Chapter 8 Wild time

One hot afternoon, after Darla and Scarlett had gone shopping, Becka sat with Bel in the air conditioned sitting room, watching a musical on T.V. Bel was telling Becka about how they started to live together. "Darla's parents are wealthy, so are mine. Scarlett ran from home because of poor condition." Bel began. "On my part, my parents were tired of me, so they dumped me in this house. It is one of their houses. Darla left home mainly because of her father's friend's son who was desperately after her..and disturbing her. So, she came to live here.

Darla invited Scarlett here, and we have been living together in harmony for about a year now.". Becka nodded with interest. "Do you guys attend school?" she asked.

"School? Only Scarlett goes to school." Bel answered. The shrill cries of Sandra crept into the sitting room. Becka went to the room and brought her baby to the sitting room. "Sandra is so beautiful. I think she's more beautiful than you are. Her dad must be very handsome." Bel said, smiling at the baby. Becka felt uncomfortable with that statement. Dad?, she asked herself. She didn't know. Becka didn't know Sandra's father and didn't care to know, since they would deny their fathering a baby. She remembered Ed, one of the guys she had slept with. Ed was a very handsome guy, and Becka wondered whether he was her baby's father. Her mind jolted back to reality. Bel was talking. "How did you come about baby Sandra?" Bel inquired, stroking Sandra's cheek as Becka nursed her. Becka hesitated. She didn't want to. But, if I don't tell her, Scarlett would tell her, so why not?, she thought. "Well, I had numerous boyfriends, so I don't really know her father." Becka finally said.

Bel didn't show any sign of surprise. "How did you feel when you knew you were pregnant?" Was the question directed at Becka? Becka smiled faintly. "When I went to the doctor, and he confirmed I was pregnant, I was shocked, because I thought I was well protected with the pills. My brother and his wife weren't surprised in any way." she said, watching baby Sandra doze off in her arms. Bel smiled wryly. "Didn't you think of an abortion?" Bel asked, still smiling. Becka took a deep breath. "Well... Scarlett and a few friends suggested that, but I don't have such a bold heart to kill someone." Becka responded. Bel frowned distinctly, "It's not 'killing someone'." Bel defended. Becka lowered her eyes. " It is, Bel." she simply said. Bel roared with laughter. Becka was surprised. What's the cause of laughter? she wondered. "You see, Becka," she started. " You are acting like a baby. This tummy has housed seven different pregnancies!" Bel finally said. Becka gasped, stunned. Bel stood from the sofa and swung herself around, "It's a secret. And I don't look at it." she said with a sweet smile. Becka shrugged.

So, Bel has given birth to seven kids, summing it up? she thought wildly. She wanted to ask Bel more questions but the door swung open. Darla and Scarlett came in with loads of shopping bags. "We are back!" Scarlett said, quite exhausted. "Welcome back, girls." Bel replied, handing each of them a glass of cold water. Becka assisted in taking the bags to the kitchen. When she returned, the girls were discussing it excitedly. Becka didn't want to keep herself in suspense. "What's going on?" she asked, sitting beside Bel, who was carrying Sandra. "Guess what? We are going to be partying tonight." Darla told her happily. Becka frowned.

"In here?"

"Yeah. And it's going to be fun!" Scarlett said.

Oh! The noise!, Becka thought. " I'm sure you'll join us!" Bel said with a grin. "I don't know. I can't leave my baby in the room and come here to join you guys to party..I'm not interested." Becka said, trying to talk gently. "Well, I don't think you should deprive yourself of having fun, Beck." Scarlett said, shaking her head. Becka didn't say anything. As Becka was preparing dinner, the guests began to arrive. Mostly guys, she hissed as she saw a number of guys laughing with Bel over a joke she cracked. As she placed three whole chickens with dressing in the oven, she heard Sandra's cries. She left hurriedly for her room. She bumped into someone. "Sorry." she quietly said and wanted to leave when the guy blocked her way. She looked up. He smiled at her. His smile sent cold shivers down her spine. "You're such a beautiful lady." he said. Becka glanced at him. He looked like an alligator and a terrible odour of alcohol gushed from his mouth. "May I go now?" Becka said irritatingly. The guy smiled again and didn't move. Becka took him by surprise and shoved him out of the way. The other guys laughed at him. He was looking for prey and she wasn't going to be one, she thought, opening the door of her room. She went in. Darla came in after her. Becka looked up at her. " You don't treat those guys that way!" Darla said, making emphasis on each word. "I don't like him and didn't want me to leave, so I shoved him away."

Becka answered by cuddling little Sandra to her chest. Darla stared at her, arms akimbo. "Alright." she said, quite angry. Becka laughed. "You're offended, aren't you? Because he's..." Becka laughed again. Darla smiled at her and left the room. After ensuring that Alexandra had fallen asleep, she returned to the sitting room. Loud music was playing, and Becka stood, watching Darla dance funnily to the music. Then, it dawned on her that she was drunk. Becka laughed, shook her head and went to the kitchen. After dinner, the party began. Bel was busy preparing snacks for their guests and invited Becka to help her out. "What are you doing?" Becka asked, moving close to the table where Bel was kneading some dough. " Sausage rolls." Bel replied. "Okay. What should I do?" Becka asked, staring at a tray full of rolls ready for baking. " Put the rolls in the oven. Scarlett is coming to serve them to the guests when they're ready." Bel answered. Becka and Bel worked for about an hour together.

When they were done, Becka felt sleepy. She needed rest. "Aren't you coming to dance?" Darla asked as she saw Becka about to go to her room. " I'm not, Darla. I'm tired." she simply replied. " Good night, then." Darla said. Becka went to her room, climbed on her bed and slept off.