CHAPTER 22

Martin assisted Ruth in removing the dress which she had wore from the interview. 

" You have a tattoo on your back. Do you like butterflies?" Asked Martin a bit amazed and astonished.

" Yes I do like butterflies that why I was drawn a tattoo of it. My younger brother did this. You know when I loved with my parents, I often missed school. My brother and I would do a lot of things which I knew were wrong including putting this tatoo through my back. But don't worry love, I will try and change some things in my life" said Ruth smiling. 

" No ......I don't want you to change who you are. I actually love the childish part of you. You are such an amazing person love.  For you , I would sing a thousand poems and blow a thousand candles every year. Tell me what impresses you most"

" When people no longer suffer, it really impresses me. It impresses me when I do not quarrel with anyone. I have traded a long way to come here and be your wife. It only impresses me knowing that you are the best kind of husband anybody would like to have .I would like you to make me live my most part of my life with lots of confidence" said Martin smiling..

Most part of your life with confidence!

Ruth could not stop wondering what Martin exactly meant.

He assisted Ruth to put on the dress that he has choosen for her. He wanted Ruth to dance for him the salsa before he could go ahead to and welcome the chief. He never really liked shame. 

Martin put on the music for her and signalled her to start dancing. 

Why was she even supposed to dance for the chief?

Was there any significance?

Why was it very important that the chief left the closer gates impressed?

Ruth wondered about this but promised herself to find out the truth about it. 

" What do you think of my dance love? Do you still not think that I am the best? I used to dance at my town for people then I got paid. That was how our family used to live when there was no possible means of earning money" said Ruth smiling. 

" But now you no longer have to do that for money. You only have to do that to impress. To impress is just to simply put a smile on people's faces. Now I have no doubt that my little woman will impress everyone in this closer gates during the most intimate ceremonies. Come and sit beside me Love. I have realized that we have neglected Purist so much"

"  Why don't we surprise her tonight after the chiefs visit. Let's have a family picnic here at the closer gates. It will help put our family together and to be able to solve our differences amicably. I am sure that this will make Purist to accept me as her mother much easier than expected" said Ruth smiling.

" You always have good points Love. You always make me realize that I should not be selfish in this life. You have always made me realize that I can put all things aside and decide to live the kind of life that I am used to" 

" It's wonderful to hear you say that Love. It's just a moment of time and the chief will be here" said Ruth who made their bed.

She felt a bit devastated. She was so much tensed since she had never danced before a prominent person like the chief.

But that's how it was.

That's what it meant to be Martin Tupfer.

MARRIED AT SIXTEEN.