Chatpter Three- The Family Spirit

      The conviviality that surround the house was unique. A boisterous celebration. A survival story of a long time sickling. All a jollification for the whole family. The Dubila’s and all their in-laws where there in after a long time absent mood. Surrounded by Franck’s close friends Vekov, James and Mathew. Junior ran and played with his cousins Fred, Liza and Doris.

      Meanwhile, the culinary sector was getting set for the whole family and friends to feed. The dinning sector was also getting set in a quick space. This section was controlled by Jane and her sisters-in-law Jessica and Dorothy. When all set, Jane hinted her husband that it was time for refreshment, that`s it item eleven time. Then Franck took to the floor.

     “Your attention, please, beautiful people. It`s time for us to get to the table. Before that, I would love my mother-in-law to lead us in prayers. Mama please you have the floor.” This, by looking towards her direction and smiling in the most beautiful way.

      While getting up from her seat.

     “Thank you Franck for the honor. Before I begin, I would love Junior to come here and stand by me, so that, we can invoke the lord together...”

     Upon hearing his name Junior jumped and went straight towards her. Who by then was sitting on his godfather`s Vekov laps and holding him tide.

      “…because everything here is in his honor today. Please stand up let`s pray.

     “Dear Lord, we thank you for the gift of life. And above all, the stabilized health of our beloved Anthony Aka Junior. For everything we are or have is by your will and grace. Thank you for that.

      I want to thank you for this meal we`re about to consume. Let the hands that cooketh it be anointed and filled with abundance blessing. And may God guide us back safely as we return after this feast. Amen.”

    After a general response of Amen by all, the festive mood began. Joviality was on their faces. And they were inhaling it with love. Grandpa Celestine Dubila was most happier than all as he shared wine to his in-laws and to everyone. Then Franck invited his friends to the lawn so they could sit in the open air.

   Places were very fresh due to the Friday`s rain of yesterday. The odor of the naturally clean vegetation could be scented in the purity of the air outside. All was set for their accommodation with a lot of wine, whisky and beers on the table. Franck was very happy in their presence to celebrate with him this unique thanksgiving for his son`s health stabilization.

     “Thank you guys for your time. I do appreciate. These are rare moments we celebrate in life.” Franck expressed his gratitude.

      Vekov took to the first voice. “I am the God-dad bro, so am only on duty here..”

      Laughing amongst them.

     “…because Junior would never have forgiven me if I were absent. You know naa?”

      Franck affirmed,

    “Haha, well, I think I should just shut my mouth from your affairs,”

     Mathew and James all joined in the laughter.

    “…you guys better manage it well Vekov. For your union is priceless. Nevertheless, thanks buddy for playing the role and doing it so good. Again, thanks Hench.”

     This, as they stood up and hugged each other.

     Mathew and James also extended their gratitude.

    “Always a pleasure as they all toast with the best liquor. In the replica.

    “Forever friends, Forever Junior”

     In the new musketeer style.  Assuring their longtime friendship, since they knew themselves since school. But Franck and Vekov began their friendship way back in college before they met James and Mathew in high school. A long history of friendship.

    Jane joined them. Thanking the boys again for their presence, and told her husband that his father was looking for him. They both left for the Living room. There, the cute ambiance was still going on in an amusing way as the two families were seen chatting and laughing. Mrs. Dubila Rosaline and Jane`s mother, Mrs. Banadzem, were tossing and laughing the way women also do. To sum it all, the atmosphere was a safari come together.

      “Son, I would love to talk with both of you in the kitchen. May I”

        He suggested to Franck and Jane. Then led the way to the kitchen.

      “I want to thank you guys for the way you people handled my grandchild. Junior has been the greatest challenge of the whole family. And today, I`m very proud to see that he`s doing better..” Looking at them with humility and in a fatherly manner as they too stood perplexed. He presided,

      “…I have decided to give you guys this check so that he may have his personal bank account henceforth. With this, he may never lack anything you desire for him.”

      Handed the check to Jane who took it and shouted with joy. Franck could not also hold his breathe from gladness, hugged his dad with a lot of emotions. Jane did the same.

    “Thank you sir, gracias a billion time.” 

     “You`re part of my most valuable family. My wealth is for the betterment of my family and mostly for my grandchildren. My thanks goes to you both.”

       The patriarch concluded in his usual humble manner.

     “Lest I forget. Keep it to yourselves children.”

      Daddy Dubila emphasized as he parted his way to the Living room.

     “Okay dad, no qualms. Once again thank you Sir. Thanks. A hundred thousand is just unbelievable. I really appreciate dad”

     The couples were happy for the gift as Franck made his way to the Livingroom too. Jane stayed in the kitchen filled with joy to manage the kitchen affairs as plates and cutleries were scattered everywhere. Suddenly from behind, a familiar spirit spoke.

     “Hey Jane.” It was Vekov talking from behind her. He had just entered from the back door. After all, he was also a person of the house. Being Junior`s godfather and Franck`s longest friend, he could behave at such. He was seen as theirs.

      “Please, can I have a bottle of wine?”  Vekov pleaded moving towards Jane.

     “For sure Vekov. How many bottles do you want? Okay just take three. Hope these numbers would do.” Giving him more than what he expected.

     “Thanks dear. You`re a darling.” Vekov showed apprise. But noticed some particular gaiety in her. “Jane, you`re particularly in jovial mood. What`s the matter? Another pregnancy in the making?” He tries luring her to talk.

     She responded in a low voice, “ No, not at all..” both laughing. “… just being a bright and wonderful day. At least there`s hope in the tunnel.”

     Just at that moment, Junior entered the kitchen with his cousins Fred, Liza and Doris. Running and playing. Junior rushed and griped Vekov shouting.

    “Big Vs. My Big Vs.” Abbreviation for Vekov with the first and last Vs of his name.

    “Yes kiddy, what can I do for you.” Vekov asked his godson. Who was standing beside him.

    “Can we help you with the bottles?” Junior offered in assistance. He was so attached to Vekov and also due to their spiritual ties.

    “Okay boy. I will give each person a bottle.” Uncle Vs decided to go on sharing task which ended up with an unbalanced distribution.

     “Only that one person would be left without a bottle to carry..” Vekov did the mathematics. Seen there were only three bottles for four carriers. He decided that, Fred being the eldest amongst them could go without a bottle. It was such an amusing moment as they left for the lawn.

    “Okay Jane. Thank you very much.” Vekov smiled with love and appreciation and walked to the lawn with the kids. Passing through the kitchen backdoor.

     The general ambiance was good. Everyone seemed to be happy in his or her way. And before the fall of the day, they all started departing one by one in a satisfactory mood.