. She threw herself on the bed and started crying. The dream she had had even made it worse. She couldn't do anything but cry.

It was 9:00am in the morning but the weather looked cloudy. It looked like it was going to rain. The whole house was very quiet. The only thing you could hear was Jasmine's footsteps. She was preparing breakfast for the family which was unusual of her. It was rice porridge with bread and fried egg. Her father, Mr. Maxwell was the next to wake up. The aroma from the food led him to the kitchen. He was very shocked to see Jasmine in an apron cooking after all the tears she had shed the previous night. What are you doing Jasmine? I am cooking breakfast Daddy. Have a seat it will be ready very soon. Mr. Maxwell was very stunned. At least it was a little relief to him. He thought it would take so many days before his daughter comes back to her normal self. But he was still left in deep thought of what could be the reason. Cooking was something his daughter never does so how come today? And come to think of it, how come her daughter who was wailing so hard the previous night is now cooking breakfast and looks very happy too? "Well thanks be to God for my daughter". He said to himself.

The family gathered around the dining table to enjoy the delicious meal prepared by Jasmine. Jasmine decided to say the prayer. Everybody was surprised especially Eddy, because he knew there was no way Jasmine would pray at the dining table. Jasmine finished praying. The Amen that followed was outstanding. Eddy even clapped for her. How are you today Jasmine? As you can see, I am very fine mummy, so don't worry about me.

"Jasmine your food tastes very good. It's almost like your mother's. I remember the days when your mum was young, she used to be present at almost every cooking competition in her hometown, especially during their festival, Odwira. And the good thing is she always won. And guess what; that is what gave me the drive to approach her to be the cook of my home and not just that, the mother of my kids too". Everybody burst into laughter of what Mr. Maxwell said. All of a sudden there was a hard whooping cough from Mr. Maxwell. Uncle what's wrong? Asked Eddy. Then another cough followed which was even harder than the previous one. Dad are you ok? Jasmine asked.

Don't worry Jasmine; your father has been coughing for a week now. I am sure he will be fine after he completes his medication. Please Daddy take your medicine regularly ok. Mummy take very good care of Dad. Her father smiled. Ahaa Daddy; I have put something in your blue bible. Really! What is it? It's nothing really. By the way, read it only when I am not around. I will do exactly that my lovely daughter. Did you put something in my bible too? Eddy asked. Do you even have a bible? Jasmine replied. They all burst into laughter.