Marie.
~
Ayshe was the worst storyteller.
Me and the girls obviously grilled her over that now infamous night on the yacht when she lost her .. flower.. but her explanation was .. flat, so to speak.
She never talked about the fireworks.. the flickering lights.. the ..
" Mrs Martell? "
I looked up and noticed my door being held by Ovuz.
We arrived at the Adans.
" I'm sorry.. thank you. " I got out and took the hand he offered.
The atmosphere was festive already.
People who were outside enjoyed some live music provided by some locals. They used a multitude of instruments such as tuba, drums, flutes, and the tune, and the flow was excellent.
It made even a few get up and dance.
" The 9th never disappoints. "
I looked at my left and saw my friends headed by my sister closing in.
" Indeed. " I smiled and let my sister envelope me in a crushing hug. " You guys look great..
" Never mind us! .. how are you feeling? A little dirty? Uh, uh! .. maybe a little..
" Shut up, Lilly. " I felt my face burning. " You already know .. most of the details .. so no more shall be said about what's going on in my ..
" Did Asin get mad for us nosing in? " asked Henny from the side.
" He doesn't know.. and will never know. Right!? "
I waited until they all confirmed it and then turned to Ayshe.
" How are things progressing? "
She took my arm and led me towards Amne's house.
" Everything's ready. The people.. " she dramatically gestured towards the still dancing bunch. " .. in high spirits, as you can see. Most of them are still home ... primping? "
I noticed her .. strange aura.
She was smiling a lot and .. in high spirits?.. not drunk, but..
" Oh my god.. " I stopped and examined their faces..
" Tchtch.. " I clicked my tongue after a few seconds." I hope you stayed under 3 cups of that tea.. don't do anything embarrassing, please. "
The three started laughing after a few seconds of silence, shaking me and themselves to the tune of the music.
How annoying..
They got here early, there was nothing to do except wait and relax, so they got high on red tea.
As they calmed a little, we continued to the house and inside.
The lovely smell hit our nostrils as soon as we entered. I smiled hearing Maya's singing along with a famous commercial and once entered saw Baban sitting in his chair reading his phone an arm length away from his face.
I walked over after he noticed us and kissed his hand.
" You're all very early. " he smiled. " .. I bet the boy won't appear for a while. "
" He is a show off. " Ayshe sat down next to Maya.
I left them as is and walked inside the kitchen, I found Amne bending over a large plastic bowl filled with dough, whisking away.
" Anme. " I walked over kissing her hand and taking the bowl. " What are we making? "
She nodded greatfull and leaned on the counter, taking her tea. " I promised the entire neighbourhood some of my cream puffs. It was a hasty decision. "
" Why not ask for help? Are the people too busy? "
I been here enough times to see the love and reverence the people, especially the ladies, showed towards Amne. I doubted there wasn't anyone to help out with cakes.
She quickly shook her head.
" No, daughter. No .. I safeguard the recipe. Left from my great grandmother. I can't let these people see the process of making it. "
I smiled into the bowl as my hand started to go numb. As I switched hands, we stood there silently. Started humming to myself.. than I noticed her eyes boarin a hole into me. She was examining me.
" Put that down for now and come with me.. " she took the bowl and led me out the kitchen and upstairs.
I had a bad feeling.. and I was on point.
For the next 30 minutes, I was interrogated about how last night transpired.
Older women are scary.
———
Ayshe.
~
The atmosphere reached its peak as the night descended.
Unlike last time when we came to remember the fallen, this time, the people were fully committed to having fun.
Marie changed clothes, and we waited patiently to the boys to call.
We used the time to further grill Maya about the father of her child.
" At least tell us how you meet? " Marie pleaded.
Maya shook her head gently. " Sorry, my mouth is locked, but don't worry soon, you know enough.. I'll be lucky if Asin hasn't found him already. "
She took a cookie from pile on the table and angrily jammed into her mouth. She clearly understood that Asin, with the resources he possessed, will eventually find the man responsible for her .. predicament.
In fact..
Oliver told how a few of her girlfriends from the university will soon make an appearance to try and coerce them in person to give up what they know.
Marie gave her a sympathetic look, being the mans wife she understood her husband's insanity more than anybody.
Around 7 p.m.. we were making our way outside.
There were dozens of tables already set up and filled with various food and drinks, including a large cake.
The music that greeted us from earlier now was playing at full swing, played by dozens of the Adans residents.
" What is this sound? .. it's very catchy. " Lilly asked the group rhythmically, bobbing her head to the music.
Marie and I were hovering around Maya, helping her towards the most comfortable looking chair while she answered Lilly's question.
" It's an Adans Original. " she smiled proudly. " ..it's no exaggeration to say its the tune we heard the most growing up. Birthday's, name days, weddings you name it.. "
" What are the lyrics say? " I asked, getting to the table.
They were occasionally chanted something I didn't understand.
Unfortunately, I couldn't join my sister with her classes despite promising her. I told her I needed to spend time with our parents, but in reality, I used the time to strategize with Oliver whenever Marie was away for a few hours.
Maya answered after safely seated.
" .. Wishing you happiness.. I wish you happiness.. joyful days ahead when a new king takes his seat .. Good luck to you, brother .. Good luck to you, brother.. Amen, Amen .. Amen. "
She sang along with the crowd as they made several circles dancing and howling.
We were treated for more red tea, but I cautiously sipped mine contrast to Henny and Lilly, who were knocking them back like soda pops.
Eventually, Marie noticed and did her best to discipline the duo .. which weren't easy considering their overall state.
I was proud of her sticking to her oath. She hasn't been drunk for months now. Good for you, sis..
" .. try and make an entrance? What is the matter with you!? "
At some point, Maya had enough of waiting and called Asin.
Marie didn't look concerned at all. I just enjoyed the music with the other well established ladies of the 9th..
I noticed something.
Me Henny and Lilly were the only ones who still looked like outsiders.
I looked at my dress .. it screamed, wealthy tastes. Henny and Lilly were no different. Marie never said no when it came to shopping, and its not like Asin cared what his wife spent their money on, so they looked just as rich as Marie .. exept ..
Marie looked exactly like the ladies surrounding her. Looks like her long-time wish of being accepted is finally fulfilled.
.. but still, I got a little annoyed. Felt like I'm being left out.
My worries largely disappeared with the 4th cup of red liquid I still didn't know anything about.
We soon started dancing with the crowd as Marie shook her head disapprovingly.
I'm not sure how much time has passed, but soon the music got louder, and I started spinning..
I felt bad ..
I would've taken a nasty fall if not for a steady hand that catched me..
My initial thoughts were Oliver.. obviously.
So I was doubly surprised seeing Desiree toothy grin.
" .. Are you okay? " She feigned interest.
I gathered myself almost immediately and after a little steadying.. I felt like I'm standing on solid ground once again.
" .. Thanks. I guess.. " I grimaced. " .. You?.. came alone? " I smiled.
I could see a little twisted light flashing in her eyes there for a second, but soon it was replaced with her usual calculating looks she always wore.
" I have family here .. " she motioned behind her.
I saw a woman in her 40s chatting with Aunt Krista, who shared some features with Desiree.
I remembered Oliver telling me about her aunt living here with her husband and kids.
" Anyways.. you know the red 9th is not meant to be chugged like that.. " she continued walking around me. " Bad news? Feeling left out.. ? "
I did my best to hide the fact that she managed to hit it in the head.
I felt a little ashamed.. but I got saved by my sister.
" Desi? .. "
She walked closer and stepped back as they embraced each other.
Marie has done her best to be on good terms with Desiree since she was old friends with Asin and now his assistant.
Needles to say Desiree done her equal best to be friends with her.
I pushed my annoyance, seeing her phoney smile hugging my sister but couldn't do much.
" Marie dear, you look like a proper 9th ward bride.. Aunt Krista must be happy. " she smiled after separating.
" Well .. they are a little loose .. they're Amne's. " she patted herself down.
" Amne now? " Desiree caught up. " Look at you, Ambla..( older sister. ). "
As Marie laughed and started talking more candidly, my annoyance reached critical levels since I still didn't understand what they were saying.
My phone buzzed, and I felt instant relief seeing the caller ID.
I tapped Marie's shoulder, showing her the screen.
" Oliver's calling .. they must be close. "
———
Oliver
~
Asin was driving..
It was my car .. so he couldn't exactly do his full crazy.. but it was still a less than gentle ride. After an hour of sobering reality, we left the Pirells at the house and doubled the guards.
Asin was .. lost for what to do.
He asked for the keys, and I knew he wanted to air his head a little.. he also hadn't driven since Konore.
We drove silently for a while.. I didn't envy the decisions he had to make .. or not make.
" Yeah.. that complicated things. " he spoke up.
" .. what do you think? " I looked.
I really wanted to ask what he would do? Now that..
" I think that those two might be worse than that man. " he said after a while.
Hmm .. true.
It didn't take long for the ladies to drop their pretending and got to the oouygooey good part of it.
They were fully aware of James Pirell activities. They knew when the hit happened, where it would happen.. but unfortunately, not the who behind it ..
Or at least that's what they said.. but can we believe them?
They promised to lure him back to the country or at least help us capture him by luring him in place.
For money, of course.
Sold the man with ease.
" What if they try and warn him .. or ambush ours? "
I listened.. but was pretty sure he asked the questions rhetorically.
Yes, they could.. play some kinda 4D chess with us.. not the masterminds.. puppets but still.
.. and I also knew we could find out everything we wanted from them.. and for free. If we only .. used unsavoury means.
But hurting woman and young girls .. no matter how despicable they were.. that was against everything we were.
So we were left with..
".. what will you do? " I asked again after a few seconds.
" I don't know .. I mean, I don't know. " he repeated frustration clear in his voice. " .. who are these people!? Where do you get the balls and money to attack us? .. and for what reason? "
" Maybe it's someone.. from the council. " I looked at him seriously.
" .. what .. as in someone betrayed their own? Are you trying to kill us? Okay .. " he sounded sceptical.
" I'm telling you .. I'm not sure how happy everyone is with the two of us joining.. fully this time. Maybe it rubbed some of them in the wrong way. "
It was something that had been stuck in my mind since we came back.
After all, it wasn't unheard of .. the mafia aren't exactly the complaint letter type.
If you hurt their operation, disrupt their money lines .. or just pissed them off, you get whacked.
But choosing the police as assassins?
Asin saw me deep in thought and sighed.
" .. I can't even entertain it. " he caught my look. " I don't wanna believe that after all that hard work we done, they still refuse to show us respect. "
" But I tell you what .. " he continued before I could say anything. " We prepare.. for all outcomes. We don't trust any of them.. It's you and me .. reaching as always.. right? "
I felt guilt filling my stomach..
" Right. " I smiled.
~
We were able to hear the party from almost a mile away.
" .. It's a lot. " Asin shook his head.
" They been waiting for someone like you for a while. Can't blame them for celebrating the day. " I smiled.
We pulled around the district and passed dozens of security that blanketed miles and miles surrounding the party.
With the police raids being an ever-present danger, the excess security was a must.
I called Ayshe on the road, and she sounded a little hoarse over the phone.. sounded like she was at a concert.
Now that concert was at full swing and got louder the closer we walked.
" .. Are you okay? " I slowed down a little.
I noticed his downtrodden expression.
" Yeah .. I just .. it was so strange. Seeing those two selling that man out like that. "
" Hmm .. remember they might work with him, " I reminded him. ".. but yes. Not every family is like ours.."
Imagine your own daughter and wife haggle over your life for money. Discussing ways to get you home .. it was, in one word .. sinister.
Asin tapped his face a few times, shaking his body a little.
" Alright! .. let us push all that out of our minds for a few hours. Let's go get dizzy .. "
I completely agreed.
Tonight was an important step after all.
~
I watched the ceremony up close and personal.
Back in the day, the first leader of the 9th established the way of succession.
Asin was surrounded by the elders in the town square as each of the men said a few words of his worthiness and gave way to the next one in line.
They told about his arrival all those years ago, his journey through his sickness, the love and support he provided through the years..
It was all very touching.. at least for me.
I was there for most of that journey. Saw his change over the years.. hell .. I'm still seeing it. After all, he is only 19 years old..
Yet ..
" .. I ask you all gathered! .. do you believe his worthiness!!? "
Uncle Ivan was the last and per tradition he asked the residents as well. It was but a formality yet also the last chance for those who disagreed with the choice or quality of the man.
I allowed myself to take a sweeping look at the crowds, but I saw .. and, more importantly, heard nothing.
As if all present held their breath, the loudest sound was Uncle Ivan tapping his cane on the ground.
" Very well. Let me have the ring .."
He turned and waited until Kol handed over the ring he received just before the ceremony.
The old man walked slowly but with sure steps until he arrived in front of his spiritual son.
I felt a nervous tap on my side..
" Marie? .. something wrong? " I whispered.
She shook her head and pointed at her phone.
" We can't take pictures, can we? " she asked hopefully.
I smiled and slowly shook my head.
It was a good idea. Capture the moment.. unfortunately, there can be no pictures or footage of any kind taken on such occasions.
Marie expression soured, but she did put her phone away.
As I turned back, I saw Asin looking at the ring that was on his right hand.
He wore it before, but it was different now.
Now it was permanent.
" .. In my time as Leader .. there was no enemy, nor friend.. whom I haven't repaid in full. " Ivan continued. ".. strive for the same.. my son. Congratulations! "
As the crowd erupted, filling the night with screams and howls .. I kept an eye on Asin.
It's done ..
After the weekend, we meet with the full power behind this country.. and start building our own kingdom.
———
Asin.
~
It never ends..
The line of people stretched for what it seemed.. miles.
All coming over with their families asking blessings and promising loyalty, some just cried a little more than wobbled away. I saw a lot of faces who had done the same before, but today was all about tradition.
Yet, every now and then, I saw calculating eyes. Offside looks.. full of jealousy and distrust.
It made me remember a conversation with Baban from years ago.
.. a man came over to wish him good health.
" Cockroach.. " he snorted once he was gone.
" Come now, old man .. what did he do? " I asked, laughing.
He took a minute before answering.
" .. The eyes kid. They never lie. One day, you might wear this. " he pointed at his ring. " People will circle you .. for favours, for money, for power.. Whatever they do for your support .. or however respectful, they act around you. Never trust them. "
The man turned around as he felt we were talking about him.. but the old man just waived.
He gave us a little smile and turned around, disappearing around the corner.
" .. The eyes. " he repeated. " Look for their eyes.. they all have their own kingdom inside them.. "
...
They all have their own kingdom inside them..
That day, I didn't wanna disagree with Baban, but back then, I didn't feel ill feelings from that man.
How stupid I felt when a few months later the man was taken away and dealt with, once we found out he was working with a rival family.
For his own kingdom.. he betrayed those who called him brother.
" The eyes .. " I whispered in front of me.
Just then, Oliver arrived with all our crew behind him.
" .. Leader. " he stepped forward, smiling.
I returned it and leaned back, pushing my thoughts aside.
" Well, well, well .. what can I do for you .. kid? " I smirked.
Oli rolled his eyes before taking my hand.
I pulled away and stood up.
" Come here .. "
As we embraced, the crew celebrated.
I smiled at the guys in the background.. my wife, sister in law.. they all joined in on the clapping.
But behind my smile, I felt.. strangely on edge.
As we pulled away, I took a long look into Oliver's eyes ..
" .. Are you okay? " he tilted his head a little.
" Hmm .. I am..." I smiled, then urged him forward.
" .. now go, give way to the others so I can get out of this seat. "
He gave a little nod, then went and joined the girls.
As I joked around with the crew as they promised their allegiance, a tiny prick formed in my heart.
Was there truly nothing behind his eyes? .. or I just refused to see it?
~
" .. Congratulations, my love. "
I let myself embraced and enjoyed Marie's perfume that has been intoxicated me for months now.
" Thank you .. Amne? Are you crying? "
I stepped forward and squeezed her tightly.
" What a day. " She pulled away, wiping her eyes.
" Let wisdom be your partner on your journey, my boy. "
I smiled, leaned down, and kissed her hand.
" Wisdom already is my partner Amne. You embody the very concept. "
She caressed my cheeks before giving space .. because it was needed.
" Ahh .. it's just like when we were children. People endlessly praise you while I have to elbow my way through the world. "
Maya was so big that it was getting hard to take her seriously. I always saw her fit and ready for a fight .. now she almost rolled around like a ball.
" Oh well .. God is good. " I shrugged off her moaning and embraced her. " Listen here .. as your Leader I demand you tell me the baby's father.. now. "
Instead of an answer, she simply smirked and walked away. Cheeky little.. fat girl.
Ayshe and the girls were next.
" Congrats, brother, Asin. Youngest leader in history..etc, etc.. "
I appreciated Ayshe nonchalant attitude. It was a refreshing change of pace.
" Seriously, though. Good luck. "
" Thank you, Lilly. " I nodded.
The people were still largely surrounded by us while the drinks truly began to flow.
I wanted to have some.. to be honest, but I was afraid to make a fool of myself.
" .. you can have some if you want. "
I turned my head and saw Marie with a daring little smile.
I suddenly picked her up by the waist, which elicited some excited screaming from her, and we twirled around a bit.
After some laughter and even applause, I brought her down inches from my face.
" .. I will build our own kingdom regardless of others. "
" Umm .. okay. " she agreed without questioning it.
As I kissed her, I silently made a promise.
I will make her happy.
Whatever it takes.
———
Marie.
~
Seeing him up there on that podium while hundreds pledged their loyalty made me .. incredibly excited.
It took me a considerable amount of effort to realise I was turned on. To be honest, I was new at this.
The entire day felt .. lighter.
My steps were lighter, my mood was higher, and I even felt my brain working better.
No wonder people changed so much after their first time.
I saw Asin in a different light as well.
More manly and .. attractive.
If not for the endless number of people still wanting a moment with him .. I would've..
" Marie? .. you making faces. "
I wiped mine clean quickly before answering.
" .. you had too much tea. " I waived Ayshe off.
We took a seat a little further from the guys who were in deep conversation with Baban and other elders, beside them a bunch of younger men in nice suits surrounding them.
" Those guys are his new blood brothers, aren't they? " asked Henny from the side.
" Hmm .. "
I couldn't say more because.. that's all I really knew.
Thankfully, Desiree was there to explain.
" Those boys now carry a big responsibility. " She poured some more tea for herself. " .. they represent Asin in a lot of ways. That's a lot of power in the hands of the corrupt. "
" Are they corrupt? " asked Henny.
Desiree took a sip while shrugging.
" Don't know, but we will see. They will show their true colours over time. Besides .. " she turned towards me. " .. Asin will see through them before anyone else. He is .. intuitive. "
I smiled proudly while silently agreeing.
" But still .. he can be blinded. " said Maya, keeping her eyes on Asin. " He will need all the help he can get. I'm afraid he's not fully realised the weight of his position. "
" Hmm .. you should know better. " I smiled.
She turned to me with a questioning gaze.
" I'm just saying.. he is very aware of the responsibilities that come with his new position.. no need to fear. "
For some reason, it annoyed me .. not what she said .. but the condescending way she said it.
Like she was still viewing a 15 year old child.
" Look at you .. he sure gave you some courage. " her surprise expression changed into an evil smile. " Here I was thinking the birthday boy was supposed to get things. "
As the table chuckled, my head felt like it was set on fire.
I searched with my eyes, but Amne conveniently found her tea more interesting. Betrayed!
Maya enjoyed her moment enough. She leaned over, hugging me from the side as much as her stomach allowed her.
" Having a little sister is fun. " she smiled, looking up.
I couldn't help but smile myself. Unconsciously, I started looking for Ayshe.. but she disappeared from beside me at some point.
" Henny? Have you seen Ayshe? "
" She was here a second ago .. " she shook her head.
I quickly let it go when I noticed Oliver's absence as well. They probably sneaked away unnoticed.
Lucky ducks.
I looked back at the table where my husband was currently nodding to Kol's words.. whatever they were.
He kept playing with his bottle of water..
It annoyed me, too.
We couldn't just go crazy and celebrate his birthday properly. From now on, we need to show an example. At least while inside the 9th ward.
Meanwhile, Lilly and Henny beside me were living their best lives. Laughing and howling along the music.
Even Maya had some tea.
Amne saw it and said nothing, so I assumed it didn't hurt her or the baby.
The baby..
I touched my own stomach and couldn't help but feel a little giddy. Who knows? .. we might not be that much behind her.
But who knows what the future holds?