Anowa

I won't talk too much. School was a bust. The teachers were a no show, Araba my friend and class mate, and also the only girl apart from me in JHS 3, was absent. I was miserable when I arrived home later in the day.

I aired out my books, changed and joined my mom at the corn mill. She had I told you so written all over her face.

The witch! 😡😡

Around sunset, I came back from an errand to find my mother in deep conversation with a certain oldman I recognized as an Elder in the palace.

An Elder is part of the King's council. The king's council is made up of a group of people, who act as advisors or a type of jury. They help the king in decision making, approving or rejecting policies, etc. They think their council matters but we all know its just a ploy to make the king seem democratic. His word is final. I can just imagine him throwing them something to argue about just for his own amusement. Being a king of such a small town must be a snooze fest.

Unfortunately, they spotted me before I could hide. I groaned internally. Elder Judas. That man is a stickler for manners! Always stuck on titles and social status. He insisted on being called Elder, instead of Sir like a normal person. I rehearsed my greeting in my mind as I walked slowly towards them.

"Good afternoon Elder." I said in my sweetest voice yet, bending my knees with my hands on my abdomen. It's the traditional way a girl should greet her elders in our village.

My mother nodded proudly.

"Good afternoon Anowa. Akwaaba. How are you?" he replied with a big smile which made him look less severe, and a lot younger.

"I'm fine thank you Elder. How is your family? " I asked.

My mother gasped loudly.

I looked at her blankly. What have I done now?

The Elder chuckled. "It's okay Maku, she is no longer a child. My dear, my family is fine by the grace of God. Your mother was telling me that you are still going to school. That's very good. Keep it up. " he said.

I found myself smiling for no reason. He just catapulted to number two on the list of my favorite people... at least for today.

" Thank you very much sir. Send my greetings to you family." I said and went in to change. It's nice to be treated like an adult for once. At least someone agrees with my decision to finish school.

As I bathed, I wondered what he came here to do.

******

The Conversation

" Well done Maku. Its obvious you raised her well." Elder Judas praised Anowa's mother as she smiled and nodded happily.

"Thank you Elder. You don't know how much it means to me to hear you say that. I'm glad at least one child of mine has turned out well." She replied.

Elder Judas shook his head. "My dear, you have done your best with that son of yours. Raising boys is not easy for two parents much less alone as you have done. Anowa is your saving grace, which brings me to why I'm here. "

Maku shifted on her stool as she wondered what he wanted to say.

" Anowa is no longer a child. Girls her age are already married and it would have been cause to worry if she did not have any suitors. But she has rejected them all for one reason or the other, and I don't blame her. Your daughter is interested in school and therefore needs a man who will support her in this. "

"What are you trying to say Elder, please go ahead with it. "

" All I'm trying to say is that I want your daughter for my oldest son." Elder finished with a big smile on his face.

Maku frowned. "Your first son? Isn't he already married?" she wondered.

"He was. But he already divorced that woman. She couldn't bear me a grandchild." the Elder scoffed.

"So all you want is a grandchild? "

"That's not what I'm saying. Your daughter is the type of woman I want for my son. She's beautiful, well mannered and educated. She'll be perfect for my son. And besides, our family is a respectable one with roots in the royal family. Imagine the benefits to your family."

Maku regarded the man in front her closely. He was well put together... Too well put together to be real. His bald head shaved and smooth, his beard neatly trimmed, his cloth too dressy, his smile too wide although it didn't reach his eyes. They remained cold and calculating. What does a cunning man like Elder Judas want with her daughter?

She sighed. "I've heard you Elder. It is said that consulting your pillow gives you the best ideas. I will sleep on it. We'll know the way forward tomorrow. I'll come see you in the evening. "

The mask on Elder Judas's face slipped into a scowl, but he quickly rearranged it. "What's there to think about woman. My son is your daughter's best option as a husband. But I understand. You're a mother and you have your child's best interest at heart. I will be here tomorrow evening to hear your response." he said as he stood up.

Maku did not miss the veiled threat in the Elder's words. "I understand Elder. And yes, I do have my daughter's best wishes at heart." she replied.

She shook his outstretched hand and wished him goodnight.

Maku held her chin in her palms she stared at the sunset, thinking about the future of her children once again.

*****

It's getting hotter! 😰😰
What do you think Anowa's reaction would be?

What do you think of the sign above? 😂😂😂

Akwaaba means - Welcome 😊😊