However, his next question stopped me in my tracks. “You went to Mansite?” I turned around to look squarely at the guy who shuffled his feet close to me. He just knew what to say. A small smile formed on my lips. I nodded. The snickering from his band of boys sitting a few feet away died away when I smiled. Apparently, they had warned him that I was untouchable, unapproachable because I was my legendary brother Tommy’s little sister. He didn’t listen to them. He confidently moved and spoke his mind. So. Now… he was a Champion. As fate would twist it, his parents had divorced and he chose to follow his dad who had moved to Adabraka. Whilst some things are messing up. Others are getting better. A direct translation of an Akan truism. Then the conversation shifted to “Do you know this person or that person?” The pursuit started almost immediately. I didn’t tell him I wanted to think about it. Or I needed the wisdom of my pillow to give him an answer. My answer was ready . “You are too late, I have said yes to this person.” Instead of backing away, he became a staunch friend, looking out for me, checking in on me. Everybody in my family loved Kwabena, especially my mom. She did not understand why I would not say “Yes” to this respectful young man who she parried with. I gave all these silly excuses even after I was not dating anyone, until one day, my brother slipped into a conversation I was having with him that Kwabena was getting married. I felt an indescribable pain. Next to what I felt for my mom when she left? Probably. The rest of the conversation did not interest me. I wasn’t distracted I waited for anopportune time…a lull in the conversation to leave his house and call Kwabena. As soon as I got home, I dialed his number accusing him of not informing me about his impending marriage. Ei. This man was laughing at me as if he had no idea what I was talking about. In the next couple of days, Kwabena slipped in playfully, “make up your mind and let me marry you.” I didn’t hesitate. My mind was made up. No long things. In 2004, he waited for me at the altar of the Ascension Presbyterian Church of Ghana as Thomas Dakwa entrusted me into his care, my little sister bringing up the rear as my maid of honor. My treasured squad. Little Bunnies He breathes on me… I bulge. He breathed again… Another bulge. He blew me kisses… Another bulge Barely a year on the road, and I stuck “a baby on board” sticker on the car. 26 The Birthday Journal
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