The Legacy

By Trudie-Pearl Sturgess

Jaden Brendan Knight joined the National Democratic Party at the age of twenty-seven. He excelled very rapidly within the NDP. On his thirtieth birthday, Jaden was elected party leader and overthrew the government by exposing the leader’s corruption and dictatorship. Four years later, Jaden was elected the President of Ghana.
Jayzel Carter is now twenty-six years old, she has been on the silver screen since she was six months old. Sensuous, beautiful and generous to a fault, Jayzel’s great-grandfather is the Ashante king. Jayzel and Jaden will meet at a charity event and they will fall passionately in love. How will the king and the Ashante kingdom react to their union, especially when Jaden have shared blood to gain power in his kingdom?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Aug 17, 2022
• ISBN: 9781728347899

Trudie-Pearl Sturgess

Trudie-Pearl Sturgess is a Ghanaian talented writer, film editor, and producer. She lives and writes in Ontario, Canada, with her family.

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© 2022 Trudie-Pearl Sturgess. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Published by AuthorHouse 08/10/2022

ISBN: 978-1-7283-4790-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-7283-4788-2 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-7283-4789-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2020903570

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Chapter 55

Chapter 56

Chapter 57

Chapter 58

Chapter 59

Chapter 60

Chapter 61

Chapter 62

Chapter 63

Chapter 64

Chapter 65

Chapter 66

Chapter 67

Chapter 68

Chapter 69

Epilogue

This book is

dedicated to:

Chrissel-Jayzel and Torian-Brendon Sturgess. Thank you for your extraordinary strength and support. Because of you, I know the price of life is not pain but love and laughter. Thank you for choosing me to be your mother. With your love, I am able to flourish, be successful and prosper. Always remember my darlings, I love you. T.S

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To My Editor:

Thank you, Dr. Sally Braun-Jackson for your hard work as my editor. You have helped elevate my writing. Thank you always. May God bless you, Willow and Jeff.

This novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the author’s imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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Copy Editor: Miss Catherine Richard

Cover Image and Author Photograph By TSOA Legends Media

Cover design By TSOA Legends Media

1

E dith Osei Tutu, an only child and second cousin to the Ashanti king, was expected to marry him at age sixteen. Inspired by a rebellious, romantic notion, her parents rejected the god’s wishes for their daughter. Desperate to escape family traditions, they sacrificed both royalty and wealth in favour of their daughter carving her own destiny. They entered a long period of self-imposed exile in Canada. Two years later, having lived a sheltered life in Oakville, Ontario, Edith registered at the University of Toronto, one of Canada’s largest cities. Edith thought Toronto was ‘too big’ and scattered; though she did feel that Toronto had a certain simplicity that she adored, and she was right. She met journalists, actors, musicians, lawyers and young idealists as well as intellectual exiles like her parents from different parts of the world who had also moved to Canada to start a new life with their families. Toronto’s multi-culturalism was different from anything Edith knew.

Edith’s first and second years at the University of Toronto were quiet. She received very good grades in all her classes. Her third year prompted a need to do more than ‘just study’. In the 1960s, she often saw students endlessly campaigning for African solidarity and for the liberation of South Africa from the white settlers’ rule. Many black students at the university could relate to African nationalism, as could the whites, but not Edith. She did not fully understand their cause and often thought that they could use their time to study and do something more worthwhile instead of recruiting every black person they met into joining their campaign against colonial tradition.

During her post-graduate years at York University, Edith met Brendan Knight, a political activist. She thought he was a charming conversationalist and an excellent orator. Brendan was also ambitious and a persistent political activist. He had studied it all: African, European, North and South American politics and world history. He loved sharing his knowledge with Edith, who was starting to fall in love with him, and with politics, too.

Together, they were a hardworking, caring, energetic couple, and after four years of dating, Edith and Brendan got married at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Toronto. Eleven months after the wedding, Edith lost her father to cancer. This loss was hard for her, so she began relying on work for comfort. After doing research and piles of paperwork for other lawyers, Edith and Brendan opened a law office in downtown Toronto, but his political ambition never died. Brendan’s dream of becoming a member of parliament became a reality when he won the Dundas riding for the Liberal Party in June of 1980. For seven years, he lived his dream of being a politician before dying in a fatal car accident. Edith was devastated, but the light of Edith’s life was her six-year-old son, Jaden.

She shared her vast knowledge of politics with Jaden, not just about Canada, but a myriad of nations across the globe. Although her parents rejected the traditions of their homeland, Edith taught Jaden Ghanaian traditions and cultures. In the mid 1980s, when most parents were going to Little League games, camping and playing hockey with their children on weekends, Edith taught her son politics, government, world history and constitutional law. Jaden was an excellent student and the more his mother taught him, the more his fascination with politics and government developed.

Jaden joined the Dundas Air Cadets when he was eleven years old. He met another youngster, Trey Anthony Carter, whose mother was also from Ghana. Jaden was astonished to learn that Trey’s father had been teaching him about medicine as well as law since he was two years of age! Trey didn’t feel socially challenged unlike what some of his ‘buddies’ thought. The two boys quickly became best friends. When Jaden introduced Trey to his mother, Edith realized that Trey’s great-grandfather, the Ashanti king, was her second cousin. This realization made Edith more determined to fulfill her son’s destiny as the gods had predicted years ago.

The Ashanti royal family possessed an extraordinary tradition. Edith’s parents also had high expectations for her. To inherit the Ashanti traditions, Edith had to exhibit the same expectations for her own son. An education and a strong career were the hallmarks of these expectations. She had no doubts that Jaden would live up to the legend. The thought of it frightened her, though. Trey had an older sister named Jayzel and two younger brothers, Rio and Nathan, Jr. On weekends, they played sports together and practiced courtroom trials in the basement of the Carter family home while Jayzel filmed their arguments and testimonies.

Edith had left Ghana years ago, but she never forgot her roots. She had studied Ghanaian politics after falling in love with Brendan. When Edith’s father died, her mother insisted that his body be returned home, so that he would rest in peace in his ancestors’ homeland soil where the rest of the royal family was buried. The Ashanti king personally sent a special conveyance to Canada to bring his cousin’s body back home.

While in Ghana, Edith made friends who happened to be in positions of power. Among them was Lieutenant General Devlin Opoku, who shared the same dream as Edith. Lt. General Opoku was the head of the Ghanaian army and a well-known flamboyant politician, who earned his nickname as ‘The Cruncher’. If ‘The Cruncher’ was on your political advisory team, you could expect to win because he was just that good. Lt. General Opoku was flawless in the political game. He was also very charitable and asked nothing in return. Although he didn’t have royal blood, his appearance strongly resembled Ashanti royalty.

For a man in his early sixties, Lt. General Opoku was all well-toned muscles and hard planes, reflecting years of exercise and keeping in shape. As a member of Ghana’s parliament, he easily captured attention, especially with his bleached blond hair. A hefty diamond stud earring graced his left ear and he preferred socializing with young ladies. His lavish lifestyle was demonstrated in his alcohol preferences and custom-made suits ordered from France on a monthly basis. He was known to drink an early-morning martini before going to the gym followed by dining at celebrity hangouts featuring overpriced food and bad service. Limousines were always ready to drive Lt. General Opoku and his company wherever they wished. Devlin was living well beyond his means and was heavily in debt when he met Edith.

At the outset, Edith knew she couldn’t afford to buy rites and power for Jaden, but she thought she might be able to offer Lt. General Opoku something different. Edith offered to help him clear his debts in return for teaching her son about Ghanaian politics. Devlin thought the offer might be too challenging, but he needed it if he was ever to get out of debt, so without much hesitation, he accepted Edith’s offer.

When Jaden turned eighteen, he was accepted at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, where he earned dual degrees in politics and world history. After graduating, he returned to Canada to attend law school at Queen’s University in Kingston. He was twenty-eight when his mother mentioned that it was time for him to face his destined life ahead. They left their friends and headed to Ghana in West Africa.

By this time, Lt. General Opoku had become Edith’s right-hand man as well as Jaden’s political advisor soon after they arrived in Ghana. Usually, Lt. General Opoku was in the forefront of the Ghanaian political scene, but it was not how Edith wanted things. She preferred to use Devlin’s strength from the shadows. In the beginning, this was not an easy task for Lt. General Opoku, but he slowly learned to take credit from behind the scenes. This earned him Edith and Jaden’s trust and admiration. Having been the only figurehead in the National Democratic Party, he was quite determined to teach Jaden the ropes. Although Lt. General Opoku was a powerhouse on his own, at times, he still had to rely on Edith for help in figuring out Jaden’s future. After all these years, the Knight’s still needed him, and this is what made him feel important and boosted his motivation to teach Jaden further.

Lt. General Opoku desired power, hoping to be the most powerful member of the National Democratic Party. He thought he could manipulate Jaden into helping him, but he failed to recognize the inseparable connection between mother and son. Lt. General Opoku didn’t dare to go against Edith’s wishes, so he introduced Jaden to members of the National Democratic Party, while sacrificing his own political goals.

The National Democratic Party members loved Jaden’s ambition and persistence as well as his passion for helping people. Jaden was all about liberation and unification for Ghana as a nation unlike the old-timer politicians who only cared for their assigned regions. The present government had not only plunged the country into colossal debt but also was viewed as too fascist by the people, mismanaging national assets without compensation.

President Kwame Agymang was a dictator, who used detentions to defeat his opponents without proper legal justification. Under his rule, Ghana was facing several sanctions, not only from the United Nations, but also from many of their neighbouring African countries as well. There were numerous rumours about him; people nationwide strongly thought that President Agymang was accumulating Ghana’s wealth for personal use in a corrupt fashion. There were also allegations made against him for having strong ties with Ghana’s drug cartels and the black market.

Many of Ghana’s citizens felt oppressed both by his policies and his relationship with the West. People were frustrated with the military ruler; they were looking for a change, a new hope and a leader, who would restore pride as well as democracy to their nation. Jaden used Lt. Gen Opoku’s knowledge to the country’s benefit and formed alliances with Ghanaian youth and the lower class by fighting against government corruption as well as dictatorship to create history with the National Democratic Party, and become their party leader, and eventually Ghana’s Head of State.

2

B ridget left Kumasi and travelled to Accra to live with her older sister, Naheema. Their aunt, who had been a caregiver of the two girls ever since their mother died, had requested that Naheema come and bring her younger sister to Accra, so that she may attend University of Legon. Bridget had just finished St. Louis secondary school in Kumasi with above average grades and wanted to pursue further education. After travelling by bus from Kumasi to Accra, Bridget waited for more than three hours before her sister arrived. Finally, she saw Naheema in a taxi. Welcome to Accra, little sister. I’m so sorry I’m late. My car is in the shop and getting a taxi here took longer than I’d hoped, Naheema explained with a hug.

They took the same taxi back to Naheema’s apartment in Dansoman. Naheema tried to get over how tall her eighteen-year-old sister had grown since the last time they had seen each other. Naheema’s apartment was a one-bedroom with a living room and a dining room; it was small, but neat and nicely decorated in earthy colours. A sofa bed in the living room was already made up. Dinner consisted of fried plantains with beans.

Naheema informed Bridget that the next day would be her first one at the University of Legon. She told Bridget that Accra life was very different from Kumasi. Knowing that their aunt had been overly lenient with Bridget, Naheema felt the need to set some rules. Naheema firmly stated, I don’t want you copying what the other kids do at school. Legon is Ghana’s top ivy-league university. You are very lucky to be going there.

I’m not a follower. I know how lucky I am to be here. I don’t plan on wasting my time on anything foolish, sis, Bridget assured her older sister.

Upon hearing that, Naheema flashed her sister a smile. That’s good to know. I want you to get a good job with good money. Don’t stay up too late watching TV. I want you to come to work with me in the morning. Afterwards, I will show you which Tro-Tro to get on for school and where to meet me after your lectures. Make sure you prepare your lunch. I have all kinds of soft drinks in the cupboard. You can take whatever you want.

That night, Bridget couldn’t fall asleep. The excitement of being in Accra and starting university kept her up for most of the night. So, she spent most of the time chatting with her friends from Kumasi on the phone and watching TV. Naheema woke up at 5 a.m. as part of her usual routine. After taking a shower and getting dressed, she called out to her sister to do the same quickly, so that they could both leave as previously planned. Bridget, still tired, mumbled a reply before closing her eyes.

Naheema called out again, Come on! We are leaving in ten minutes. Hurry up, please Bridget.

Glancing at the clock, Bridget closed her eyes and yelled at her sister, this time in an irritated voice. Angry and tired, Bridget grumbled to herself, Ugh, stop yelling at me already, I’m getting ready, sis. I’ll be down in a sec.

Bridget threw a pillow against one of the walls and got up half-heartedly. On the way to work that morning, Naheema explained to Bridget about why she was always up early.

I have just started my own business, Naheema said with a smile.

So, you’re rich then? I could tell, Bridget responded with her eyes closed.

No, Bridget. It’s a chop bar restaurant. I mean, it began as a chop bar, but now I have a proper restaurant and the outside patio is still a chop bar. I do most of the work myself. It’s long hours, but it’s going to pay off, Naheema answered proudly.

Naheema parked her car at the back of the compound. They were the only people there that early. The sisters used the rear entrance to the building, leading into the restaurant. Bridget smiled thinking that, at least, she would be treated to a delicious breakfast after waking up so early. To Bridget’s disappointment, however, Naheema returned with cleaning equipment in her hands.

Wipe all the tables clean before you cover each one with a white tablecloth. Make sure that the yellow cloths go in the center of each of the tables before setting them up. Do you understand? Naheema cupped her ear to gesture at her sister if she was listening before continuing, Make sure to sweep and mop the floors too afterward. I’ll be in the kitchen because the dough is ready. I’ll be back in a little while to check on you.

With Naheema leaving, the expression on Bridget’s face was priceless. She realized that her sister had woken her up early only to get her to clean the restaurant before going to university. Bridget shook her head in disbelief before picking up the cleaning supplies and getting to work. After finishing up with cleaning tasks, she went to the kitchen to help Naheema with the breakfast. At 7:30 a.m., when two of Naheema’s helpers arrived, they were surprised to see all the work already finished.

My little sister, Bridget, Naheema said, introducing Bridget to her helpers. Naheema and Bridget finally sat down to have breakfast together after which they walked to the Tro-Tro station. She showed Bridget which Tro-Tro to take to Legon. She gave Bridget her lunch and instructed her to ensure that she took the same Tro-Tro from Legon after lectures to meet her at the restaurant.

Bridget had previously visited Tech, a university in Kumasi with two of her friends, who also attended that university. She noticed that Legon was much bigger than Tech. There were different types of students that gave the institution a sophisticated urban cultural touch. The students were dressed in the latest clothing styles and drove new cars. The parking lot, in fact, was filled with new student cars. Bridget stood and stared for a while to absorb her new environment. She made her way to the administrative office and corrected her schedule before attending the first set of lectures. The lectures went smoothly, after which Bridget went to the library. Finding an empty workstation, she settled down and after rummaging through her bag, realized that she had left her lunch in the Tro-Tro.

Shit! I forgot my stupid lunch, Bridget sighed. This is just great! Sis, you made my first day in this fucking city a very memorable one.

Two students, seated behind her, exchanged looks with each other when they overheard Bridget’s outburst. One of them moved the books to peek at her. For Rio, it was love at first sight. He tugged at his friend Brooklyn’s shirt sleeve. Bridget continued with her venting.

Only God knows what my wicked witch of a sister has planned for me after school. Sighing, she got up to look for a book and that’s when Brooklyn and her friend bumped into her. Bridget, now extremely angry, muttered, Hey! Watch where you guys are going! This is a fucking library, not a hub for randomly making out with every girl you run into. Saying that, Bridget pushed past them.

Brooklyn responded, It sounds like someone has an attitude problem and needs a chill pill. We would have looked where we were going if the whole library didn’t have to listen to you crying about your witch of a sister.

Rio yanked at Brooklyn’s arm to control herself as some people were now looking in their direction. His expression made Bridget laugh.

You are refreshingly funny. I like that. Tell your lover boy to close his mouth before the flies get in, Bridget said sarcastically before moving to the next bookshelf.

Brooklyn protested with a groan. He is not my lover boy. We happen to be the best of friends. Nothing else. We have a passion for the same things, too.

Bridget clapped slowly in a mocking gesture. Wow! No kidding? I don’t know… Shaking her head, she continued, I can bet my life on the fact that there is an unspoken attraction between the two of you. Bridget pointed at them teasingly and walked away to sit down.

Rio figured they should invite her to join them for lunch. Panicking, Brooklyn asked, What are you talking about!?

Ah… she did say that her wicked sister made her forget her lunch. You can find out whether she has a man, Rio stammered out his suggestion.

It’s not like she is our friend, Rio, and besides, look how stuck-up she looks. Brooklyn sneered at Bridget.

Oh? Rio thought.

We are in university now, not high school. Go find out for yourself. I’m off to see my… never mind. I’m going home. Have fun with that thing. Glaring at Bridget, Brooklyn left.

A very awkward Rio made his way to where Bridget sat. Clearing his throat, he asked, Hey, um… how’s it going? I just want to make sure everything is okay with you, ya know.

Bridget ignored him. Gathering up the courage again, Rio asked if she cared to join him for lunch. To this, Bridget responded, Hate to break it to you, but I don’t eat with losers. Scram!

Rio chuckled, Ha! Ha! Ha! Allow this loser to introduce himself. He cleared his throat again and began in a serious tone this time, Mr. Carter. Rio Bobby Carter. My friends call me Rio. He extended his hand to her to shake.

Hmm... Bridget sighed, shaking his hand with a roll of her eyes.

Rio ran a hand through his hair nervously. Um… um… I can do with a study partner or a lunch date.

Bridget declined both.

Oh, come on… Please! I’m not fussy. I’ll take anything. Rio declared with a slight protest and sat down.

Bridget shushed him by putting her index finger to her lips.

Rio looked around and realized that other students were watching them and that he had begun to make Bridget feel uncomfortable. Finding his confidence, he said boldly that he would create a big scene if she didn’t, at least, reveal her name and phone number.

Bridget told him to scram again, but Rio stood his ground and said, No chance in hell. I can do this all day if need be until I get what I want from you. He looked at Bridget with a serious expression.

Looking him in the eye, Bridget smiled and said, You are lame.

Hearing that, Rio laughed. No, you’re lame, he said jokingly.

You’re making fun of me? There are so many empty study stations. Go find one.

Sighing, Rio asked, You know? I’m beginning to think that it’s not your sister who is a witch… Closing his eyes momentarily, he snapped them open and said quickly, It… it came out wrong. I didn’t mean to say that… I’m a guest student in your media fundamentals class, he added.

Bridget didn’t blink an eye.

Rio continued, The lecturer was very impressed with your insider knowledge of the whole television production and the associated press. So was I. Look, I don’t often go out of my way to be nice to people as I don’t know that many students here. I’m leaving Ghana next week. I promise I’m only going to be a pest to you the four days that I’m here. Rio made a funny face.

Piss off and go brush up on your pick-up lines. Where is your passion friend?

Rio beamed with a smile. Oh? Brooklyn has gone to see her boyfriend. Please have lunch with me. I hate to eat alone. I’ll not bother you again. I promise. I have a photography class in fifteen minutes… unless you have the same class, too?

Oh, shit! Bridget exclaimed suddenly.

What? Rio asked.

I’ll take a rain check. I’m late for class. Some other time. Go find somebody else to harass.

Rio helped Bridget pick up her books and left. They became friends after that day, along with Rio’s best friend, Tori Chace, who was Brooklyn’s boyfriend. Rio left for Canada the following week and stayed in touch with his friends back in Ghana.

3

B ridget had been in Accra for nine months. She was unhappy with Naheema and her new lifestyle. Naheema was very anti-social; other than her work, she had no other interests or friends. They had now bought a three-bedroom house in Splintex, Accra. Naheema never allowed Bridget to bring home any of her friends. Bridget began going out with her friends to party each night to drown her sorrows in night clubs and began arriving home past her curfew. She told Naheema that she was working on a project that was taking much of her time and therefore, could not help at the restaurant. On the days that Bridget went to the restaurant, she either stole money or alcohol from the bar.

One day, Bridget went to the restaurant to help. Naheema held a general meeting with all her staff about recent missing food supplies, alcohol and money. She warned everyone that if anything was to go missing again, she would call the police and press charges. Not long after the meeting, Bridget looked left and then right over her shoulders, and when the coast was clear, and no one was looking, she took a half bottle of whisky and chugged down some of it straight from the bottle. She then placed it back on the shelf. She felt good and cleaned the restaurant, and then went home together with her sister.

On another day, Bridget drank again and didn’t clean the place very well. She and Naheema argued, and Bridget ended up re-cleaning the place. This time, Bridget stole a big bottle of whisky and hid it in her backpack. At home, in her bedroom, she took the bottle out and smiled. She made a toast to herself and got drunk. She skipped dinner with her sister. Later, after consuming so much whisky, she vomited and passed out. When Naheema inquired about what had happened, Bridget lied and mentioned food poisoning.

Months later, Naheema began leaving her daily intakes of inventory in her office. One such day, she went to the fridge to do her stock-takes and came back to her office to place orders for the merchandise that she needed. Bridget had been left alone in her sister’s office. Seeing the money, she stole it. Naheema called the police, and they reviewed the security cameras. It was clear who had taken the money. The cops asked what Naheema wanted to do. She told them to go ahead and arrest and charge her sister for money theft.

Bridget showed no remorse. She had no one to pay the bail for her and went to court where she was sentenced to six months in jail. During her incarceration, she became ill and found out that she had developed a brain tumor. Naheema had no other choice but to comply with the judge’s decision and pay for her sister’s operation. The operation was successful, though Bridget was required to undergo chemotherapy afterward. Naheema arranged for her sister to receive the chemo in a private clinic in East Legon, Accra.

While Bridget was there, she met a ten-year-old boy named Legend. He was a great-grandson of the Ashanti king. He had experienced the same brain tumor disease as Bridget. They soon became friends while sitting outside in their wheelchairs.

Losing my hair terrifies me. Legend fingered a few hair locks and pulled at them gently. Not a single strand comes out. I have a lace front wig, but I hate it. Legend complained.

Bridget laughed, Yeah, I feel hideous in wigs.

Yeah, I wear ball caps and tie scarves through my hair.

You are lucky. You look good in scarves.

Nah.

I used to think… it’s just vanity.

My mummy says I will have my hair back in a few months. Every time I see my scalp, I want to cry and cry. I feel very different, said Legend.

Same here, you just reminded me of the trauma we experienced. It’s filled with excruciating pain. Bridget replied in a low voice.

Every bone in my body aches. It stops for a moment, and then… it aches again. I miss my family. I just want to go home. Legend said solemnly.

It changes you. Yeah… I’m no longer the person I was six months ago, that’s for sure, Bridget added.

Legend frowned, I don’t know what you mean.

I have no friends.

My cousins are my best friends. They’re all in school, Legend told her.

Bridget smiled, You have me. I’m your friend. You have your mom and dad, and the rest of your family who comes in here every day to see you.

Yeah… This stupid disease… I hope I can still swim when I go home, Legend hoped.

This disease has been my main source of loneliness. I feel people who haven’t had chemo will not understand what you just said. Bridget thought out loud.

Yeah...? I am not afraid. For me it’s the medications, which are so hard to take. They all taste nasty in my mouth afterwards. Yuck! He exclaimed.

I am relieved that I don’t have to submit to a high dose of chemotherapy anymore. I feel a lot better now, thank God, said Bridget, sighing.

Yes! That is right. You’re going home in two days. I am going to miss you, Bridget.

Me too! I have given up my professional isolation that has always been so much a part of my life… until I met you. You have so much life in you for a little kid, Legend, she complimented him.

Yeah… it was because I hadn’t begun chemotherapy then. What chemotherapy does to me is weird. He glanced at Bridget and continued, After treatment, I will wake up with a funny taste in my mouth and then boom, incredible indigestion… like a volcano… with nausea and vomiting that rips my insides out. Legend was in tears. My mummy always rubs my back and encourages me to be strong, but I don’t feel strong. My daddy says that I’m the strongest kid that he knows, so do my cousins. He smiled and wiped his face.

Bridget nodded, as the nurses and his caregiver came to take him indoors. Waving at Bridget, Legend left.

It’s been six months since Bridget left the rehab center. Naheema had not said anything about her stealing, or the fact that Bridget had dropped out of university for the time being. Brooklyn had called and said that there was going to be a modeling contest at the university, and she had submitted Bridget’s name. The only problem was appropriate clothes to wear. Bridget was way ahead on that one. The next day, she asked to meet Brooklyn and Tori on campus. Bridget appeared wearing dark shades and waved at the group. Rio was back in Ghana and joined them. He stood up and greeted her with a kiss on the cheek and guided her to a chair next to him.

Mmm… huh! I think someone has it bad, baby. Tori turned to Brooklyn.

Brooklyn giggled, What happened to your crush on Miss Paris?

Rio raised both hands in the air.

Looking at Bridget directly, Brooklyn hissed, You’re late! You are always late. You are not going to get a job if you keep up with this bad habit of yours, Bridget!

Meow!! Bridget clapped her hands together.

Rio and Tori laughed at the girls.

Thank you, mummy dearest. I don’t recall making any appointment with you. Judging by where we are now, it looks to me that you guys are the ones desperately in need of a job? Bridget asked sarcastically.

Rio and Tori asked whether Bridget had already found a job. Bridget and Brooklyn exchanged a look and ignored the boys. No. I don’t plan to work for anyone. I’m not looking for a job. I came to ask Tori to make some outfits for me, Bridget spoke a few seconds later.

Brooklyn pouted. Hey, his time is not for free, you know?

No shit? Shut the hell up, Brooklyn. Let the man speak for himself. We all know that you have a dick, Bridget grinned at Tori.

The boys laughed and Brooklyn was mad.

Tori exclaimed, I’d love to design some outfits for you. You said you’ll bring me the fabrics. Did you bring them? he inquired.

Yep! Bridget said.

Brooklyn was now up on her feet, yelling, No! No! He will not do it.

Doing what I want to do has never really been a factor. It’s more like what I’m expected to do. Tori shook his head.

Yeah… I know the feeling very well, Bridget said.

They all looked at Brooklyn. Brooklyn defended herself by saying that Tori had promised to look for a paid job. He asked Brooklyn not to be mad at him and that he needed to keep busy during the time when he was unemployed. Brooklyn insisted that he had promised to try and look for work, any work. Now you are going to design for… She paused when she glanced at the money Bridget had given to Tori. Brooklyn asked just how many outfits Bridget needed.

Bridget ignored Brooklyn and responded somewhat distantly, I feel suffocated and must go home and sleep off my hangover. I’ll bring over the lace for Tori, tomorrow. I promise.

Yeah, thank you. Tori waved the cash in his hands and exclaimed, Ha! Ha! We can eat, now! Pausing suddenly, he passed Bridget a concerned look, Why have we not seen you on campus lately?

Bridget sighed. Sorry, I should have called you guys. I hate the complexities of life. I dislike being at the mercy of others. My sister… She paused.

Rio jumped in, What’s going on and what are you guys talking about?

I found out that I had a brain tumor. It saved me from going to jail for a long time, after stealing what is rightfully mine from my sister, Bridget mumbled.

There was momentary silence before each one of them began throwing questions at her about if she was alright now. I’m okay now. I finished chemotherapy six weeks ago, Bridget said reassuringly with a small smile.

Why didn’t you call us? Did you not have our numbers, Bridget? Brooklyn asked.

Yeah, Bridget, you should have called Brooklyn and I, at least. How could you go through something like this, all alone? We would have… we all would have been there for you, Tori spoke up on behalf of the rest of the group.

Bridget smiled at them. I was alone in bed at night last week when Brooklyn called to tell me about the modeling gig… it was after midnight. I lay there staring at the ceiling, scared out of my wits, shaking uncontrollably. Suddenly, a warm feeling engulfed me when I thought of you all. You guys have been the family that… Bridget’s sentence was cut off by the onset of tears, which she held back, her voice getting thick with emotion.

They were unable to hold back their tears as they all, especially Rio, reached for her hands.

I’m happy that you called. I missed you, Brooklyn said, sniffing. We all… Tori kept making clothes for you every day. She chuckled.

Bridget smiled at them again and told them that she had to meet someone at the cancer treatment center. She also told them about Legend. "I didn’t know then, but Legend gave me back my will to live again. He will be moving to England soon for treatment."

Rio frowned at that, Legend? He is my cousin!

Bridget laughed and called him a liar.

No, I’m not lying. He really is. That’s why my dad let me come back to Ghana. He is my Aunty Lisa’s son, Rio explained with a serious expression.

Bridget looked at the rest and all nodded their heads in agreement with what Rio had just said. She asked Rio about why he had never mentioned himself being the king’s grandson. Rio smiled. What difference does it make, Bridget? Brooklyn asked before continuing, He’s still the same old Rio. He’s not uptight, unlike other rich folks in Ghana.

Bridget wasn’t satisfied with Brooklyn’s explanation, however, and left feeling angry. She was determined to become ‘something’, and these thoughts consumed her on her way to the cancer treatment center.

4

M onths later, Bridget met Legend’s mother after a modeling gig at a fashion show in Accra’s Art Centre. Lisa congratulated Bridget backstage. Bridget frowned, Thank you... um, you look familiar. Lisa smiled and she left with her sister, Tia Sharp Carter. Afterward, Bridget recalled Lisa Sharp being Legend’s mother.

Bridget had been modeling for months now but had not been selected by any of the top modeling agencies in Accra until that day. Fame Buzz Model Inc. was an agency run by Stacey Stylez, who was a former Miss Ghana with a love-hate relationship with the press. When she noticed Bridget talking with the Sharp sisters, she eyed Bridget curiously, who now had also noticed Stylez looking at her, but ignored her.

Stacey Stylez was in her mid-fifties. She was known for being funny, mysterious, and a decades long member of the business. A ‘sexy’ mother, who was powerful in Ghallywood as a top casting agent for most of the renowned producers in the business, Miss Stylez could make or break a star, people said. Bridget knew these facts very well.

Miss Stylez was a beautiful and intelligent woman who did not feel the need to have a man look after her. She had worked to have it all and preferred freedom to pursue her dreams while being a strong-minded businesswoman with a touch of femininity. She asked her assistant to bring Bridget over to her. Bridget was tempted to tell the lapdog of an assistant to scram but held herself back. She met Miss Stylez with her sister, Naheema. Just as Bridget had imagined, Miss Stylez was charming as ever. Thank you for coming. You know how to work the runway and the Sharp sisters liked what they saw. Bridget smiled and thanked her. I know the storm that you have been dealing with better than anyone. Miss Stylez said.

Naheema responded for Bridget, The storm? What are you talking about?

They were now walking toward the parking lot. I’ve seen it before. I have been there before, Stylez continued.

The sisters exchanged a quick look with each other, clearly confused. When Naheema finally asked, "What do you want with my sister?

Miss Stylez chuckled. "I got up… I got up good. There was dirt on my name... friends not wanting to be seen with you because you’re a bad apple, now? I know that