Chapter 20 Valentine fever

It's Valentine's Day today. Aboagye, who, haven fallen irreversibly in love with Adobea, stayed his thoughts on bringing her out of the pit of despair concerning how much her father disliked him. How best can he win his affection? As he reminisced about the good times the two of them shared secretly together, there was a knock on his door. Hoping it was Adobea, he quickly brushed his hair and straightened his shirt, only to be disappointed with a smiling male face, happy to be carrying what would make him the happiest man on earth.

"Can you sign this, please? It's for you." His hopes dashed, the broad smile wiped off his face, he braved it all to gently take the pen from the delivery man, appending his signature with a sigh and a frown.

"You don't seem to be happy on this day of love," said the delivery man sympathetically.

"I was expecting someone else," said Aboagye, unable to hide his disappointment anymore. "May I know what's in the parcel, please, before I break down?"

"It's exclusively for you so please do yourself a favour and open it yourself. Happy Valentine's day." As he walked towards his red van, he said: "And oh, I'm sorry to have caused you such pain but I want you to know that this is at a discount. I hope things work out for you two."

"Thank you," said Aboagye, wondering what was wrapped inside the box for him. Walking back to his sitting-room, he sat down sullenly and closed his eyes for a moment. What if it's something I don't want? What if it's from a secret admirer? What if it's from one of my former girlfriends? It wouldn't be cool at all. After a few moments of breathing in and out to get ready for the parcel, he opened it slowly and peeped inside, then shut his eyes on second thought. Should I shake the box instead? What could be inside? Aboagye shook the box upon his instincts and heard a rattling. What could it possibly be? A ring? No! A pen? Some coins? Why don't you just open it, Aboagye?! Admonishing himself.

"Okay! Finally!" Lifting it so fast, the box, turned upside down, exposing its contents. It was a bunch of keys.

Keys? What could they be for? Who would send keys on Valentine's Day? He was expecting the usual chocolates, a teddy bear or a card. Instead, there was a note in the box with a message.

"Happy Valentine's day! From this day onward, you cease to be a disciple of Johnny Walker!" Aboagye smiled, still dumbfounded. This must be a very wealthy person. Ogling at the name signed underneath, he suddenly jumped up with a start.

"No! Not You? I can't fall any deeper in love. No!"

The keys were his. He touched his heart with them.

"I'll forever cherish this," he said. Am I obliged to reciprocate? What am I going to send her? She's aware I'm not as wealthy as she is? And her father hates me?

Adobea received the note she was waiting for. It was not only a note but a card reassuring her of his love for her. How is he ever going to win her father's heart?

"Baafour," said Adobea gently. "Where did you find my sweetheart?"

"Daddy should hear you calling him that," he replied with a wry smile. "You owe me. Do you know that?"

"I'll pay you whatever amount you ask for. Just tell me where I'll find him."

"That will not be prudent. For now, just be content with the method of communication until we settle things with Daddy."

"We? So you're both in this together?"

"Why else would I be the postman? I want you to be happy. He will find a good job so Daddy will stop bugging you about him being a gold digger."

"Why would Dad want to make my life so miserable?"

"He loves you. Don't ever doubt that. He's only being overprotective of you."

"Is he going to marry me?"

"Not at all!" he replied, laughing.