Chereads / Maria-Opus of Exude / Chapter 20 - Stalemate

Chapter 20 - Stalemate

Having had been heavily convinced by Miriam about me grunting Antony the right to

see his children. How hard it will be. I mean, I am literally letting Antony win the

war.

I sit for hours in my bedroom, the glass doors leading to the balcony, open and a cool

breeze racing into the room. The baby is sucking on a sweet, which I gave to her as

a gimmick to try and calm her down. I know I shouldn't have given her a sweet

especially at her age but then, the little thing can be a radio sometimes and I would

be left with absolutely no choice but to use desperate measures. The boys are at

school, Miriam is busy in the courts and I am smoking my second cigarette. A

gazillion thoughts are racing through my mind. The whole thing is crazy if you ask

me. If it was really up to me, I would never grant Antony the right to see these

children, later alone to father them. But now thanks to Miriam's educated advice, it

seems like I would have to give in to Antony's annoyingly irrational demands and to

tell the honest truth, it drives me nuts to give in to a man's stupid demands.

I look at the cell phone in my hand and I exhale loudly, a hollow stomach feeling

awakens in my stomach. Fuck! I hate this feeling. I hate feeling this way especially

when I am about to admit that I am wrong. Finally, I suck up the courage and dial

Antony's number.

"Hello." I breathe into the cell phone.

"Red, how are you? Look, can you call me after thirty minutes, I am in the middle of

something right now."

"Well, I won't beat about the bush and I don't like what I am about to say, but let's

settle this child issue out of the courts. You can have the children for the weekend.

Have yourself a good day. Good bye." I say and after that I hang up.

I exhale loudly after the phone call. At least this has been done. Now I would have to

play along to Antony's game. I know that he will use these children much to his

advantage, either to hurt me or to get through my thick skin of defense but he sure

will manipulate this situation much to his advantage. Men!

I get out of the room and head to the kitchen where I get down to packing my jam

jars into small boxes. Apparently the orders have grown tremendously and that only

means, it's double the job for me and most definitely, double the money. What I am

glad about is the fact that I am benefiting from this leave. It's proving very fruitful.

As I am still working on my packaging, my cell phone rings, disturbing the peace in

the extremely quiet house.

"Hello" I answer, without looking at the caller I.D.

"Red, I couldn't concentrate an inch after what you said, so I had to prematurely

abort my meeting in the guise of an emergency. Can I come over?" Antony questions

from the other side of the cell phone. He is sounding so happy. Most probably, over

the moon.

"We agreed on only two days in a week, which however equals to eight days a month

and ninety days in a year. Nothing less and nothing more but here you are,

encroaching on my space. Already breaking the rules."

"Look, I can strictly stick to the rules but please, can I see the little girl. I just want

to hold her in my arms. Just for an hour and I will walk out of your house in peace."

Antony says. His voice sounding desperate.

I exhale in defeat. An hour wouldn't hurt at all but then on the other hand...fuck,

life is a complicated mess. Or I make it a complicated mess just as my sister says

but it's so fuckin' hard to give the people who hurt you, so space in your life.

"Okay, its fine. Just a single hour and after that you are gone. There is somewhere I

want to go in a few hours' time and I don't want to delay." I say to him.

"Thank you so much. I will be there in ten minutes" He breathes into the cell phone

in absolute relief, whilst I on the other hand exhales as a way to try and relieve my

stomach from the hollow stomach feeling that I have. I hang up the call and settle on

the bar stool, my head cradled in my hands…..I have worked so hard in my life to

get absolutely the best in life. Of course, my personal accomplishments are good but

then, I am still a single parent with three children and men who tail after me. They

haunt me day and night. Argh! I hate this life. If only I had a way to escape this I

definitely would but then, there is absolutely no way out.

I get off the stool and I go about my packing. After everything else is done, I settle

down to watch television and that's when the intercom disturbs me. It must be

Antony. I open the gate for him and I wait for him to knock at my door. When he

does, I lazily stand up from my seat and I head to the door. I open the door only to

find Antony standing opposite me, a lazy smile plastered on his face. He is carrying

some gift bags. I signal him into the interior of the house.

"We didn't agree on gifts" I say to him.

"I am aware but I couldn't just come empty handed. It's really unheard of." He says

"Let me not waste your precious time, right this way." I gesture him to the stairs and

we head to the nursery. When we get into the nursery, Astrid shuffles awake. I step

aside as Antony collects her from the nursery bed. How I hope she would scream at

the top of her voice.

"She looks a lot like you" Antony says as he cradles the baby in his arms. This causes

me to roll my eyes in annoyance. Like what the hell man, doesn't he think I already

know that myself. In fact, I feel like she would have looked even more like me if she

didn't have those blue-grey eyes.

"So what's her name?"

"She is called Astrid." I respond, after heaving a bored sigh. I really didn't want to

entertain Antony, later alone, let him walk into my life again.

"Have you taken the birth certificate as yet?"

"No. not yet but I will do so just before my leave days elapse."

"So, I guess there is still a chance to make things right." Antony says as he looks at

me with a naughty smile.

"Well unfortunately, my lobola has not been paid so you still have no say at all

pertaining the naming of the children and as for their surnames, I still." I point out

to him.

"How much is it, so that I can pay it as soon as possible?"

"You don't just pay it, as if you are buying something from a shop. No. it's a ceremony

and apparently, its paid by the braid's husband to be and in this unfortunate case,

you are not my husband to be, so….any way to cut the conversation short, how long

are you planning to spend here, I have some business to chase in town."

"Are you going with the baby?"

"No, not at all. My sister or the boys are going to come anytime soon but I am not

leaving you hear, so you my dear friend should wrap it up." I say as I walk out of the

room and Antony tails after me.

"Look Red, you don't expect me to walk out as soon as I walk in. It's unfair, regarding

the very fact that I haven't seen the baby ever since she was born."

"I can't leave you in my house with the baby. I don't trust you that much. What do I

know, you might take off with the baby and where on earth will I find you?"

"Why do you think so lowly of me? Do you really think I could do something that

crazy?"

"One thing for sure, I don't know what to think about you. You always do the

unexpected whenever I lay my trust in you." I glare back at Antony, my voice raising

an octave higher. Screw this! I thought I would keep my temper on a leash this time

but, what the hell am I expecting? This is Antony Clark over here!!!

"You are still holding a grudge on me about the other day? Well, so that I could put

a level of honesty between the two of us, yes I did screw Melinda but it was on a

casual basis. No feelings attached. And it's not something that I am proud about. If

it makes you think any different or feel any better. I am very sorry." He says and I

roll my eyes. He thinks I am an idiot. I know what I saw and I know when an apology

is genuine and when it's casual and meant to make you feel better.

"Look Antony, I don't want to prey into your business. It's your life so whatever you

do is your business. I don't care in whose mouth, vagina or anus you shove your

penis into. The only strings between you and I are these children, which I however

regret ever having with you. It would have been better off with a less dramatic man."

I say.

"I really can't believe you think such of me."

"Antony, I bet you didn't come all the way to come and paint a new picture about

yourself. Of which you are perfectly aware that I won't buy."

"I am not trying to paint a different picture about myself but I am trying to show you

that I am not as a bad as you perceive me to be. Of course, I have my shortfalls just

like any other human being but that does not make me the villain."

"I am not insinuating nor saying that you are a bad person." I say to him as I flash a

tight smile.

"So what's with the attitude?" Antony questions, his thick bushy eyebrow curving

upwards to emphasise his question. If you look at his face, you wouldn't dare believe

anything that comes out of my mouth. He looks so innocent, yet his inner persona

heavily contradicts his physical appearance. The more the reason why I should hate

him for fooling me.

"Don't worry, the attitude is a skin that's meant to protect us from each other. The

thicker the better." I say to him as I stride out of the nursery and I head to the kitchen

to prepare, the baby formula. Antony is right on my heels and he is making my body

tense up, which in turn affects the way I walk.

"I head Alexandra speaking about you being an Economics Professor. Is it a true

profession or?"

"What do you think I do for a leaving? I mean, one thing for sure it's evident that i

don't have a husband but then my son affords to go to a private school, with his

school fees and all his bills being footed by my financial coffers. You have seen the

car I drive and now the house that I own." I point out.

"I don't know, but you look far too young to be an Economics Professor."

"Unfortunately, I actually am a professor. I hold a PhD in Economics and I run a

couple of businesses. And you, Mr Clarke, what do you do for a leaving besides

running a riding school?" I question, also arching my eyebrow upwards in question

as I look at him.

"My businesses differ but my major is horses." He responds. Not really willing to

speak about his job to me.

"Are you aware that that's not a straight answer?" I point out.

"Well, I am part of the family business of horse breeding and I am also in horse

racing. We actually own race horses." He says.

"If I was an idiot I would have been impressed but the, I am an Economics Professor

so….. Your occupation further more proves that you can't man up. Sticking to a

family business at your age is pathetic if you ask me. But then, who am I to judge.

Look I am going to prepare to leave. Watch Astrid for a few." I say as I walk to my

room after dropping a rather too painful truth to swallow. That short monologue that

I said to Antony is capable of destroying a fully grown man's ego.

I get into the shower and the little water droplets come pouring onto my bare skin. I

wash my hair first and I get down to wash my body. After bathing, I sit in front of the

oval mirror, plug the hair drier and I work on my hair. After it is dry, I oil it and I set

to the laborious task of putting pins on my hair so that it does not fall loosely. I

maintain the usual style. After that I put on a white long sleeved blouse and a red

trousers-dungaree. I smear red lipstick on my lips, put on my hat and head down to

the living room, where I find Antony laying on his back on the carpet. Astrid is

sleeping on his chest. She is laying so peacefully on his chest. At least she has now

fallen asleep. She has been awake since early in the morning after I change her

diaper. It's as if she has known him for a very long time, yet today was their first

formal encounter.

I clear my throat to announce my presence. "Antony, I am about to leave so…" I raise

my eye brows as a way to finish the rest of the statement.

"Can I at least take her to the nursery?" Antony says as he raises his head weakly to

look at the peacefully sleeping Astrid. One would not tell that she was the one wailing

at the top of her lungs, just a few hours ago.

"Yeah, go on but please don't take too long." I say to him as I pave way for him to

move. He gently takes the baby and caries her to the nursery. If everything was

normal, this could have been a beautiful sight to see. The bond between father and

daughter, but then life....

Today is a Friday and also Chiedza's graduation. By the time the boys leave the house

for school, I am already dressed and I am sitting at the kitchen counter, drinking a

cup of coffee. Opposite me is my sister, busy with her paperwork. Apparently, today

she is taking on the last piece of her court case and she sure is under pressure. I

study her closely as she works. One thing for sure, she is a very careful woman. From

the way her beautiful eyes dart from paper to paper, looking from a beautiful pair of

spectacles to the way her beautiful hands move to the tea cup next to her, without

her looking. She raises the cup of steaming coffee to her gorgeously plump lips, sips

her tea and she elegantly places the cup back at its position, without even sparing a

glance at it. Her eyes stray to her wrist watch and her eye brows arch in absolute

shock.

"Mercy me! I am running out of time. I have to meet up with my client in a few" she

says as she stands up from her stool, gathers her papers, shoves them in her portfolio

and finishes what's left of her coffee.

"I will see you later in the day. Please keep me in your prayers. This case not only

means good money but also a promotion is dangling in front of me. Have a good day

and please congratulate the graduate for me." She says as she dashes out of the

kitchen.

"Good luck and have a blessed one!" I shout behind her but I am pretty sure she is

probably out of ear shot. I am left alone in the house. Everyone is out. I am eagerly

waiting for the girls to collect me for the big event today. I also finish off my coffee

and I set to the task of clearing the breakfast dishes. As I am still washing the dishes,

I hear a hooter at the gate. It's the girls. I open the gate for them and after a few, they

storm into my house.

"eye!!! Madam House wife where are you!" Vimbai shouts from the living room.

"Ndiripano! (I am here) Chiedza come and grab something to eat. I know you haven't

eaten anything due to over excitement." I say as I peep from the kitchen.

"I can't keep anything down. Come on let's get going, we are going to grab something

to eat after the big event." Chiedza says.

"And the event decides to last forever with the endless speeches and the other useless

procedures. That empty stomach will teach you an unforgettable lesson." I say as I

wipe my hands with a dish towel. When I get to the ladies, that's when I notice that

we are all putting on long dresses which cling tightly to our bodies with long sleeves

with incredibly long slits that expose our thighs. Vimbai and I are putting those

incredibly big hats with flowers on them. Chiedza is carrying her hat in her hands.

"Look at us. It's as if we discussed what to wear to the event." I say to the ladies as I

look at them in absolute amusement.

"Great minds think alike." Chiedza shrugs to add effect to her statement and she

smiles, reeling off a beautiful rim of teeth.

"Yeah. Now let's get going. The sooner we get done with this, the better. We have to

spoil our little educated one here." Vimbai says as he pulls me by the hand to her.

"Let's take a picture firstly please." Chiedza says as she takes out her cell phone. We

all come and stand near Chiedza and she takes a few pictures of the three of us,

doing crazy pauses. After that, I pick up my sling bag, lock up the house and I go

with the ladies in Vimbai's car. We go and collect Chiedza's parents and after that

we head to the car.

Just like all graduation ceremonies, the procedures are boring. We patiently wait

until the ceremony is over and we start taking pictures. The first few pictures are

taken with Chiedza's parents, who are very happy and proud that their daughter has

accomplished and to tell the truth. We all are. I mean who wouldn't be. We convinced

Chiedza to get herself a reasonable degree and get herself off the reception. When

she complained of not having enough funds to get her back to University, Vimbai

and I had to reach into our personal finances so that we could help her attain a

degree and luckily, she worked and attained the degree with a distinction. One thing

we are proud of is the fact that she has finally graduated and is the owner of a degree

in finance….. We excuse ourselves from Chiedza's parents and we head to our usual

base of celebration after of course buying a bottle of vodka to dilute our drinks with.

The restaurant that Chiedza introduced us to. When we get to the restaurant, we get

a table and order our meals and we sit down to eat.

"So, what is the way forward?" Vimbai questions Chiedza, as she sips her juice.

"Well, I was hoping to look for a job as soon as possible. I want to move out of the

reception." Chiedza says.

"And what are the possible places that you hope to get jobs from?" I question.

"Anywhere would be fine, just as long as the job comes with a better pay check than

the one that I was getting from the university as their receptionist." She responds.

"Why not try for a job at the university. I overheard a conversation the other day,

some cleaners discussing about the retirement of one of bursars. That's an

opportunity you should use to your advantage." Vimbai says.

"We might put in a good word for you. I know a few influential people who might be

able to assist." I say to her.

"That sounds like a very good idea. And it would also give me the chance to attend

tea Tuesdays with you guys." Chiedza says.

"We are going to push that you get a job at the University, as soon as yesterday. Now,

that one of our goals is a success. Red tell us, when are you getting married. Time is

no longer on your side." Vimbai says as she casts a naughty look at me. Eishh! Not

this topic again! How I loathe this silly discussions about me getting married!

"I don't know. I haven't gotten a Mr perfect as yet but if I happen to. We all might be

heading for second and bigger celebration." I respond as I flash a tight smile towards

the ladies.

"One thing for sure, there will never be a Mr perfect in life. Your meal ticket in this

case is the white man. That's if the feeling is mutual." Chiedza says as she smiles

naughtily.

"That one is cancelled from my list of marital candidates. Any way, we will discuss

the matter over tea someday. Right now is not a good time. Let's have some fun and

live in the moment. Please." I say to the ladies as I flash a heart-warming smile.

"And she manipulates us from a topic yet again. Well, we really look forward to the

tea. If it means I will organise it, then so be it. But it really has to been as soon as

possible." Vimbai says. I know she means it and she will make a way to get to find

out…we spend the rest of the afternoon, laughing and enjoying. I really missed being

with these idiots. After the day is over, with a few pictures and videos which will act

as memories to seal it off.

The girls drop me at home at around six in the evening. I am a little tipsy and all I

want is to go straight to bed. I open the door and I unsteadily walk into the interior

of the house, where hearty laughter erupts constantly. I kick off my heels and I make

my way to the living room, barefooted. There, I find Miriam, Cameroon and Shamiso

sitting together, eating cake and dawning glasses of wine.

"And she arrives!" Shamiso says as she stands up to receive me with open arms. I

get into her arms and embrace her too. I have missed this woman. Talking to her

over the cell was not enough. I wanted to talk to her and tell her the drama and

dilemma that life has been throwing at me. I really wanted to relieve my over burden

shoulders but I guess, it won't be tonight.

"And what are we celebrating?" I ask as I settle next to Cameroon.

"I won my court case today." Miriam says.

"Congratulations. See this is why I love you. You, my sweet twin sister are one hell

of a fighter!" I say to Miriam as I flash her one very expensive smile. If she had been

closer, I would have given her one very big kiss on the cheek. We spend the rest of

the night talking about a number of crazy stories, laughing and having the time of

our lives. Despite Cameroon being the only child and man in the small gathering, he

sure manages to fit in. by the time, I retire to bed, my rib cage is extremely painful

and I supper drunk, I can barely walk....

The next day, I wake up late to a pounding headache, most probably a hangover and

a painful ribcage. I wake up at around eleven in the morning and I decide to bath,

just so as to clear my head. After a long hot shower that drains most of my energy, I

then get out of the bathroom and I work on my hair before putting on a white string

top and a long comfortable skirt. When I descend down the staircase, there is some

hearty laughter in the kitchen. It seems like everyone is awake. I walk into the

kitchen to find Cameroon and Shamiso busy with the cooking and Miriam,

pampering the two of them with jokes. The way Cameroon fits in with these women,

it's as if he is their age or he has known them for ever.

"The drunken master has awoken!" Shamiso shouts from across the room.

"Ahh Shamiso, leave me alone. I haven't had fun in like forever. I really needed to

lose my senses for a bit and cut lose." I say to her as I smile shyly.

"The way you drink, it's as if you are a University student who is testing the freedom

that comes with tertiary education for the very first time." Miriam teases.

"I wonder how she manages to keep that body in shape and that skin so lively yet

she drinks so much?" Shamiso says.

"Apparently a little alcohol once in a while is healthy for your body." Cameroon comes

to my rescue.

"Thank you! Tell these nut heads." I say.

"Cameroon let's hope you don't support your mother in all this just because you are

also doing it because you both won't get any kidney donors, if yours collapse. Just

imagine if the two of you fall sick of this alcohol. Lord have mercy on me but I will

make sure they make you lay next to each other and see each other deteriorate and

suffer each day." Shamiso teases, causing the whole room to burst in laughter. Just

imagine mother and son, watching each other deteriorate each and every day, with

absolutely nothing they can do about it. Pathetic if you ask me. Where would the

savior donors gone?

We however finish with the breakfast and we sit down in the living room after doing

house chores to watch a movie. The movie keeps us all in stitches. Ahh yeah,

Shamiso is one flavor to have in your life. She was the one who chose this movie. I

really don't think I will make it out of this weekend in one piece. When the movie

finally ends, living some of us in stitches, Cameroon excuses himself from us and

heads to his room.

"Girls, I think we should meet more often, just so we can be breathe away from toxic

work pressure and maternal demands." Shamiso says to us.

"Set the dates during public holidays and we can easily come." Miriam responds.

"Buy some alcohol too. Vodka is more effective than the wine." I say to the ladies and

the ladies burst out in laughter.

"Anyone who doesn't know you would swear that you are an innocent and sweet soul

but yeah… you my sista need prayers joor!" Shamiso says .She finishes her statement

in a West African accent that sends us all laughing. One effect of watching too many

Nigerian movies. How our parents love those movies.

"Look, Ladies, I will have to unfortunately cut the long re-union short. I have work

on Monday and a service I can't miss tomorrow." Miriam says as she stands up. My

mood immediately dampens. Why does she have to leave so early?

"And I feel like dying right now. Why do you have to leave when we are having the

time of our lives?" I say to her in a dramatically sulking voice.

"Well, just like you, I am chasing an agenda. Not just one but multiple agendas and

as both of you are aware, time is money. But I promise to visit you guys as soon as I

can." Miriam says to us, at the same time, Cameroon walks into the living room

dressed to kill in casual clothing. It looks like he is going out.

"Well, mom, can I be excused. There is someone I want to see in town can I borrow

your ride. I promise won't take long. I will be back before three." He says as he flushes

a manipulative smile that I can't resist. I don't know what's wrong about his smile.

It melts something in me, it manipulates a certain me that the whole world can't

seem to easily decipher.

"Yeah sure." I respond as I return the smile to him.

"Thank you very much. Aunt Mariam and Aunt Shamiso, I will see you when I return.

Have yourselves a good day." He says.

"Unfortunately, I am leaving for Bulawayo today. I bet you will find me gone but

please take care and be a good boy okay." Miriam says.

"I sure will. Have a safe journey and greet everyone else." Cameroon says as he comes

to hug Miriam.

"I sure will. Now go before you find her in another mood. They hate to wait you know."

Miriam says as she smiles maliciously to Cameroon and the boy literally blushes.

"I am not going to see a girl…" he doesn't finish that one and Shamiso cuts him.

"Oh come on, we were once your age. We can smell love from afar. And what you are

displaying my boy is a love-sick expression. Now go before you lie more than you are

supposed to. And don't be a stingy and boring boyfriend, she will take off flying!"

Shamiso says as she pushes Cameroon out of the living room, causing the rest of us

to laugh...

Finally, when Miriam has done everything, we drive her to the airport. She walks

away with a certain part of me. It's painful.

"We are really going to miss you so very much." I say to her as I envelope her in my

embrace.

"I am going to miss you too. But this is also a reason why you should visit me. You

don't know my children. You have to answer questions that I am being asked." She

says causing me to smile.

"I sure will." I say to her.

"Shamiso, we expect you home this Christmas. We are not spending Christmas at

our rural home. We want you to come to Bulawayo." Miriam says.

"I will try to clear my schedule for Christmas but I am not promising anything. The

new job is one hell of a job I tell you." Shamiso says.

"I am aware but please find a way to be there. please." Miriam pleads.

"I will try to be there. Travel safe and greet everyone at home. Especially my home

boy Arnold." Shamiso says.

"I sure will. Ladies I am off. My flight is here. I love you lots." Miriam says as she

carries her bags and walks away. We wave at her and after that, she disappears.

Shamiso and I head back home. As I am still driving, Shamiso and I are chatting

about a number of things.

"I couldn't exactly push myself to asking, but now that we are alone, who is the guy

in the house?"

"Oh, you mean Cameroon. He is my first born son and I am sure you want to ask

about how I got to have him. It's a very long story. Can we pass by somewhere and

talk. I want to tell you a hell lot of other things beside this story." I say to her.

"Lunch will be on you. My finances are a bit unstable these days." She says causing

me laugh. I understand the struggle.

"So tell me, is there someone you have met in this big and beautiful city of us?" I

question her.

"I am not man-hunting. I came for a job." She responds as she suppresses a smile.

"You are certainly not answering the question." I point out.

"Well…yeah, you got me. I have met a certain idiot and he sure is nagging."

"Judging from all this, you my dear might be heading for yet another love story.

Please don't make the same mistakes that I make. Never let the idiots go between

your legs. Sex does not define a relationship."

"now that's a hard rule to keep regarding the fact that I haven't been laid in fourteen

years but I sure will try my best to lock my longing flower between my thighs."

"No matter how much your clit throbs and your lips swell, remember that you will be

at the losing end when he walks away. Look at me, Cameroon was my first mistake,

then came Simangaliso and now Astrid and yet I thought men would change. Yeah,

life is tough. Don't expect to change an animal which has its tail dangling from the

front and not the back. It's impossible."

"I thought Simangaliso and Astrid shared the same father."

"Apparently they do. The white man hit me with heartbreak paper two. I gave him a

chance and the motherfucker screwed me over."

"I respect the man. I mean, what man is able to bring you on your knees. But he sure

should be careful of getting in the way of that destructive temper."

"You're making me look like a bad person."

"You're not a bad person but then you have a crazy temper. Luckily you are unlike

your twin. Her tempers are hidden but when she unleashes, she sure sends the devils

scattering in all directions." Shamiso says, causing me to laugh. People always say I

am the dramatic twin but they really don't know the drama that Miriam can unleash.

Finally we get to the desired destination, where we settle for some lunch and discuss

about a number of things. Firstly, Shamiso wants to know about Cameroon and so I

tell her everything including the very fact that Cameroon once left and the reasons

why.

"Yeah, you really carry the weight of your problems on your shoulders my dear. But

then, don't you feel like Cameroon deserves a very strong and solid shoulder?"

Shamiso questions.

"In what manner?" I question as I sip my juice.

"I spoke to him yesterday and he really sounded like a person who doesn't know the

true parental affection. He spoke about the envy he has for the relationship that you

have with Simangaliso."

"I am trying my very best to rope him into my affections but he cocoons himself.

There is a protective layer around him that I can't seem to break into." I admit.

"Draw him closer and learn him and love him. It's what he needs. It's what the world

couldn't give him for the past twenty-one years." Shamiso points out.

"But he seemed close to his father, Chris Evans."

"Not really. According to what he told me, his father is one hell of a control freak.

From what I gather, Chris Evans, whoever he is, must have been working overtime

to find you and get Cameroon off his plate, to accommodate his wife's children in his

busy life. He surely didn't fully love Cameroon, the way a parent should love a child,

regarding the way Cameroon was introduced to his life. This however becomes more

or less a push factor that makes you his only source of genuine parental love. He

really needs you and please try to be a fair mother."

"I am trying my best but then Cameroon doesn't want to be corrected. He thinks he

is now an adult. Whenever I correct him, it sort of raptures our relationship" I point

out the hardest part of living with Cameroon. The boy doesn't want to be corrected

and manipulated into the rules and doctrines of my roof. And it makes mothering

and loving him, supper hard.

"He is an insecure child and so he is building a bubble around himself. Don't blame

him but please sure him love, support and care. Be a parent."

"I am trying my very best to do so. Now, moving on, who is the dear lover man who

has got you caught in his web?"

"Ahh, just some forty-two year old idiot. He is a father of one but is not married. His

baby mama is a married woman." She says.

"What's his occupation?" I question eagerly.

"He is a manager in a certain company in town."

"and so how did the two of you meet?"

"Apparently, he had hammered himself when he was doing some handy work in his

house and I was the one who attended him. As I was still attending to him, the idiot

made decided to take a chance on me. And he succeeded, much to his advantage, to

take my cell number and from then, he filled each single second of my spare time,

except for working days and Sundays." She says.

"Is he promising though?" I eagerly question.

"He is too much of a clown. He keeps me in stitches most of the time and so I consider

him as a friend for now, but of late he has started becoming a funny and naughty

lover man." Shamiso points out.

"This explains the jokes these days. He sure is an influencer I tell you. So tell me,

does he own his own property?"

"Yeah, he stays in a farm. So besides being a manager in a company, he is also a

farmer. Just like you." she says.

"How serious is he about you?"

"I don't know. All I know is that he makes me laugh most of the times, which means

he makes me happy." Shamiso says as she shrugs her shoulders. Let's hope he won't break her heart for all we know.