10

No sooner was Idriss asleep than I was pulled into another room in the suite. The thrusts did not want to stop for the next 30 minutes. I knew the real version of my husband taking a nap after we were lying on this couch staring at the front door. Idriss could come home at any time. I don't know how I'm going to explain this to this very curious child.

Yayi strokes me and whispers in my ear.

Yayi: I still want you.

No sooner said than done. I started to like more and more our sexual relations which had become very frequent since my arrival in this country. Suddenly he gets up and turns me around. He smiles a little and tells me it's time to start with a new position. He turns me around and I get on all fours a little, my two hands on my back, he begins to give himself pleasure. I do not like this position at all but hey they do not pay me to love although I felt pleasure and moans escape me, I felt like I was losing a small part of my innocence. But hey yes it is.

We had come to spend a week in Europe on business and the trip was over. I had put away my things, Stéphane his and we were waiting for the second convoy when my husband's bodyguard came to find us in the room. He grabbed my suitcases and told me Yayi was waiting for me in his room. Before even moving, Idriss was already gone. Once in his room, he just asks me if I'm ready I say yes, he comes to me and gives me a kiss on the mouth. Idriss in his arms, we leave the hotel under the spotlight and the international press. Stéphane was already waiting in one of the empty cars of the presidential procession.

And there Idriss is put to calm in the main car. He sits down next to Idriss and holds out his hand to me saying.

Yayi: Are you from where you want to dance for the reporters first?

It was then that I understood everything. Yes, I had just replaced Isabelle. Sitting in the presidential plane, Idriss couldn't stand still, it was the summit for him. We came with the presidential private jet and there we leave with the presidential plane with the whole delegation. Arrived at the airport of Cardinal Bernardin Ganti of Benin before going down, I have a small tear in my eyes and I wondered if mum and dad were proud of me.

Yayi comes towards me and once again he extends his hand to me saying very softly with a small smile.

Yayi: Come with me.

Ashley: Are you sure Yayi? This will create tension between her and me.

Yayi: You're just his replacement. You know I thought about what you told me when you were drunk and I'm going to give her another chance but first she must be in pain.

He comes towards me and kisses me on the mouth on the neck.

I follow him and we get off the plane. I got the whole program. Honor, soldier, bouquet of flowers, first lady by so first lady there. Back home, Stéphane contains himself until Yayi leaves for Cotonou.

Stéphane: Hey! Ashley thank you very much thank you Stéphane I am the first of my family to have taken the plane, the first to be seen with the President of the Republic of Benin on TV. The jealous have only to dry like bread. Hey God doesn't really forget anybody.

Ashley: Anyway.

A few days later

Life was good, super cool and peaceful. After dropping off Idriss at school, Stéphane and I go to see my mother-in-law and I bring her little gifts. Then I go to my aunt Martine and her husband. There, too, gifts are unwrapped. Then Stéphane and I made a bucket at his mother's, who still refuses to come and live with him, but that doesn't prevent her from covering her with gifts and giving her money every end of the month. His father, who had abandoned his mother to take another wife because Stéphane was homosexual, blamed my best friend's mother because she would have pampered him too much, but Stéphane didn't care. It was for his mother and his little brothers that Stéphane was fighting outside. Today his brothers and sisters go to a renowned private school. His brothers lacked nothing more.

It was important to me that my best friend was not put back. Without Stéphane, only God knows where I will be now. Three days later, our containers arrive to clear customs and with clean documents. Stéphane and I are going to inaugurate our first household appliance store in Calavi, cooking pot, microwave, etc., all to the delight of cooking lovers. But I had also thought of the orphans in the city. Six of the 20 containers were filled with donations for needy children. Clothes, shoes, sheets, bed and mattress everything was shared equally between orphanages and children's homes. While Stéphane takes care of the store, I engage in charitable actions without noise or tam-tam.

It was bad to know my husband he told me that I was his trump card on his table and he proves it a few days later. Pictures of me accidentally leaked on social networks making donations in reception centers. I didn't like it, but Stéphane told me not to get involved in his politics. Yayi was crushing his political opponents by investing in the sectors that really needed it and not in the sectors that suited them. Except while I admire the political seriousness of my husband with my uncles, nothing is going well. My uncle Rodrigue had contracted debts with a bank giving his plot of house as a guarantee.

He could not repay and the bank ended up confiscating his corner of the plot and it was my aunt Martine who informed me. I don't like it at all, but I had to buy back her plot before strangers set foot in our house. I ask the bank not to tell them anything especially my uncles should not know that I was the new owner. They paid rent every end of the month and that was more than enough for me. As if I didn't have enough to do, here is Monique sharing our family ties everywhere on social networks. I don't react so Sonia is doing it too.

While Yayi and I were having sex in the bedroom, one of the maids knocked on the door informing me that my uncle Joseph and his family were there. I tell him to make them wait, Yayi looks at me and tells me.

Yayi: You'll go when I'm done. Not before.

Yayi is not in a hurry he does whatever he wants to do and finishes what he started before letting me leave the room. I'm getting ready. I go out going down the stairs I glance at the window I notice Sonia and Monique in the middle of a photo shoot by the pool. Arriving at the bottom, I see that they haven't even waited. The bottles of white wine and Jacks were already open and my uncles drank as much as they wanted, luckily Stéphane wasn't there otherwise he would have a nervous breakdown. I greet them politely as if it was new. Eliane and Eva come to give me a hug, shouting eh our daughter! Yes alcohol had hit since when?

It's new? But hey I want to know what they wanted from me. I just hope the banker didn't tell them I was the one who bought the plot. Before I even open my mouth, my husband comes downstairs and doesn't even offer them a look. Yayi wasn't in the mood. Without even looking in their direction, he waved to the driver and his gaze on his right arm had said it all. He beckons me to come and take a kiss on the mouth. He puts a hand in his pocket and gives me 1 million for Martine, once again a hand in his pocket he gives me 300 miles, saying give it to Stéphane. A soldier from the presidential guard comes to take the keys to the car from the driver, he leaves with one at a moment's notice and one sets the table, I'm back. It did not escape my uncle Joseph and his wife. Rodrigue smiled believing that the money was intended for them.

Yayi: I'll get the little one right away.

Returning to the living room, I called Aunt Martine in front of them.

Ashley: Aunt Martine, Yayi left some money for you I'll send it where you pick it up yourself? Okay tonight so yes I know say hello to uncle for you bye.

At the same time Stéphane arrives at the show I give him these 300 miles. He is not surprised with the time I do not ask any more questions. Stéphane and Daniel are preparing a bad move. Seeing that none of the sums were intended for them, my aunt Éliane squeezed the mine so hard that I thought it was going to explode.

Ashley: Have a good arrival I hope the path was not difficult?

Joseph: No, but you're angry. You haven't even told your husband to come see us once since you got married.

Ashley: I told him but since you didn't come to the wedding he doesn't know you so he keeps his distance that's all.

Eliane: So Martine often comes here?

Ashley: Yes it is often her who represents mom at our parties.

Rodrigue: But you have to tell us. If you have events of this kind, your father must always be represented, it is for the honor of the family.

Ashley: No don't worry. Grandfather Amounan, where the village chief often represents dad, it's going to be fine.

Joseph: But it is not the same thing it is the direct link of the blood which counts more do not forget it. It's the blood that counts

Ashley: Okay I got it. Anyway, it's my husband who decides I don't have too much of a say at the time.

Eva: Ah I see you have a pretty house, very pretty eh.

Ashley: Thanks. Good news?

Joseph: Nothing serious, we came to see you as a visitor.

Rodrigue: To be sure that everything is fine, that your husband treats you well and that he takes good care of you. It is important very important.

Ashley: Anyway on this point everything is fine I do not miss anything.

Joseph: And Idriss is where we can't see him from there.

Ashley: He's not here he's at school.

Rodrigue: It's 3:50 pm doesn't tell me that you put him in boarding school

Ashley: Never. He goes to an American school. Classes are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is him that Yayi will seek like that.

Eva: Han American school, do they know about his health?

Ashley: Yeah don't worry about it. Which hotel did you stay in?

Eliane: Jennifer, you mean we can't sleep at your place?

Ashley: Ah there it's my husband who decides like I said, he doesn't know you so I'll have to ask him permission first and we'll see later.

Rodrigue: How is my niece going to have such a house? I'm going to go and sleep at a hotel, what will my friends think of me?

Ashley: Okay I'll leave you I'll set the table Idriss and Yayi will be home soon excuse me please. Stéphane is coming.

I disappear into the kitchen with Stéphane and we turn on the camera in the living room to listen to what they are saying.

Eva: 1 million for Martine so this woman is living the good life with the money that is rightfully ours? Eliane do you see that?

Rodrigue: The one that annoys me is this PD which is always on the back of the little one. Everyone wins except us.

Joseph: Hey you I hope you talked to your daughters. I want them to behave well in your neighborhood, no savagery. It's understood?

Rodrigue: That they are presentable every day. We do not know which minister can return here one day or another. We must take advantage.

Eva: The way Ashley spoke, is she going to accept that Monique and Sonia live here? Because I too have to place my daughter. Student work there, we do not earn husbands in it.

Eliane: Listen to me, I have already spoken. Monique must do everything so that Ashley drives Stéphane out of here and then we'll see. I'm sure her husband doesn't know he's a PD.

I look at Stéphane who laughs. Suddenly I hear Yayi's car. Stéphane remains to listen to what these people say to each other in the living room and I will set the table. I reluctantly cover the table for everyone. Idriss comes home he does not look in their direction he shouts Mum mum I answer he gives me a kiss on the cheek I see a tablet in his hands. Yayi gave in to one of those whims again.

Ashley: Yayi he already has an iphone he's going to spoil this tablet.

Yayi: All his friends have one and my son must have one too.

Idriss: Mum, dad said he was going to Berlin. We will also go with him, right?

Ashley: No sweetheart you have an exam next week so you have to learn your multiplication tables and revise your dictations!

Idriss: It's not just mom, he'll be alone. Who is going to play with him if I'm not there? you want him to be all sad without me?

Ashley: There is Uncle Vincent, Uncle Ludovic and all the other Uncles are with him to play my darling in addition he will work there!

Idriss: But after the exam will we go with him?

Ashley: He's the one you gotta negotiate with baby let me finish!

Yayi goes to sit at the table with the little one. They are then joined by my uncles and my aunt. Stéphane takes care of Yayi's service. Meanwhile, I go into the kitchen and the maid had already set the employee table. I always wanted even the employees to eat together at the table in their pavilions, including the soldiers. A meal in harmony was very important to me. My mother always said it's by eating together that we learn to love each other.

Joseph: Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me.

Rodrigue: For our whole family, we wanted to apologize for not having been present on your wedding day with our daughter.

Yayi: Nice to meet you too, but let's eat I hope you're hungry my wife took the trouble for the meal.

Eva: Yes yes, Our Jennifer has always cooked well. She gets this talent from her mom. She was also very good at cooking.

Eliane: I wish you a good appetite, Mr. President.

Yayi: Call me Yayi. Mr. President it's at work

I return to the table and at the same time Idriss tells me to sit next to him on the other side of Idriss. We all close our eyes to pray. Well almost everyone except me and Stéphane we weren't too nervous. Monique turns to me and Stéphane asking in a soft tone, something rare elsewhere.

Monique: Stéphane lives not far from where you live here aren't you afraid that he will steal your husband from you?

Ashley: I prefer him to a fool who's going to come out of nowhere!

She holds herself back and she knew it was she I was talking about. Yayi and Idriss finish their plate, leave the table and here I am alone with Stéphane in the company of people who seem to be preparing a bad blow against us. After Yayi leaves, I am calmer.

Ashley: Monique what are you playing? Listen to me carefully, this is my home, you are not going to come and create problems here. Don't play your games ok?

Rodrigue: Calm down. Monique respect you understood!

Monique: Yes uncle. I just wanted to make conversation.

Ashley: Uncle tell me why you came. I know you now you are not in Calavi to see me!

Joseph: Well, we would like you to bring your sisters up for a while. Help them find good husbands and get off to a good start you know.

Ashley: No I can't. Sorry uncle.

Eliane said out loud and visibly upset.

Eliane: Can't or don't you want to?

Ashley: First you don't yell at me in my own house. From 2, I am with my husband and from 3, your daughters have no education. I don't want to find myself giving Yayi explanations.

Sonia: Stéphane lives and roams here do you prefer a PD to your sisters?

Ashley: He comes every now and then. The villa opposite is his home and yes I prefer it.

Joseph: The villa opposite here? Wait you take advantage of my niece?

Stéphane: Joseph I just did what you were supposed to do as a family after the death of his parents, that's all.

Rodrigue: So you are going to tell us that we weren't there for her?

Stéphane: Yes! Instead of helping him you stole his money for your worth nothing child you took advantage of his kindness.

Eva: Who are you waiting for to give us lessons eh?

Eliane: When you get out of your fagot, you fall on our child. Shame on you.

Rodrigue: But you're cheeky eh. Never mess with our stories again.

Ashley: Well that's enough without him, I don't know where I squeezed. You stole the little we inherited from our father, took advantage of my kindness as if that wasn't enough, you tried to sell me to an old man for 3 million. What exactly do you want from me?

Joseph: Listen to us, we didn't want to hurt you, we just did.

Ashley: You just wanted to take it all and get rid of the problem. If I had married old Diallo and found out that you stole everything, I couldn't have done anything since I would be at home! Rest here today tomorrow the driver will take you home and don’t mess up my life thank you!

I get up and leave the table followed by Stéphane. I arrive in my room, Yayi and Idriss were glued to a video game. My husband doesn't say anything when Idriss gets tired he falls asleep. Yayi gets up, comes to me and says smiling.

Yayi: I thought you were going to stay calm for a long time.

Ashley: It's not possible, aren't they a little ashamed? It's going to fart soon here.

Yayi: I like it when you heat up like that. The evening promises to be very interesting for me.

Ashley: Damn I forgot your birthday I don't know if I could really keep an eye on them. So I don't invite them.

Yayi: You're going to the guests. Let your enemies participate in your success. That's only how you show them their seats!

Ashley: Yayi I don't even want to play this game. The more they see, the harder it will be for me to get rid of them. No thanks.

Yayi drags me downstairs a bit to tell them about the party and I see a vicious smile at his place Before I get downstairs I tell him

Ashley: Yayi isn't doing anything tonight that might make me ask their forgiveness then please.

Yayi: Do you think I'm where I am because I'm dumb?

In front of them, Yayi announces them. For the reception had to see them.

Yayi: Tonight we have a party here in the second pavilion on the occasion of my birthday. Yolande and Stéphane will accompany you shopping. The finances are my own. Hope you will be there?

Eva: Of course we'll be there.

Joseph: You are our beautiful. We can't refuse your invitation!

I look at them and I understand that these people were going to do anything to ruin my life. Yayi was not the type to let herself be led by the nose. But why so much kindness. What was behind his head? I'm tired of all this cinema. My uncle Joseph and his wife look very happy. My husband had everything planned. I'm leaving to supervise the decoration of the large living room; I don't want to think about this evening.

My God Guide us. If I knew one thing, it was that I was too young to support Yayi and my family. Only the sky will decide between them.

The evening is going well I go up to see if Idriss sleeps well. As soon as I walk into the hallway, I hear her cry and I rush over.

Ashley: Baby to me, what are you crying why darling?

Idriss: Yayi, he's celebrating his birthday and he hasn't invited me.

Ashley: You don't scare me like that. You yourself think that your daddy is going to have a party and then he is not going to invite you? Today it is for adults that he does more, it is tomorrow his day.

Idriss: Don't lie to me mom. It's not good to lie I hear the music. Tati Monique is right, we don't invite a fool to a birthday party, that's why he didn't invite me. I want to go home I don't want to stay here anymore.

Ashley: When did she tell you that? And then we're home here wait, I'll call your daddy, you're gonna talk to him okay?

Idriss: No it's more my daddy I want to go home.

Ashley: Lord what is this again? Baby 1 you're not crazy stop saying you're crazy understood. And then you know Tati Monique well, she's jealous of your new daddy that's all.

Idriss: I want to go home. I don't want to stay here anymore I want to go home.