MY IDOL, MY OFFICER

Chapter Eleven: With Mom and William

Her words stayed with me long after he had gone.

She nodded. “Then make sure you both remember that love is not only about excitement. It is also about respect, patience, and supporting each other.”

I smiled. “Yes, Mom.”

“You really like him,” she said.

When he finally left, Mom looked at me for a long moment.

I watched them from the side and smiled. It was strange to see my idol fitting so naturally into my everyday life. He was no longer just the person whose videos I watched on my phone. He was sitting at our table, talking to my mother and laughing with my little brother.

William was completely different. He had no serious questions at all. He simply wanted to dance. Within minutes, the compound had become a small dance practice space, with William copying every move and laughing whenever he missed a step.

Mom listened carefully. She had always taught William and me that respect was more important than appearances. Watching her gradually relax made me feel relieved.

He handled himself well. He did not try to impress Mom with his growing popularity. Instead, he spoke about his plans, his work, and the importance of building a stable future. That mattered to me because I did not want fame to become the only thing defining him.

I had imagined this meeting several times before it actually happened. In every version, Mom asked difficult questions, and I sat there wishing the floor would open beneath me. The real meeting was almost exactly as intimidating.

He finally met Vivian’s mom.

Vivian was nervous.

Her mom was strict.

He arrived with fruits and a small bag of rice, like a proper Ghanaian boy. He was respectful, slightly shy, and still managed to keep Vivian’s hand in his whenever he could.

When Mom asked him what he did, he answered honestly.

“I’m a dancer, Ma, but I’m also saving to continue my education because Vivian says education is important.”

Vivian’s mom smiled for the first time.

Little William loved him instantly.

He taught William some of his dance moves in their small compound.

“Brother, again! Again!” William shouted.

Later, when Mom went to the kitchen, he whispered to Vivian, “Your mom likes me?”

“Yes.”

“Good. Because I want to come here often. I want William to call me Big Brother.”

From the kitchen, Vivian’s mom called out, “This boy loves you too much, Vivian. Don’t break his heart o!”

He looked at Vivian and smiled.

“I won’t,” he mouthed.

Then he squeezed her hand.