David's choices

I slowly leave the house, lifting the door slightly so that it doesn't creak on the cement when I close it. I manage to keep it quiet so as not to wake anyone. I sling my satchel over my shoulder and off I go. It's still a bit dark, only 6.30 a.m. and a bit chilly, so it's a good thing I put on my hoodie.

I pass through the little pivots and land behind the Assemblé Nationale. I walk quietly with my headphones in my ears and my hands in my pockets. I finally take a taxi-bus and then a second one. I'm working today in Okala, so I have to be there at 8 a.m., which is why I'm out of the house early.

With the traffic jams and the hassle of transport, I arrived at the site at 7.50am. I pushed the barrier and found my colleagues, greeted them all and went to change in the studio. I found Gildas putting his bag away.

Gildas: Hey guy, how are you?

Me: Quiet and you?

Gildas: Still having the same problems you're having now...

Me: I'll be fine, man, cheer up! Did you go to the hospital?

Gildas: Yeah, the doctor says she's got diabetes!

Me: That's hot!

Gildas's girlfriend is pregnant and has contracted gestational diabetes. It's complicated, these things, the poor guy's salary is going to go on treatments, it's difficult, I can only wish him courage. We've received our instructions and we've started work. We're here to build a mini castle for one of the country's leading figures. I'm in charge of masonry and carpentry, as well as all the other small jobs on site. This house is going to be magnificent, and the plans are enormous.

The morning passed quickly, and at midday I went to buy the beans with the cakes (only the real ones know), which settled me down nicely, and I drank a small Coke, feeling full. I digested for half an hour before going back to work. The sun was at its zenith, the heat at its peak, and I was sweating so much I took off my T-shirt.

Gildas: hey guy, don't give us a hard time about your physique, we know you're well cut!

Me (laughing): ahahah leave it, it's nothing!

Gildas: But we're all doing the same job, aren't we?

I laughed and carried on taking my bricks and cement to build the kitchen wall. The day passed quickly, and at 6pm I went to wash up, changed and headed home. I arrived home, pulled the cloth at the door and went into the living room. My mother was sitting on the rattan armchair.

Me: Hello Mum!

Mom (smiling): Good morning son.

Me: How are you this morning, Mom?

Mom: aaah as you can see!

I squatted down in front of her and gave her a kiss. My mother is my whole life and despite her illness, she's still my happiness. I think I spoke too quickly when I felt someone climbing on my neck.

Maeva: Daddy!!!

Me (amused): My love baby!

I carried her and gave her lots of kisses and tickles. Maeva is my 3-year-old daughter, she's my ray of sunshine, the one I could and would give everything for. She's so beautiful, my daughter, all my pride and joy, and I put her down on the floor after a session of laughter and tickling.

Maeva: Daddy, look at my braids!

Me: Beautiful, sweetie. Who did your hair?

Maeva : Auntie Laurence braided my hair!

Me: Good!

I heard voices and then Laetitia and Laurence came into the living room. Laetitia came in to give me a kiss and Laurence gave me a peck on the cheek, then said hello to Mom in her smart-alecky way!

Laetitia: Have you been home long?

Me : No, I just arrived!

Laetitia : ok I went with Laurence to get Maeva's hair braided and we went for a walk in town!

Me: Okay.

Laurence was sitting with manners as usual. Laurence is Laetitia's big sister, who is my sweetheart, not to say wife, because I didn't marry her. Laetitia is the mother of my daughter, and I love her very much - in short, she's part of my life. We got to know each other very young and then we started dating when she was 19 and when she was 21, she got pregnant. Her family were not happy about it and kicked her out, so I had to take her in.

My mother had warned me that these white girls were going to cause me problems. Indeed, Laetitia and Laurence are of mixed race; their father is Gabonese, a myéné from Lambaréné who had children with a French woman. Their mother died when Laetitia was 2 and their father remarried. Laurence is married to a local executive who has far too much money, hence his malignancy.

In short, their father, with his wife's complicity, drove Laetitia away when she was pregnant. She had to come and live with my mother and me in the slums of the boulevard in Libreville. In my situation, I took good care of her pregnancy and thank God Maeva was born in good circumstances. Unfortunately, life isn't always easy with a diabetic mother, a 3-year-old child and a wife, but I'll always fight for them.

You're probably wondering how I did it? We didn't always live on the boulevard, there was a time when I had a father, a decent home and I was studying. Yes, when my father was alive, I did a BTS in accounting at the IUSO, and that's where I met Laetitia, who was immediately charmed - I'm not an ugly guy!

My father died and I don't need to tell you that we were looted and hunted like dirt. My mother was accused of witchcraft and from that moment on, everything changed for us. I had to work, learn to fight for my family - in short, it was a real struggle.

Laurence (getting up): Well, I'm off. I'm going to go home because with the traffic jams, I'm sorry.

Laetitia : ok merci Laurence !

Laurence : huum on s'appelle!

She walked her sister home while I went for a shower and left Maeva in the living room with Mom. Once out of the outdoor shower behind the house, I went into the bedroom, where Laetitia was sitting on the bed.

Laetitia: Honey?

Me: Hm?

Laetitia: I need 50,000 fcfa please.

Me (arching my eyebrows) : 50 000 fcfa ???? Where can I find it right now? What's it for?

Laetitia (supporting my gaze) : I need it to buy my brazilian!

Oh dear! That's another thing Laurence must have crammed into her head. Every time Laurence spends time with Laetitia, I always end up in trouble. Anyway, I know Laurence doesn't like me very much, I don't have as much money as her husband, that's for sure.

Me (sighing): Laeti, you know I love you and won't deny you anything, but right now I don't have the 50,000 fcfa!

Laetitia (sulking): But you did buy things for your mother yesterday, didn't you?

Me (looking at her): But you know I have to for her food and health.

Laetitia (twisting her mouth): Well, what about the rest?

Me (sighing): Listen, Laeti, when I get it, I'll give it to you. The end of the month is still a long way off

She said nothing and left the room, I know she's going to sulk but I haven't and can't do anything, I'm not going to steal. I went out and sat in the living room, turning on the news to see what was going on in the country. When I went to bed in the evening, Laetitia was sulking and turned her back on me. I looked through my savings and had just 50,000 fcfa left. If I give her that, how are we going to get to the end of the month? I only fell asleep like that.

For the past two days Laetitia has been sulking me, and to be honest I hate it, so to avoid any trouble I took 30,000 fcfa and gave it to her. I promised her the rest soon, and she immediately started smiling again. The days that followed didn't get any better, Laetitia became strange, sulking all the time, asking me for money all the time, money I didn't have of course. One evening, things got really heated between us.

Laetitia (raising her voice): I'm fed up with this hassle, you never give me anything.

Me: Laetitia! This month I've given you nearly 180,000 fcfa and what have you done with it?

Laetitia (looking at me): You think 180,000 fcfa is money? What do I do with it?

Me : Really? Today you talk like that?

Laetitia: You're always giving me the crumbs. I'm a woman and I need to feel loved and pampered.

What's she talking about? I pamper her as best I can with the means at my disposal. Sometimes I go into debt to please her, and what does she do with her life? Nothing! Even do a little business, nothing! Her sister drills into her head that they have to be looked after.

I love Laetitia very much, I'm in love with her like the day I met her, which is why I put up with everything she does, even when my mother warns me off. I don't listen because I love the girl, but the reality is that she always wants more.

Laetitia (with an evil look on her face): I'm here today because of you. I'm getting fed up, do you hear me?

Me (looking at her): But why can't you just be patient? What I earn I give to you...

Laetitia: what do you earn first? Tchuiip with your junk all over the place, I'm tired, I need a real man who can take care of me.

Me (frowning): What does that mean?

Laetitia (pushing me): I'm tired, I'm going to leave you in that rotten house with your mother!

She started to lower her suitcases from the top of the wardrobe. Maeva came into our room crying, probably because of all the screaming. She pulled on Laetitia's dress, who didn't even look at her, and took her things. I didn't know what to do, she wasn't going to leave me like that, was she? What am I going to do? My heart raced, and to see Maeva crying threw me for a loop.

Me (looking at her): Laeti sorry don't do that, look Maeva's crying!

Laetitia (annoyed): No, leave me alone, I've had enough!

Maeva (in tears): Mom... Mom!

Me: Laetitia I'll do whatever you want, but please don't go.

I held her by the arm, she pushed me but I was still holding her, she started hitting me, I didn't understand a thing. I let go, Maeva tried to hold her back but she pushed gently.

Me (deep voice): Laetitia please stay and do this for your daughter!

Laetitia (joking): Stay with her, for all I know she's your daughter too. I'm out of here.

Me: Laetitia?

Laetitia: Get the hell out, David!

I stood helplessly with my daughter crying in my arms. My mother was standing in front of her bedroom door watching the scene. I put Maeva in their room and went into mine. I sat on my bed in a daze, my throat in a knot, Laetitia had left me?

My name is David Onanga, I'm 27 and my "wife" has just left me. Now I'm alone with my three-year-old daughter and my sick mother in a big mess.

Maeva (soft voice): Dad? Where's mommy?

Me: She's not here, sweetie.

Maeva: When is she coming back? Doesn't she love me anymore?

I carried my daughter and sat down with her on the armchair. What can I say to her? I still can't believe Laetitia is gone. It's been a month and I still don't realize, how? Why can't she? It's been a month and she hasn't returned my calls or messages. She doesn't even try to see her daughter. What's going on with her? After five years together, she decides to drop everything for money? I'd never have thought her capable of that.

I looked at Maeva in my arms, twisting a stuffed toy in her hands. I smiled because at least I have my daughter with me, my pretty little baby, but on the other hand, what am I going to invent to justify her mother's absence? Why doesn't she come to see her? Even to check on her.

Mom: David?

Me: ...

Mom: Is your mixed race always the reason you're like this?

Me: Mom, stop it, please.

Mom (hand on hips) : What am I stopping? That's what you've always told me, isn't it? Where is she today? Doesn't the child even care? What mother? Look how you've lost weight in the last month.

Me (sighing): Mum...

Mom: David I'm sick, you're my only son. I can't take care of the little one properly, you're doing your own thing. Call his sister who thinks she's white!

Me (looking up): To tell her what? I think she knows. I even think Laetitia's at her place.

Mom : She is, isn't she?

Me: Where would you like her to go?

Mom: Son, you don't know the woman, do you?

Pfff that's it! She's going to go back into her delirium. For my mother, Laetitia has all the wrong qualities: she's seductive, deceitful, materialistic, lazy, in short. I've always liked Laetitia just the way she is, and even though I love her, I feel a twinge of sadness, because life really is nothing.

Maeva (rubbing her eyes): Daddy, I'm hungry.

Me: Would you like some milk?

Maeva: yes

I got up, took a cup and put some Nestlé milk in it, then heated up some water. I took some bread with butter and put it on the table. I sat her down at the table. She dipped her bread in the milk and started eating while Mum went back to the bedroom.

I left the house and went to take a shower out back. On my way out wearing shorts and with my towel around my neck, I bumped into Sandra next door. She smiled at me as usual and said hello.

Sandra (smiling): How are you David?

Me (looking at her): How are you?

Sandra : Well... uh tell me, it's been a while since I've seen your wife?

Me: She's out of town.

Sandra (unconvinced) : ah ok!

I didn't want to linger and went back into the house. Maeva had apparently spilled her milk as Mom was wiping it up with a sponge. I put on a T-shirt and pants. I had to go and see my mate for a change of scene, but I'm not going to wait too long so as not to leave Mum alone with the little one.

Once I was ready, I tried to call Laetitia for the umpteenth time, but there's been no news for a month. It's really a nightmare without her, seeing the little one asking me for her mother every hour, not having the one I love any more, it's torture, not forgetting the way my mother looks at me.

Sometimes I think money is the key to success, it's what buys everything in life. If you don't have money, you don't have a wife, you're nobody in fact. It's as if money defines a man's strength and abilities, his very beauty. But I wasn't prepared for Laetitia to let me down one day, knowing that she'd been through much worse with me. Pff better I go. I went out at 8 p.m. to meet Gildas and Ben in a maquis.

Gildas (slapping my hand): Is he top of the line?

Me: Average! Where is Ben?

Gildas: I think he went for a pee.

Me: Okay!

I saw Ben coming, we clapped hands and he sat down. Gildas, Ben and I have been friends since high school. Gildas only got his A-levels, which is one of the reasons why we do odd jobs together. Ben, on the other hand, was luckier because his parents had the means, he has a master's degree in economics and works for a large local company.

The waitress came up to us, greeted me kindly and made pretty eyes at me. I've told you I'm not naughty, I'm a good-looking guy I know, but I'm not the charming type. We placed our order and I took a small beer.

Gildas (looking at me): Have you heard from Laetitia?

Me (laughing): Nothing, man! I haven't known what she's been doing with her life for a month, I still don't get it.

Gildas: It's especially hot for the little one. I didn't think Laetitia was capable of that, and all for a matter of money and stuff? But it's not the first time, it happens, if you don't have, you're not going to steal?

Me (taking a sip): Money controls every guy. But it's killing me, I love Laetitia.

Ben (looking at me): You should zap, she doesn't deserve you.

I looked at Ben, he looked totally serious. Ben is a woman's man, 28 years old, single, rather libertine. He indulges himself whenever he wants, but all it takes is a little exposure and a few bucks to get a woman.

Me: Dude, you can't say that!

Ben (sarcastic laugh): David... Laetitia is young and beautiful, she must have gone elsewhere on the advice of her sister and her bitchy girlfriends.

Gildas: I can confirm that.

Me (looking at each of them in turn): What's the matter with you all? Did you get along with my mother or something?

Ben: Have you seen who she hangs out with?

Ben went out with two of Laetitia's girlfriends with no pressure. He finished his beer and asked for a second round. Laetitia is who she is, but she's still in my thoughts.

Around 10pm, after drinking 4 beers, my head was pounding a bit. I'm not much of a drinker. Ben offered to give me a lift. Once on the main road at the boulevard, he pulled up to the curb to park for a while.

Me (taking off my seatbelt): thanks guy

Ben (looking at me): You're welcome brother. Tell me, David, how did you end up here?

Me (sighing) : You know I didn't have a choice.

Ben (raising an eyebrow): You've got a BTS in accounting, you'd started your degree and you were among the best if I'm not mistaken. Why don't you look for a good job?

Me: Well, it's not as if I haven't done it. But today's system is rotten, and I don't feel like dropping my pants to be in an office.

Ben: maybe because you're knocking on the wrong doors

Me (shrugging): Maybe, as you say. But why? Do you have any leads for me?

Ben (smiling): Leads, no, more like ONE lead!

Me (raising an eyebrow): Interesting. But you know that the BTS is three years behind me anyway.

Ben: I know you're smart, bro. But the question is, are you motivated? Are you ready to work hard?

Me (laughing): What could be harder than what I do every day under the sun?

Ben: At least you don't have to go to the gym.

Me (amused): Anyway, I've got a daughter and a mother to get to.

Ben: I've got a meeting on Friday, I'll talk about you and keep you posted.

Me (on the way down) : ok man

I came home tired. Mom was in her room with Maeva asleep. I picked up my daughter and took her to my room to sleep with me. I said good night to Mom and locked myself in. Tomorrow is an early wake-up call.

At 8 o'clock, I was on the building site with Gildas and the other guys. The owner of the future house came to see the work around 2pm.

Boss: good job David! You're making good progress! My wife will be happy, she just got back from Dubai yesterday, she'll be coming by today.

Me: Yes, I'll be plastering the kitchen wall tomorrow and tackling the back.

Boss: Well, how's the family?

Me: Fine, sir, and how are you?

While we were talking, the guard opened the gate and a Prado car pulled in and parked. The door opened and I saw a young, fair-skinned woman get out of the car. She was wearing a short-skirted suit, a black jacket and a plunging neckline. She took off her sunglasses and approached me. It's the first time I've seen his wife.

Boss: there you are, darling!

She: hello my love.

They kissed and then he introduced me to his wife. I didn't offer her my hand because she's dirty. I'm the group leader, so I'm usually the one the boss speaks to. His wife Angélique looked at me from head to toe, really staring at me to the point where I was a little embarrassed. The boss's phone rang, and he stepped back to answer it.

Angélique (staring at me): So you're the one in charge?

Me: Would you like a tour?

Angelique: Well, why not? My husband's still talking on the phone.

Boss (hanging up): I've got to run, take the tour and if you've got anything to change, check with David, he'll talk to the guys.

Angélique: Okay, see you tonight!

He got back in the car with his driver to leave. I went back into the house with Angélique. She's right behind me, so I had the impression she was looking at me more than the house. We walked around the house and then out again. She showed her satisfaction by saying she'd come back tomorrow.

Gildas: Has she got a crush on you or what? Watch out!

Me: No, she didn't!

That evening I came home tired, I stopped to buy a top-up card to call Laetitia but this time her phone rang unavailable. Fuck, I'm fed up. I'm tired and even more so when I get home and find my daughter crying.

Maeva (hiccupping): I want my mother...

Me (sighing): Maeva Mommy's not here

Maeva: When is she coming to get me?

Me: I don't know, sweetie

Maeva: but daddy snif... call mommy

Maeva is crying her eyes out. I saw my mother looking at me in despair. I got out of the house and finally called her sister Laurence. She didn't pick up, so I insisted. After the third time, she answered.

Laurence: hello?

Me (deep voice): Good evening Laurence!

Laurence : Yes, hello, who's this?

Me : It's David

Laurence : yes, what's up?

Me : I'm calling because I think you know that Laetitia left me, giving up the baby a month ago.

Laurence (annoyed): And what do you want me to do?

Always arrogant that woman, I'd like to slap her around a lot. But I'm calming down and trying to get some useful information.

Me: Do you think it's normal for her to abandon her daughter? Maeva cries all the time

Laurence: David, sorry, Maeva cries for her mother and what do you want me to do?

Me: but at least talk to your sister

Laurence: She doesn't want you anymore David, we don't want broke people in our family. You can't give her money, she's gone elsewhere, do you think a beautiful girl like that is going to waste her time with you?

I accused myself when she said that, my throat tightening. Laetitia, the real woman! Did she go somewhere else? Okay, I'll deal with it later, I'll take it easy.

Me: Okay, but at least let her call her daughter.

Laurence: Sorry David, save your crumbs and find yourself a poor girl, but don't think you'll ever see my sister again.

Click! She hung up on me. I banged my head against the wall, so angry but sad at the same time. I sat in the doorway with my head in my hands. I had all kinds of thoughts running through my head: Laetitia, why? Is love like this? Did she really love me to begin with? So without money I'm nothing?

Two days later

Today's Saturday, I leave the pharmacy with Mom's medication. Two are missing, I'll take them at the end of the month, I've taken the essentials. I went to buy some things for the house, then came home. My phone rang, number unknown.

Me: Hello?

Angelique: Hello David, it's Angelique!

Me: Uh, yes, ma'am... what can I do for you?

Angelique? Pffff how and where did she get my number? Anyway, what does she want with me? I was a bit skeptical.

Angelique: you can call me by my first name, it's no problem! Uh... I went to the field and realized you weren't there.

Me: Yes, I'm not working today.

Angélique : ah that's a shame...

Me : Why? Is something wrong?

Angelique: I wanted to see you and have a chat...

Me: There are other workers at the site. Would you like to change anything?

Angelique: No, everything's fine. I wanted to see YOU... I'll be by late Monday afternoon. We can go for a drink!

Me: ...

Angélique: my husband's out of town and I'm a bit bored... if you know what I mean.

Look at me one, you're bored and what's wrong with me? Did she see me as the distraction? Honestly, she's a very beautiful woman but I don't touch that kind of product, it's too much trouble. She's not old, she can't be more than 40 in any case, she's a good woman, but no and I don't have that much to do.

Me: uh, I don't know if that's a good idea.

Angélique: I'll let you think about it, and we'll talk again on Monday! Have a nice day, you can reach me at this number

Me: Have a nice day too!

I hung up thinking. Nonsense! I gave Mum her sachet from the chemist's, then dressed Maeva and took her for a walk on the beach. We went to the seaside, I took a table and offered her an ice cream. She was telling me stories, she's beautiful, my daughter, it's normal she looks like me. My phone buzzed.

Me: yes?

Ben: How are you, man?

Me : Good and you ?

Ben : How are you? Are you free right now? I'm at the democracy traffic circle, I'll pick you up.

Me : Sorry, I'm in a private meeting.

Ben (amused) : what the hell? So where are you? I need to talk to you.

Me (looking at Maeva) : I'm at Léon Mba with the little girl.

Ben: Okay, I'm coming!

I put my phone on the table. Maeva had vanilla ice cream on the tip of her nose, so I took the handkerchief to wipe it off and continued drinking my Coke.

Maeva: Who was Daddy?

Me: Uncle Ben!

Maeva: Did you tell him you were with me?

Me: Yes, he's on his way.

Maeva: Okay!

Ben arrived, sat down and ordered a heineken. We chatted about everything. Then Maeva played in the sand, and I kept a close eye on her.

Ben: I had a meeting yesterday!

Me (watching Maeva): Yeah...

Ben: So I said I was going to talk to my colleagues for you.

Me (looking at him): were you serious?

Ben: Yeah, man, we've got a job opening for an accountant!

I frowned, I don't know. It's not that I don't want to, but I got my BTS three years ago, so I don't know if I'm really ready for it. Especially since it's a big company in Libreville.

Me (grimacing): Well, it's hot. I don't have much experience apart from internships.

Ben (looking at me) : I know, but that's not a problem. There's going to be a training course, and as I told you this week, what we really need is someone who's motivated and ambitious! Do you understand me, man?

I went to pick up Maeva because she's starting to drift away from us and with everything that's happening on these so-called beaches, I don't feel like losing sight of my daughter or letting her wander off. She wanted to sulk but I picked her up.

Maeva: Dad...

Me: You stay right next to me Maeva, stand over there.

Ben (smiling): Would you like another ice cream, Maeva?

Maeva: Yes, Uncle Ben!

He ordered her another vanilla and caramel ice cream. She sat down and busied herself getting ice cream all over herself. I'm back on the subject with Ben, I don't really understand what he's getting at.

Me (looking at him): Yes, so explain it to me clearly?

Ben (holding my gaze): I'm asking if you're motivated to work?

Me: You know I am, but I'd like to know what it's all about.

Ben : Accounting!

Me: Yes, but what kind of work will you be doing? I mean the scope of the job?

Ben: Look, you're getting yourself worked up over nothing. It's general accounting, nothing more and nothing less than what you've learned in class and seen on your internships.

Me: Yes, but I've only done two six-month internships and that was at the Central Post Office.

Ben (placing his hands behind his head): Well? That's enough. Do you have a CV?

Me: Yes, I must have one somewhere.

Ben: Update it and get back to me within the week. I'll give it to the boss, and we'll certainly give you a call.

Me (raising an eyebrow): Hmm, that sounds too easy!

Ben (laughing): It's called being tapped, my boy.

I think there's something wrong with this, it's too easy. At the same time, maybe I'm lucky too? Ben took another sip of his heineken.

Ben: ooh there's a moist cake on the horizon!

Me (following his gaze): pfff

Ben (devouring her with his eyes): look at that pair of buttocks! The girls in Libreville are good, aren't they?

There's a group of three girls in front of us, two of them in bathing suits. I take a sip of my Coke. It's not for me, they're okay, but it still reminds me that I don't have Laetitia anymore. Ben looked at me, and when he saw I was distracted, he sighed.

Ben: Are you still thinking about Laetitia?

Me: That's kind of hot!

Ben (straightening up): She's not worth it, David!

Me: She's also Maeva's mother...

Ben: So what? What haven't we seen before? I'll tell you one thing, I knew it was going to happen like this sooner or later. Look, Laetitia is like all those women out there. You have to show them a few bucks, take them out to eat and they're in your bed, chasing after you...

Me: Well, there's more to life than money.

Ben: No, it's not just money, but it's what controls the world.

He waved to the waitress who came to our table smiling with the bill. He took out his wallet to pay, then looked at his watch.

Ben: Well, I've got to run... Can I give you a lift?

Me: No, we're going to enjoy ourselves a little longer.

Ben (getting up): ok, but think about the job, it's an opportunity not to be missed.

Me: Okay, we'll call you!

He left and I stayed with my daughter, pacing up and down the beach. I could see her running away from the waves, laughing. I look at Maeva and she reminds me so much of her mother when she's laughing with her pale complexion and small mouth. I thought back to the conversation with Laurence, I can't believe she's moved on, it's too easy, she has to explain.

The next day at work, it was a bit difficult, I wasn't in high spirits. As I was carrying the bricks, I thought I was better than this, but deep down I know I'm not cut out for it. Ben's right, I should think about going into accountancy, that's what I got my BTS for anyway, not to end up here!

The morning was hard with all the work and thoughts in my head. I took a break with Gildas, and we went to a cafeteria for spaghetti and meat. During the meal, we chatted quietly. This life is such shit.

Me: And Marina? How's her health?

Gildas: For the moment, her health is stable, as is the baby's. She's on a fairly strict treatment and diet.

Me: Okay, when is she due?

Gildas: Normally in three months.

Me: It'll be fine, don't worry! Ah la vie...

Gildas: And Laetitia?

I explained to her what her sister had told me on the phone, that girl's a witch! Then we were back in the field, and I told him the story of Angélique, the boss's wife. He died laughing.

Gildas: She's still good, she's probably 35 or 38 max.

Me: Yeah, but I don't think she's up to it either... no, it's too risky!

Gildas: You can relax, take a good shot and zap unless you're afraid of the rails.

Me: I don't think so, that kind is worse than a leech brother.

Gildas: in any case

We went through the gate and Angélique's car was parked in the dealership. I went around to continue on the back terrace. I was mixing the cement when she came up behind me and touched my arm.

Me: ah hello ma'am

Angelique (smiling): David I've already told you that you can call me by my first name!

Me: Okay.

Angelique: So how are you?

Me: Pretty good and you?

She began to type quietly, I answered as I worked, her gaze always on me.

Angélique: So, have you thought about my proposal?

Me: Which one?

Angelique (looking at me): Have a drink with me.

Me (holding her gaze): That's not going to be possible, sorry.

Angelique : Why not?

Me: I've got to look after my daughter tonight and take my mom for a check-up.

Angelique: ah, you have a daughter? So you're a couple?

Me: I'm not with my daughter's mother anymore.

Angélique (looking at her phone): ok! Let's do it again. Call me David, it'll make me happy and... I hope we'll have time to get to know each other better.

Unexpectedly, she gave me a peck on the cheek, and I was a little embarrassed, especially as I'm not very fresh at the moment. I still let out a little smile, I must say she's not bad-looking, but there's no time for that right now.

Three days later.

Mom: David, don't miss your chance.

Me: Mom, I don't know, I don't have much experience and it goes fast anyway.

Mom (looking at me): You've got a degree, do you think your father would be happy to see you doing the odd jobs in the meantime you can get better?

Me (sighing): You're right, Mum.

Yesterday I went to Ben's company for an interview, which went really well, and I have to give him an answer this evening. I'm happy and also anxious at the same time, but when I see all the advantages behind it, I'll be able to look after my mother properly, pay off my debts, send my daughter to school. I'm going to accept, especially as I'll be guided and trained from the start. I've spoken to Gildas about it and he's also encouraging me to go for it, so I'm going to call to confirm and I'll start next Monday. Once I called Ben to tell him, he was happy and said he'd pass on the message tomorrow.

Ben: I hope you're ready, it's going to go pretty fast.

Me: Do I have a choice? You don't miss opportunities like that.

Ben: You'll have to make concessions sometimes, but above all you'll have to make the right choice to evolve and line your pockets.

Me: I haven't even started yet, Ben!

Ben: That's right! Soon they'll all be eating out of your hand, believe me.

Anything. I looked after Maeva and then watched a bit of TV before going to bed. The next day Mom wasn't feeling well so I had to run to the general hospital with her. I sent a message to Gildas to let him know.

We had to keep Mom, so I went back home, leaving Maeva with the neighbor. I took some money from my savings, gave the neighbor 2,000 fcfa for Maeva and went back to the hospital. I was surprised to be told that Mom had a kidney stone problem and that I had to pay for tests and other things. I didn't have enough money, I'll have to lend again.

I tried to call Ben to help me out, but his number was unavailable; he must be busy. I was sitting in the corridor cogitating and looking at my contacts when I saw Angelique and a waitress coming towards me. What's she doing here?

Angelique: I'm going to sort it all out.

Me (surprised): No, don't worry, I'll...

Angelique: It's too late.

Apparently she's taken care of the hospital bills and the prescription. I was embarrassed, how does she know I'm here? How am I going to thank her? How am I going to pay her back?

Angélique: Gildas told me everything.

Me: Thank you, I'll pay you back. You can take it out of my salary.

Angélique : But no, David, I'll give you a hand, it's normal, you do good work for us too.

Me: Thank you then!

Angelique (winking): You can thank me later.

She stayed with me for a while. I was lost, I didn't know what to do because Mom was spending the night, so I had to go home and spend the night. I couldn't leave my daughter alone. I got to the neighborhood and went straight to the neighbor's. Maeva wasn't there. Maeva wasn't there, so I went to the house. The door was open, and when I came in, I found Laetitia sitting in the living room with Maeva. Did she come back?