While Jacob was seated in the living room, Alfredo was having a difficult moment with Esau. He had noticed something was amiss and decided to act.
As he strode into Esau's bedroom, Alfredo began scolding him. "What's the matter with you hiding like that from your own brother."
He never knew what his father expected him to do and realized he had to be careful how he answered. He was about to reply when Lucinda entered and announced that their supper was ready.
"Okay," Alfredo said, "We'll talk after our supper."
They ate in silence. Occasionally, Jacob glanced up and saw Esau's cold eyes. He lost his appetite and could eat no more. He got off his seat.
But Alfredo asked, "What's wrong, Jacob? You've not eaten at all!"
"I'm quite satisfied. I had a snack in town before coming here."
"Is that so? Well, at least eat the fruits then!"
Esau listened and watched coldly. It was clear his father was becoming intrigued and fond of Jacob. He detested his father's newfound love for the stranger who had made love to Gloria.
All along, he had always thought he was the only son. He now began to blame his father. Why had he not prepared him to know he had a brother?
Instead, he had hidden the fact from him and showered him with artificial love, he thought, yet his real love was for Jacob.
Now, Jacob's appearance on the scene seemed to shatter all the hopes he had of his father's love. Suddenly, Esau's mind went into the huge fortune their father had. Complications were bound to arise, he reflected, if it came to inheriting their father's property.
Jacob picked one of the bananas his father pushed towards him. Then he left the table and went to sit on the sofa with the peeled banana.
"Thanks, Mama! It was a delicious meal, sumptuous!"
When supper was over, Alfredo resumed his line of questioning. "Remember we were talking about your plans. What are they?"
He eyed his son, and when he saw he was hesitant, he went on: "Why don't you move out of Changamwe and come to live with us? What do you say?"
Jacob almost agreed. But he remembered the look of disgust and hate in Esau's eyes and knew there would be no happiness but stressful moments between them. Esau disliked him.
The best thing would be to keep at bay, at least he thought. Esau's eyes had almost sent a message like, "Stay away, Jacob!"
He was decided. He would never come to live near Esau. So he told his father, "No, dad. I appreciate your welcome, but I can't move in right now. It's something rather personal. But I am quite occupied in some business which requires proximity to town."
Alfredo's face fell. He had hoped his son would come to live with them, but he was disappointed. Yet he knew his son was being honest and realistic. He turned to look at Esau but saw a look of relief in Esau's face.
Jacob saw it too and realized he had made the best decision. And Esau's look of relief now began to intensify Jacob's dislike for his brother.
"What kind of business, if I may ask?" Alfredo was at it again.
"It's just company business. I've to improve on my performance if I've got to please the bosses."
"Well understood, my son. But please pay us visits frequently. We're quite eager to see you again."
"I'll keep in touch, dad." Jacob tried to assure his parents. "Well, I've got to go back now."
"Quite a pity you can't spend the night with us here. But anyway, I understand as you've tried to explain. The doors of this home will always be open to you."
Jacob rose to his feet and moved to the door. Alfredo followed him. Esau reluctantly followed them outside.
Jacob was the first to speak when they were outside. "Goodnight! It's been quite a pleasure seeing you all."
"Good night, Jacob! Please come again." Alfredo urged him.
Jacob got behind the steering wheel and then set the ignition. The car roared into life and moved slowly along the road. His foot stepped onto the accelerator, and the Renault gathered speed.
When he reached the main road, he switched on the tape and listened to music. He was glad to be away from Esau, although he had wanted to hear more from his father.
As the car crossed the bridge on its way to Changamwe, Jacob started hoping that he had seen the last of Esau.