chapter Twenty-One
Brother to Brother
Toby
I stand across the kitchen counter from my new brother-in-law. Kwäzē hasn’t said much since he arrived ten minutes ago. He has only stared at me. I won’t be the first to break, so I continue to stare as well.
We haven’t seen each other, since he returned to California, over two years ago. He looks good, tired but good. His eyes narrow on me, as if he is making the same observation.
“You don’t look like a king to me,” he mutters, his first full sentence.
I shrug my shoulders. “Didn’t think I would after one day. What’s wrong, you mad I became king before you?” I shoot back, testing the waters.
Kwäzē cracks a smile, loosening the tension in the room and in my chest. This is still my best friend. I’ve missed him. I could use his friendship now.
“You’re still an asshole,” Kwäzē laughs. “Welcome to the family.”
He moves around the counter to pull me into a hug, slapping me on the back. It is a welcomed embrace. I woke this morning to the full realization of what happened yesterday.
I would never tell Kamara, but I’m scared out of my fucking mind. I am now a king, a husband, and soon to be a father. I’m the third youngest of seven brothers, I’ve never had this much responsibility in my life.
“You’re still the only one outside of my brothers, I’ll let talk to me like that,” I throw back at him.
“Might just make a king out of you yet,” Kwäzē chuckles. “Where is my sister?”
“She’s having a slow morning, today,” I sigh.
Kamara has been sluggish this morning. She hasn’t had morning sickness very much, but every now and then she may have a bit of a time in the morning, extra tired and lethargic. I was actually getting ready to make her breakfast, when Kwäzē arrived.
Kwäzē’s face turns somber. “You know, I think that is the part I regret the most. I never got to see my children swell the belly of the woman I love,” he murmurs down at his hands.
“Want to talk about it?” I can see the sadness in his eyes.
Kwäzē has had so much on his shoulders. I couldn’t imagine not knowing about my children for nearly three years. Not to mention, all the other shit going on with his family.
His jaw works in indecision. “No,” he shakes his head. “I’ve come to assist you guys with the move. We have much to do. In time, you and I will be able to sit like old friends, in time.”
“Old brothers,” I correct him.
“Yes, in the literal sense now. I have missed our talks,” Kwäzē smiles again.
“I have too,” I reach to pat his shoulder.
“Does not mean I am not going to fuck you up for impregnating my sister,” he teases.
“Whenever you’re ready, the ring is waiting,” I shrug.
“The ring for what?” Kamara’s cautious voice fills the air.
I turn to see her walking into the kitchen. She looks gorgeous. Tired, yet, she’s glowing. Her hair is loose and wild, my favorite way.
Her long legs are on display in her yellow short, shorts. She has on an oversize shirt that’s falling off one shoulder. I would love to be kissing that bare skin. I wish we were alone.
“Would you two stop looking at each other like that,” Kwäzē groans. “This is why you failed to hide your feelings from everyone.”
“No, you are just nosey,” Kamara shoots back. A shy smile covers her full lips. “Where is your respect, brother? No bow for the queen?”
I swear, if Kwäzē were a lighter man, I think I would see all the blood drain from his face. He steps back from the counter, preparing to give his sister a more formal greeting.
Kamara throws her head back and laughs. “Don’t you dare, Kwäzē. It was a joke,” she sings.
“A joke that should be taken seriously. You are right,” he mumbles.
“For now, no one is to know. It’s no big deal. We’ve gone on this long…,” Kamara starts.
“Soon, we will be restored. Our children need to learn the proper way,” Kwäzē insists.
Kamara holds up her hand. “Not in the mood to argue. Let’s agree to disagree. I’m starving and my belly is starting to itch. Let’s eat so we can get to the other house and pack my things.”
“No need, you and I both know, father was not going to let you pack a thing. It is being taken care of. We are going straight to the new house. Toby and I will then drive the numerous routes to the house, from his work and family’s houses.
“You will need to be very careful. Never take the same routes home and change transportation as much as possible,” Kwäzē instructs.
I tilt my head and press my lips at him, folding my arms over my chest. “Really?”
Kwäzē pumps his hands in front of him to hold my words off. “I know, I know, this is what you do for a living. It is my sister, Toby. Indulge me, I need to feel like I have covered everything concerning her,” he says with a plea in his eyes.
I roll my eyes, but nod my understanding. I start to get breakfast ready so we can get this show on the road. I want to know every route, every hospital, every back and main road, before night fall.
I also want to look at the house. I can’t call my brothers or anyone I know to fit the place with security and a weapons room, like I would like to, but I will install a system and build what I need myself.
I feel a ping in my chest, when I think of all the shit I want to share with my family. I’m married and I’m going to be a father. I felt the babies move again, last night.
“I will do everything in my power to end this sooner than later,” Kwäzē says, when I walk plates over to the table for him and Kamara.
“And I will do all I can to help you,” I nod back.
“Phew, the bathroom is calling,” Kamara sighs.
It’s her third trip, since she first came out. I watch her lift from her seat and start for the bathroom. When she’s out of sight, I go back for my own plate.
“I don’t have to tell you how important it is to keep her safe,” Kwäzē says, when I sit down.
“No, but I’m sure you’re going to anyway,” I shrug and tuck into my plate.
“My father is under the impression that this is going to be so easy. It is not. Afafa has gained the favor and ear of more than the politicians. Some of the people have lost faith in our family,” Kwäzē shakes his head.
“What are you all planning to do about this engagement party? It is sure to cause more problems for you guys,” I ask curiously.
“I will return in a few days. We have a cousin that looks a lot like Kamara. My concern is the danger she will be in if we place her before Afafa,” Kwäzē places his fork down to rub his forehead.
“It is all so complicated. The wrong move will tip this all over. My father wants to fake his own death to force my reign as king. I think we will just be shaking the tree with that move,” Kwäzē sighs.
“But the people trust you, don’t they? It may not be such a bad idea,” I nod to myself, as I think.
“Yes, I was all for it, as well, until I found out about my twins. If we make that move, I will have to spend more time in Africa. I have things here I need to pursue,” Kwäzē rubs his chin. “Unless.”
I drop my fork as well, sitting back in my seat to narrow my eyes at my friend. I can see the wheels turning. I’m all for keeping my family safe, but I see what he’s thinking. It has me shaking my head right away.
“Bad move, Bro. Don’t do it,” I grumble.
“I have to do something. The death of my father and my succession to king will override the engagement. The people will be in mourning. The focus will be drawn to me and my next move,” Kwäzē muses aloud.
“Dude, she has a life here. The children have a life here,” I answer his thoughts.
“She also has a distraction here. He does not deserve her. I can’t prove it, but I don’t like him and I want him away from my family. He is not who he says he is,” Kwäzē says tightly.
I sit up, the hairs on my neck and arms standing to attention. “You need me to look into him? You want to pay him a visit?”
“Ah, we cannot pay these visits like when we were teenagers, King Toby,” Kwäzē laughs. “Still, I like this new plan.”
I groan. “You’re going to push her too far,” I warn.
“Let me figure that part out,” he smiles. “You worry about keeping your half of the royal family safe and hidden. I will worry about keeping my half where they belong.”
“Playing with fire,” I mutter under my breath, as Kamara returns.
“Only way to play,” Kwäzē chuckles back.