"This calls for celeberation!" Arike said.
"Yes,it does."
They sang and danced. They even convinced the old man to join them. He hadn't had this kind of fun for a long time now. Not since Wura died. There hadn't been anything worth celebrating. Whatever good thing happened would eventually be snatched away from them so saddness had lingered in the house hold. It had made a home in their hearts but now ,for the first time in a long time there was a reason to celebrate.
He was genuinely happy for his daughter. He knew life had been hard on her. He knew she was strong and she could handle it but he also knew that just because she could handle it didn't mean she should have to go through it.
He was glad she was happy. He was glad she had found true love, love in such a pure form. Not everyone got to have that but if anyone deserved that ,then it was Omowumi.
He watched his daughter and grand daughter dance and felt grateful to Alani.
"Alani come and dance with us. You aren't shy now,are you? You were so bold when you proposed. Now,come dance with your wife."Apeke teased
"Yes. Dance!"Arike said.
Alani stood up and danced with them. They danced their hearts out with careless abandon and in that moment their problems were long forgotten.
.
Omowumi sat next to Apeke as they gazed at the night sky. They had been silent for a while now, each lost in their own world. Worlds filled with many thoughts.
Omowumi was busy thinking about her problems while Apeke was doing the same. They had had fun,now it was time to face the problems .
Omowumi wished she could do something to make it easier for Alani to convince his mother but she didn't think it was possible for the woman to ever be persuaded to agree to them getting married no matter what she did. The woman was quite stubborn.
Meanwhile,Apeke was so worried about her marriage as well. She was scared she would end up having to marry the crown prince. She had no idea why but she was scared of the future and what it would bring with it.
She had a feeling something really bad was going to happen,soon. Like,a dark cloud would be cast upon her world.
No, no. Nothing was going to happen. She was probably just overthinking things again.
She stood up and started pacing. She was worried and tensed and nothing had even happened. She felt stupid for being this worried and anxious over a fear that wasn't even supported by a dream.
The fear was baseless, but it was still there.
Her thoughts were interupted by a silent call of her name. She looked towards the direction of the sound and saw Alani gesturing for her to come to him.
She obliged and walked towards him.
"What is it?"She asked.
"I want to go home. No,I need to go home."
"Why?What for?"Apeke was worried. What if this is how what she was fearing would end up happening.
"I need to find a way to make mother agree."
Apeke understood him and couldn't stop him from going. He had to do this.
"Then, I'm coming with you. For support." Apeke said dermined to protect her brother against whatever evil.
"Ok."
Alani walked over to Omowumi. Apeke decided it was better to leave them be for now. It was better they talked alone and their constant show of affection wasn't helping her lonely heart. They kept reminding her of Michael.
She wondered if he was okay. She hoped he was. She looked at the distant trees as she wondered if she was just doomed to be alone.
Omowumi was still busy thinking about what she was going to do,what would be the perfect solution for it all when Alani sat next to her.
He took her hands in his and told her,"I have to leave now."
"You can't leave now. It's late,wait till tomorrow." Omowumi said.
"Don't worry, it's not that late. We'll be fine. "
"We?" She wondered what he meant by that.
"Apeke. She's coming with me."
Omowumi felt stupid for even asking. Of course that was what he was talking about!
"Ok. I get it. Please be safe."
"I'll be,I promise." He smiled.
"Good bye,then."She said to the two of them.