Part I ~ In the Beginning
Part I ~ In the Beginning
1754 ~ Gold Coast , Ghana
I wait for him here at the place where the night sky and the earth become lovers . In the tall grass of our homeland , between two kingdoms , we meet .
Getting here early is easier than slipping away late , especially now when life in my village is bustling with the preparations for our wedding in just three days .
But as the reeds lick the backs of my calves , I know that this is only one part of the reason I wait .
The truth is that I like to feel him coming . At this hour , when my imagination reigns over every shape and whisper , I can almost see him walking on limbs taller and stronger than mine will ever be . He cuts through the night that hides his slightly lighter shade and stalks his prey . I cannot hear his approach , but I feel him drawing near , compelled by the same force that holds me where I stand — the scent of my desire in the air .
I close my eyes and breathe deeply , imagining I can taste him , too . The flavor is salt , sweet grass , and home . It fills my senses and makes me thirsty .
On the outside , my knees shake and my heart pounds , impatient for its mate , while the deepest part of me grows calm and still — stretching towards the peace that only his presence brings .
And he ’ s close now , so close .
He eyed my mouth with what I understand now as a mixture of surprise and captivation . Back then , I still had no idea what was happening , but as his gaze lingered , I began to feel like someone was seeing me truly for the first time in my life . I remember fighting the nameless emotion that closed my throat and pricked my eyes .
“ Ama , surrender ,” he whispered , “ Please .”
And that ’ s when I understood that I held him in place as much as he held me .