The Barn

SCENE 6

23 SCENE 6 AT TIKI’S HOME (In the sitting room of Tiki’s home, she can be seen plaiting her hair; Aka is on his knees before her pleading but she still tells him off) Tiki Aka, I’m not the Blessed Virgin Mary before whom you go on your knees to pray to. Aka Tiki, you are my Blessed Virgin Mary. Tiki (Embarrassed) Aka, stop blaspheming. And now, I order you to get on your feet. (He shamefully stands up) I have told you that the baby I am carrying in my womb is not your baby. Aka I’ll still be responsible for it, Tiki. Tiki (Astonished) You mean you'll be totally responsible for someone else's baby? Aka That’s exactly what I mean. Tiki You are kidding Aka. Aka I mean every word I say, Tiki. Tiki Aka, you aren’t thinking of getting married to me, are you? Aka I'm marrying you today and forever. Tiki You have other girls whom you adore and care for; especially the young, fresh and juicy students. Aka (Laughs) Yes, the other girls are tolerable but not pretty enough to tempt me into such a serious commitment. I go for the students just to enjoy their youthfulness. I will make no such commitment to a female student. Tiki (Laughs) 24 Now you're being emotional. Just leave me alone now. Aka Tiki, I want to leave here with a positive and encouraging statement from you. . Tiki What? Aka That I am responsible for this pregnancy. Tiki Aka, why this unusual concern about my pregnancy? Aka You have a well-to-do uncle who can assist when things go rough with us; and above all, Tiki, I think I profoundly and frightfully love you. Tiki (Taps off his hands) Alright, I need some time to think this over. Aka (Anxiously) How much time? Tiki (In a bit of a temper) Aka, you'll hear from me. Please, you had better leave now as my uncle will soon be home. Aka That would indeed be an opportune meeting. (Pause) However, Tiki, my desires like my hopes are clear and high. Darling, help calm my troubled heart; let me hear from you soon. (He has barely left when someone else slips in and hugs Tiki warmly.) Tiki Kombe, honey. Kombe (Joyfully) Tiki, stories of my sterility have come to an end today. Tiki How? Kombe (Caresses her tummy) You're now carrying my baby. Tiki (Surprised) Kombe! 25 Kombe Yes, I was at the door and overheard the entire conversation between you and Aka. (She places her hand on his lips to be quiet while he brings out a ring from his pocket and declares) Tiki, we are now engaged! (Slips the ring on her finger; She admires it. They hug passionately, then she warns) Tiki Kombe, let it remain our life secret that I consciously declared Aka's baby to be yours; simply because he is unfaithful, a liar, a cheat and an opportunist, whereas you are sincere in your desire for a baby. (They hug) ...