05

****Kendrick MOUKOURY****

Mama pulls me out

- My son, we agreed that in the eyes of the world it would be my child, you would continue your life

- So what ? How will recognizing this prevent me from continuing my life?! I will present him everywhere as my little brother but I want things to be done well; I want him to know that I am his father; as I have always known that you are my mother.

- Yes, but I was 20 years old. But you are much younger! Do not attribute such heavy responsibilities to yourself at your young age

- I don't see what heavy responsibilities I attribute to myself mum. I'm not asking you not to worry about it. Anyway, I couldn't do it without you. And I know that you will always be there and will always watch over him better than I do. I just want to do things the right way. He's my child so I recognize him.

- What name will you put in the mother's hutch?

- His mother's

- (She is not happy) Hum!

- I can't wear yours. you are not his mother

- I still think it's a bad idea. You would have let me admit it, my name alone would have sufficed. Neither yours nor his mother's needed to be mentioned.

- But I want to recognize my son

- (She raises her hands in a sign of surrender) It's as you want my child. As you wish. So go start the paperwork with the gentleman there, I'm looking for a second witness. I will act as the first witness

- OK

I went back inside Nathanael, curled up in my arms, and mum quickly joined me with a lady who was selling oranges not far from the centre. For 5000frs she agreed to play this role. We finished and when we got up mum spoke again with Mr.

- You know it's your niece who sent me to you. Really would appreciate if you would stick to the information she has.

- You don't have to worry about that. (Then shaking my hand) Young man, what you just did was very brave. May the Most High guide you in your role and be with you always.

- Thanks

We got out of there and went to see a pediatrician. The little one was consulted: weight, height, heartbeat, motor signs, he was even put on his feet for his young age.

- Excellent ! He is of robust constitution, your little Angel

- (taking him up again) Nathanael! We prefer to call him Nathanael

- (Smiling) It's as you wish. However, I put him on vitamins and urge you to have him get his vaccines. I don't see any vaccination records

- He hasn't done any vaccines so far

- Well when you leave here, go directly to the vaccination room. We will give him all the vaccines he has missed so far and give you the date of the next vaccination.

He gave us an order and released us.

- (She looks at her watch) It's 1 p.m. I feel that even today school is dead for you

- I'm afraid too

- And I don't like it!

- Oh! So what are we going to do?

- I saw Mama Rose yesterday, she's agreed to keep him for us until you come back from school. So go home. Tomorrow I'll take you to college myself.

- Mom, there's my pension to pay... how are we going to do it?

- She puts her hand on her forehead): I had completely forgotten that detail! We're going to sell it tomorrow

- All the pension? The remaining 116,000?

- Yes, we'll settle that tomorrow. We have to go ! I have to go to the office

- Hm, okay !

I took Nathanael with me and brought him home.

***Nathalie MOUKOURY***

I had not expected that it would take me so long but hey I had my permission since Friday evening so it's ok! When I arrive at the office it's the break. Many are in the kitchenette eating. I sit down and turn on my machine when my beloved bitch, having heard a noise in my hall, comes to watch

- Hum! What nerve ! You now it's at 2 p.m. you show up!

I do not answer him and continue to take my ease

- Your days here are numbered. You will see that soon we will fire you!

- ……..

- How you think it's you alone who has a life outside of here! You don't know how to delegate?!

- (I read my emails, ostentatiously ignoring him): ……….

- Put on your airs now. When you have your dismissal letter in your pocket, you will be less clever

The door to Mr. AMBASSA's office opens and he appears in the doorway

- Mrs. MOUKOURY in my office!

- (Alvine smiles mockingly) Tic Tac Tic Tac…

She returns to her office, giving me a mocking look and smile. I get up without a word and go to his office

- Hello

- Hello Sir

- It was ?

- Yes. We were able to have him draw up a birth certificate and meet with a pediatrician

- Unfortunately, you will not be able to benefit from a maternity allowance with the CNPS since you do not have documents certifying that you gave birth.

- Anyway the little one has decided to recognize it himself.

- Very good initiative on his part

Silence

- The real estate agent that I put on the house gave me a sign during the day. He found an apartment on the side of the city of palm trees. You should after here go take a look. I'll text you his number, you call him and you agree on a time.

- OK.

- That will be all. (Then, handing me a piece of paper) Here

- What is that ?

- A request for an explanation. Fill it up and bring it to me personally

- (I look at him suspiciously) Why?

- You are in the crosshairs of the DG for your repetitive absences. I have to look tough. I'm sure his wife's niece is listening at the door right now. Put on a contrite face and go out with this paper. When it's full bring it back to me

- OK

I went back to my post and I highlighted the request for an explanation so that the curious one who made a thousand turns for various reasons between her office and the outside while passing in front of me sees her. I filled out this umpteenth request and finished my afternoon's work. Then I called the real estate agent and I found him at the place indicated. The apartment immediately suited me. I called Mr. AMBASSA back to tell him

- Ok You will have 3 days of layoff take advantage of it to arrange.

- 3 days layoff???! What about my disciplinary record?

- It won't show up in your disciplinary record. I know what I'm doing. Go to the office tomorrow to take your sanction

Click. He had already hung up. Hum! I want to believe that I am not being had. Honestly, I would really like to believe it! As soon as I leave this building Ken calls me. I pick up immediately alarmed

- Ken, how are you?

- But where have you been since?! Did you forget that I was supposed to meet Ornella's parents tonight???

- Oh yes!!! I had forgotten. Ok I hurry!

- You are far ? Because it's almost 7 p.m. already. It won't be polite for me to arrive at people's homes so late when I'm the one looking for work

- No no. I take a motorcycle maximum 15 minutes I'm there. If you want to go out once with Nathanael, I'll pick him up at the entrance

- I'm not going to take him around at night! This is absolutely unwise!

- You're right. I'm coming I'm fast

- OK

I hurried home to take over from my grandson. I bathed and fed him while his father went off to find his job.

- I look at baby Nathanael and tell him “You didn't come into our lives for nothing! You will bring us luck! »

***Kendrick MOUKOURY****

I put on my only going out outfit of dark blue jeans and a tiled long-sleeve shirt, my patched-up sneakers and left. This is the very first time in my life that I'm going to conclude a deal of such magnitude. Ornella told me about their house in Bonamoussadi and the motorbike that I took directly from logbaba dropped me off in front of her gate. I rang while readjusting my outfit and a little boy came to open the door

- Yes that's why ?

- Good evening, is this where Ornella EKANI lives?

- Yes

- I have to meet his parents. For the repeater position

- Job ?

- (Female voice behind him) Who is Liam?

- A gentleman who talks about post

- (The voice getting closer) What?

- Good evening ! This is for the repeater position

- Oh yes ! The repeater! Come in !

She squarely held me by the shoulder to let me in. And once inside I saw in her a mini version of Ornella. Just dressed in cropped denim panties and a tank top

- Come and sit here. Liam goes in!

- Whose tutor is this?

- of Ornella and me

- (Liam scowling): I want the tutor too.

- Maaaama! The first without second do what with the repetitions? Do you add knowledge to Mozart knowledge?

- (Ornella finally appears dressed as lightly as her younger sister) Are you there?! You had to text me

- I was about to do it

She walks closer to me and gives me two kisses on the cheeks. I'm really embarrassed. His younger sister looks at us curiously

- (Ornella holds out her hand to me) Come my mother will receive you

- OK….

I follow her inside and she sets me up in an all-white room that has nothing but a plastic table with similar chairs, a pedestal board, and an air conditioner attached.

- (Ornella caresses my back with a seductive smile) Sit down, I'm coming

I sit and wait. When they return I get up and respond to her mother's manual greeting. A sublime woman who would be considered 10 years older than her daughter.

- How are you, my son? Wonder Mrs. EKANI

- (I'm still under the spell) I'm fine Madam

- OK ! sit down

I rushed to do it

- She told me that you are in Terminale C

- That's right Mrs.

- You can hold her and hold her sister, she asked me?

- Yes Ms.

- You still look a little young for that I think!

- Madam, I can guarantee you that despite appearances, I can hold this position very well.

- Ok… if you say so… For her it will mainly be science subjects and for Wendy it will be I'll be honest with you everything she doesn't understand. I would really appreciate it if you saw everything with her. I don't have time for that!

- It is understood Mrs.

- Can you reassure me that it will not interfere with your own studies, my son?

- I am a well-organized person Madam

- Ok. When can you start?

- Wednesday Ms.

- Ornella will call Wendy

She left to come back the next moment with her younger sister whose outfit did not seem to bother their mother in the least.

- Wendy, he's going to start coming to teach you on Wednesday evening. Who is it, sir?

- (Ornella is faster than me) It's Kendrick

- Okay Wendy, it's Kendrick. You yourself know that I am very busy. Do what he will tell you if your results are good this year you will see yourself (then for me) and for you Sir if with you they bring me good grades you will only be doubly gratified.

- Understood Mrs.

She got up and left us alone. Wendy comes between her sister and me, her gaze fixed on me, without any embarrassment

- How old are you ? Does she ask me

- Wendy! Did you lost your mind ?!

- I don't mind answering him Ornella. (Then to his sister) I am your eldest. And for you it will be you and when I come the day after tomorrow you will have to wear a decent outfit. That goes for you, too, Ornella. (I get up) I'll go

Without a word they all followed me out the gate

- Wendy why are you following me?! Go home !

- Well, it's our tutor for both of us! You accompany him, I accompany him too

- Wendy! Go home ! I am not your equal!

- Ornella. I'm going to go, we say see you tomorrow at school

I'm not going to go into that. Let them manage themselves as they want to manage themselves. I did not listen to his protests and went home.

The next day Mom and I went to college where she paid my entire pension and justified my absence on Friday and the day before. Once done with the administration, I walked him back to the gate

- (Mom hands me a 2000 frs note) Here

- Is it for dinner?

- No, it's for your day at college. Buy what you want

- Up to 2000 ????

- (Mom looking at me with a smile on her lips): You deserve them my son. You deserve even more. But we don't have to splurge

- So what do I prepare when I get home?

- Nothing. Tonight we eat outside. I'll spend the day moving what little stuff we have

- I don't understand

- We will each have their own bedroom now, and a very modern kitchen with two toilets

- (I still can't believe it) Are you serious Mom?

- (She laughs) Yes Kendrick. The mess is over. It's all about being lucky to have your son with us. These people don't know the good they've done to us

- But the money...

- Take care! I manage. Go to class. When you're done call me I'll tell you where to meet us

*** Nathalie MOUKOURY ****

I arrived at the office in casual clothes. Jean t-shirt my hair held in a bun on the side. I walked past my beloved bitch who looked at me shocked at my outfit. Normal! We have a dress code and everything I put is prohibited by it. Without a word for her, I went knocking on the door of the HRD

- Yes !

- It's Mrs. MOUKOURY Mr.

- Come in !

As soon as I walked through the door and our eyes met he looked at me with envy. I know men, I've been around a good number of them and I still know how to recognize that look when I see it on a face.

- I came to take my letter Sir

- It's on your desk. Go and read it then leave on the field. But first take this with you

- (I take the credit card he gave me) Is it for?

- Your layout. There is an amount I think that could allow you to decently occupy an apartment. I'll text you the code.

- OK

We stayed a few seconds without saying anything more to each other

- Go for it !

When I open the door Alvine almost falls on me. I hear the HRD tell me

- I hope for you that you will understand that the next prank is the direct door!

I go back to my desk and open the folder lying there. The note is clear: 3 days of layoff for untimely delays and absences without justification.

I come out of there under the happy air of Alvine. But if only she could suspect that her joy cannot equal mine: I'm going to set up my new home! I start with an automaton where I look at the balance: 2,000,000. Mama where are you to see where I'll live from now on? I go back to my room and start by making a list of my needs, then I pay 2 guys to help me clear my room. Rose is very helpful, she comes to my new apartment and spends the day there with Nathanael while I go up and down with the things that I install and my old things that I get rid of.

I want my son to come home after school to find himself in an apartment that is already ready. With money it's easy, with money everything is easy! In a few hours our rooms are ready and I was able to make an advance for a living room which will be delivered to me in a few days. I take clothes for Ken and the little one, a bottle warmer and a deckchair. I added crockery for my kitchen, a fridge, a gas bottle, a gas hob and a new stove.

I took 3 pairs of shoes from Ken and clothes for him and for the little one too. I intend to keep another 500,000 francs of what I have seen in this account for the difficult times. This life has already shown me some of those things that I prefer to be predictable. I added a fan for the boys' bedroom, bedding and mosquito nets for the 2 bedrooms, as well as mirrors. I also took a changing mat for Nathanaël, a cradle that I installed in his father's room, and a few small toys from the thrift store. My heart overflows with joy when I see that I can finally put my little world at ease. When Ken called me at 4:00 p.m., I was finishing fixing the mosquito net over their bed.

- Mom…. We have all that…???

- Yes my son! We are at home !

- It's beautiful where you are

- (Ken runs to his room then comes back to find me in the still empty living room) I have my own bed?!

- Nope. You will share it with Nathanael. You didn't open the wardrobe?

He goes back to the room and since I don't hear him coming back, Rose and I exchange a curious look before going to his room. He's on his bed trying on a new pair of shoes. I watch him do it, happy. He finishes and gets up and looks at his feet making moves

- You like her ?

- I love it ! I like the other 2 too. I am…. I am so happy !

- And I therefore !

We released Rose to whom I gave 10,000frs for her beer and I was left alone with the children. In our new home.

- Go take a shower while I give Nath his bath, we go out to eat, I told you….

He didn't ask for his rest and he sped off to his bathroom while I took Nath with me to my room to give him his bath. He was all quiet during that moment as if he too was soaking up his new home.

- (I pour water on her body): You'll see that we'll be fine. You will see that you will not miss anything. Tonight we'll dress you up and we'll eat outside. I just wish your great-grandmother wasn't around to see this.

He looks at me with his arms crossed in front of him like someone who really understands what I'm telling him. When I put on her beautiful outfit, I went to put her in her deckchair in the living room to take a quick shower too. As soon as I entered my bathroom I heard a shrill cry! Shrill and disturbing. I wrap my towel under my armpits and rush to the living room where I find my son, also very handsome, his son in his hands.

- Hey… man what is it?

- What's the reason he's crying like that?

- I do not know. I think he doesn't like to be left alone

- (I move closer to them): The poor…. He's not used to

- Go ahead, I'll take care of it.

- You know he also usually eats after his bath

- Yes I give him his bottle

I went back to shower, taking one last curious look at my tall young son. Who holds her son in her hands as if holding the apple of her eye. I finished and we found a good little corner still in the city where we ate grilled meats. Ken took pictures of us from all angles then we returned around 1h30 later, and barely I closed behind us when my phone rang, displaying CA

- Hello ?

- Good evening Natalie

- Good evening Christian

- Has the move started well?

- It also ended well

- Hats off if you're done!

- Thank you very much, thank you for everything

- Do not thank me. Your son will be in class tomorrow I presume?

- Yes yes

- Well, I'll visit the premises tomorrow

- I won't be alone. There will be the baby's lullaby

- You will ask him not to come until after I leave

- And what time are you planning to come?

- Why ?

- Because she has her life. She needs to know what time to come to my house

– She is paid to take care of a child so she comes when asked

- (Not without getting upset) And it's Wednesday, my son comes home relatively early

- I will pass in the morning

- Very well

- Good evening

He hung up.

I really don't know what I got myself into with this one. But when I see my son seated in front of the cable TV, his son next to him, I keep telling myself that I made the right choice. I just need to know how to handle this guy.