Amala turned to look at the door curiously. After a while, Jolene entered the hall with Kai.
''Look who is here?'' Amala placed the spoon down and stood up.
''Amala, how are you doing? I didn't see you the whole day.''
''I'm fine. I just went to have a look around the City. I'm trying to know everywhere really quick.'' Amala replied. She looked at the awkwardness between Kai and Jolene and asked.
''Are you here to take my niece away?''
''No!''
''Then, we are good. I'm going to drink my soup in my room. Jolene, won't you offer our guest a seat?'' Amala asked and Jolene came back to her senses.
''Please sit down. Do you want water or juice?''
''Water will do!'' Kai said down saying.
''Alright!'' Jolene went to the fridge to get the water and heard Kai saying.
'Nice place you have here!''
''This flats was given to me by the company. It came in handy at the right time!'' Jolene returned with a glass of water and gave it to Kai before sitting across him.
Kai sipped the water and looked at Jolene. ''What are you thinking about?'' He asked.
''Huh?''
''You look pale, Brown. As if I am giving you a death sentence!''
'I… I came to look for you…'' Jolene started speaking. 'When I found out I was pregnant, I went to look for you but you were gone and I didn't have anyone to ask about you because I barely knew you. That night…''
'Did you like me? Was that why you gave yourself to me that night?''
Jolene sighed and nodded her head. 'I know you must hate me because I…''
''Jolene, I thought a lot about us. About what to say to you and about how to make this favourable for both of us. I could only come up with one decision that will benefit both of us.''
''What decision did you come up with?''
''Let's get married!''
''What?'' Jolene stood up at once and asked. ''Let's get married?''
''Yes! Now that I know about Erica, I don't want to miss her growth. I want to be in her life and give her a complete family. I know we have our differences and things will be tough on the way because we barely know each other but still, I don't want to miss the chance of being with my daughter.''
''But… don't you hate me for doing that to you?''
''I don't hate you. It takes two to tango. I will give you a week to think about it. Let me know what your decision is.''
''If I refuse, what would you do? Take Erica away?'' Jolene asked.
''No! Whether you agree to it or not, we are still getting married because you are the mother of my child.'' Kai said and stood up.
''Then, you are not giving me a choice?''
''Brown, I believe you and I can make this work.'' Kai said and walked towards the door.
''We work at the same place. What if the other workers find out?'' Jolene asked, following behind.
''Who cares whether they find out or not? This is our life. It has to do with us, you me, Erica and… Amala. I bet you will need my help in handling her since she is at that age.''
''Don't you have a girlfriend?''
''Is that your concern?''
''No! I just want to be sure that I am not breaking another woman's relationship.''
''If I had a girlfriend, do you think I would propose marriage to you? In your mind, am I such a fickle man?'' Kai stepped closer to her and Jolene moved back.
''No!''
'Goodnight, Brown!'' Kai said and turned to leave.
Jolene nodded and closed the door. She turned and saw Amala coming out with her bowl.
''Are you done talking already?'' Amala asked.
''Oh.'' Jolene's face turned red as she walked towards the table.
''You are blushing, Jolene. What did brother in law say? Did he ask you to marry him?'' Amala asked.
''How did you know?''
''I just took a guess. He asked you to marry him? Whoa! This is so like him. He likes to make things short and concise. I like him. So, what is your answer? Are you moving to the penthouse tomorrow?''
''Don't go ahead of yourself, Amala. He gave me a week to think about it.''
''What is there to think about? Kai has all the qualities you need in a man, plus he is your first love. If I were you, I would have packed over there by now.'' Amala washed the bowl as she spoke.
''It's not that easy. Kai is doing this because of Erica. He doesn't like me.''
''So what? If he is doing that because of Erica, then take advantage of that and make him yours. You should sleep with him again!''
''Hey! Are you crazy? Once was enough.'' Jolene said.
''I sometimes feel that I am wiser than you. After marriage, you must consummate to make it a proper union. If you intend to starve him, then another woman might just take him away. Don't say I didn't want you. Good night!'' Amala wiped her hands and went to her room.
''Is she my sister or Kai's sister? Why is she always taking his side?'' Jolene muttered.
Amala woke up the next morning with a terrible pain in her stomach. She got out of the bed and picked the bag she used yesterday.
''Why does it pain so much these days?'' Amala muttered and removed two pills from the bottle and swallowed. She held her stomach and walked out to the hall to get water.
''Amala, what's wrong with you?'' Jolene stood up from the couch and asked when she saw Amala in pain.
Amala ignored her and went to get a cup of water. She sipped the water and looked at Jolene and Erica.
''Aunt, are you sick? You look pale.'' Erica asked.
''No! Just menstrual cramps, I've taken medicine. I will be fine.'' Amala said.
''Let's go to the hospital if you can't handle the pain.'' Jolene suggested.
''No, I will be fine. I will wash up and get ready for school.'' Amala said and went to her room.