Chapter 7

*** Olivia TOUALI ***

Cynthia: Do you want me to come with you to help shut up your sisters and their witch mother?

Me: No thank you that's fine. I'm getting there for now but if I'm stuck, I'll call you for backup my darling.

Cynthia: Are you sure you don't want me to show them my latest footwork? We Guérés eat the man oh so if they have friends I will eat them a side. In a way there, you see no coco?

Me (laughing): Stay here first and if it gets hot there, I'll page you and you'll appear in force.

Cynthia: It works. I send a big kiss to your father.

Maya: Me too.

Me: Understood. Alright I'm going there. I love you.

Them: Us too.

I have to go today with my family to see my father. I go to see him once or twice a week when my schedule allows. I am Olivia TOUALI from a family of 4 girls of which I am the second. Alex is the eldest, I the second, Axelle the third and Anaïs the last. I don't have the same mother as them. My mother died when I was 15 and that's when my misfortunes began. I don't get along with my mother-in-law and her daughters. Only my father is precious to me in this family. My father was married to my mother who was slow to give birth. After 5 years of childless marriage, my mother's in-laws imposed a wife on my father. Of course he didn't want to, but my mother, being such a sweet woman, encouraged my father to accept because she didn't want him to put him on his back for her. He gave in to his wife's wish but was not touching his new wife. It still took my mother to push him. This is how my big sister Alexandra was born. As soon as Alex was born, my mother also became pregnant, which made my father crazy with happiness. He even wanted to take another house in which he would go and live with my mother far from his second wife to whom he was only married by custom. Throughout my childhood, I kept witnessing arguments here and there between my mother and her co-wife. My mother did everything to ignore her but she insisted. My mother-in-law Honorine refused that I approach her three daughters who also thought they were the butts of the world. One day my mother started complaining of pain in her stomach and even before they sent her to the hospital, she had passed away. The analyzes revealed nothing but deep down we knew it was from the other. The years began to be worse than each other. I was mistreated in the absence of my father who was a great businessman but I dared not speak to him about it because his health was beginning to deteriorate. And one day when I was 17, bam, he collapsed. He had a stroke and when he woke up he was paralyzed all over his body. Only his left arm was spared. He manages to speak but with difficulty with his mouth tilted to one side. His wife rather than take care of him took a servant to take care of him and she in return monopolized all the goods of my father. She got her hands on everything because after the death of mom, they got married legally and until today, she is the one who manages my father's fortune. Obviously it took me away from fortune. I no longer received any money and I was always mistreated. My father told me that I had to leave the house but I refused to leave him alone in the hands of this woman and her daughters. But one day I had to when my father begged me crying. The sight of her tears broke my heart and that's how I left home. He had managed with the help of his maid to have 200,000 FCFA in his safe which he gave me to manage with. When Honorine discovered it, she chased the girl to take another, whom she chased again and so on until for 3 years now she has kept Ahou, my father's current servant. The events followed one another and I met the girls at the University and we moved in together.

Today I work. Even though I don't earn millions but with my independence neither my mother-in-law nor her daughters can mistreat me. All they do now is put me down all the time. Treat me whatever they want but I don't care. My only priority when I go to this house is to spend time with my father. My prayer today is to succeed in order to get him out of this house and take care of him properly, but I am happy because his servant does it well and it is with her alone that I get along in this house. When I arrive I find them all except Axelle in the living room watching TV. I greet them quickly and I take the direction of the stairs but Honorine my mother-in-law calls me back.

I do.

Honorine: Sit down. (I obey) So how's work going?

I'm alright.

Honorine: Ah, so as it goes you can take care of your father.

Me: I thought there was already the money for that? In addition, with his health insurance, everything is taken care of.

Honorine: Yes, but that's not enough. We also have charges. I have to keep paying for your little sister Anaïs' lessons and Alex's house.

Me: But Alex works so she can take care of herself and you can use the money you take to pay for her apartment for dad's care.

Alex: Because you were told that I make millions.

Me: Last I heard you were a daddy's boy's whore so you earn twice your salary just by spreading your legs.

Alex: No, but are you sick? But at least I have a man who takes care of me. And where are you? It's the coagulation that's going to kill you here. I'm sure it's because you suck in bed that your son's father dumped you to go and marry your little sister. Kpaa the taste of it.

She bursts out laughing.

Me: And you, it's because you're nothing but a prostitute that Nick LEVRY preferred to marry a street girl than you?

Honorine: Alright, that's enough now, little plague. Olivia it's none of your business what other people do with their money. I'm talking to you about you.

Me: I already take care of my father and I will continue to do so.

I leave them and I go up to join my father in his room. Ahou his maid is giving him food, sitting in his wheelchair. When he sees me, he starts to smile. I am going to hug her very tightly while holding back my tears. Every time I see him in this state, I have tears in my eyes. I take his dish from Ahou's hands and I feed him myself.

Ahou: Big sister you even arrived well. He said if he finished eating we would call you.

Me: I missed him so much. How are you here?

Ahou: It's the same thing oh but hey I don't manage them anymore. Everyone is on their side now.

I wipe my dad's mouth after I finish giving him food and drink.

Me: How are you my darling dad?

Dad (speaking hard): I'm… fine. You are... you are all... beautiful my daughter... adored.

Me (moved): Thank you dad. You're taking your meds well, I hope, aren't you?

Dad: Yeah...I don't...want...you to hit me.

I burst out laughing, wiping away a tear of sadness that threatens to fall.

Me: Interested. I love you my little daddy.

Dad: I love you…my…princess. When... are you... introducing me to a man?

Me: Not yet dad. My priority is to make a lot of money to get you out of this house. You are my man for now.

Dad: I want to... die... knowing you... with a good man... who will take care of... you as you take care of me and as you deserve.

Me: Be patient it will come dad and you won't die anytime soon I promise.

I put my head on his invalid legs and he puts his valid hand on my head which he begins to caress. We stay like this for several minutes and then I decide to put on a movie for us to watch together. Ahou helps me to make him sit on his bed on which I join him to watch the film. The film is over, we still discuss everything and nothing together until it is time for me to leave.

Me: I'm leaving but I promise to be back by the day after tomorrow to kiss you again and again.

Dad: I'm going to… miss you.

Me: You too dad.

Dad: Look...under the...armchair...I have...something...for you.

I look and see an envelope in which I discover 150,000 FCFA.

Dad: It's...for...your needs.

Me: But dad, it's up to me to take care of you, not the other way around. I'm sorry dad I can't take it.

Dad: I didn't... know how to... protect you... but... I won't... leave you... to fend for yourself... to survive. You are... the only memory I have... of the only... woman... that I... loved so much. Please.... my beloved daughter... accept this..... as a.... gift.... from your.... father.

I can't stop my tears from flowing anymore when I see hers flowing. I lie down on his legs again and he strokes my hair. I also hear Ahou sniffling. It's always like that when I come to see him. It is with a heavy heart that I leave him. I give instructions to Ahou and some money before leaving. I want to come back and live here but he doesn't want to. He says if I come I might suffer the same fate as my mother. I ask the taxi driver to leave me at the Plateau at garden level. I want to be a little alone. Once seated on one of the benches in the garden, I give free rein to my tears. I can't bear to see my dad in this state. He who once was so full of life and overflowing with energy. But everything changed overnight without anyone really knowing what happened. If I was alone, none of this would mean anything to me, but there is also my father. It becomes unbearable to see him like this.

"Olivia?? »

When I look up I see Ryan's friend Brice. I quickly wipe my face to calm myself down. He sits next to me without asking.

Brice: What's going on with you?

Me: Nothing very serious Brice. Pay no attention to that.

Brice: Nothing very serious and you are crying hot tears like this? Talking is liberating and you know that?

Me: It's because of my father.

And the words start to come out of my mouth on their own without me being able to hold them back. My tears also accompany them. When I finish I fall into his arms. He does not hesitate to hug me while consoling me.

Me (breaking away from him): I'm really sorry. I'm not used to letting myself go like this.

Brice: It doesn't matter. (handing me a handkerchief) Here wipe your tears.

Me (taking it): Thank you. What are you doing here ?

Brice: I was there for a business. I was driving home when I saw you from my car. So I came to see what you were doing there.

Me: That's really nice of you. I don't know if it's worth going to see my son in my condition.

Brice: Do you have a boy?

Me (smiling): Yes, 6 years old. He lives with his father and his wife. He spends the weekends with me and I was supposed to pick him up since this morning but I didn't want to take him among those witches.

Brice (smiling): You're right. I can accompany you to pick it up if you want. I have nothing planned today.

Me: Oh thank you but don't bother about me. I'm fine already.

Brice: It doesn't bother me. In addition, I like the presence of children. So we could have an afternoon in the city to change your mind a bit. What do you say to yourself?

Me: Not such a bad idea. Thank you so much for being there for me.

He holds out his hand to me and I take it with a smile on my face before following him to the lane where we get into his car. My son Emmanuel lives with his father from whom I separated for I don't know what reason. Overnight, he made it clear to me that he no longer wanted me as we were about to make the dowry. I didn't understand anything and despite my insistence, he didn't want to tell me anything or at least he didn't really have an excuse. As I'm not the type to run after a man, I left him alone, telling myself that he was going to pass but I was shocked to learn that he was going to marry no one other than my little girl. Sister Axelle, Honorine's second daughter, who comes just after me. So I understood everything. It was another shot from my dear mother-in-law. I swallowed my grief to take control of my life. Not having a stable situation, I therefore accepted with great difficulty that my son go to live with his father. I want to get it back one day.

When we arrive, I send a message to Stéphane to go out with our son. I don't want to come in to avoid seeing Axelle's bad expression every time she sees me. Stéphane goes out with Emmanuel who runs as soon as he sees me. I greet Stéphane from a distance and I get back into Brice's car, which was waiting for us there. I do the introductions and off we go.

We had fun like crazy. Brice was a real gentleman. He immediately hooked up with Emmanuel who was really very happy with his afternoon. Games of all kinds he made and ice cream he lapped up galore. Every time he wanted some and I refused, he and Brice gave me sweet eyes to make me give in. I liked their bond. We ended the evening by going to eat at the restaurant and it is now 8 pm when we return. Brice lifts Emmanuel who has fallen asleep in his arms and brings him up to my room. When the girls see him with my son in his arms, they look at me with big eyes. I walk him out again despite his refusal. We stop near his car and face each other.

Me: Thank you again for this wonderful day Brice.

Brice: Not at all my dear. It was a pleasure for me, plus your son is really adorable.

Me (smiling): Yeah.

Brice: I hope this day was able to make you forget your pain.

Me: Yes and it's still thanks to you.

Brice: You should go up now. I'll come tomorrow to see the little one and if possible get you out again.

Me: Don't feel obligated Brice.

Brian: Not at all. Alright I'm going now.

Me: Come home okay and you wave to me when you get home to make sure you're okay.

Brice: I don't have your number.

Me (laughing): Ah yes, I'm stupid.

We exchange our numbers after which we kiss each other and he leaves. It is with a light heart that I go back home. The girls greet me with questioning looks.

Me (sitting): What?

Cynthia: We're just waiting for you to explain to us what we just saw earlier.

Me: We met by chance and he invited Emmanuel and me to spend the afternoon with him. That's all girls.

Maya: Hmmm.

Me: No, that's not what you're thinking.

Maya: Oh we haven't said anything yet no. Hmmm.

I hit her with a cushion and we burst out laughing.

Cynthia: How's Dad?

Same for me. His wife asks me to take care of her because "her money" is already programmed to take care of her whore daughters.

Cynthia: Truly this woman and her children will never cease to amaze us. But don't worry baby we'll help you. He's our dad to all of us.

Maya: Yes we will also contribute because you alone cannot.

Me: Thank you very much girls I love you.

Them: You're welcome princess.

*** Brice EKRA ***

Rather than going home, I'm going to Ryan's, who I haven't really seen this week because of work. During the trip, I only think about my day with Olivia and her son. Casually I loved it. This is the first time that I have really exchanged with her and I saw in her a very beautiful person. Maybe I should try with her, yes especially since we both hooked up well. I have to think carefully so as not to find myself again between her and Maya.

Ryan (letting me in): How are you bro?

Me: Alright buddy. I came to give you a quick hello before going home.

He disappears for a moment and comes back with a small bottle of beer which he hands me before sitting down in front of me.

Ryan: And where were you?

Me: Oh I spent the afternoon with Olivia and her son.

Ryan: Olivia has a son?

Me: Yes, but he lives with his father. He is adorable this little one.

Ryan: Hmmm why do I feel like it's not just the little one you found adorable?

Me: Olivia is too.

Ryan: So you're going to get started with her.

Me: I don't know yet, I'm thinking about it. Maya has told me before that she's not ready for a relationship and I don't want to harass her.

Ryan: Anyway Olivia is a good girl too.

Me: If not with Cynthia?

Ryan: It's happiness. I'm getting crazy about this girl.

Me: Are you going to take the leap with her?

Ryan: Well that wouldn't be a bad idea, but we're not there yet.

I go home at 10 p.m. I remember promising Olivia to wave to her on the way home. I had completely forgotten about it. I take my cell phone even though I think she is already asleep and send her a message. She doesn't hesitate to answer me. I call her and after a few minutes of talking, I cut off and rush into the shower to clean myself up. I still think back to my day with Olivia and her son before sinking. Oh love, when it takes us...