Total pages in book: 147
Estimated words: 148949 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 745(@200wpm)___ 596(@250wpm)___ 496(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 148949 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 745(@200wpm)___ 596(@250wpm)___ 496(@300wpm)
I stepped in closer to decipher the intricate designs. “Is that a gold and blue bird among purple flowers?”
“It is the Sankofa bird which symbolizes the importance of looking back to the past in order to move forward.”
I curved my lips into a smile. “And the sword that the bird is perched on?”
“That is the Akomfo Anokye sword which symbolizes wisdom and knowledge.”
“I like this cloth a lot.” I nodded. “Your sister honors us. Be sure to give me her address. I too know how to give presents.”
“Ama will not take it. This is a cloth of love.”
“She will take my presents.”
Olga chuckled. “Okay, Mr. Dangerous Boss. Put Emilio in the crib so that we can get this on you.”
I quirked my brows. “On me?”
“Yes, Kazimir.” She gestured to the crib. “Come. Come now. While Emilio is still at peace.”
But how is the cloth going on me?
I placed Emilio in his crib.
She looked at my chest. “You should take off your shirt too.”
“Now, you have lost me.”
“Emilio drank all of the milk out of the bottle so he is not aggravated because he is hungry.”
“O-kay.”
“He is crying due to not getting the intimate bond.”
I gazed at my son.
Olga continued, “When he feeds from Emily, your son not only receives nourishment from the milk, but also this sense of comfort and love from his closeness to her skin. Even breathing in her scent. This is a warmth that my giving him the bottle can never provide.”
I frowned at him.
I’m sorry, son. You will have your mother and her breasts back with you soon.
Still not sure what Olga expected of me, I began unbuttoning my shirt.
Olga straightened out the cloth. “The physical act of breastfeeding also releases hormones such as oxytocin—the love hormone.”
“That’s from skin-to-skin contact? That I can do.” I took off the shirt and placed it on the edge of the crib. “However, I won’t be putting my nipple into my son’s mouth.”
Sighing, Olga shook her head. “No, Kazimir.”
“I just wanted to make that clear.”
Olga chuckled. “Today, I am going to teach you how to wear the baby.”
I quirked my brows. “Now I am even more lost.”
“Today, you are going to learn how to carry this little one like a true Ghanaian mother.”
Surely, a hint of skepticism covered my face.
“Then, when the Mouse is gone, Emilio can get the love drug from you.”
“You are serious?”
“Don’t you worry. I’ve been doing this for many years.” Olga handed me the cloth. “You look scared, lion.”
Sighing, I took it and held the beautiful fabric in front of me. “I do not want to drop him.”
“Just listen to me.” She pulled down the side of Emilio’s crib. “Fold the kanga in half lengthwise so that the bird on the sword is facing up.”
“Alright.” Nervous, I did as she asked.
“Now come over here.” She picked up Emilio.
He gazed at us both, unsure of what was happening.
I know, son. She is a crazy lady. But, let us see where this will go.
I brought the folded kanga over to them.
“Lay it down in the crib.”
I did.
“I’m going to place Emilio on one end of the folded kanga, with his head closest to the folded edge.” She did just as she said. “Now, Kazimir, you take the end of the kanga closest to Emilio’s feet and bring it up over his back, making sure to tuck the kanga under his bottom.”
“I have no idea what you mean.”
“Let me show you.” She executed the actions smoothly, making me feel like a complete idiot. Once done, she unraveled everything and looked at me. “Now you try.”
Emilio turned his face to me.
Yes, son. She’s very crazy.
That being said, I figured it out, moving the cloth around just like she had done.
“Now we are going to take the other end of the kanga and bring it up over Emilio’s head.”
“This will not harm him?”
“Never.”
I followed her instruction.
“And make sure to tuck the kanga under his arms.”
“O-kay.”
She helped me lift him up and then brought a very confused Emilio to me. “I’ll help you put him on your back—”
“On my back? How will I know that he is okay?”
“I will be following you around. You think I will just leave my little nana alone?” She laughed. “Never.”
Soon, Emilio was placed onto my back. His cheeks pressed against my skin.
“Okay, Kazimir. Take the two ends of the kanga and tie them around your waist, but not too tight.”
I executed that part with ease, feeling the small weight of Emilio on me.
A soft cooing sound left him.
I raised my eyebrows.
It was the first time I had ever heard him do that.
“Aww. Emilio likes it.” Olga fidgeted with the fabric as if ensuring he was secure. “He makes that sound when he is absolutely content.”
I walked off to the mirror near the window, turned to the side, and gazed at the odd reflection. The Lion carrying an adorable baby on his back. What would the Brotherhood say. . .after they stopped laughing?