Now, the greetings and familiarization were over, and everyone had taken his or her seat. Ordinarily, Freya and Denise would have walked up to Humphrey, and give him the respect due to him, but his unpleasant observation and remarks had robbed him of that honor. Afterward, the Patriarch announced the next item on his agenda, which was the reception of the returnee kinsman.
Patience and understanding in a relationship are invaluable. If the Patriarch had insisted on keeping Tim with him, he would have remained just Tim Bailey and not a Young Superstar.
“It is time to welcome our returnee kinsman,” the Patriarch announced, and looked at Tim, before he proceeded, “My son, kindly step a forward.”
Instantly, there was cheering and clapping. However, he was certain that Tim heard him right, but he looked at Arthur for confirmation before he would take a step. Then, Arthur smiled, and gave him a nod before he stood up. Howbeit, the Patriarch was not pleased with it, but he overlooked. Tim walked happily to the Patriarch and gave him a hug.
“You are welcome back to the Bailey’s family, son,” the Patriarch expressed, grinning from ear to ear.
“Thank you, our father,” he accepted cheerfully.
“Everyone you see here is your kinsman. You are permitted to relate with them,” the Patriarch clarified.
“I am most happy to be home,” Tim announced happily, and there was a clapping ovation from the family.
“It is nice to be identified with my people, I am proud to be a member of the Bailey’s. Thank you all for having me,” he accepted, and ended the short acceptance speech with a bow. Now the people clapped the more, and the ashamed Humphrey clapped too. Nevertheless, the Patriarch continued, “It is good to officially let you know the Head of your Family.” Tim nodded in acceptance, and looked on.
“Kindly come over, Brown,” the Patriarch called out, and all eyes were on Brown. He joyously walked out of his tent, and met the team on the stage.
“Thank you, Brown. As you have already known, he is from your lineage. I implore you to take proper care of him,” the Patriarch enjoined, just to formalize the reception of the lad. Then, Brown smiled broadly and spoke, “I thank you so much, our father. I welcome my son wholeheartedly. I appreciate my nephew, Denise for recognizing a kinsman, and bringing him back home…”
“Single handed,” a voice interrupted from the crowd, and the people cheered.
“Yes, single-handedly,” Brown acknowledged, and continued, “It was no mean feat.”
“Thank you, Brown. You can return to your seats,” the Patriarch announced. Brown gave Tim a hug and they returned to their tents. Humphrey and Albert, who wished to see where the returnee kinsman would sit, saw it. Afterward, the Patriarch continued, “Permit me to recognize an illustrious son, who has a good thought for this great family. Even a blind man could see how he had supported us to ensure that the unity in this family is sustained.”
At that point, he paused and looked at his orderly, who was beside him with a tall sealed portrait which was almost his height. He signaled him to peel off the seal, and he did. Afterward, it revealed Arthur’s portrait with the inscription: (Thank you for uplifting and uniting your fellow kinsmen.) Before the Patriarch could call upon Arthur, the people had begun to clap happily while he was smiling broadly.
“My fellow kinsmen, join me to welcome Arthur for his award,” the Patriarch requested joyfully, and waited for Arthur. He got up gracefully, and waved at the people. Furthermore, he held Nichole with his left hand, and she got up too. They walked happily to the podium, and collected the portrait, and he commended, “I am stunned by this show of love, our father.”
Then, he turned to the audience and encouraged, “I wish to see many family members honored in this manner in the future. Thank you.”
They posed for a photograph with the Patriarch, and Denise and Tim were beneath the stage, ensuring the moment was well captured. After the fanfare, Denise collected the portrait from his father. Then Arthur spoke, “My fellow family heads would understand what I intend to say. I am handing back one million to our returnee kinsman. Thank you, very much.” Now, he took a bow, and walked back to his seat with his wife. At that point, the family heads were stunned, especially Brown. The compensation that Stephen paid to him for defamation of his character, was justified. For him to return it to Tim, is another credit to his name.
“Thank you so much, Arthur. You have indeed proved that you are an up lifter and a unifier in our family,” the Patriarch commended. Nevertheless, the other family heads walked up to Arthur for a hug. Humphrey, and Albert, were not left out. Now, Denise had taken the portrait to the car, and returned with some bottles of choice wine and kept them before his father. Meanwhile, the caterers had begun to serve the meal. Everyone had a lot to eat and drink, while Arthur’s table became an extension of the Patriarch’s table because many people wished to commend him for the gesture of returning the money to the kinsman. He popped the wine and everyone had a taste of it, and ensured that took cognizance of them. It was a joyous moment, and the occasion ended happily, but Erica had an unfinished business with Nichole. At that point, Humphrey could not relate freely with anybody, especially Arthur and Brown, and he wished to leave at once. With his head bowed in shame, he walked straight to his car. Nevertheless, Albert as was happily greeting and hugging as many as he could, as though he was not part of Humphrey’s misbehavior. Now, Arthur was already in the car after Albert gave him a hug, and Nichole was about getting in when Erica accosted her with her intimidating question.
“Nichole,” she called out.
“Oh! Erica. I completely forgot that we agreed that we will talk after the program,” Nichole apologized, and waited for her to get close.
“Why won’t you forget? You completely abandoned me, and my family,” she grumbled. Now, she was at an arm’s length to Nichole, and she wondered why she accused her in that manner. Then, she inquired, “I beg your pardon, Erica. How did I abandon you and your family?”
“Your husband made Brown’s business to spread abroad, and you did not bother to mention my husband to him for the same purpose. Is it fair?” She blurted out with a frown on her face, as though Nichole was obligatory to do that. Now, she had gotten her point, and was ready to strike, “Erica, tell me, what is your husband selling that would be spread abroad, gossip?”