11 Familiar stranger

Ogar reached out for the chain lock and opened the door. Ramses still managed to smile at Ogar who didn't smile back.

'Thank you " he said as he stepped into the apartment. He looked about the place with his hands in his pocket.

"Good morning sir"

"Good morning Ramses" uncle Travis croaked back as he staggered to his feet.

He still had his bottle of spirit in his left hand. Ogar reached out to collect it but uncle Travis whisked the bottle away from his reach. He stretched out his hand and Ramses reached out to shake uncle Travis.

He smiled very broadly." Take a

seat. I will be back" Uncle Travis replied.

Ramses nodded.

"Let me help you" Ogar offered.

"It's okay. I will do that myself. I appreciate your help"

"You have a lovely place sir" Ramses began as soon as he sighted uncle Travis, returning to the sitting room.

"Thank you"

Ramses nodded.

Uncle Travis sat down on his rocking chair and relaxed. Ogar had collected the pack of orange juice and the tumbler. He placed a stool beside Ramses and place the juice and tumbler on it.

"Thank you" Ogar said nothing. He did not want to get acquainted.

Uncle Travis sat back and cleared his throat.

"How are you?"

"I am well sir, thank you. How are you sir?"

"I am not doing badly myself" uncle Travis gave a laugh.

Ramses nodded.

"What about your mother and your sisters, I hope that are well?"

"Oh yes, they are"

"Oh, that is good to know"

Silence dosed the air. Ogar could feel the uneasiness that accompanied the silence.

"Sir, I want to apologize for barging in without prior notice. I should have let my mother know that way, she will have had you, duly informed"

"Well, that is not the issue besides that is not relevant at the moment. What brings you here?" Uncle Travis's tone was sharp. Ogar could feel it. Ramses hesitated for a bit. Ogar sensed he was trying his best to compose himself. Uncle Travis was usually very warm but the atmosphere was different today.

Ramses hesitated before responding. He cleared his throat.

"You are a friend of my mother. I thought it would only be appropriate, if I came to get conversant with you and your son"

"Nephew" Ogar corrected him abruptly.

"Oh, nephew" he nodded his head in comprehension. Ogar maintained a straight face.

"What do you do for a living?"

"I am a lecturer at Alexandria university, Alexandria, Egypt" uncle Travis studied him.

Ogar remembered how aunt Sheila often talked about her sister in Egypt. She even jokingly threatened once to relocate there so she could be closer the Egyptian museum, that had the hieroglyphics she so admired. Never did she, in all these things mention that she had a child. This was disheartening. Heartwrenching and frustrating.

Ogar looked at Ramses one more time. He had been rubbing his sweaty palms together. He could tell Ramses was uncomfortable with the terrain. What could he do? He has to bear or walk away after all he and his mother are the architect of his uncle's predicament.

"So sir I was wondering what would it take to find someone here. Can I trace the person using their family tree?"

"Who are you trying to find?"

"Oh... I didn't tell you. My father"

"Your father is from around here?"

"His family settled here. He is originally from Ekparabong."

"Where in Ekparabong is he from?"

"Nkpanjen"

"Nkpanjen?" Uncle Travis asked. Ogar noticed he had a frown on.

"Yes"

"Your father is from Nkpanjen?" He asked again.

"Yes sir"

"Wow! We are from there as well" uncle Travis supplied as he studied the youngman's face.

"Really?" He asked as he brightened up a bit.

"Yes. It's a small world"

"Yes indeed it is"

"Do you at least know his name?"

"Not really. Mother never wants to speak about him"

"Why?"

"She says he disappeared on her when she was pregnant for me. She was.. was.. just..ju.."

"What? What sort of man will do that? Certainly one who I need to give a piece of my mind" uncle Travis bragged. Ogar could tell he was furious.

Uncle Travis frowned as he took a look Ramses one more time. He had her facial features. How could one not tell that she was his mother? If only he also possessed distinct features of his father! It would have made it much easier to find him. He had words for the man that will make him recount what he did.

Ogar felt bad deep down. How can a father not want his own son? He was hoping to meet relatives of his parents and here is someone whose father is somewhere and doesn't care if he exists.

Ramses countenance had fallen. He could guess what he was thinking. It felt so lonely to be in his shoes.

"It's okay. Let's .. I understand. I believe he would be proud of the young man you have turned out to be" uncle Travis broke the silence.

Ogar smiled.

He particularly like the response his uncle has given. It made him proud. He also felt guilty. He had been hostile to Ramses at first. He wished he could make up for his hostility. But how would he go about it? He could see the relief on the face of Ramses as he rose his head.

"Really?"

"Yes"

"Thank you so much. That means alot coming from you. "

"You are welcome. Look, I might know your father. You will meet him. First we need to get your mother to tell us his name. "

"Will she? Each time I bring up the suggestion she raises another topic"

Did this man hurt her so much? Then how come she never told him about it? They had just began dating again. When did this happen? Why did she conceal it? Women!So many secrets hidden in their bossoms!

"So how do you hope to find him now?" Uncle Travis inquired looking at the gentleman and suppressing the urge to advise him to forget about his father. The Sheila he knew will not succumb to pressure except she is thoroughly convinced.

" Well, unlike other times when we spoke she didn't avoid the topic. She said it was way overdue. I know deep down she is scared. "

"Maybe she is worried about the drama that might occur" uncle Travis suggested. Ogar had the same thoughts but he refused to voice out because the conversation was between two adults. As a well behaved lad he was expected to stay out of it.

"Well, I hope you find your father. I hope you find all the answers you are looking for"

"Thank you sir"

"Don't mention it" uncle Travis replied. Ramses heart bubbles with joy. At last he has been able to establish a relationship with this man though they there was a strain in their relationship at first. This is one of the first steps in the right direction. He can be instrumental in helping him find his father.

There was a knock at the door.