Chapter 2 Part 1 (continuation)

- Lemuel told me the same thing.

- Should I order you a jet?

- I'm still thinking about it.

- Okay. I'm downstairs with the others. We're getting ready for Brazil.

- Okay. [Clears throat]

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I am left alone again. Shitty life. I connect to the networks to see what is being said. I get a lot of comments but mostly insults. The web is divided. Some people don't believe anything this kid says, others believe her, and another group is waiting for my statement before making a decision. I throw my mobile away. Sleep will make me forget all this.

I am awakened by incessant calls. Who the hell could that be? I check and see that I have about 20 missed calls. Friends, show promoters, a lot of people. My father bursts into my room like a mill.

- Is a little privacy too much to ask for?

- The journalist is there with her team. And as if everything that happened to us wasn't so serious, this kid had to announce to the whole world that she was pregnant. Congratulations son, you're going to be a father.

- I didn't touch her, damn it!

- Well right now all the evidence is against you. So get your ass up and get ready. You can tell the reporter anything you want. It'll go live on social media. You have ten minutes to get down.

He slams the door behind him. I swing everything I can get my hands on. I am fed up. More than fed up. I call my little brother.

- Rent the jet for now. I'm going back to the country for a bit.

- "Done."

I pack a good number of clothes in my suitcase. Enough to keep me away for a long time. I quickly take a shower. When I come out, Lemuel enters my room.

- If you're going to go, you're going to go now. Dad will be up in five minutes. Everything is ready downstairs.

- Okay. Take my suitcase out the back.

- Okay... Omar is already there with your car.

I get my bag with all my cameras and we leave. As I walk down the stairs, I see my father talking to the reporter. I sneak out the back door. I meet my brother and my best friend at the car.

- You have to go or he'll realize you helped me.

- Yeah, Omar agrees. Take care of yourself and call us when you get there.

- Without fail.

We tchek and they leave quickly. On board my car, I put my music at full volume. I still need motivation to go to the end of this runaway. At the end of ten minutes, my father begins to bombard me of calls and messages. I block him from everywhere. I need a vacation.

IVORY COAST***ABIDJAN

I arrive at a late hour at the Hotel Ivoire. I did not have time to book a room. So I go to the reception desk, my cap placed on my face to pass incognito. I don't want anyone to recognize me.

- Good evening, I would like a room.

The receptionist opens her mouth but is shocked when, by some magic, she recognizes me.

- Oh my God, it's Collins. Oh my God!

- Keep it down, please. Avoid attracting attention.

- Sorry, col... sir. We had no notice of a celebrity visit. You would have been welcomed as you should have been.

- I don't want that. I want my stay here to be as discreet as possible. Treat me like a regular guest and please, during my stay, it will be Louis. No Collins.

- No Collins. The bellman will show you to our best suite.

- No, I just want a regular room with all the amenities.

- As you wish. I'll let the staff and manager know you're here.

- Okay.

She hands me the map to my room.

- Thank you!

- Uh... please, can I have your autograph. I'm begging you.

I look at her. She begs me with her eyes.

- Okay.

I sign his autograph in a book and follow the porter to my room on the second to last floor. He too asks me for an autograph for his girlfriend who would be a fan by reassuring me to tell her that I was just passing through the hotel. I give it to him with a tip. Once alone, I

warn my friends of my arrival. My father filled my messengers. I don't bother to read or listen. I just fall on the bed and blow.

Finally away from all the mess. I hope to return with solutions but more importantly new inspiration for my career.