The North PacificBoard

The owner came out of the back door and looked at Isaac. “Your meals are free today because of the daring-assed stuff you did to lead that caravan,” he said. Isaac was shocked. “Wait, you know about that?” he shrieked. “The whole town knows about it. Your group has a set of houses not far from here,” he said as he shook Isaac’s hand. “Thank you, sir,” he said. The owner walked away and Laila interrupted Isaac out of his thoughts. “I knew you were amazing, but you did all that?” she asked. Isaac nodded lightly.

A waitress brought out the food to Laila and Isaac. “Arfeq Nikkui?” she was shocked. “How did you know this was my favourite food?” she asked. Isaac smiled. “I saw you eating some when Layadh Mbalukwe came to your home, so I assumed,” he said. “You’re the best!” she smiled. “Let’s eat,” Isaac said.

When they finished their meal, Isaac walked with Laila out of the restaurant and into town for a show, Laila took his hand as she took the lead to the downtown theatre. She smiled a big smile across her face when she started to dance before the theatre. Isaac spun her around a few times and they went into the theatre. Laila brought her hair back as they found their seats. She kissed Isaac once more before they sat back for the musical. The showing of Ayisyen was coming on.

The light shined on the actor. He took a deep breath. The company started to play the music for the song. “Welcome to our country, and our amazing culture...” then more actors came on stage. “Our land surrounded by the Emerald Ocean blue,” then the next actor, the actor for Jean-Jacques Dessalines, came on stage, “They ask us about culture and where we come from...” the company emerged from the background. “Ayisyen!” They sang in unison. They stared to dance. The main actors moved around. The actor who played a random kid swung over. “Welcome to Haiti, you can’t believe it, everyone is so kind, it’s time to believe it. The freedom of seeing the light, it’s like the Tanabonians with a key and a kite, you see it right? It’s about to get real, what the hell is ya stance, it may seem odd but you gotta give it a chance. Now get outta the pigpen and listen to-“ the rest of the cast came in with “Ayisyen!” they swung around and sang more lyrics to their song. When it came to an end, they stopped. Everyone hit the ground. Another kid came to the front. “I’m hoping and I’m praying for a brighter day I listen to my heart and I obey. How can I really go away. Welcome to our home, we’ll make you stay. Give this a ten. This is-“
“Ayisyen!” The rest of the cast yelled,
“We fought for here,” a group said,
“Me? I died for here!” One soldier said
“Me? I love it here!” Another said.
“And me?” One man dressed as a UN ambassador yelled, “I'm the damn fool that killed him!”
Drums played from the end. “Ayisyen!” They sang to signify the end of the song.

The crowd clapped and cheered. The cast knew this song was the opener, but wasn’t the best. They smiled when they knew that the crowd didn’t know what else was in store. They moved ready for the dialogue portion before the next song. Laila smiled and Isaac was more proud of his home country. Despite it being independent at one point, he felt that he was Creole. He kissed Laila. “Thank you for buying the tickets,” he whispered. She grinned. She then kissed him back. “You’re welcome, my wonderful boyfriend.”