The Toyota RAV4 rolled steadily through the late afternoon streets as Hector and Lavender headed home from work. The familiar sight of traffic laid bare before them, a familiar occurrence in the city after a long day. Hector, as always, gripped the steering wheel with both hands, while Lavender rode shotgun like always, with Pastor James’ voice coming through on the car’s speakers.
Hector had informed him about their situation with Izar, and the man of God had some thoughts about it.
“So Hector, I hear you loud and clear, and I must say, it’s a blessing you and Lavender took this Izar boy in,” he began, his tone warm but tinged with caution. “You’re showing the love of Christ to a young man in need, and that’s powerful, it really is. But in all this, I agree that you guys must exercise caution. You know the word of God tells us to be gentle as doves, but wise as serpents. Do make attempts to verify his story as much as you can. I know he’ll probably be terrified considering this stepfather of his has a lot of power, but you can definitely go about it in a strategic way. Biblical love is kind, but it’s also wise. You don’t know his full past, and we’ve seen folks take advantage of good hearts before. So be good, but be cautious.”
Hector nodded, his brow furrowing slightly as he navigated a turn. “I appreciate that, Pastor James. We felt led to give him a chance, and Lavender and I have been praying about it all week, but I hear you. We’re definitely keeping our eyes open, making sure we’re not being naïve.”
“That’s good, that’s good.” Pastor James paused, then added, “And you’ve got support. If he’s ever ready, our welfare program’s always open. Whatever he needs: food, clothing, counseling, a safe path forward… we can help. We can help him get on his feet, maybe find some work or a place to stay long-term. We’ll lift him up in prayer, and you and Lavender too. And always remember, you can call me anytime if you need guidance.”
“Thanks a lot, Pastor James,” Hector replied, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “That means a lot to us. We’ll keep you posted on how it goes.”
“Sure, sure. Keep me posted.”
“Absolutely. Goodbye, Pastor.”
The call ended with a soft beep, and a heavy silence settled over the car.
Lavender had her arms crossed tightly, her gaze fixed out the window at the passing houses and trees. Her usual bubbly warmth was gone, replaced by a quiet tension as her lips pressed into a thin line. Hector glanced at her briefly, noticing the stiffness in her posture and her facial expression.
This unusual disposition of his usually cheerful was the result of an earlier squabble – Hector had snapped at her that morning over a mix-up with their work schedules, and in hindsight, he knew he had reacted a little too harshly. Sure, she should have informed him earlier, but his frustration could have been worded better.
Now as she sat there, toying with the edge of her scarf, anyone could tell she was still smarting over his harsh words, and was unwilling to bridge the gap just yet.
A flicker of regret crossed his face. He opened his mouth to speak, hesitated, then closed it, his hands gripping the wheel a little tighter. The road stretched ahead, he turned his focus back to driving, choosing to say something once they finally got home.
***
The car rolled to a stop in front of the Adomako’s cozy bungalow about twenty minutes later, their journey over. As the engine’s hum faded, Lavender, her face still tight with lingering hurt, unbuckled her seatbelt and shoved the door open. She stepped out, her bag slung over her shoulder, as she was ready to storm off toward the house.
“Lavender, wait,” Hector called, his deep voice gentle but firm as he climbed out of the driver’s seat.
She paused, then turned reluctantly, her arms crossed, her eyes narrowed with a mix of frustration and reluctance.
Hector walked over to her, the look in his eyes one of calm determination. “Babe, listen. About this morning… I was wrong to shout at you the way I did,” he began softly, his eyes staring straight into hers. “I could have relayed my frustrations in a better way, but… I let the stress from work and the heat of the moment get to me, and I hurt you. I’m so sorry, Lavie.”
Lavender pouted, her gaze dropping to the ground. “You really hurt my feelings, Hector. I didn’t deserve to be shouted at that way. I know I made a mistake, but… you didn’t make me feel like your partner in that moment. I felt like… some dumb child.”
He nodded, stepping closer, his hands reaching for hers. “You’re right. You didn’t deserve that. I was out of line, and I hate that I made you feel that way. You’re not some dumb child, okay? You are Lavender Amoako. A fantastic, intelligent and most importantly, God-fearing woman. And I am the most blessed man in the world to have you.”
He gently gave her hands a loving squeeze. “Can you forgive me, love? Please?”
She stayed silent for a moment, her lips still pursed. Then, with a small sigh, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tightly. “Of course I forgive you,” she murmured against his chest. “I love you too much to hold grudges against you, Hector. Too much.”
“I love you too, Lavender.”
He hugged her back, his arms enveloping her, and they pulled apart just enough to share a tender kiss.
A soft giggle escaped Lavender as they parted lips. “It’s always sweeter making up than holding on to my anger, anyways.”
Hector chuckled. “You’re not wrong about that, my love.”
The tension between the Amoako couple finally melted away, they turned, arm in arm, and headed inside the bungalow, their combined laughter echoing in the air.
***
From the front of the boy’s quarters, Izar watched the whole thing.
Leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed, a flicker of disgust flashed across his face as he observed the whole scene, shaking his head as the couple walked into the house.
Fucking hell, this man is even more pathetic than I thought. From washing dishes with her to asking for her opinion on important things to this? Arrgh, fuck me…
That apology he had just witnessed was a weakness and an absolute betrayal of manhood. He hadn’t heard the exchange, obviously, but if Hector shouted at Lavender, he had every right to. And she had to accept it in good faith as a woman. When a man spoke, a woman was never to talk back or show any form of resistance or hurt. Only weak men allowed that to happen.
And it was wholly unacceptable that a man like Hector Amoako would allow this to happen, to the extent that he was now asking for forgiveness.
I mean, a man of his stature, big and strong, bowing to a woman? Nahhh, man, this is simp behavior, plain and simple. No matter what, a man should never apologize to a woman, not like that.
He shook his head, the disdain for the man of the house stronger than ever. At that moment, it felt like there was only one thing to do.
Set him straight.
It was audacious, all right, considering he was living under his roof and all. But… but conduct like this didn’t befit a man of his standing. Conduct like this was a waste of manliness. Conduct like this was alien to the men that inspired Izar: strong, dominant men who knew emotions equalled weakness and put their females in their rightful place.
That was real manliness. Not this pathetic show of wussiness.
Yeah, I’m gonna confront Hector about this tomorrow morning, Izar said to himself as he turned back into the quarters, plotting his words for the next day. I’m gonna knock that simp bone out of him. Who knows, maybe that’s why I came here; to give that man a fucking spine to deal with his woman…
Seriously, Izar? That’s what you’re making your mission now? Ugh, what an idiot…
