text: Guillaume  Mwamba COMMONER & THE NEW MUSICAL DIRECTOR THIS BOOK IS BASED ON THE AUTHOR'S SONG "IMANI" BESTSELLING SAME SUBTITLE SERIES
  
  
  
   
   
   
   CHAPTER ONE 
   
   
            CABINET  
   
   Christmas was just around the corner. Seventeenth of December and eight more days till Christmas. Mvuela couldn’t anticipate his life or holiday break to be even more complicated in Chicago. Neither didn’t want anyone or joined even sing in the holiday music festival camp or a relationship with any girl. Till his cousin burst into his room of their cabinet. 
   "Mvuela. Morning, are you awake? Come on, all of your fellow singers are outside breathing in the fresh air and having fun. Why aren’t you out there?" Georgette asked.  
   "Well… Because I am not interested or in the mood to go out there. Neither didn’t want to come here in the first place, cousin!" I shouted.  
   "Uhmm, Mvuela it is not that bad. All I want is just for you to have the best day on this Christmas holiday." Georgette responded.                   "Sure. still is a bad idea. Why can anyone understand that I don’t want to do anything with a relationship? Nor desire to be in a singing competition." I signed.  
   "Maybe...maybe not. Besides, how long are you going to be alone? Fill your heart with nothing but fury and bitterness. Mvuela, I know that you are hurt,  afraid to have a heartache again. 
   And that I have uncovered the wounds in your heart yet you can’t stay like that forever." Georgette added. 
   "Still, I have no idea. Anyway,  I always tell you that it’s good to remain alone. Please, can you just leave me alone? I have no passion for singing or talking to anyone, period." I roared.                                
    "Ahem, right. I give up cousin and be on your own. Still, breakfast is served. Bringham and I will be waiting for you downstairs. Who knows, maybe God put it in my heart." Georgette laughed. 
   "What did He put in your heart my dearest lovely cousin?" I blinked.  
   "Well, of me coming with you here to Chicago’s holiday music festival camp. You know because His ways are not our own, neither His thoughts are not our thoughts." She chuckled. 
   "Yeah, of course, I do know that Georgette." I nodded. 
   "I will meet you downstairs." I agreed.  
   "Better be. Loner boy! Or else you will feel my rage!" Georgette teased. 
   "I see. And I am sure that's going to be hilarious? See you are little girl, " I chuckled.  
   Georgette went out the exit of my cabinet's entrance, closed the door behind her, and walked out of my sight downstairs with a deep sigh. 
   I remained in my room in my cabinet for a moment, till I rushed to the restroom, brushed my teeth, and face, and came downstairs fast.  
   
   
   
   CHAPTER TWO 
     
   LIVING ROOM   
   Georgette gets down before me in the living room that morning. She and her husband were waiting for me.  
   I came out of my blanket, went to the bathroom, and came down with my sweater, pants, and cozy socks.  
   "Well, it's about time you show yourself, Mvuela. I’m starving." Bringham exclaimed.  
   "Ha-ha, sorry about that, Bringham. I usually eat breakfast around… oh, what is eleven already?" I chuckled.  
   "Of course, my dearest cousin. Now can you come to sit so we might enjoy our breakfast?" Georgette pleated.  
   "Sure-sure, I hear you. I hear you Georgette, Bringham." I answered.  
   I sat on my chair, pulled my plate, put on waffles, and covered it with honey. Warm tea was ready for me, as Georgette remained for a moment before going to work in the camp kitchen. Bringham had done munching on his morning meal, he was already prepared to go to work too, and he was going around ten-thirty and right now it was about nine a.m.  
   I, Georgette, and Bringham were silent before Georgette’s husband broke the silence.   
   "Mvuela....?" Bringham called. "Sure. What's wrong Bringham, my friend? Spill out the beans." I asked.  
   "Well. We overheard the news that a royal family of a small country in England named Marcia is visiting us. My boss chose me to be their tour guide. Besides, the queen is going to be at the holiday music competition festival as a judge. Well, to judge the winner of course." Bringham answered.  
   "Her Excellency’s daughter is coming to the music festival away from the arranged marriage pressure. She has an extraordinary angelic voice, and she is a famous superstar." Georgette squealed.   
   "Wait… wait… wait my dearest cousin? Little Royal Excellency, famous superstar singer? That’s such unusual, good news." I scoffed.  
   "Cousin?" Georgette called.  
   "What Georgette? Besides, I am not going either. Am I interested? I lost a passion to sing decades ago," I insisted.  
   “My husband and I are trying to help you. We want you to live again and sing once more because it is your passion. Mvuela, music is your living destiny to sing to the Lord. That is why He brought you here with us, don’t you understand?" Georgette replied.   
   "Um, really cousin isn’t it that wonderful? Well, I hope you have fun, Bringham." I spoke.   
   Bringham was about to dash towards the exit to go to work when he stood up from his living table’s chair but changed his mind. He came to where I was sitting and dragged me out after the exit while Georgette was dying of laughter.  
     
     
     
     
   
   
   
   CHAPTER THREE 
     FESTIVAL RIVER 
   Bringham dragged Mvuela from the cabinet, but still, know that they were on the back of their humongous cabinet. Bringham and Mvuela walked for a few moments as they scanned around unless Mvuela saw all kinds of instruments in the studio. Till he felt a tap on his shoulders.  
   “Excellent, would you look at all those musical instruments. Don’t you think Mvuela?” Bringham asked.  
   “Of course, they are positively amazing. Besides, I can go anywhere for now, but I do not want to do anything with singing or signing any paper that describes the musical competition, understood?” I insisted.  
   “Understood. Am I permitted to show you around the camp? “Bringham blinked.  
   “Hey! Did you hear me saying that you can take me anywhere? Seriously, Bringham I am not in the good mood to laugh right now.” I snarled. 
   “Mvuela, forgive me. I was only making sure. Listen, Mvuela, my wife your cousin is worried about you. She is having a sleepless night and she talked about you every night before we went to sleep.” Bringham answered.  
   “I know that my cousin is worried about me, but she does not want to. I am fine. I just do not want to do any singing, that is all. Neither is involved in any relationship. I just want to be alone and away from anyone.” I signed.  
   “Still, Georgette is everything possible for you to have the best Christmas holiday. Maybe just met the one for you, saying and be happy in this Christmas season brother. Can you make things easy for her, please?” Bringham pleated.  
   “Right-right, I will Bringham. Do not worry, I will be fine, you will see. Who knows, I might give one more last chance. I am just saying...please, do not tell me, cousin, you know how she can be.” I proclaimed.  
   “Excellent, my mouth is sealed. I will not tell her a thing, I promise, and would you please follow me. I have someone to introduce you to.” Bringham said.  
   “Lead, the way mon captain. Wherever you go I will follow, understand.” I whined.  
   Bringham laughed his eyes out. 
   Georgette was working in the kitchen, helping with the meal for everybody who would be at the holiday music festival camp. She was preparing lunches for everyone when her phone rang.  
   “Morning, Ngoy, what seems to be the problem, my dearest cousin?” Georgette asked  
   “Morning, Georgette, and nothing much. I’m just worried about you, besides, is our older brother cooperating with the pressure over there at camp?” Ngoy asked  
   “Mvuela is doing fine. Although we are having difficulty putting him to blend in, I do not think that is going anywhere. It is just hopeless. Our brother is still furious and bitter about the idea of coming here. I do not think he is going to consider this holiday.” Georgette exclaimed.  
   “Forgive us, cousin, but I believe things will work out. Because nothing is impossible with Jesus, He always changed the enemy’s destructive pains into something good. Just hang in there sister. So how is Bringham?” Ngoy asked.  
   “Bringham is fine. He just got fed up and dragged Mvuela to his work. I do not think this will end well. I do not even know how things are going with them both. "Georgette responded  
   “Don’t you worry I believe Mvuela and Bringham are having the best of their day? I mean man to man of course. I’m sure of it because God is in control, I believe. "Ngoy nodded.  
   “Surely, Ngoy I believe, and I am sure Jesus is in control for He is good.” Georgette signed.   
   I with his brother-in-law Bringham arrived at their destination which is a festival river. Where they must meet Bringham’s boss named Benjamin and the chief guard of the royal family.  
   “Bringham, you are right on time. And who is he? Do not tell me that is another co-worker for the royal family?” Benjamin added.  
   “Ben, thank you very much, and no. This is my brother-in-law, my wife Georgette’s older cousin. Besides, he has nothing to do with the royal family, correct?” Bringham asked.  
   “Sure, I am not interested in working for the royal family, thank you.” I groaned.  
   Ben and Bringham just exchanged looks and laughed hard.  
   “Well, Bringham, my friend, that is not what I am here for. Continually, the royal family will be arriving this night so have to come tomorrow morning to show them around.” Benjamin chuckled.  
   “I see. Then we shall see each other tomorrow right, Benjamin?” Bringham spoke.  
   “Right, see you tomorrow morning old friend. Come with your wife’s older cousin if he changes his mind.” Benjamin replied.  
   Mvuela shook his head in disinteresting. As both bid Ben farewell turned around and walked further away from Benjamin.  
     
     
     
     
     
   
   
   
   CHAPTER FOUR 
   
   PALACE 
   
   Elsewhere to the palace of a small country region in England, Marcia a devastated, and under the pressure of an arranged marriage young Afro Native American girl had a treacherous plot to run away. Still, her mother felt pity for her, so she had an extraordinary plot. Nasara was in her chamber scanning through when she overheard a knock.  
   “Come in. what it is… whosoever you are? I am busy!” Nasara responded.  
   A moment later, her chamber’s door swung wide open. Where her little sister Imani came in. Although she was healthy, she could only walk with a can stick thanks to such a tragic accident, but she must sit in the wheelchair to regain her strength to stand on her feet. Now she was sitting in a wheelchair.  
   “Nasara, you should know that it is difficult to remain in your room forever. Besides, mama is waiting for you downstairs for dinner.” Imani scolded.  
   “Imani, I should know it was you all along. Well, I am glad that you are here, my dearest sister. How are you feeling right now? Still need more strength for you to walk.” Nasara blinked.  
   “Excellent, I will be walking very soon without a can for now. Well, I have been in this chair for decades. Meaning from morning till now.” Imani groaned.  
   “Umm, wonderful. Imani, well, come in. Besides, Lillian, my dearest friend, how are you being? Is my little sister giving you a headache?” Nasara laughed.  
   “Her Highness Imani was wonderful from the beginning,” Lillian answered.  
   “Ahem, I see that is positively great—because my sister would become such a headstrong.” Nasara signed.  
   “Huh, Excuse me? Headstrong? Seriously Nasara are you talking about. Still, did not hear what I said?” Imani shouted.  
   “I did Imani. You say to me that mama needed to see me downstairs for dinner, correct?” Nasara scoffed.  
   “Exactly, my dearest sister. Wait. Is all your luggage ready? Are you planning to run away? I leave me alone in this Palace.” Imani blinked.  
   “Of course not, but Imani tried to understand me. I cannot keep being pressured with the arranged marriage with the man, I do not love. All I want is an adventure and I need to be free from this hard-to-handle pressure. Being Royal I guess is not a fair responsibility.” Nasara signed.  
   “Surely, sister, I understand you. Still, the worst thing is that you are going to be the next Queen of Marcia. Well, when our father departs from this world.” Imani repeated.  
   “Surely, maybe where I am going, I might find the one for me. Not some pressuring arranged marriage.” Nasara grunted.  
   “Umm, Nesara, you unfortunate thing. Everything shall work out. So, can you tell me where you are going? Besides, there could be a place where you could have a venture and have fun. Especially on this Christmas holiday.” Imani signed.  
   “Well, I am planning to go somewhere exactly like what you described it. Venture and have fun, Imani, my dearest sister.” Nasara exclaimed.  
   Nesara opened her laptop and showed her little sister Imani and Lillian the place where she was planning to go.  
   “Extraordinary. Nice choice my sister. The place is far from home. Are you sure you are not going to change your mind?” Imani squealed.  
   “Nope, come on. We cannot keep our parents waiting, can we?” Nasara asked.  
   “Well, permit me to say that the place that you have chosen is marvelous breathtaking, Excellency.” Lillian interrupted.  
   “Aw, thank you so much, Lillian. Come on now, girls, we must run downstairs Imani before our parents come storming into my room?” Nasara smiled.  
   Nasara, Imani, and Lillian rushed downstairs. All three of them arrived before the royal’s dining table. Nesara’s and Imani’s parents Mike and Naomi, and the King and Queen were waiting for them both.  
   “Mama … Papa! We are deeply sorry that we are late. Still, did you summon me?” Nasara asked.  
   “Nasara—? Imani? How are you both doing? And of course, I did summon you.” Mike nodded.  
   “Excellent… Papa. Nasara and I are healthy and robust.” Imani smirked.  
   “Well, girls, this must sound confusing but I need to tell you that we are traveling somewhere breathtaking. I just want Nasara to have peace and to choose one for herself. Away from the pressuring arranged marriage.” Mike broke the silence.  
   “Seriously? Are you granting my wishes and permission to go away?” Nasara asked.  
   “Uhm, well, sure we are all going their girls. So, you do not need to worry.” Mike replied.  
   Nasara, Imani, and their mother blinked in shock after hearing the king, their father, and her husband saying that they are going out to get fresh air for the holiday season.  
     
     
                                                                                        
   
   
   
   CHAPTER FIVE 
   
   HOLIDAY MUSIC FESTIVAL 
   
   Nasara with her family had finished their dinner. Now everyone was getting ready to have the best Christmas voyage winter holiday. It was during the night whereas Nasara, Imani, their parents, and all their staff were wearing commoners' outfits. All the rest of them seem to be comfortable in them, but not us, our Royal Excellency Imani, because she is used to wearing fancy noble clothes.  
   “Mama? Remind me why we have to wear these common clothes?” Imani asked.  
   “Well, because we do not want anybody to know that we are a royal family. We need to keep ourselves disguised as commoners to blend in. Neither do we want any drama of name-calling in a respected way.” Noami answered.  
   “Huh, but it is very ridiculous. Wait, it smelled refreshing. Oh well, it is not that uncool.” Imani whined.  
   “My dearest girl. It is not that uncool. We want to become like the people that we are going to spend our time with. Who knows it’s might be God's it is for us to go there, Imani.” Noami chuckled.   
   Nasara was on her way with Lillian and their luggage of clothes in their hands. Mike was already in the car where snow was added to the ground. Everyone was in their warm jackets.  
   “Nasara… Lillian are you both girls ready because time is not in our pleasure. Come on, quickly get inside.” Noami called.  
   “Sure, we are going in mama. Besides, it is cold out here. I do not want to freeze to death.” Nasara shivered.  
   “I agree with you, Nasara. My Queen, it is cold out here.” Lillian responded.  
   All of them enter the Royal transportation that seems like a normal car. Mike turned on the engine and the car hit the road. Nasara took off her jacket as she was wearing a khaki sweater, jeans, and brown boots. Lillian and Imani were wearing the same red sweater, jeans, and boots. Mike and his wife Noami wore the same clothes too grey sweaters, trench coats, jeans, and dark boots.  
   “Here we are at the airport. Ben and the others are going to help to take our luggage.” Mike added.  
   “Right, we got it, Papa. We just cannot wait to see him and the others.” Nasara complained.  
   A few moments later, Mike parked the car while all five of them got out of the van. All rush to get in their private helicopter. Ben and the other Royal Guards rush their luggage in their private helicopter. As they all got in, the pilot turned on the engine and flew away with them. All spent seven hours in their helicopter before they would reach their destination that night.  
   “Excellency, here we are. You are going through the best Christmas holiday vacation ever.” Benjamin squealed.  
   “Well, marvelous Ben, thank you. I am sure that the place you have chosen is awesome.” Mike agreed.  
   “Thank you so much, Excellency. I promise you that you will not regret this. All of you will not regret this.” Benjamin laughed.  
   “Of course, Ben. We will not just want our Superstar daughter to have the best Christmas season ever. Away from the pressure of the arranged marriage with someone she does not love.” Mike repeated.  
   “Surely, I agree with you Excellency. Follow me this way. Besides, my old friend your royal guide will be here tomorrow morning.” Benjamin reported.  
   “I am sure of it. and I cannot wait to meet your old friend.” Mike blinked.  
   Later, Ben led the royal family before that humongous cabinet in many rooms. Nasara was put to be a musical competition director, so tomorrow she is starting her work of inviting all singers.  
   I, Bringham, and Georgette were sitting at the dining table in their cabinet till Georgette broke the silence.  
   “Mvuela... did you have fun while you were out there with Bringham?” Georgette asked.  
   “Positivity, I did I just you know I will not join any singing competition. However, I would love to go outside where all the singers are going to rehearsal their voices for the contest.” I signed.  
    “Wow, for real? Are you going to do that for me? I will surely appreciate it.” Georgette proclaimed.  
   “Well, I just do not want you and your husband to not worry about me. I just want to make things easy for you, cousin.” I nodded.  
   “Wow, thank you so much, cousin. You have made me the happiest woman. Finally, you have decided to blend in with the environment around here.” Georgette added.  
   “Surely, my dearest cousin. I cannot wait to go there.” I shouted excitedly.  
   “Right, I will take you there Mvuela. You do not need to worry about yourself.” Bringham interrupted.  
   “Well, thank you, Bringham. I am tired of all those walking, so I am off to bed.” I answered.  
   Mvuela stood up from his dining chair and walked out of Georgette and Bringham’s sight who he bid them goodnight.  
     
     
       
                                                                                                   
     
     
     
   
   
   
   CHAPTER SIX 
     AND THE NEW MUSICAL DIRECTOR 
   I woke around four in the morning, went to the bathroom, completed everything, and rushed downstairs.  
   “Umm,  it seems  like I am the only one who is up early.” I thought aloud   
   After that, I sat quietly at the table in the living room when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I  turned  around till I met Bringham.   
   “Mvuela, I can see you could not sleep because you are extremely excited to see them, correct? Just saying and there is this new man who is chosen as a competition musical director.” Bringham yawned.   
   “Ha-ha, I am sorry? Bringham, did you sleep well? Seems like you woke up from the wrong side of the bed. Besides, I do not care about this new man for a director. Can we just go?” I asked.   
   I anxiously left the room and out of Bringham’s sight, as my cousin came rushing down to her husband worried.   
   “Bringham? I heard shouting.  What is  wrong? Is everything all right?” Georgette wondered.   
   “Everything is fine. Mvuela just left the cabinet furious. He is now outside waiting.” Bringham answered.   
   “Umm, I see, but hurry. You cannot keep him waiting out there in the cold.” Georgette panicked.   
   “Huh, sure you are right. I am going right now, Georgette.” Bringham replied.   
   Bringham dashed out the exit where he encountered me, and I was waiting for him. Calmly Bringham led the way while I followed. He was surely worried about me till he turned around to ask.   
   “Mvuela. Is everything correct? Forgive  me if  I did say something hurtful or offend you.” He apologized.   
   “Wrong, you did not offend me. It's  just  that I was not in a good mood this morning. Sorry if I offend you or made you worried.” I scoffed.   
   “Forgiven, old friend. Worried yes, I was worried about you. Well, even your cousin who I left worried too.” Bringham continued.   
   “Ahem, sorry, and let us have fun okay. I am sure a place where singers are doing their competition rehearsal is huge?” I repeated.   
   “It's positively huge my dearest old friend.” Bringham laughed.   
   “Oh, I see, then I cannot wait to see it. I do not believe you, so I must see it myself.” I answered.   
   “Exactly, then suit yourself because you will fill with shock, brother,” Bringham added.   
   I walked with Bringham, my brother-in-law, for a few minutes, as the dark sky began to clear. The sun began to rise although it was the winter holiday season. I was looking at the marvelously diverse kinds of shaping cabinets both gigantic and small till they arrived at the entrance which both went straight in where we met Benjamin as we promised yesterday.   
   “Right again, seems like you are in time once more, Bringham. You again? Looked like you changed your mind?” Benjamin asked.   
   “Excuse me, are you for real? You cannot be serious. And I thought I already told you that I have no business working with royalty. Cannot you just understand that!” I snapped.   
   I was about to tell Bringham something when a peculiar girl came from  nowhere,  pulled me by my arm, and took me to the end of the huge room with no one around.   
   “Pardon me, what is the meaning of this? And you must be new here, correct? Why am I doing it here?” I blinked.   
   “Excuse me, little girl? I am nineteen years old, man. What are you doing standing there with Ben and our tour guide?” Interrupted the small girl.   
   “Well, Bringham, your tour guide is my brother-in-law. He is married to my cousin. Anyway, you are still a little girl though you are nineteen.” I shouted.    
   “Surely… surely, sheesh you are one to talk. Still, you seem like you are the first one to arrive at this competition rehearsal. Besides, what are you going to sing?” She interfered.   
   “Mvuela is not singing anything Imani. He is not even interested in the competition nor used his vocal voice. Neither can he sign the singing contest audition paper. Besides, nice to meet you, Imani, my name is Bringham at your service.” Bringham interrupted.   
   “My, I am pleased to hear your name. Nice meeting you too Bringham. Shall we go?” Imani pleaded.   
   “We shall. Lead the way. And I shall see you around. Please try not to cause any trouble, Mvuela. That is all that I can ask from you.” I signed.   
   “I hear you; I will not cause any trouble. Can you please go?” I pleaded.   
   Imani leads the way as Bringham and Benjamin follow, I remained myself.    
    I was waiting to see the rest of every musical competitor come into the rehearsing competition because I found myself to be alone. Neither did I see this new musical director walking through the rehearsing competition audition cabinet. Despite that, I kind of doubted what Bringham told me about a new musical director was true. 
     
   
   
   Images: Jasmine Tookes Cover: Model Proofreading: Guillaume Mwamba Translation: BOOKRIX All rights reserved. Publication Date: May 9th 2022 https://www.bookrix.com/-lw9613e57cb1aa5