Chapter 4: Chapter 4

After succeeding in convincing the old man in not so sweet words that heaven might not be in need of him for now, affronted he stumbled out of Ete Affiong's hut, cursing heavily.

Ete Affiong's only reply was to turn to his companions to announce his retirement, silently urging them to leave his hut so he can eat his wife's delicious food alone and undisturbed.

He darted his eyes about, taking in their hungry expression as the aroma of the food crept in enticing their taste buds. Already he could see some of them swallowing loudly with their Adam's apple bobbing up and down.

Ete Affiong frowned.

He had to get them out now before they start developing ideas, like wanting to stay back and eat. No way was he going to let that happen, he just has to remind them that they are fathers and husbands.

"Ufan mi (my friends) it's about time you go back home to the comfort of your wives arms, to your meals she had made ready for you. Er... I am going inside eh. Bye bye. My regards to your wives." he said and briskly entered his hut ignoring their sounds of protest.

Inside his hut, he waited behind the faded curtains and listened for sounds of shuffling feet, or any sign of movement. He was not disappointed as he heard them bid themselves farewell.

"Ima mi (my love), what are you doing?" startled, he jumped.

"Wife you scared me. Ehen, where's my food? I'm afraid the worms in my stomach are starving." he playfully told his wife.

"Oh, the worms. What a pity. I guess I just have to feed the poor things." she smiled lovingly at her husband.

"Ah... That is why I love you. You are so kind, you care for even the little things." he grinned and wrapped his arms around her.

"Let's go my wife, my olfactory senses will lead the way."

She laughed.

"It's your favorite you know?"

"I know, my senses are functioning perfectly, I doubt I'll lose it any time when it comes to my wife's cooking."

"Husband you flatter me." she giggled

"Of course, it is my job." he smiled and together they walked to where their senses led them.

***

Uyai stretched as she came out of the hut. "Ah! My back." She groaned while massaging the painfully throbbing part of her back. She was just so tired, her muscles were strained with tension, and her whole body ached. Grimacing, she swore softly and began strolling to the backyard, perhaps some well deserved fresh air would do her some good. She winged her hands together and cracked her knuckles to loosen its stiffness, at the same time trying to suppress a yawn.

A fly flew by and her step faltered, annoyed she chose to ignore it and continued strolling, but the stubborn creature was bold enough to perch on her nose. More irritated than before, not hesitating, she flung her hand to wave it off or probably kill it, but only succeeded in slapping her nose.

"Aw!" she groaned, her day just seemed to be getting worse. Uyai didn't know whether she should cry or laugh. She felt like stumping her feet, but thought twice of it, that'll make her look stupid. She looked down with her shoulders slumped and began to trace imaginary lines as she walked, then remembering that she had spotted a paw paw that had shown early signs of ripening. She paused, and then grinned. It should be ripe by now. Hurrying her pace, she semi ran to the site she had spotted it only to suddenly stop as she was met with an unwelcoming sight.

"No, no no...." she shook her head, and looked at the flying creatures, both the birds and flies dancing round the remains of the paw paw, it's succulent flesh torn open as they feed on it. And you know what? They completely ignored her even as her feet moved her closer. They couldn't even respect the higher authority by flying away, but no. They continued feeding as if her presence didn't matter.

But something else now got her full attention. That something was lurking behind the palm tree that was known to be her refuge, she watched fascinated as it paced forward and backward, both arms akimbo. Er...that something, was a young man, a tall handsome young man she recognized. Like Affiong, he was light-skinned and had a muscular build that was to some swoon worthy.

She watched him for a while, and watched as he got tired of pacing. Uyai thought to announce her presence, but stopped short when the young man did something so amusing, she wanted to burst out in laughter. This was better than any drama she had ever watched.

"Affiong my dearest, ever since I met you...Ah! That won't do." he paused frustrated. "Just a little sweeter, not desperate. This is not a time to cower Edem. You can do this! You have hidden for long, you are done hiding! Humph!"

Uyai watched as he talked to himself, rehearsing the speech sister was going to receive. He started again and Uyai felt tempted to make herself comfortable in a makeshift stool and watch the really fascinating drama.

She was curious you know, she wanted to know how it was done, how young men woo women. Uyai giggled at the thought of giving him a pointer or two.

"...your fascinating dance moves arouse me at every turn..."

That was definitely unexpected, as much it was entertaining hearing his poetic description, all what he said spoke of adulterated lust and she felt uncomfortable hearing it. In order to save her ears from being defiled, she hurriedly announced her presence.

"Ehg-ehg." she coughed loudly, startling the poor man till he fell over. With measured steps, she walked to him until she stood at his front. She watched as his eyes trailed from her slippers clad feet, pausing briefly at her her skirt that was obviously twice her size before coming to rest on her face. His eyes widened in confusion.

"Here." she offered him her hand, waited till the confused man received it, then she pulled him off his butt, well, not on her own, from his build you could tell that her effort was a waste, he basically helped himself. He stood uprightly and brushed the dust off his gray trouser.

"Err... Who are you?" he questioned, his eye brows narrowed in a frown while scrutinizing her figure.

Well nothing to see there friend.

"Chief Asuquo's youngest daughter." she said instead.

"Chief Asuquo, Chief Asuquo" he whispered the name slowly "Ete Affiong?" he asked unsure

Uyai nodded.

"Y-you're Ete Affiong's daughter? The younger one?" he asked bewildered while slowly taking her in. He frowned, as he perused her, there was no inkling of resemblance at all.

I know, I know am not much to look at, but do you have to make it that obvious?

She scowled at him.

"Affiong's little sister? Y-you're..."

"Not curvy? Structured like a man?" she completed it for him.

"No! No. Not at all, I-I mean you're not err...you know, but you're pretty, not structured like a man at all." he finished and sighed heavily as if tired from a battle. Uyai watched him closely and noticed how nervous he was, right now, he was so embarrassed, and he began to scratch his head, while avoiding her gaze.

Uyai continued to watch him silently that he couldn't help but ask the question he'd been dying to ask.

"So, err...your sister, how is she doing?"

"Affiong? I'm sure she's fine." she simply replied purposefully not giving away any information.

"That's good, that's good. So, err..."

"You know if you want to woo my sister, you have to make your intentions known to me?"

"W-Woo your sister?" he laughed uneasily coughed.

Uyai raised an eyebrow and he coughed guitily.

"Ah!" he chuckled nervously, while darting his eyes about as if expecting someone to just pop out of nowhere. "The thing is, I love your sister. I've not been able to think of anyone but her. She's beautiful, an excellent dancer and..." he trailed off looking heavenward as if the next adjective he'd used to describe sister was written across the clouds.

"And...?" Uyai raised an eyebrow, standing akimbo.

"She's eh hardworking?" he answered unsure.

"Really?" she raised an eyebrow sarcastically. She felt tempted to roll her eyes, but held it in. "You claim to love my sister, but know nothing about her. And mind you, if you haven't noticed, quite a number of girls in this village are excellent dancers."

"I know, I know. That's the more reason why I intend to court her to learn her other endearing attributes."

"Court her? You know you need my father's permission for that. Would you be bold enough to face him?"

The young man swallowed loudly.

"Perhaps if I know she finds me to her liking, then what would restrain me?"

"Exactly! What would restrain you? I wish you luck then in trying to find out." she mocked and made to leave.

"Wait!" he held her arm to stop her. "I might need your help."

"Might?" she pretended to be affronted.

"Not might, I need your help." his eyes sought her beseechingly

Uyai smirked. Now you're talking. "I am not sure I can, but, I'll try, because I can see how much you adore my sister." Uyai kept a convincing face trying with all might to not snicker in mirth. She mentally shivered as she said those words. It sounded ridiculously cheesy to her ears.

"Thank you. Thank you. You have eased my burdens." He cried happily. "I shall take my leave." he said and turned his back to her, whistling happily.

"Err, Wait!" It was now Uyai's turn to stop him. He froze and turned slowly to face her.

"What's in it for me?"

"That is not an issue, believe me." He grinned and she returned it with a wolfish grin.

"Meet me here, same time tomorrow." She said and released him, the grin still stuck to her lips.

"No worries. Thank you." he smiled gratefully, pivoted on his heels and began his journey back, kicking pebbles on his way, he resumed whistling.

Meanwhile, hidden from view, was another figure practicing his lines on how to woo her sister Affiong, this one however was extremely bad at formulating a speech, it was obvious he required more than a few pointers, but he needed a book full of them.