Chapter 5
In the quiet comfort of her friend's home, Oriane finds a semblance of serenity. She even sacrifices her own marital bed to accommodate Lea. Their camaraderie is radiant, but it disturbs the fragile harmony of the house, irritated by their laughter. Mama Yossa could no longer bear this joy that disturbed her peace. She hurries to tell them.
Old women like you, aren't you ashamed to sit around chatting all day? she snapped in a biting tone. Mum, please! Not in front of my friend, Oriane tries to calm the situation. I'll say it in front of everyone. What are you going to do? Hit me? Yossa retorts provocatively. I'm not in the mood for that right now, so excuse me," Oriane replies, trying to avoid conflict. That's all you know how to do. Go make children for your husbands! Yossa adds fuel to the fire. What are we doing wrong? Lea intervenes, trying to calm things down. Lea, please, let me handle this! I beg you!" Oriane pleads, trying to avoid a serious confrontation. OK, as you wish, I'll leave you alone! Lea finally agrees and leaves the room, leaving Oriane and Yossa to face each other. So, you've brought reinforcements to my husband's house? Well done, Madame, yossa attacks, trying to sow discord. She's my girlfriend, not reinforcements, okay? Besides, I don't care what you think, Oriane retorts, refusing to be intimidated. My son will come home, and I will expose everything. I'll tell him how you beat me. Trust me, Yossa threatens, trying to create division. I'm sorry, do what you want, it's none of my business, Oriane replies, stepping away from the confrontation and returning to the room where her friend is.
Defeated and humiliated by the scene that had just unfolded, Oriane bursts into tears in Lea's arms.
What was that all about? Lea exclaimed, shocked at Yossa's behaviour. "Your mother-in-law won't give you a moment's peace? I don't know what I did to her! It's all because of the baby I lost," Oriane confided, the pain in her voice.
But you'll have another one, won't you? What's the problem?" Lea tried to understand.
Actually, I can't have any more children. The doctor made it clear, but it's a secret, don't tell anyone, Oriane revealed, burdened with a heavy secret. What do you mean you can't have children? What happened?" Lea asked, surprised by the revelation. There were complications and I lost my womb, so... Oriane explained with tears in her eyes. Don't cry anymore, my love. I'm here with you. Even if everyone else leaves you, I'm here for you, Lea comforted her, offering her unwavering support. I don't even know where to turn, I'm so lost, Oriane admitted, feeling overwhelmed. It's going to be OK, I'm here to defend you, don't worry, Lea reassured her, giving her friend a shoulder to lean on.
The day came to an end and Bruno returned home to find Lea there. She seemed ready to stay the night, but he didn't say anything, just greeted her as usual. Meanwhile, Oriane remained in her room, angry with her husband and preferring solitude.
At dinner, the atmosphere seemed relaxed, but Bruno felt a deep uneasiness. He didn't understand why he was eating in his own house with someone other than his wife. But he waited patiently for Oriane to explain.
But Yossa couldn't resist stirring up trouble.
My daughter, where do you live? She asked Lea, making everyone uncomfortable. Uh, yes, Mum! I was at the wedding, and I live not far from here. I'm in the neighbourhood, Lea replied, trying to avoid a conflict. And you're not married yet? yossa pressed further. Mum, we don't ask questions like that. It's too intrusive. Lea, don't answer if it bothers you," Oriane intervened, trying to ease the tension. Okay, and to be honest, I'd rather not answer, lest I end up in tears, Lea admitted, choosing not to engage in the delicate conversation. Nevertheless, I think you are a very beautiful woman. The man who will have you will be very lucky, not like my son," Yossa added, stoking the fire. What do you mean? Wasn't he lucky to marry Oriane?" Lea replied, defending her friend. Mum, please! Don't do this!" Bruno intervened, trying to put an end to the discussion. What am I doing? Where are the children? Huh? Where are they? Yossa continued, focusing on the sensitive issue. But Mum, it's God who gives children," Lea tried to change the subject. Hmm, you're just talking. You are fertile, aren't you?" Yossa accused, determined to cause trouble. Of course I am! What kind of question is that?" Lea defended herself, feeling attacked. Some women are not. Like the flowerpot in this house," Yossa said venomously, ready to hurt. That's enough, Mum, stop it! Stop it! I won't let you insult my wife like that, OK?" Bruno protested, pounding his fist on the table. I'm telling the truth and nothing but the truth! Yossa defended herself, trying to justify her words. All right, I've lost my appetite! Enjoy your meal, Bruno announced, leaving the table to join his wife in their room. In the bedroom, Oriane tries to comfort Lea, but Yossa keeps stirring up trouble. Do you really think this is okay? she asks Lea. Mum, that's my girlfriend you're talking about, and frankly, I don't think I can put up with it either, Lea counters, refusing to be intimidated. So, what if she is your girlfriend?" Yossa presses on, trying to undermine their bond. OK, I think I've had enough. I'm going to bed, Lea decides, withdrawing to avoid a more serious confrontation.
Yossa, for her part, enjoys the food left on the table, despite her earlier criticism of Oriane's cooking.
Back in the room, Bruno tries to engage Oriane in conversation, but she seems unresponsive. Eventually they both fall asleep, exhausted by the day's tensions.
The next morning, Oriane wakes up, puzzled by the interaction between Lea and Yossa. She can't understand why they seem more friendly now, after the tension of the night before. From a distance, she tries to understand what's going on, but can't quite grasp the full implications of the situation.
What could Lea and Yossa possibly be talking about after the tension of the night before?