The Missionaries: Chapter Two

Daddy and I had lunch at Flora Restaurant in a cool atmosphere. Circulation was dense because of traffics on the road. We met some other people who also came for lunch in the same restaurant because it is a reputable restaurant. I always eat a lot whenever we come to this restaurant. I like African cuisine, and my best food is pounded yam with groundnut soup with tilapia or tuna.

Daddy too likes it very much because he always comes to that restaurant with me. Half an hour later, the noise seized completely because almost everybody had left the restaurant, because he or she had to report to his or her business before the time was three pm. Well, after I had eaten my food entirely, I felt I was not that satisfied so, I said to daddy, “Daddy I want some more. I am not satisfied. I want some more.” reaching for the glass of water I had before me. Daddy smiled in his reply. He said, “Really. The choice is yours. As for me, I am satisfied.

I do not think I will need any more food otherwise, I will not be able to drive home safely.” I replied, “I understand you perfectly, Daddy. Our safety is your priority.” reaching for a glass of water. I took a sip. Daddy laughed and said, “How much do have on you, my dear son? I need to buy petrol otherwise; we cannot reach home with the level of fuel I have left in the car.” Some people walked past before the restaurant very calmly. replied, “The totality of the amount you gave last night, Dad. Do you want to have it all?” 

looking at the people who were passing. Daddy answered saying, “No. Can you wait? I just want the money in the brown envelope. It is important I buy fuel for the vehicle.” I put my bag on the table, took the brown envelope out my breast pocket and gave the money to him, then he said, “Thank you, Ricardo. You are such a good boy. I like you, and I trust you. I will tell you something when we get back home.” I smiled. Then I noticed that the waiter had come and had waited with my second meal in his hand for a few seconds. 

I said to him politely, “Let me have the food immediately, please. Thank you.” I helped him put the food down before me safely on the table. It was a steamy soup and pounded yam in ceramic plates, in a yellow tray. The waiter left for a call outside, but not for long, came back in and chattered with the barman. I relaxed. I put my hand on the back table. Daddy put the envelope into his pocket and said, “I am on my way now, Ricardo. Enjoy your meal. Do not cause any trouble in here until I return, son. Take care. I will be back soon.” He hugged me and left the restaurant, his cup on his head. 

I smiled at the way he staggered out of the restaurant and the way he said, ““He sometimes acts like a little boy. Forgive him, my dear for that. It is not his fault, it is mine.”” Then I began to eat my second meal peacefully, bothered by nothing. I looked up around the exit. I saw an old couple, a Cuban and his spouse, an Ethiopian woman, sitting near the exit also enjoying their pounded yam with groundnut soup with tuna. A cool country music was still playing slowly from the background. A few minutes later, the Ethiopian woman called the waiter to her. She footed their bill and stood up-that was after they had finished eating. 

The waiter countered the money and left with their plates in the tray for the bar.  I could see the Cuban and his spouse coming back. Then the Cuban too stood up, picked a tissue and wiped his oily mouth slightly. He threw the cramped tissue on the table and headed towards the exit. He was glazing at me as he left his seat. I heard the woman saying, “Wait! I will not be long, my dear. Look, I just want to pick something.” picking her purse from the table getting outside, talking from behind her husband. Suddenly, there pulled out equestrians from the immediate right corner of the restaurant. 

People saw them galloping hellishly to the restaurant. Eight equestrians came. I heard the noisy of galloping of the horses and I wandered what that could be. Soon BANG! BANG! There went gunshots. Terrified, I cried, “My God! What was that? I am-” and before I could finish my statement, BANG! BANG! I dreaded and vanished from my seat, shaking like a hunted, wounded bull under my table, leaving my bag on the table. From the side of the brown tablecloth, I saw the couple running back from the exit into the restaurant in horror. 

The woman, so terrified, did nothing, but screaming saying, “We have bad company! We have bad company! Somebody help us! Criminals are around!” She said that on top of her voice, trying to find a safer place for their refuge. However, the place to hide was their immediate headache because the criminals had already gotten to the entrance of the door, and had quickly begun searching for people and their properties here and there. Shootings had since resumed outside indiscriminately: four strong men, a gun in point each, broke into the restaurant, aiming their guns at the horrified couple who was trying to escape through the back door marked number 1. 

The first gunman coming after them is a limper. His name is Phantom. He is the shortest among the men of the gang and the leader. He had a smoking pipe at the corner of his mouth. He is an ugly man because he is one-eyed man. He also has one side of his face slightly burnt. He likes flattop as his best hair do. In addition, he is a bearded man. He shouted from the entrance, “Stop! Stop! Do not move! One more step and I will shoot! Throw your bag on the floor and go down as well! Quick!” 

The woman threw her husband’s bag at a certain distance on the floor saying,  “Please! Please do not shoot! Please! Please do not-! You can take the bag away! Spare our lives please!” then went on the floor together with her husband, terrified, whereas the second gunman called Francisco was reloading his gun as he made a few steps into the bar. He is handsome and is about seven feet tall. He has around face and black eyes. He was the one who halted the barman at gunpoint at the counter. He had two guns, he alone. He shouted, “Bring your money now! Bring it! If you do not bring it, I will shoot you! Quick!” 

The barman dreaded as I did. Therefore, for the sake of his dear life, he pulled out the entire sales of the day from beneath the table, and throwing it recklessly on the counter, he pleaded saying, “Please here you are! You can it take away! Please don’t shoot!” The man halting him was laughing as he saw the money on the counter. I could see that as he stamped to the counter, he had pains in his left arm because a man shot him in that arm some weeks back in another theft expedition. He had no smoking pipe in his mouth, but a blue handkerchief around his neck. He has a grayish mustache. 

Goatee is his best haircut. In addition, Francisco likes chewing gums everywhere he goes. Even when he is in trouble, he chews gums. Alvaro, the third gunman is as tall as Francisco is. He is hairy and bearded. He is shorter than Francisco is but, taller than Phantom, their leader is. He has a blue handkerchief around his right wrist. His best haircut is ponytail. He is as strong as Francisco is. He rushed over my table and snatched my moneybag. He searched further around the back door marked number 2, but did not notice I had found that door open earlier and that I had moved through it quietly and safely a few seconds after their sudden arrival in the restaurant. 

I had closed the door slightly and leaned against it. I opened it occasionally any time there was anything that I had wanted to see. He then moved further to the couple and made sure the couple was properly lying on the floor, planning nothing stupid. I tried to find a way out, looking left, holding my breath. I noticed that there was another door quite close to where I hid. That door was locked so, I did not venture to try escaping through that door at all. I found big tables on my right. I mumbled, “Nothing better than this.” sneaking through the legs of six tables, with the least care until I went behind bid carton at about forty meters in that room. I remained quiet. 

Everything was dark. It was silent. Alfaro shouted, “Anybody else in this restaurant? If you know you are in kindly come out before I do it the way you will not like.” the terrifying voice came twice, but I did not answer him fear he might kill me if I had tried to answer him. A few minutes later, another gunman came near the back door n. 1. He searched for anybody he could get, but found nobody. He walked backwards to Phantom and said, “I do not think there is anybody else in this restaurant. I am sure, men.” 

His name is Santos. He is taller than Alvaro is. He is able body and strong. He has a white handkerchief around his left wrist. His best haircut is stable. His face is round and he is  as unsmiling as Phantom his master is. As he was coming into the restaurant, he brought a black suitcase belonging to the man he accidentally shot as soon as he dismounted his horse before the restaurant because he thought Juan the disease, was carrying lots of money in his suitcase. 

Even though Phantom had a business appointment with Don Juan the disease he did not sympathize about his death, instead blamed him. Santos first said to Phantom, “Sir, this is the bag. I am sure his dead.” roaming in the restaurant like a wounded cud, searching from under every table. The four remaining men, Cletus, Paolo, Tom and Ton, did not come into the restaurant. They remained at the entrance of the restaurant. They were busy. Their duty was to cover those who were in up. Ton, the youngest, is about twenty-three years of age. 

He is as tall as Alvaro is. He has a round face, plenty bears, and his best haircut is dreadlocks. He was the one who positioned himself so close to the entrance where the He is handsome, but no woman likes him. He is handsome, but no woman likes him. He knows it well. Cletus was the one who retreated a bit at the left corner of the restaurant. He is a bit dark in complexion. He was shooting in the air. He was the one who was carefully watching the movement of those screaming outside there as the people saw the gunmen around the restaurant. He had his hat in one hand. His shirt was open. He is as tall as Francisco is. 

He has a scorpion tattoo on his arms. He exhibits this any time he wears a sleeveless jacket as he was wearing when they came to the restaurant. He was also the one moving outside back and forth in between the level of the victim and entrance of the restaurant. Quickly, after they had gotten the money from the couple, Phantom shouted, “I think this is enough for today! We are going back! I said we are going back! Everybody move back to the horses! I am sure we are completely dawn!” 

He released a huge amount of smoke into the bar as he walked backwards to the entrance, and by then I had managed to sneak from behind the big carton and paused behind the back door again. I was safe because I made no noise and nobody noticed my presence in the back room. He was proud and boastful of the operation. After a while, I crawled back to the small door because I thought it was safe, but came back to the door, opened it slightly ajar and made sure the criminals all left the bar completely. Quickly, I spied and saw all the gunmen moving backwards to the shortest man. 

They were shouting, “Phantom! I think we are dawn! Let us go back now! We do not have to waste time!” Alvaro said, “That is Okay by me! Let us go back now! I am sure this place is hunted! Let us go now!” Before I could blink my eyes, the gunmen had retreated and bolted away with the snatched moneybags at a hellish gallop, shooting indiscriminately into the air, scaring people here and there on the street. The gunmen wore a cowboy dress each. As soon as the gunmen bolted away, the Ethiopian woman shouted from the extreme left, under a table, “They are gone! We are safe now! We are safe now!” 

I then opened and coughing terribly, I fell over the nearest table, breathing rapidly as if I saw a ghost. The Cuban was able to be on his feet quickly. His wife came to me and said, “Young man, are you alright? Why are you here all alone? Where were you when those criminals were harassing us in the restaurant?” I could not utter a word in reply as the woman spoke to me. I sobbed. For that matter, she quickly called her husband saying. “Castro! Castro there is a young man over here! He is as safe as we are! Come over quickly! Maybe we can help!” Her husband rushed over to us, saying on top of her voice, “Are you alright, darling?” I gave no reply. 

In addition, he said to me, “I am sure your life is out of danger. Thanks the gods you are so lucky they did not see you in the restaurant.” He tried to raise me up, touching me here and there. Still I gave no direct answer to him too. I turned my face against the table, my legs buckled. I dropped cheers. The Ethiopian woman, rushing to the counter, shouted, “They are gone, barman! You can come out now! I can assure you our lives are truly out of danger now!” trying to help me be on my feet. Then I could hear loud screams from outside, the screams of those shocked people who witnessed the scene somehow, swarming the restaurant. 

A female voice was shouting saying, “He is dead! Look, the criminals have shot him in the head! What a horrible crime this is! The man is dead! Don Juan’s gone!” A male voice followed immediately saying, “Why don’t we go inside and see if there another person killed or alive?” Moreover, before I raise my head up again, I now saw highly angry men and women struggling to enter the restaurant. Some held swords, others spears, and some others guns. The man behind the counter, shaking visibly, managed to say, “Where is the boy that was there all alone eating his food? I hope he is safe.” I was now laying on the floor in the tender hands of Elizabeth the Cuban spouse. 

Truly, I did nothing in her hands, but remained cool. I could realize that those angry men and women rushing to me were saying impatiently, “Is the boy dead or alive?” Castro answered, “His life is out of danger.” There was one man who had not set his eyes on me yet. He is Marco the first man in the traditional blue tunic serving as a Community Security Guard. He came in after he had struggled through the mob. He is one of the first guards to find me. When he got to me, he said, “I hope he is alive. He cannot die.” Castro replied, “Of course he is alive. 

His life is out of danger. He is as lucky as my wife and I are.” Another guard came in through the mob. 

I believe his name is Diego. He came from Monday Border a day ago. He asked, “Is he dead?” The Cuban replied, taking me outside, “No. He is not. Here he is safe and unharmed. I can assure you he doing very fine.” Some of the people from the mob who trouped to the restaurant shouted simultaneously saying, “Little boy, are you alright? 

Thanks you are alive!” trying to embrace or hug me warmly. Quickly, Diego the tallest among them said to the direction of the barman as the criminals were taking him out of the corner of the counter, “I am sure you are also alright. Stay assured that we are here to help.” The men behind him quickly spread in the restaurant. Diego shouted, addressing the one on his immediate right saying, “Take some men along and follow those gunmen quickly! Do that now! They must not go away unpunished! They are running away!” he was angry. 

Quickly, the man replied, “Yes, sir.” and pointing at some men in the blue tunic, who came later, saying, “You, Alfredo and Roberto follow me immediately.” The chosen men followed him without any delay, running back through the mob. They succeeded in passing through successfully despite everything. Then Diego said to the one on his right, “Marco, take care of the boy.” Marco came to me and carried me one his shoulder.

The Missionaries: Chapter Two Cont.

Many of those in the blue tunics, the Community Security squad, of course, ordered the on-lookers to kindly retreat outside so they could do their jobs well. Yes, the angry mob abided by that order and gathered before the restaurant, chanting hostile slogan at the crime, but not at the helping security men. The tallest man went to the terrified barman, who was still shaking in the Cuban’s hands. The Cuban tried to explain the horror saying, “I saw the gunmen hold guns. They shot the man lying before the restaurant dead right before me as soon as they turned the right corner to the restaurant. 

My God, what is happening to us in Chew Community? Is this the everlasting hospitality of this community? I thought we are enjoying an everlasting peace in this community since Sheriff took over the reign of this community. What is happening to this community? Somebody tell me something. I need to understand this.” bursting in tears. Some men came and said, “Take it easy. total number of Take it easy.” and he remained before the restaurant. The Community Security Squad that trouped to the restaurant was 30 men, all armed. The agitations on the street were more than terribly violent. 

The hostile slogan was still going on. It said, No violence at Chew! You criminals go to hell!” The mob said this slogan repeatedly. All the security men in the restaurant came out. I also felt those who went searching around too come to join. When I opened my eyes widely, I thought I saw the lifeless body of a man covered with linen all over his body. Most women were weeping, falling down, refusing consolation and comfort. However, those who seemed to be stronger, they only kept quiet, watching everything that was going on. The road was filled with angry people. Marco laid me on a bench beside the side of the restaurant. 

The agitation was still going on. I did not utter any words. The tallest man shook his head and said on top of his voice, “We are before a sad and unfortunate situation, in which we have a man gunned down! We have examined the dead body thoroughly and have found out that he was unarmed at the time of the crime! We are sure those who commit this crime are men of a gangster! We are sorry it has gone this far!” He paused for a while. Then he added, “What we are going to do now is to take care of the lifeless body, while I delegate some men to report the sad news to Sheriff. 

Some of us, who went after those gangsters, gangsters, I hope by the time we have conveyed the lifeless body to the sheriff’s office, they will have returned with good news.” The angry mob had agreed and made no single noise. I yarned minute later, the tall man said to one man on his left, “Get a cart. We are conveying the lifeless body to the sheriff’s house. Let us waste no time. It will soon be dark.” The man replied, “Yes, sir. I will do that immediately.” He went and came back a few minutes later with an empty chart. A minute later, I heard a female voice saying over the mob, “Is he injured, that boy, too?” 

I turned my head only to catch a glimpse with Donna Ana Maria’s face. She was standing a few steps away from us. In fact, Donna Anna Maria is one of Daddy’s new customers. She was struggling to get closer to me because she had recognized me as soon as she saw me, because I was standing on that bench. She was shocked I was there. Marco replied, “No, he isn’t. He is safe and unharmed. We found him all alone in the restaurant after the crime. We do not know who brought him to the restaurant. Do you know him? Do you know his mother too?” Anna Maria had gotten closer to us now.

She cried, “Ricardo! That is Ricardo! I know him very well!” She tried to hold me briskly and solidly in her arms, with tears glistening rapidly from her face. “Ricardo! Ricardo! My son, what are you doing here all alone? Where is your father, my son? I hope you are alright!” hugging me tenderly. I was crying. I garbled, “He has gone to buy fuel for his car. He has since not come back yet. Didn’t you see him on your way as you were coming, Donna Anna Maria? I think he said he would visit you.” She replied, “No, my son. I did not go to my shop. I hope you are alright.” I nodded, wiping the glistening tears from my face. 

Marco said, “You really know this boy, Donna Anna Maria? Well, that is what happened. The father could not have done that to him, Donna Anna Maria! Can’t you see? How could he?” The panicked woman answered, “I do. Eh, please, seignior, can you allow me to take him home?” The guard objected to that request vehemently, shaking his head angrily saying, “No, seigniorial. I cannot allow that. I cannot.” putting his hand on my shoulder slightly. Donna Anna Maria felt very bad. She replied, “Why no, sir?” The man answered, “That is the law.” Another guard also went and eventually came with a cart to the front of the restaurant. 

Frankly speaking, people had never used that cart before because no crime of that sort had ever taken place in Chew Community before. That was the first time in the history of Chew Community. What I know is that Sheriff ordered his men sometimes ago to make a new cart for such occasions. Don Juan, the diseased, was a bachelor, a  successful businessperson, and above all a good citizen of Chew Community. He had never wronged anybody. His killing was-to many-a kind of sabotage since Phantom the leader of the gang had a business appointment with him at Flora Restaurant around three pm. 

Many people who tried to unravel the situation knew that there was money matter that brought about the shooting that Don Juan purposely came for business. When the security men put the lifeless body of the diseased into the new cart, I saw women weep as the cart began to move forward. The mob occupied the entire road so it was very difficult for anybody to come to or go from the opposite direction. A few minutes later, as I looked up over the mob, I saw Daddy’s car pull out from the right corner of the restaurant. He managed to park safely on the right. He was able to park before the cosmetic boutique despite the trouble on the street. 

From where Daddy was, he was not able to catch a glimpse with me immediately. He panicked. His face beaded with sweat and fear. Quickly he began to ask people near him as whether one had seen me. He was desperately searching for me. He did not see where I was. Comforted by his timely arrival, I nagged Donna Anna Maria quickly. I garbled, “That is Daddy over there looking for me! You can see him, can’t you, Donna Anna Maria?” pointing to my dad. Donna Anna Maria said, “Where exactly can you him? Where is he?” looking for him among the mob at the wrong direction. 

Donna Anna Maria blindly shouted towards any direction, “Don Philipp! Don Philipp where are you? Come over here now! Your son needs you badly! Where are you? He needs you urgently!” A few minutes later, Daddy appeared before us after struggling through the mob. He cried, “Ricardo! Ricardo, my son are you alright?” embracing me warmly, dropping tears. He looked sad. The guard asked, looking annoyed, “Tell me are you his father, Don Philipp?” Daddy answered him immediately. “Yes, of course, guard.” The guard replied, “Your son was found all alone in the restaurant during and after the shooting, Don Philipp. 

You will not be this lucky next time. How could you, amigo?”  Donna Anna Maria said, “Don Philipp, how could you do this to your son? Why did you do that to your only son, Don Philipp?” Daddy shook his head, still embracing me. “I am sorry, Donna Anna Maria. Please forgive me. I never knew it was going to be a dramatic situation after my departure. I was just going to buy fuel for my car. Please forgive me. It is true that I went to the filling station for fuel. Please forgive. This will not happen again. Please, please Donna Anna Maria, forgive me. I sorry.” trying to kneel before the angry guard. 

The guard replied, “Don’t ever do it again because if you do, the next time, I am sure, you will never forget the rest of your life. I promise you that. I hope you have gotten me right.” Daddy replied, “Please I will not recidivate. I can assure that from the depth of my sincerity. Mark my work. It is a promise. It is a promise.” The guard said to me. “Little boy, thanks you are still alive. Well, for now you only have to take it easy, Okay?” wiping my beaded face, filled with of tears, with his hand. Donna Anna Maria passed Daddy her white face towel. He picked it and wiped his tears himself. 

The convoy had begun to move, and soon, turned left and began heading towards the market. A few minutes later, the rest of those men in the blue tunic, who went after the criminals returned empty handed. There also came another guard on his horse alongside a certain man. Facing Marco, he shouted, “We are conveying the dead body of the disease to the sheriff’s house! Let us go now! Come along!” Donna Anna Maria replied him, “Thank you sincerely for your help, guard. Be blessed.” shaking hand with him warmly. Marco replied, “Don’t mention. That is my job. See you some other time.

Remember to take good care of Ricardo. Is that Okay by you, Don Philipp? Answer me now.” I slid to Marco the first guard. Daddy answered, “Okay.” I looked up into his face. I said, “Thanks nothing bad happened to me.” The second guard had gone at a gallop saying, “I will be there waiting for you, Marco.” proud, as he disappeared into the left corner. Marco, waving to us, mounted his horse quickly and galloped away. He looked back as he galloped. Daddy said to Ana Maria, “Thank you sincerely for your concern, Donna Ana Maria. 

I promise you this will not happen again. Please I am taking Ricardo home immediately. He needs some rest so he can forget about the drama quickly. You know the fear has traumatized him because he has never witnessed anything bad like this the whole of his life before. Please kindly allow me to go home with him immediately. Moreover, the time is not on our side and you know that our house is far from this place. Please.” dubbing my face with her thumb slightly. Donna Anna Maria replied, “That is a good idea, Don Philipp. When you go let him have a cold shower, some light food and then send him immediately to bed for 12 solid hours. 

It will not take any time and the pains will surely ebb away. I hope to see him completely safe and sound next week when you come to town, amigo.” Daddy replied, “Thank you once again, Donna Anna Maria. See you next week.” hugging her warmly. Absolutely nobody had remained at the restaurant. The couple too had also followed the guards and the mob to the sheriff’s office angrily. Daddy stifled a yarn. He said to me, “Let us go now, Ricardo. We have to reach home before night falls.” pulling my hand heading towards the car. I complied and followed him calmly. I managed to ask, “Are we going to Sheriff’s house, Daddy?” Daddy answered, “No, we are going home right away. 

You know it could be very dangerous plying the bush road by night.” I replied, “But Dad, there is one more thing I would like to tell you.” Daddy cleared his throat worriedly and said, “What is that, Ricardo? What is that, Ricardo? Tell me.” I replied, “It is the money. They thieves have taken it away. I did not have time enough time to take off the table before the gunmen broke into the restaurant suddenly scaring everybody. I dreaded, you know.” pacing towards the car, comforted and calm. We reached the car and stopped. I opened the door and looked at the sky. I saw no birds fly past over our heads. 

Daddy said to me, “Ricardo, I am aware. Do not talk about it for now, son. The gangsters came purposely for that, so forget about the money. Look, it is getting late. It will soon be 4 O’clock. Let us hurry up home now.” Before Daddy started the car, a man ran from the mob. Passing by us, he cried, “Don Juan is dead! They have killed him! Our community is mourning! What a pity for the people of this community! Don Juan is gone! He is Gone forever!” his voice was filled with distress, agony and sorrow. A few minutes later, he disappeared into the right corner, repeating those words he was saying so loudly while passing by our car corner. 

Daddy said, “What a sad end of a good patriot! They have killed a good patriot. What a shame to the people of this community this is! How can we continue to transact our businesses in this community? I am afraid!” I replied, Daddy saying, “Daddy, let us go home for now. Let us go home and rest. You know I am so tired that I need to be in bed as quickly as possible. As for those who committed this crime, they will surely pay for their bad deeds eventually. Believe me. Those are words of prophecy. Please take me home for now. I need some rest after this trouble.”

The Missionaries: Chapter One Cont.

Grand mum died suddenly at an enormous age of one hundred and one years. Yes, I sat in the side seat because I wanted to observe the landscape and the road very well. It took us about two solid hours to get to the tarred road, which is the main road. From the tarred road to Chew Community, it took us one and half hours to arrive. 

I can assure you Daddy’s speed limit was 45 km/h. Therefore, it was a safe drive and journey. Daddy wore his brown house attire made up of local textile material. The blue pair trousers he wore had been a gift by a friend of his. He had a red cap on his head unlike many men who always appear in cow bow dresses. He also wore a pair of black shoes instead of boots as I was wearing.

He is fifty years old. He has an oval face, and pointed nose. He has blue eyes. He is hairy and fat. He is handsome. His likes flat top as his best haircut, and does not like going to the barber’s shop if I do not remind him. I am as tall as Daddy is. I have an oval face, blue eyes and black curly hair. Everybody likes me because I am as handsome as Daddy is. I laughed. When we arrived at Chew Community, I said to Daddy, “Daddy, Don Gomez told us the last time we met that he would not be in town today that delivery can take place during the week instead. 

So, why don’t we start with Donna Juana?” singing. Daddy replied, “That is exactly what we are going to do, son. Thanks for the reminder. I am sure he told us he will be going on a business trip to Monday Town.” pressing on the horn three times because a child crossed the road recklessly. The time was a few minutes past eleven. Daddy turned left at Wonder Junction, overtook a car carefully, and having driven for about two hundred meters away from that junction, he stopped before Donna Juana’s shop. 

Donna Juana is a hairdresser, so she had ordered Daddy to do four paintings for advertisement. As soon as she saw Daddy’s car through the window of her workshop, she came out of the shop and said, “Welcome, Don Philipp. You have brought my work for delivery, haven’t you?” standing before the shop, gay, smiling and confident. Daddy and I got out of the car and met and the boot. 

The woman could not wait to the paintings we brought. Daddy answered, “Yes, I have, Donna Juana. I can assure you the paintings are so beautiful that you will love them. Trust me Donna Juana. Why don’t you come over and check for yourself, Donna Juana?” I smiled.She replied, “Oh, I see. Give me just a minute, Don Philip, then. Give me way. I am coming right away.” I did not talk.

Daddy opened the boot and I pulled the painting that was the first laying on top of the rest. I collected it and passed it onto her. She was amazed. She exclaimed. “What a beautiful work, Don Philip!” She ran back with the painting in her hand to the workshop, calling her husband desperately saying, “Iron Man, Iron Man come and have a look at the paintings we ordered Don Philipp! Come and see it for yourself!” 

In fact, in that painting, Boy had drawn a woman wearing a blue wedding gown on. She was smiling. She had long and beautiful jewel around her neck. She had a bouquet of flowers in one hand and a Chinese type of fan in the other. She had a magnificent hair-do on the head. However, it was unfortunate that her husband was not in the shop at that time. He had gone to see someone off, so she came back accompanied by one apprentice who was also admired the painting. 

She was happy. She said, “Please let me have the rest of the paintings immediately. I cannot wait to see them. Please hurry up before my enemies bewitch me.” Daddy and I laughed, seeing them admiring the painting. They were happy to see the paintings. A minute later, the rest of her apprentices, 5 in number, came out of the shop, struggling to be the first to see the rest of the paintings. As some of them were not satisfied seeing the first painting only, they came down to us and had a clear look each at the three remaining paintings. 

One smiled and said, “This is beautiful, isn’t it? I love it.” kissing the painting she had in her hand tenderly. Daddy became happy and proud about the hairdresser’s praises. He was proud. He said to me, “Do you see how Boy has made me proud, Ricardo? You see, ever since I brought you Boy your pet, there has never been a day he has not made me happy. You know, the other thing I like about him is his ability to produce quality works for delivery. 

You know I do not really possess the skill to do it myself. I have always tried to emulate him, but I always failed. Moreover, I am not sure nobody would ever try to undermine his smartness. Do you see the pride he has brought to us as far as today’s delivery is concerned?” I smiled saying, “Yes, I do, Daddy. I am sure nobody will ever believe he is the one behind our success. 

In addition, if somebody does, our fame will surely turn into disrepute, and our pride into laughter, and I do not think we will ever like to stay in this vicinity any longer. We will be shameful completely.” We entered. Daddy pressed hard on the accelerator and said, “You are completely right, son. However, I can assure you this will never happen. Trust me. I think what we have to do now is be very careful when delivering. Absolutely nobody should hear of this. I hope it is a promise, Ricardo?” I nodded a quick reply. “Yes, it is, Dad. 

I promise to keep it secret, Daddy.” Daddy and I shook our head each. Donna Juana and her apprentices all entered the shop and never came back. When we were leaving the shop, I shouted proudly through the window saying, “The second order will be delivered next week probably! Please do not forget to buy some carrots and put them down jealously somewhere for my pet! He will love to eat carrots bought by you!” laughing until our car disappeared completely into the right corner of the road. 

Daddy drove for about two hundred meters away from that shop and stopped on the left, before Don Sergio’s shop. After delivery of his four advert paintings on which Boy exhibited an excellent skill of painting work, Don Sergio exclaimed, “What a beautiful work!” standing lost in the admiration of the sorting of the colors of the work. Then he smiled, “This is exactly what I have been looking for since months. I am proud of your work, Don Philipp. I think I have something important to tell you. 

Look Don Philipp, I will send you my nephew. He is a big boy now. He came here four years ago. His father is the most popular angler in this village. He will come and learn this beautiful art from you. Look, he is there doing nothing, but chasing young girls only. I am tired of him. I do not know what to say. I hope you will give him the chance, won’t you?” Daddy closed the boot and replied, “Yes, I will, only if you can bring him to my house. 

Don Sergio, many people after saying that never fulfill their promises. Are you like them, my good friend? How can I believe you will fulfill this promise, Don Sergio? Alternatively, should I consider everything a joke? Is that a joke?” Don Sergio laughed softly. “I am not kidding, Don Philipp. I am telling you the truth. You have to believe me. Look, how can a big man like me tell lies, or be unable to fulfill his promises? I am sure you I will send him to you by the end of this month. 

It is true my nephew does nothing, but chasing young girls in town here end there, day and night. He is too lazy.” Daddy replied, “Well, you may have a nephew, Don Sergio. Until then, let me think of it thoroughly. Then you will hear from me as early as possible.” sounding so happy. He smiled. Don Sergio nodded a reply saying, “Thank you in advance for that kind generosity of yours, Don Philipp. I promise I will send my nephew to you. You can ask my wife when she comes around.” 

Don Sergio’s wife was standing behind him, but he did not realize her sudden presence. The woman was very beautiful. She laughed as she heard her husband talk about his nephew. She said, “Thank you, Don Philipp for your excellent work delivered. However, do not listen to my husband. He has no nephew whom he will send and learn any trade from you. That is a joke. I wish to see you some other time, Don Philipp.” Don Sergio is a tailor. 

We entered his workshop and Daddy drove away for about nasty three hundred meters, and having turned right at Baby Junction, he stopped before Donna Anna Maria’s dress making shop. I saw a certain woman standing at the window that opened to the road laughing as I talked to Donna Anna Maria. I believe that was her mother because I could hear something like, “My daughter, bring those paintings to me immediately! I will love to admire them too. Please waste no time! 

You know I have to return home before midday! It is important!” When I heard the woman talk from the direction of the window, I smiled. I said no words to the man who rode past behind me. Then I looked at a man who was riding on his horse past before us, laughing. We delivered he five paintings to her on which Boy, my pet, had drawn three wedding gowns and a skirt, and a house woman’s attire, each in a remarkable sorting of colors. She could not stop admiring the paintings. She kissed them like her dear ones whom she had not seen for months. I was very proud of Boy’s ability. 

Then we left her shop for Don Suarez’s shop at about one hundred meters away. Both Daddy and I were singing roughly in the car. Don Suarez was not there as he told us last week. Any way we delivered his work to his brother who was also learning bookbinding in his workshop. When we were leaving his brother’s shop for Flora Restaurant, I was yawning loudly in the car. The man shouted to Daddy, “Why don’t you leave your handsome son with me, Don Philipp? I will send him to formal school if you like! I am sure you like my idea, won’t you?” Daddy laughed, but did not give him any answer straightforward. 

The man was surprised. Some women rode their horses past beside our car. I like the way they rode past by our car. Daddy tapped gently on my shoulder and whispered, “I will never allow that. I will train you myself, son.” Well, that was a tough day! I got rid of my jacket, fanned myself with it since I had nothing better to use. I was becoming more and more tired, sweating like a pregnant fish, trying to close my eyes, but I could not due to the hit in the car. 

I kept in my hand busy, fanning myself until we arrived at Flora Restaurant after fifteen minutes of drive down town. It was past two pm now. People were on the road, going about their businesses calmly each. Few cars plied the road as we arrived at the restaurant. However, equestrians and men in their carts dominated the circulation at Chew Community because most people are poor, and they prefer the traditional way of transportation. I was sweating as we got to the restaurant.

The Missionaries: Chapters One

 FOR PETER MENSAH  

Permission to quote: Some people say when a priest burns, you need not to ask of his bears.

  I was still in bed when I heard Daddy call. He called from outside the hall so loudly that I flinched in a trice. He shouted, “Ricardo! Ricardo! Please wake up! It is eight! Remember today is delivery! We therefore do not have to miss this opportunity! Quickly come out and let us leave before nine!” The sun outside has risen and the sky was beautiful too. I was awake, but felt lazy to get up. I pushed the bed sheet aside violently and got up. 

I had not said a single word in reply before I heard his soft voice for the second time. He shouted again, “Ricardo! Ricardo! Wake up! Today is delivery! It is past eight! Are you still in bed? Today is delivery! We must not be late for town else, we will not be able to get that amount of money we want to make! I am sure you know if we do not get that money today, it will be very difficult for us to survive this month! Are you up, or you are still lying in bed?” coughing so badly that I laughed. 

I got up, came to the window in my blue pajamas, yawning and stretching my arms and legs slightly. I shook my head calmly. I replied, “I am already awake, Daddy, but I am not yet up! It will take me a few minutes before I can join you, Daddy! Please forgive me! Exercise patience! I will not be long! I am now going to brush my teeth, have my bath, dress, and thereafter, come out! I hope you will be patience until I am dawn! I hope you will forgive, Daddy! I am coming!” I went straight to the bathroom and had my bath quickly. I

came back to my room and met Bad boy, my pet. He was standing right in the middle of the room, admiring with rapt attention the pictures I brought in from town last night. Those pictures included football players I do not think I know. Nevertheless, I believe some of the players are the most outstanding footballers in various South American Premiers Leagues of today’s generation. I soon as I saw my pet chewing his favorite carrots, I surmised he had a good night without any nightmares.

I believed we would have fun on the compound. I said, “Hi, Boy. Sorry I woke up late from bed today. You know it not my habit waking up late. You know I came home very late last night.” touching him in the shoulder. “I understand Daddy is ready to go town for delivery. He even called me twice. I am sure he has already put the paintings you made last night in the car. By the way, how are the paintings like? I did not have enough time to examine them this morning as my duty because I woke up late today. 

Are you sure everything is Okay on all the paintings; the colors and the sorting? If there is any doubt, let me know.-” He cut me short, nodding promptly to my question. Boy, the four feet tall chimpanzee, chattered cheerfully and hugged me warmly. I said, “I love you, Boy. You make me happy every day. Without you, my happiness will be ebbed forever. I will always be sad looking for someone to play with, someone I will not get.” tapping him on the shoulder gently after dumping the towel on my dirty blue bird sheet. 

I picked my white singlet. It was slightly torn on one side, and my white long sleeves shirt from my bed, still in my blue shorts. I sat on the edge of the bed and wore the singlet first, looking at him. A minute later, Boy went to his room and brought me my comb. I picked it from his hand and combed my hair quickly. Later, he went to sit in the wooden chair near the window, watching me carefully as I wore my shirt. He did not chart. After combing, I realized that my room was completely dirty and undusted for about a week. 

In fact, it was dusty and dirty in such a way that as Boy sat in the dirty chair, the dirt stained his fluffy hair. Well, no matter how my room looks like, I just love it. I am proud I live in my room that way. It took me a few minutes to come out in my blue shirt and in my blue pair of jeans. I had my yellow hat on my head, but I did not really like its color simply because Daddy too hates wearing yellow dresses. Daddy told me that is his worst color. Boy looked at me from the corner of his eye. 

I said to him, “Let’s go, Boy. Daddy is ready outside waiting. I am sure he has added his bag to the paintings in the car.I hope you remember today is Monday, delivery day. I am sure you are aware about that, Boy.” stifling a yarn as if I were hungry. Boy nodded politely, smiled and took the lead to the car outside rapidly. I followed up shouting, from behind him saying, “Wait for me, Boy! Do not leave me alone! I need to take some money on me else will not be able to buy your new bed and mattress for you! Do you understand?” my voice was soft and lovely.

By then he had gotten out of the hall and was standing on the porch, facing Daddy who was down the steps. Daddy was smiling. He was waiting to see me in my look. He had something to say. I ran to him outside after taking my purse. It was containing a letter I have never shown daddy before. I kept it secretly under my bed for the occasion. As soon as Daddy saw me, he exclaimed, “Wow! That is my son looking like a cowboy! That is fantastic! I love your outfit, son! I am proud of you!” He came and hugged saying, “You are a big boy now.

I will soon teach you things adults do. I hope you are ready for those things, son?” Boy too came and hugged me. He passed me the comb back quickly and I combed my head for a while again. I smiled. I looked at him and replied, “I love you, Dad.” tapping Boy on the shoulder slightly. Daddy asked, “By the way, have you taken the money? We are buying Boy’s bed for him today after delivery. Remember.” turned to Boy and said, “Don’t forget Don Fiver’s work is due tomorrow. 

You make Daddy and me proud by your ability to do this painting work very well. So, take your time and do it well again. I trust you. I hope by the time Daddy and I have returned from town, you have finished it. And finally, I wish you good luck.” hugging him warmly this time. I passed him the comb back. He moved a brush from my pocket and chartered cheerfully as sign of happiness. A minute later, I heard Daddy saying, “Ricardo, it is time go. Customers will be waiting for us in town.” climbing down the terrace steps rapidly, heading towards the car quickly.

I followed him pulling Boy’s hand. He opened, sat down, closed the door and pressed on the horn hard. Boy came closer to maxi glazed at him, putting my hand on the stir wheel. He was standing by the side door. I said, “See you in the afternoon. And bye for now.” closing the door gently again. When the thirty-seven years old white Land Rover began to leave the compound, I turned back and saw him waving to us though he looked lonely and sad.

I waved back to him through the window, and kept on waving until the old Land Rover left the bushy vicinity completely. I laughed as the car moved slowly through the bush. Daddy laughed too. I quite remember Daddy once told me his grand mum once used the car that she gave it to my dad later.

 

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Author Kouma's world is offering any first individual,(no matter where he or she lives) an opportunity to Joint Venture with him by paying for the service fee of about $4,000 to his publisher on his behalf( for the publication of his first and finest novel,"The Missionaries").This partner will will receive a glorious share of his first year promotion sales period of 25% (of total shares).

The book title in question has been accepted for publication by Raider Publication in the U.S.A.Come partner with Author Kouma's world via a signed and sealed agreement, and take this fortunate sharing offer to change your world by sending him a message of interest through the contact form on this blog.  contact me at; writrskorner@gmail.com To take the offer please write in the subject of your message "OFFER A"plus country. Example "OFFER A" CANADA For inquiries write "INQUIRIES" plus country, Example "INQUIRIES" CANADA

Princess Barbara: Chapter One Cont.

Believe me, in less than a few hours; I had already fetched the pot of water to fill five of the jars in the kitchen. I was in my old black slippers."Hi lady," I said to a lady on the bank of the stream as I entered there for the sixth time. 'My name is Barbara. What is your name?" "Hi, my name is Isabella," answered Isabella, putting her bucket on the ground. "What can I do for you, young and beautiful lady?" smiling. 

'Look, the woman I am staying with since the past nine months has been maltreating me! Look, she wakes me up as early as four am, sends me to the stream, makes me wash everything she wears or not a day, instructs me to prepare breakfast and then asks me to sweep the compound of our house. Can you imagine? This is too much! And I have not finished.

And by the time it's seven a.m, I have gone to the market place four times with her goods on my head. And I have to open the store before she comes to the market otherwise trouble for me! I want to leave that wicked woman now. Please help me," crying.

"You are kidding, Barbara." "How, Isabella?" "Look, Barbara that is absolutely not slavery!" she laughed." I say you are kidding me. Look, Barbara, I wake up as early as three a.m, to go to the stream 12 times and come back to sweep the house. I do many things like going to the farm for foodstuffs and then return to the forest for firewood before the time is seven a.m.

"Really?" "Let me continue, Barbara, or I should make it short. Listen, my burden continues up to the afternoon. This time, this afternoon alone, I have already fetched nine buckets of water! And I live behind the market! I can imagine the distance I travel everyday. Forget about what you were saying, that is not slavery! Can you believe that I am two months pregnant for my husband? I shook my heard.

"Anyway, Isabella. What I need is your help. I want you to help me with some money so that I can be able to take transport and go far away from this place! Please have mercy upon me.

"I will think of it, Barbara. But I am not promising you something yet. Give me up to next week. I’ll discuss with my husband and see what he will say. Same venue, same time next week Tuesday. I believe by then I have gathered something for your journey. Hey, my husband has not eaten lunch yet. I must be going back home. I don't want him to starve. See you next week, Barbara." carrying her bucked filled with water.

She left me taking the left path while I took that on the right. I returned home with little hope. 

Watch Out for the next chapter in this rather thrilling story: Princess Barbara

Princess Barbara: Chapter One

I left my room in a hurry and came to the hall in my beautiful, mauve and blue uniform. I was not happy about the way Aunt Michelle has been treating me of late.

 I sat in one of the most expensive chairs, and quickly began planning something evil. "That wicked woman has been maltreating me for the past nine months I have been staying with her," I started to say, trying to remember my late mother. "I have to leave this house now. I have to leave this woman immediately. If I don't, she might end up killing me one day." 

I kept silent for a while. Then I spoke again. "What do I do now? I have to escape forever. I have to go somewhere Aunt Michelle will never set her eyes on me again. But where do I go? I don't know any place apart from this community." dropping tears. " I don't know how I can see my mum again. Is she dead forever?"

Not for long, the shuffling of Aunt Michelle's feet made me flinch. "Hey, she is already home!" I cried, leaving the hall at once, in a hurry. " I am dead!" I ran to my room as Aunt Michelle made her entrance into the hall furiously, and hurriedly had she sad down than she began to call me on top of her voice.

" Barbara! Barbara! Baarbaraaa!" she said with anger. "Where the hell are you? I want to see you before the end of the next 5 seconds! Can you hear me?" reaching for a glass of warm water from the nearest table.

Yes. I appeared before Aunt Michelle promptly shaking like an electronic toy. "Here I am," I replied politely."Tell me, what where you doing in my room?" asked the wicked woman, putting her handbag aside. "Were you planning to steal something from my husband's room?" frowning. "No Aunt Michelle," I answered, glaring at her. " I was cleaning up the rooms."

I saw Aunt Michelle picking a cigarette from a blue pact from her handbag. She used lighter to make fire and quickly began smoking. "By the way," said Aunt Michelle,"Is lunch ready? I am terribly hungry. You know it is past pm." I nodded then answered."Yes, Aunt Michelle," I said sighing deeply.

"You may go Barbara. I'll call you when I need you." Smoking. I left the hall shaking for my room. In my room, I could not stop remembering my mum, the one responsible for my ordeal in this house.

I know I have an oval face and a pointed nose and that I hardly smile. I know I am slim, and that I hate wearing tights or stockings, that my best way of dressing is wearing jeans and faded t-shirts. Well, I cannot complain.

I came back to the hall minutes later and noticed Aunt Michelle had left for her room to take a nap after her lunch. I did not spend much time in the hall. So I went to the stream (straight) with my brown and flowered pot like many other girls living in the community. I met many as I went along the way.

Watch out for rest of this chapter in my next post and don't forget to leave your comments and voting on this master piece-Princess Barbara.