The Marriage Transaction

Feelings Caught

They walked by an ice-cream store on their way back to the car, and a idea took root in Kwabena's mind.

"Who wants ice-cream?", he asked. The boys practically squealed in delight. In the store, he proceeded to get them huge cups of ice-cream and encouraged them to eat it all.

Joyce had been observing him coolly the whole time, and finally asked "What is this, Kobs? You know they are tired and should go home".

Kwabena smiled at her and stretched out, very pleased with himself. "Yes, they are tired. And pumped full of sugar. This way, they will crash soon. But their energy spike would be spectacular", he explained.

"Exactly. Why would you want to ...". Her voice trailed off when she realized his intentions.

"I can't let Arnold off that easy", Kwabena reasoned. Joyce slowly shook her head.

"You guys are both off your rockers. I don't know how a sweet woman like Salome can put with him".

Kwabena chuckled softly. "No woman loves a man more. Arnold is one of the good ones. One day, I will tell you about their love story. It is the stuff of legends."

The boys sung along to some gospel music on the drive back to the Arnold's house. They sung with vim and gusto, in the out of tune way children had. Joyce would join them at intervals, her beautiful voice filling the car, causing the boys to applaud. Kwabena snuck glances at her, and found her totally relaxed and at ease. Mission accomplished, he thought to himself.

At home, the boys run screaming past their father to find their mother, and regale her with stories of their adventures. Arnold eyed Kwabena suspiciously while twiddling his grey streaked beard.

"Massa, what did you feed my children?" Kwabena feigned innocence, sitting against the hood of his car.

"You kwraa what, some small fried rice keke", he lied smoothly.

Just then, Joyce walked around the car with a tub of ice-cream, which she handed Arnold. "For Salome. If you are lucky, she would share with you", she said smiling.

"Fried rice, huh?", Arnold said, accepting the tub. "I see what happened here. I can't wait for ...". He paused and looked around. "Joyce, can you ask Salome to put this in the freezer?"

"Gladly. I would also like to say goodbye", she said, taking back the tub and walking into the house.

Arnold pointed to the car, and Kwabena knew what was coming. He got into the car, and Arnold got in on the passenger side.

"Whats up with this girl? She seems to be special to you". Arnold was not one to waste words.

"I told you about her fiance passing away, right? I am trying to be a good friend, getting her spirits up.

"And that is all you want?" Arnold's gaze made it clear that he didn't believe that.

Kwabena shifted uncomfortably under his scrutiny. Arnold was three years older, and sometimes his maturity and perception made Kwabena uncomfortable. "I don't know, doofus. How can I want any more? She is mourning, I don't live here, I am leaving in a week, blah blah blah. I haven't thought about more."

"You should think long and hard about what you want in this case. You may never meet another woman like her in your life."

Kwabena pondered his words. Coming from Arnold, this was big praise. Arnold was a part-time pastor, and counseling people over the years had given him a keen insight into people's character. In fact, Kwabena agreed with Arnold about Joyce. Her gentle grace, dignity and honesty were very rare. And her physical beauty was just the icing on the cake. He sighed deeply, looking at Arnold with troubled eyes.

"I don't know what to do, Arnold". Arnold tapped him gently on the shoulder.

"She is not the kind of woman you play with. Drink deep, or taste not", Arnold said.

Kwabena laughed at the comment. "I don't think that is how quote should be used", he teased.

And with typical bravado, Arnold said, "That is how I use it. Deal with it."

They both looked up when they heard a tapping at the car window. They looked up to see Joyce and Salome peering at them. "Missed us already?", Arnold teased, getting out of the car. Salome smacked him lightly on the arm.

"You incorrigible old man. Leave us alone", she said. Arnold leaned over and whispered something into Salome's ears that caused her gasp, and then giggle.

"Joyce, that is our cue to leave", Kwabena said giving Arnold a pointed look.

"What is that look for? Don't get jealous, get married", Arnold teased. Both women laughed, and Kwabena scowled at his brother. Joyce got into the car and waved goodbye to the couple.

"Think about what I said", Arnold shouted as the pulled out. Kwabena waved, and drove away.

"So, what were you guys talking about?", Joyce asked as they drove back to her house. Kwabena gave a quick glance at her. Her eyes were red and puffy, as if she had been crying.

"Just some guy stuff", he deflected. "Is everything ok? You look like you were ...".

Joyce quickly interrupted him. "Yes, I am". She was silent for a second. "Salome is a wonderful woman. The way she treats her sons, Arnold, wow. She is an inspiration". Kwabena nodded in agreement.

"I knew three seconds after I met her that Arnold had made the right choice. She simply radiated love for him. And she treats me like a king whenever I am there, so that helps". Joyce laughed at this, and shook her head.

"Such a spoiled brat". The ride passed in amiable silence, interspersed with bits of singing by Joyce, or Joyce pointing some location or landmark of interest.

Joyce paused for a second before she got out of the car, and turned to face Kwabena. "I can't thank you enough for today. I actually felt ... light, for the first time in a while."

"Mission accomplished, then. And thank you. You have brought me infinite cred with those rascals. They will talking about 'that time Aunt Joyce came' for years".

Joyce nodded, then sat back in the seat with a sigh. It was as if she didn't want to leave.

"You should do this more often with your friends. I find that being silly with people who don't judge you is very good for the soul."

"I don't think any of them will want to do that with me. I haven't been a good friend lately."

"I beg to differ. I crossed the ocean to come see you. I am sure they will be immediately responsive."

"Crossed the ocean, huh?", Joyce teased.

"On foot. With two suitcases."

The edges of Joyce's eyes crinkled as she shook her head.

Then she pushed forward and hugged Kwabena across the car seat. The seat dug into her side, and her body contorted over the gear as her hand went around him. Then as quickly as it started, it was over, and Joyce hurried out of the car.

"Good night, Kobs", she said through the passenger window, and rushed up the driveway to the door. Kwabena waited till she was inside before beginning to reverse. Just then he saw a window go dark on the second floor of the house. Had someone been watching them?