EXPECTED VISITOR
Ashford and Langston went to join them at the sitting room. Zali served them the freshly baked cupcakes along with cold iced juice she prepared.
Leon couldn't help but to admit that aunt Zali is really a good cook. No wonder grandfather always wanted her to prepare his meals, even Mr Langston wouldn't stop showering Zali with praises about her cooking skills. They were still enjoying the cupcakes with little chats, and aunt Zila trying to explain the recipes she used.
Then the door bell rang. Leon's dad asked him to please go and check on who it was at the door. Leaon quickly obeyed his dad and walks to the door to check on who it was. He opens the door and was suprise to see that it was the man in the bus, that dressed in an english traditional long coat and a hat. Leon was in short of what to say to him with his mouth hanging ajar. He removed his hat and bows his head gently in a stylish manner, giving out a smile that makes Leon feels like he had known him before.
Hello young man. My name is Imazz, and I believe you must be Leon. Is your father at home?
Leon almost babbled before saying yes to him, he let the door wide open and invited him in. Mr Ashford, Zali and Langston were also astonished without words to see him walked in. It was Zali who broke the silence and rushed over to receive him, she was overjoyed to see him.
Imazz! I am really happy seeing you. How are you fairing? Its been a long time, we thought you wouldn't be able make it for the ceremony, Zali said to him excitedly.
She grabs him by his arms and led him to the sofa to sit.
Leon didn't need anyone to tell him that this person is somehow related to the family. With his hat removed, he had a similar head shape like that of his dad's. Leon didn't join them to sit at the sofa, but rather prefers to sit at the dinning and watch. Mr Langston didn't want to spend more time either, he apologised to be taking his leave with his daughter and promised to call Ashford later for an update concerning the burial preparations, not also forgetting to allow Damia say her goodbyes to Leon, before they finally the house. Ashford saw them to the door, and thanked Langston and his daughter Damia for coming, and pleaded they do come over again some other time. He shut the door behind them and returns to sit with Imazz. As usual, Zali had gone into the kitchen to prepare something for Imazz.
Leon watched Imazz with keen interest, he feels there's alot to know about him, just like the way he felt in the bus when he first saw him. Leon wondered why he didn't talk to him this morning when he came into the bus, knowing fully well he knews who Leon was. Same too was Damia, when they boarded, she also kept to herself and didn't even show any sign that they knew each other, even though she was the one doing all the talking.
His dad signals him to come over and join them, which Leon complied and sat at the sofa with them.
Son, this is your uncle. Uncle Imazz. My younger brother. You didn't get to meet him because he left Muskvile a long time before you were born. He is back to pay his last respect to father - just like you also. And as tradition demands, he will be the one to guide you through. Your grandfather's burial is in two days time, but I believe he will get you acquainted with our customs in due time, Ashford assures Leon.
Leon didn't know what to say, he wondered what those customs are that he will need to learn from his uncle before the burial. It must be part of the ceremony, he concluded. Well, he accepts that as long as it's just for the burial ceremony of his grandfather, he will try very hard to learn them in time and get it over with. He had started missing the city already, most especially Jane, but his uncle brought him back from his deep thoughts.
I know there are alot of questions you do want to ask me son, be rest assured that I will leave no stone unturned to give you the answers you need, he told Leon .......
Mazz, it's almost 7:00 pm. I got to go. I have a meeting with Meldrick and some two other folks at the tavern. I will catch up with you guys later. .... Son.. see you later.
Mr Ashford pats Leon shoulder before leaving, giving him the feeling of assurance that everything is going to be alright.
Leon couldn't understand why his dad is even making him feel that way, as if a huge task lies ahead of him or is it just him thinking like that. He also wants to believe that his dad decided to go out, so that he can create room for him and his uncle to bond. His dad had left, now its just the two of them at the sitting room.
Looking at you reminds me of my father. Your grandfather. Qilexon Adini. May he rest peacefully and watch over us.
I know you are wondering why I didn't reveal to you in the bus, that I am your uncle, or show to you that I know who you are. Nevertheless, I never took my eyes of you even though I was backing you.
A big fish didn't just get big overnight, it feeds on small fishes and hide from being eaten by the bigger fishes.
Are you still having nightmares, Leon? Does your nape still hurts? Imazz asked and stare inquisitively at Leon.
Leon felt maybe his dad had told him about the his nightmares, but was so shock to hear him ask whether the back side of his neck still hurts. The only person who knows about it is Jane. How his uncle came to know about it remains a mystery to Leon.