I shared the food with my brother and Catherine, munching and chatting at the same time. It seemed like a new day in paradise.

“Hmm Morris, you’re now the boss,” Boris said amid smirks.

“Hmm?” I murmured with a mouth full.

“You’re indeed mad,”

I turned round to take a look at Catherine, only to see her laughing. She was busy laughing the day lights out of herself, and I hoped I was safe. I managed to take a close look at her and I discovered a very beautiful set of dimples on both sides of her cheeks.

Wow, that was the very first time that I ever saw her dimples, I never knew she had dimples. I was still looking at her when Boris jolted me out of my stream of thoughts by a hit on my arm.

“Catherine is calling you.”

I don’t know if he said it or if I was hearing things but I was angry, why couldn’t this boy let someone rest.

“Are you serious?” I asked curiously.

“No, I’m not, it’s your imagination that is talking to you lover boy,” he replied.

I just stood still, looking at him. I was still thinking and didn’t know when Boris left me all alone. It was not long before Black Duke (Maduka) joined me, I didn’t notice his presence until when he spoke up.

“Morris,” he called slowly, bringing me out of the stream of thoughts.

“Yeah man,” I replied.

“Do you know that Boris is eyeing my sister?” he asked.

“What?” I fired at him, pretending I never knew what was up.

“Yes it’s true and it also seems my sister is also interested in him. Guy, just takes a look over there,” he said pointing to a nearby chair. I could see Boris and Doris holding hands like a newly wedded couple.

My jaw dropped, leaving my mouth open. Wow this Boris of a guy, I fear him o, when did it start? I thought he was too shy?

I was still looking at them when Black Duke called me back to reality.

“Morris, do you support their relationship?” he asked, throwing more bomb shells at me. I quickly gathered myself up into one piece and took a look at him before replying.

“It’s left for you to decide.”

“Morris, I’m in support, all I need now is your answer,”

“OK, to be honest, I’m in support, but let’s wait for them to open up to us first before we can make any decisions,” I replied.

“You’re right, in fact you’re indeed a saint,” he teased.

“Duke, please stop flattering me,” I rebuked him jokingly.

“We’re done man, so now can you please stop neglecting our beloved Catherine and pay her a little time and attention,” he rebuked.

Just then, it dawn on me that since I brought the food from Mr Smith, I haven’t spent time with my beloved. And when I looked at her direction, she was smiling lovingly.

“Pardon me Duke, I’ll be right back,” I stood up.

Mr Smith came as promised at night. I had already informed every one of my family, adopted and real family, about his coming. Everyone was wondering what the Almighty Smith was coming to do in our lonely shack. It was more like a dream and everyone was surprised if not shocked that Mr Smith was coming to our shack.

After telling them about Mr Smith’s impending visit, I could see Boris’s face twisting and smiling at the same time. I could see beyond those brave facial expressions that he was visibly scared. I guess he thought Mr Smith might have heard or found out that he, Boris, called his brain that of pumpkin. I nearly laughed out loudly when such thoughts crossed my mind, but immediately I composed myself.

“Morris, I hope we are safe, that Smith is coming?” Catherine asked.

“Yes dear, we are very safe,” I assured her.

I could see what looked like fear written all over her face, but I just ignored her fears. I went straight to where she was, held her by the shoulders and assured her.

“Yes Catherine, I am very sure, he just wants to pay a visit, that’s all,”

***

Tell us: What do you think Mr Smith’s visit to the slaves is about?