Chapter Nine

Edwina

"Why does Dad want me to head home now?" I asked my sister, taken aback.

"I'm not sure, but I think you might be in trouble," Evelyn replied, shrugging her shoulders.

"But I haven't done anything wrong," I protested. "We need to sell all these peppers today, or we'll have to use them ourselves."

"Maybe you should go home. I'll stay until six," Evelyn suggested.

"Are you sure? Will you be able to manage bringing some things back by yourself? If I can come back to help you, I will. Otherwise, Esther will come," I said.

"No problem."

"I'll go home and see what Dad wants," I muttered before leaving. Dad rarely called me home from the market. Whatever he usually had to tell me could wait until I got home, but this might be very important.

"Edwina Jonas, is that you?" A female voice questioned.

I turned around, only to find myself face to face with Samantha Williams, my arch-nemesis. In a surprising turn of events, she had gained admission to a university in the city and had traveled a few weeks ago to settle all necessary payments before the school resumed. I had no idea she was back in town.

"Oh, look who it is. You still look the same," Sam said, flashing me a saccharine smile.

"And your nose is still broken. I thought you'd have had it fixed by now. Guess you're not as wealthy as you claim to be," I retorted, sneering at her.

"Want to play that game with me?" Her eyes flashed dangerously.

"Not really. I have better things to do with my time and worthy people to exchange words with," I replied with a smile. "Goodbye." With that, I pivoted on my heel and continued on my way.

If she believed that her dolled-up appearance and sophisticated demeanor would embarrass me about my own looks, she clearly didn't know me well. Nothing and no one in this world could ever make me feel ashamed of myself.

Putting the encounter with Samantha behind me, I finally arrived home. My father was seated on his favorite rocking chair, lost in his thoughts. Climbing the short steps to the verandah, I approached him.

"You sent for me, father," I said, trying to capture his attention since he hadn't noticed me yet.

"Ah, yes. Sit down," He said, shaking his head to clear his thoughts and turning in his rocking chair to face me.

I settled onto a chair that was oddly warm, wondering who had been sitting with him before my arrival. I didn't need to ask, as he volunteered the information himself.

"I was having a chat with Justice. We were discussing the farm, and he shared some great ideas."

"Like what?"

"He suggested rotating the crops instead of planting the same seeds in the same place. Instead of yams, we could try planting corn," Dad chuckled. "Why didn't I think of that?"

"And it'll make a difference?" I inquired.

"We should try and see, don't you think?" he replied.

"I suppose," I said, nodding.

"I asked him if he studied agriculture in school, but he said no and mentioned he didn't know how he knew what to say," Dad continued, laughing again. "Isn't the brain fascinating?"

"Surely, you didn't call me home just to talk about Justice, right?" I questioned him.

"Not really," Dad said, taking in a deep breath and slowly letting it out. He settled comfortably, stretching out his legs and crossing his ankles. "I called you home because there are some things that we need to discuss, very important things." 

"Okay. Like what?" I asked cautiously.

"First of all, why did you go to Chief Williams's house to raid his kitchen just because his wife refused to pay the money she owed?" Dad demanded.

I swallowed nervously, avoiding eye contact. He had asked the question calmly, but I knew his temper could flare up any moment.

"Well?" he prodded, his patience wearing thin.

"We needed the money, and she refused to pay me. I had to do... something," I muttered, trying to justify my actions.

"That doesn't excuse your behavior, Edwina," He snapped. "You didn't just raid his kitchen; you threatened him when he came here to retrieve his food items."

"He was holding a machete. He threatened me first," I protested. "You know I don't handle threats well, father."

"Neither does he. He threatened to report you to the King, but I pleaded with him to forgive you."

"Why would you do that? He doesn't even deserve an apology," I retorted defiantly.

"Shut your mouth," Dad ordered, his frustration evident. "And that's not all. You were rude to Justice this morning; you called him a fool."

"He called me nosy," I defended myself.

"Edwina!" Dad looked beyond exasperated now.

"What do you want me to do, Dad?" I exclaimed, throwing my hands up in frustration. "I am who I am."

"Yes, you're my daughter, Edwina," He said, emphasizing, "Not a man."

His words hit me like a punch to the gut. Despite knowing he was right about me being a woman, the pain didn't diminish. I had believed he accepted my efforts to be the son he desired, but clearly, I was mistaken.

"Yes, you've never let me forget your disappointment in my existence," I retorted, my voice sharper than intended. I stood up abruptly. "You wished for a boy and got a girl. I tried my best to be that son you've always wanted, but I guess it was never enough. I'm not enough." I turned to leave, but his voice halted me in my tracks.

"Maybe I did hope for a son after your sisters were born, but I've never been disappointed that you were born, Edwina," He assured me, his voice sincere. "You've done more for me over the years than any man could ever do, and I'm proud of you."

I couldn't bear the fact that his words were making me cry, but despite my desire to stay angry at him, I couldn't. His sincerity was evident in his voice. 

"I just... I just don't like that you're constantly getting into fights with people who provoke you. Jovita Emmanuel was here earlier today to report you," He informed me. 

I turned to face him, fearing he might blame me entirely for the altercation with Jovita. Perhaps I had been wrong to confront Chief Williams and insult Justice, but I wouldn't apologize for nearly confronting Jovita. 

"She got what she deserved," I snapped. "She came to buy tomatoes from me, even though she knew they weren't fresh. She insisted on buying them, then clumsily dropped them, ruining the whole batch. When she asked for a refund, I refused. Is that my fault?"

"I never said it was your fault. I just don't want you going around picking fights. You're a woman, for God's sake," Dad said. "No man wants to marry a woman he can't handle."

"Well, good, because I have no desire to be controlled by any man," I declared defiantly, lifting my chin.

"What if you meet someone you like? What then?" Dad inquired.

"In this Kingdom, where all the men act weak? No, thank you," I shook my head firmly. "I have no interest in a man coming and dictating how I should live my life. I'm perfectly content with my single status."

"You're still very young. I'll give you a few years to fully mature, and then you'll understand what I'm trying to tell you," Dad said.

"Thank you for your concern, father, but I want you to know that I don't go around attacking people who don't deserve it. I always mind my own business," I stated firmly.

"Ensure you're not summoned to the palace again. Faith intervened for you last time. Let's not make it a regular thing."

"Yes, sir. Can I go back and help Evelyn at the market?"

"Of course. Tomorrow, you'll join me and Justice at the farm. We're clearing it for the next planting season. How about planting corn this time?"

"I'm not a fan of corn. Let's go with cassava. It's been a while since we planted that."

"Okay."

"But, let's leave Justice out. He's still weak and needs more time to recover. His wound isn't fully healed, and I worry strenuous activity might worsen it," I said.

"Very well. Just the two of us, then," Dad sighed.

"What about the loan? When will they give you the money?"

"Next week, I believe," Dad muttered. "I'll inquire with the treasurer at the upcoming meeting in two days."

"I can't wait for us to get that money and start moving forward," I said, rubbing my hands together with excitement. "Let's hope the rain holds off until we can repair the roof."

"Hopefully," Dad agreed.

"I'll be back." I stood up, hugged my father sideways, and hurried down the steps to leave. But his voice halted me once more.

"Why don't you apologize to Justice before you leave?" He suggested.

"I'll do that when I get back, I promise." I waved goodbye over my shoulder and made my escape before he could bring up something else.