Page 62

ANNANI

Annani made subtle adjustments to the flower arrangements Ogidu had set out and then put her sunglasses on before stepping out on the terrace.

Her backyard faced north, so the afternoon light wasn't harsh, but she still needed to protect her eyes. It was a small sacrifice to make to have these joyous occasions outside so she could enjoy the fresh air with several of her favorite ladies.

When Bridget had told her the marvelous news of her pregnancy, asking the Clan Mother to keep it confidential until she could share it with others herself, Annani had instantly insisted on hosting a small gathering.

A new life was always cause for celebration in her clan, every birth cherished with reverence.

Her faithful Odu appeared in the doorway, checking as always to make sure that she was wearing her protective eyewear and wasn't too chilled or too warm. Satisfied with what he saw, he offered her a small bow.

"The fruit platters and the pastry selections are ready. The champagne bottles, regular and non-alcoholic, are chilling in their buckets. Should I arrange everything on the outdoor dining table?"

"Yes, please." She waved her hand. "Just cover everything with nets so the pesky bugs don't feast on it."

"I have found a better solution to the bug problem, Clan Mother." The smug look on his face was so human that it was startling.

"What is it?" she asked.

"It is called Fly Fans. They look like miniature windmills and are placed near food items."

"What a brilliant little invention. Does it create strong enough wind for the insects to be effectively repelled?"

"That is just one of the ways it deflects them." Ogidu blinked, which usually indicated that he was accessing information. "Their blades are made of soft plastic, so they are safe around children, but they are printed with metallic stripes, and as the blades spin, the stripes bend and scatter sunlight, creating a strobing effect to the flies' compound eyes. They steer away from such confusing visual signals."

"Ingenious." She smiled. "I love technology and inventions. They make life so much better for everyone. I commend you for your initiative to find those little windmills."

"Thank you." He dipped his head, his smile brighter than usual at the praise.

Annani sat down on one of the comfortable outdoor chairs and adjusted the folds of her flowing gown of pale aquamarine silk over her legs. She loved arranging small, intimate gatherings at her village home. She also loved the grand celebrations that included the entire clan, but there was something special about these smaller moments.

When the doorbell rang, Annani straightened and turned toward the glass doors that led to the living room.

Ogidu answered the door, and Annani smiled as she saw her eldest daughter enter.

"Alena, my dear girl." Annani rose to embrace her, breathing in her daughter's familiar scent. "You're the first. Punctual as always."

"I was curious." Alena returned the embrace. "You refused to tell me what this gathering is about. Can you tell me now?"

"Not yet, child. We need to wait for everyone else to arrive."

Alena chuckled. "You are the only one who calls me child. I kind of like it. Makes me feel less ancient." She settled into one of the cushioned chairs, her gaze taking in the spread that Ogidu and Oridu were still busy arranging. "What are those?" She pointed at the windmills.

"Fly repellents. Such a simple and yet ingenious invention."

Alena nodded. "I've seen something similar at Geraldine's. They were a little fancier, so I thought they were decorations."

"How is Geraldine doing? I have not seen her in a while."

"Fussing over little E.T., pestering Cassandra and Darlene to get pregnant because she wants more grandchildren, chasing Roni around with home-cooked food trying to fatten him up."

Annani laughed. "Sounds like she is having fun. And how is my sweet little Evander Tellesious?"

Everyone called Alena's fourteenth child E.T., and Annani wondered if the nickname would stick with him to adulthood. It was cute for a baby, but Evander Tellesious sounded majestic, and she liked it better.

"Growing up too fast," Alena said.

"He is only two months old."