*****LEANNE AKEWA****

It is Sunday morning, and as usual I woke up very early for the 7 a.m. mass then I came home to make my breakfast. Logan, I finally left him with Valerie all weekend. I needed some time alone to think about what happened Friday night at La Roma. But she plans to drop him off for me later, because he will go to school tomorrow. At the same time the landline started ringing, I lowered the temperature on the fire to go and answer...

Me: Hello!

Mom: Leanne, are you home?

Me: Yes why? I say with a sigh.

Mom: I'm coming soon... Can you wait for me in front of your house?

Me: Okay.

Hum when she tells me that, it's because she had a fight with her husband, and she wants to stay with us some day. I was very close to my mother when I was younger… But our relationship deteriorated when she remarried when I was 17. Honestly, I don't like her new husband there. He made advances to me…I did not fail to tell mum but the gas had completely denied it. So, mom chose to believe her husband instead of me, her daughter…this is one of the events that touches me the most until today.

Mom: Hello Leanne, how are you?

Me: Hmm, yes. I said taking her bags from her hand.

Mom: Yes… Just a little tired.

Me: Okay then.

Mom: Where is Logan? She said as she entered the house.

Me (sighing): With my friend Valérie.

Mom: I told you that I don't like your girlfriend, didn't I?! Why are you taking the child to me there?!

Me: Anyway, I'm going to take a shower! I said leaving her to take a shower.

I present to you my dear and tender mother, Nadine Akewa marries Ngoma. In short, I who wanted to spend a quiet day before Logan came to make noise in the house here I am now supporting my mother. And here, I tell you, she will stay with us for maybe two weeks until her husband comes to pick her up here. In any case, he will come to take her outside, he will not set foot in my house...

Coming out of the shower, I see that mom had put her things in my room. That's good, because I don't want her to invade Logan's space because his room is small. Better, she sleeps with me in the double bed. I joined him, Madame was in the kitchen preparing I don't know what.

Me: What are you up to? I said as I went to get myself a glass of water.

Mom: A good salted fish there. Logan is coming soon right? So he will eat.

Me: Logan is allergic to fish. I say looking at her.

Mom: Oh yes... That's right. I'll make him some pasta then.

Me: Okay.

Mom: Uh Leanne, I have a question.

Me: Yes…I said sighing.

Mom: There is no one in your life?!

Me: No mom!

Mom: And why is that?! Since your relationship with the gas…the minister's child there 2 years ago. We never saw a boy here again. In addition, he wanted to marry you and you refused... Otherwise you will not be in this kind of Condition! Plus, he would have paid for Logan's school.

Me: Mom…I'm not in the mood to argue with you! If you love her long enough, all you have to do is marry her! I say annoyed.

At the same time, I had just received a message from Valérie telling me that she was there with my baby. So, it was only natural that I went to open the door for them. As soon as he saw me Logan jumped at me like we hadn't seen him for years.

Me: Hello my heart… I say while making him full of kisses on the face. Did you have a good weekend?

Logan: Yes Mom!

Me: Oh so much the better then, if you had fun. Go give Aunt Valerie a hug and you'll find your grandmother in the house.

Logan: Oh grandma is there?! He says excite everything.

He hugs Valerie as a sign of goodbye, then he darts into the house. I heard Mom's voice screaming Logan. Valérie wanted to go home but she stopped in her tracks when she knew that mom was there.

Valérie: Wait, when did she arrive?

Me: A few hours ago.

Valérie: That's good...Better, I don't come to see you for a while, huh! We never know….

Me: You are stupid huh. I say laughing.

Valerie: How are you, Leanne?

Me: Yes why this sudden question? I said surprised at his question.

Valerie: Bhe…compared to Friday night man.

Me: What Friday?! We had an excellent evening.

Valérie: Yes, I don't disagree... But when you saw him with this woman, what did you feel?

Me: Nothing at all. I say curtly.

Valérie: Oh stop me your things Leanne!

Me: Well what?! Anyway, I'm going home. Thank you for bringing my baby back to me.

Valérie: Hmmm keep running away from Leanne…I'm warning you this whole story will end badly.

Me: I'm not running away from Valerie!

Valerie: I leave you. She said giving me a kiss.

I waited for her to get in her car to find Logan and mom who was already at the table. I just joined him but during the whole meal, I was present but not really there. I looked at my son who was making conversation. He looks so much like his father it's amazing I tell you. He took everything from his father from head to mimicry. Two years ago, Logan came home from school very sad, because it was Father's Day. That day, he asked me where to find his father…. But I couldn't answer him.

Mom: Honey? She said cutting off from my reverie.

I do ?

Mom: Isn't it good?

What me ? I say lost,

Mom: Well my dish! Since then you don't eat I don't understand. It's not good ?

Me: Yes, yes. It's very good...I'm just not too hungry today.

Logan: Mom, can I get off the table?

Me: No…You finish your plate first.

Logan: But, I'm already done mom. He said sulking.

Me: Ok you can go. I say with a sigh.

I didn't need to say anything to him except when he got up, he took his plate to put it in the lever and then he went to the living room to look at his drawings. When mom and I continue to eat in silence. I wanted to tell him that Logan's father was back...

Me: Mom…Logan's dad is back.

Mom: No, that's not true! She said stopping eating to look at me. Since when ?

Me: I don't know... The other day he left me a message on the landline but I didn't answer...

Mom: But you too Leanne! Why didn't you call back?

Me: With the girls, we ran into her at Louis. He seemed very busy. So I don't think I needed to.

I didn't even tell you what happened after seeing Alexandre…Last night after Valérie clearly forced me out of the restaurant, we went to park near the seaside. the car, the girls were silent…Anne didn't really understand what had happened, because I had never spoken to her about Logan's father. I just needed to get some air so I took off my heels and pulled up my dress slightly, then I went to soak my feet in the water… Which relaxed me and cleared my mind. I got back in the car, and I told Valérie that I still wanted to go clubbing tonight.

Mom: It's time for you to stop being selfish my daughter... It's Logan's father. He has a right to know he has a son like Logan has a right to know his father is alive and well.

Me: No, I don't! I said getting up with my plate to go to the kitchen.

Mom: Continue with your female pride there! It will cost you dearly my daughter!

Me: All I can say is that I really have nothing to get close to. He is the one who put us in this situation.

Mom: Him huh?! In any case, it's your life, right?! What am I going to say again?!

Me: Thank you. I said picking up my phone from the table to go to my room.

Of course, it is his fault if today we are here, and that he does not know his son. In any case, I know that I made the right decision for my son and me. We are happy together today, and I guess he has rebuilt his life... Alexandre never knows how to fight to get the woman he wants. He is a man who does not attract even by doing anything. So, it doesn't even surprise me that he is in a relationship today... But there is something that intrigues me in this story, does this woman know of my existence?

Ring, Ring, Ring!

My phone was ringing, causing me to stand up so abruptly. I didn't even realize I had fallen asleep. Picking up my phone, I noticed that it was already 5 p.m.…An unknown number called me. I didn't want to pick up but I had the impression that the person would insist.

Me: Hello?!

Mr. Koumba: Good evening, is that Miss. Leanne Akewa?

Me: Yes, that's me. I say, straightening up.

Mr. Koumba: This is Mr. Koumba, the human resources manager, the one who interviewed you a week ago for the position of principal secretary to the DG.

Me: Oh…Excuse me, Mr. Koumba. I say surprise.

Mr. Koumba: No worries. We evaluated your CV, and we selected you for the position. Do you agree ?

Me: Of course I accept! I said trying to keep my composure.

Mr. Koumba: Very well… We are expecting you tomorrow at 8 a.m.… I advise you to come on time please.

Me: Don't worry Mr. Koumba, I'll be there.

Mr. Koumba: See you tomorrow Ms. Akewa

Click!

Ring, Ring, Ring!

My alarm clock goes off at 5 a.m., my usual time. I wake up to turn it off so as not to wake up mom who was sleeping next to me. It is with difficulty that I get up but happy that I decide to get out of bed to go to the shower. During my shower, I try to relax hoping that I will have a good day. Coming out of the shower, I notice that mom was no longer in the room…I took the opportunity to put on my outfit that I had chosen for this first day. I opted for black pants with a white shirt and tied my hair in a bun then headed to Logan's room...

Me: Honey? I said, stroking his head.

Logan: Mmm..Mom

Me: Get up sweetheart, it's 7am...

Logan: I'm tired mom…He said hiding his face in his duvet.

Me: I know baby me too… but at 15 I'll be back you must already be less in your shower! I say getting out of the shower.

Leaving her room, I headed for the living room where I found Mom in the kitchen making us breakfast. I sat on the table where she comes to put my coffee with cakes…There was a time when I was going to appreciate that she took care of me in such a way but today, I know that she does it just out of interest .

Mom: Did you sleep well?

I do.

Mom: How are you feeling on your first day?

Me good.

Logan: Mom, can I have an omelette? He said coming to sit next to me.

Me: No, just drink your milk and it's good.

Mom: I can do it to him, you know.

Me: No, he will be satisfied with his fair milk.

Logan: That's not fair. He said sulking.

Me: I have never seen a child who sulks at time like you.

We continued to eat in silence when 7:30 a.m. rang for the time to leave. I took Logan's bag while he hugged Mommy, then we got out of the house and as usual we walked to the crossroads to catch the cab. When I dropped Logan off at school, I was able to quickly get a taxi to the agency. I arrived at 8am, and immediately the previous lady recognized me and told me to wait for Mr. Koumba to arrive. So, it's all stress that I was in the hall, at the same time the lady offered me a glass of water which I gladly accept.

Mr. Koumba: Miss. Akewa, welcome.

Me: Hello Mr. Akewa. I say holding out my hand.

Mr. Koumba: Come, I'll show you around our premises and show you where your office is, and then I'll leave you in the hands of Justine. Do you remember her?

Me: Not really…I said looking at him.

Mr. Koumba: This is the lady who was with me during your interview.

Me: Oh ok then. I say a little disappointed.

I was disappointed, because my instinct made it clear to me that this Justine and I would not be best friends. Mr. Koumba, made me visit all the premises and introduce myself to everyone in the box. Then he led me to my new office which is in the same hallway as the CEO of course. He let me settle down to take my marks. I stare at the door of the DG wondering if he was there or not… At the same time, the Justine arrived…

Justine: Oh I see that Mr. Koumba has finally chosen you.

I do.

Justine: Chained, Justine Obone. She said holding out her arm.

Me: Enchanted.

Justine: The DG, give me the order to show you what you have to do while waiting for his absence. I'm warning you Leanne, this is not a job lightly.

Me: I know that very well. I said looking her straight in the eye. So he's not here?

Justine: Yes, he is on a mission for a few days inside the country. But in the meantime it is a woman who supervises everything.

Me: Oh ok then.

Justine: Here is your program. She said handing me a pouch.

Me: Uh… is it possible that I can finish at 5 p.m. not 6 p.m.? Because I have to pick up my son from school at 5:30 p.m.

Justine: No, it's impossible. She said closing. We need someone available 24 hours a day. If you know you can't handle it, we'll find someone else available.

Me: I never said I was unable to do my job, but my son is my priority and he comes first!

Justine: You have to talk to Mr. Koumba about it. She said looking at me. Your first task for today, and that I want you to print out all his paperwork and drop it off at each desk.

Me: Really? is that what i have to do?!

Justine: But of course, what did you think being an assistance consisted of? Just answer the phone?! She said looking down at me. And also...I would like you to take me to eat around noon at noon.

Me: Okay.

The good lady walked out of my office like a queen. Cheeps look at this one! She's lucky that it's my first day, and I'll do anything she asks of me. I started doing what she told me, then I went from office to office. I met some pretty nice people. Then I returned to my office to finish other work that the queen asked me to do. Apparently, he also had paperwork for me to fill out regarding the rules of the establishment. I don't hide from you that at times, I glance at the door of the CEO's office to ask myself what he looked like. There were no pictures in the hallways of him. Which I found strange.

Ring, Ring, Ring!

Me: Baby?

Valérie: How is your first day?

Me: Cheeps…Leave that to me. I am here in my office.

Valérie: Have you seen your CEO? He is handsome?

Me: So that's why you called me?! I say laughing. He's not even here, he's on a mission.

Valérie: Ah I see, you have a break like that, we eat together?

Me: I have a break at 3 p.m., but I don't think I could make it to the living room...

Justine: Heuu Leanne, it's noon, here's the money I want you to take me a salad with a Diet Coke at the restaurant which is at the corner of the street. You know, I'm a really caring person and I pay attention to my figure too. She said putting the money on my desk.

Valérie (shouting): Who is that?!

Me: One of my bumps the tchiips.

Valérie: Wait, aren't you supposed to be the CEO's secretary?

Me: If my apparently, it is one of his advisers. So she also like a chef. I say with a sigh.

Valérie: Ah that… In any case, I leave you oh.

Me: Well, I have a favor to ask you. I might end up late at 6 p.m. today, do you mind picking up Logan from school?

Valérie: No worries sweetie!

Me: Thank you Valerie!

Click!

I hurried out of the box to get the queen's food. Arrive at the restaurant, there were still a lot of people but good. I had to wait 10 min max to be served and on leaving I got pushed around by a gentleman which spilled all the food on the floor which annoyed me even more.

Me: Can't you care?! I say, looking at the dish on the floor.

Him (laughing): It doesn't matter, I can buy you another one.

Me: No, that's what I want! I said looking up at him.

Him: Have you been told that you're really cute when you get angry?! He says laughing.

Me (looking up): Tchiip look at me someone?!

Him: Follow me, I'll buy your commend.

I gave him a good look at first, but I followed him inside the restaurant anyway. He asks me to sit on one of the tables, then I saw him disappear into the kitchen. Huh, is this his restaurant? He comes back 5 minutes later with my order in hand

Him (smiling): It's offered by the house.

Me: Thank you…I said standing up.

Him: I don't think you need to go on a diet...you're fine like that and I like curvy women like you. He said looking me up and down.

Me: Cheeps goodbye!

Him: Could I have your first name at least?

Me: No thank you!

I quickly left the restaurant at the same time, I look at my watch I'm late but at least I have his food. When I arrived, I found her sitting at my desk with her arms crossed, very upset.

Justine: Where were you Leanne?! Since then, I've been trying to reach you on your phone!

Me: Sorry for the delay, I was late, because there were people but also I had forgotten my phone. I say smiling.

Justine: Anyway, where is my food?

Me: The…I said, handing him the bag.

Justine: Thank you. Oh I forgot, 4 p.m. ago we have a big meeting. I want you here to take notes for me.

Me: Okay.

She walked out of my office with her food leaving me with lots of paperwork to fill out. I got down to work just as quickly, and suddenly I thought of Alexandre. I wonder why it is now that he decided to return to Gabon? Is that woman I saw with him his wife? I do not hide from you a glimmer of jealousy crossed my mind when I saw him with this woman. He managed to turn the page on our story while I….

Mr. Koumba: Ms. Akewa, are you okay?

Me: Yes Mr. Koumba. I say standing up. Do you need anything ?

Mr. Koumba: No, I came to warn you that the meeting is about to start.

Me: Okay then. I say standing up.

I followed him down the hall with my little notebook in hand. Upon arriving, there was almost everyone already installed. Of course, Mrs. Obone, was standing at the end of the table like a real boss. We waited for everyone to settle down to start the meeting. However, I don't know if I specified that at the beginning, but I was hired by a very well-known insurance company in the country. In addition, I was not sitting on the large table, I assure you, but rather in a corner at the bottom of the room. I had my eyes fixed on my notebook when Justine started talking and telling us about the new police rules in society. I was listening to him attentively when also another gentleman got up to speak. At the same time, a lady entered the meeting room…it was the one I had done my hair and Alexandre’s wife or girlfriend.

Justine: Good to arrive Madame La Dg. She said to turn to her. For what he does not know her, I present to you Flora Nasser our CEO.

Me: Hey what?!

I had no idea I said it that loud, because everyone turned to look at me.