Chapter 5

- Mom, can I ask you a question, please?

- Ma fille, what do you want to talk to me about? Is it about your man Jean-Paul?

- Yes, Maman, it is about him.

- So, I'm listening.

- Maman, why are you advising me against this marriage?

- Very well! That's how you question your mother. You know, I don't want you to suffer after your wedding. I want you to be happy all the time with the little family you're going to build with your husband and nothing more.

- But Mom, with Jean-Paul, I think I'll be happy, very happy!

- My daughter, I've always told you in this house that an old man sitting down sees further than a young man standing up. I know what I'm talking about. Do you know what it means to get involved with a writer or an artist?

- But Mom, no matter what happens, artists and writers don't spend their whole lives in celibacy!

- I know, and you're not wrong either! I know you love him and I know you love each other! Do you really want to marry him?

- Yes, Mum! I don't mean any disrespect, but for God's sake, let me marry this man or he'll suffer and so will I!

After a few seconds of silence, the mother, staring straight into her daughter's eyes, nodded in agreement.

- Okay, daughter, I give you my word," added the mother.

- Mom, do you mean you finally agree?

- My darling, I swear I agree now.

- Thank you, Mom! Thank you so much! And how do I tell Dad?

- You don't have to worry, darling! I'll handle it. Your father is very easy to please and pamper.

- Thanks, Mom! You're the best mother ever.

- Thank you for your compliments, darling!

Florencia proudly rose from the sofa and placed a warm kiss on her mother's cheek, hugging her tightly as if to feel her heartbeat.

- Mom, this is what Jean-Paul gave me before he left.

The surprised mother exclaimed:

- What? Bundles of banknotes? Despite his displeasure, he gave you this gift before he left?

- That's why I told you he cares about me. He even promised to change my life.

- Wow, that goes straight to my heart! I can only wish you a good marriage and good luck.

- Thanks, Mom!

Suddenly, the old gate creaked open, revealing the twin sisters who were never far apart.

- Mommy, are you all right?" the slimmer one shouted at her mother.

Florencia, as if surprised, discreetly exchanged a questioning glance with her mother without saying a word.

- Yes, welcome, dear bosses," replied the mother with a mocking look.

- Big sister, good seat.

- Thank you, Fidelia.

And the newcomers, as if not to distract mother and daughter, went upstairs to their bedroom.

***

It was eight o'clock that morning when the sun had left its nest and, as an obligatory duty, had reached its zenith.

Today, Florencia had not gone to her usual fruit-stocking place. Instead, she had gone to Cotonou, the city and economic capital of Benin. With the eight bundles of rectangular white banknotes Jean-Paul had given her the day before, the young woman immediately changed businesses. She went to buy a few thrift shops for adults and children and, on the same day, began walking from house to house, showing them to the new nannies and adults.

When evening came, she imagined that Jean-Paul would think she was going to buy fruit and would be waiting for her at the same place. Indeed, she went there and, like every other day, found the young writer seated.

- Say, where's your basin?" asked the young man with a puzzled look.

- I left it at home.

- You left it at home? Why would you do that? Didn't you go to the market today?

- No, I don't sell sugar cane anymore; I've already changed business.

- Have you? And since when?

- Since today!

- And with what capital?

- The one you gave me, of course!

- Did I? So you're a woman who thinks and thinks well! Really, I'm moved.

- Thank you, Prince. I've got news for you.

At this, the young man tried to guess what his companion wanted to talk about, but to avoid verbiage, he asked her to tell him the news.

- You could guess anyway!

- My love Florencia, I swear I don't know what you want to talk to me about, and I'm often no good at guessing.

- Really? Are you serious?

- If I knew, why not surprise you!

- Okay, it's Mom; she's finally given her word!

- Did she? Are you serious?

- Yes, my prince! Or don't you want me anymore?

- How can you ask me a question that doesn't even make sense?

- Okay, my mom would like to see you again next week; will you come?

- Why not? I'll be sure to.

- So, can I have your contact number now?

- With pleasure, if you really want to!

Immediately, the young man handed the young woman a rectangular card on which were written several residential addresses, including three different telephone numbers.

- Thanks baby, see you next time.

- Thank you, my evening dew, goodbye.

Before the young woman slipped away, she placed a small kiss on the young man's lips and...

***

Three days later.

Today is Saturday. The twin sisters, after getting out of bed, had decided between them to go and ask permission of their mother, who was sitting on the terrace, thinking about the various conversations that had been established between her and her husband about their future son-in-law. Inwardly, she wondered whether this marriage would result in true happiness, given his social standing. Mama Florencia had her doubts about the marriage. Her intuition repeatedly told her how much her daughter would suffer after the wedding. In order not to thwart her daughter's wishes for fear of hurting her, what choice did she have but to encourage and prayerfully support her in her proposal? She was startled out of her reverie by a bewildered voice, which asked her why she looked so worried?

- Fidelia, nothing's going on!

- I know you never like to talk about your worries! Well, my sister and I have an outing later on.

- An outing? And where are you going this time?

- Mom, we're going to see a friend.

- A friend? Oh, right! And what time would you like to go?

- Ten o'clock.

- And what time will you be back?

- We don't know yet! But you don't have to worry about us, okay?

***

A few hours later. Standing at the gate of a house were Fidélia and Fidéliana, the twin sisters. Fidélia had just pressed the buzzer. After a few minutes, a young man emerged from the courtyard.

- Oh, twin sisters, how are you?

- Very well," they exclaimed, all smiles.

- Please come in," said the man.

The two girls, staring straight into each other's eyes, entered the courtyard and, as the man dragged them into the living room, sat them down.

- Sit down and make yourselves comfortable!

- Don't worry," said the slender one.

The two sisters took seats next to each other.

- I trust the family is well?

- Yes, everyone's doing very well," replied Fidélia.

- That's great! So, what are you going to drink? Champagne?

- Uh... don't be shy, sir!" exclaimed Fidéliana, the shorter woman.

- No, you're going to have something anyway! Or shall we go to a restaurant and get something to eat?

- As you wish," replied Fidélia.

- Okay, let's go!

The twin sisters got up and headed for the exit. A few moments later, they managed to cross the terrace, then the courtyard, and finally the threshold. A fraction of a minute later, a RAV4 car pulled up alongside them and, without waiting, they climbed aboard.

Motel Awana, a favorite spot in the Malanhoui district of Porto-Novo, warmly welcomed the three new guests.

Dieu-donné and his two guests were served. Around the round table, they began to chat. Several bottles of drink were laid out on the table. None of the drinks was alcohol-free. On the same table were plates garnished with skewers.

- Please sir," said Fidélia to their companion, "allow me to go to the bathroom quickly.

- Okay, I'll be right back," said the smiling man.

- Thank you! Fidéliana, please come and keep me company.

- No, go on your own," replied the woman concerned.

- How can you say that? What if I'm in danger? Please come with me!

- I will! Sir, we'll be back in a few minutes.

The man, still smiling, replied with an "ok" and the two girls headed for the bathroom, one behind the other, with hurried steps.

- You, Fideliana, when did you become so stupid? I invite you to follow me and you dare to ask me to go on my own! And besides, I'm not going to waste my time. If I invite you here, it's because I've got something very serious to tell you. So be very careful with those bottles you see on that table. They're alcoholic beverages. Don't abuse them too much, I know what I'm talking about. Either that, or you and I drink one bottle and call it a day.

- Okay, I heard everything you said.

- Before we join him, promise me you won't touch any of the bottles except the one I take and we drink together.

- I promise! Say, was this the reason you called me into the bathroom?

- Yes, it was! We wouldn't want anyone flattering us with their fucking fortune.

- Okay, got it.

- Right, let's go!

With that, the two sisters returned to the room where they had left their companion. Everyone started eating, drinking and laughing their heads off.

Dieu-donné and her strangers spent more than two hours in the motel. Good music blared from the loudspeakers. Saturday had been a beautiful day for everyone.

- I'm getting sleepy," Fidéliana whispered.

The second twin laughed out loud.

- Who told you to drink a lot?" teased Fidélia.

- My dear, I haven't had enough to drink!

- In that case, let's get back to the car! suggested the man, all smiles.

The twin sisters got up and headed for the vehicle parked in front of the motel. After a few moments, the Japanese car roared away and disappeared from the scene, leaving behind a few smokeless tracks.

***

The twin sisters, back at their host's house, Fideliana had not stopped sleeping. She'd been asleep since the journey. Having failed to act on her sister's advice, she was overcome by drunkenness. Fidélia, being conscious, hadn't stopped watching over her. Although sleep shook her in all directions, she fought to defend herself. She kept her eyes wide open and kept a close eye on her sister, who was lying on the sofa.

- Please, Fideliana, I'd like you to...

- Oh no, rectification! I'm Fideliana! My neighbor's name is Fidéliana," she rectified.

- Oh, sorry! Fidélia, I'd like to drink some fresh water and I'd like you to go and buy it for me.

- What? Where do they sell it?

- In the little market.

- And I'll take a motorcycle cab, right?

- You won't find any! To do that, you'll have to get one of my motorcycles from under the gara...

- I don't know how to ride a motorcycle, sir.

- In that case, I'll give you zem's money and if you find one, you'll...

- Please, sir, but you can go yourself, can't you?

- I don't feel like driving the car.

- In that case, take your motorcycle!

- I don't feel like riding the motorcycle either.

- In that case, I'll go with my sister!

- But she's drunk and you'll have to let her rest!

- But I know! I'll carry her on my back.

- Oh please, stop talking nonsense and go quickly!

- Sir, I can't, go yourself.

- Why can't you?

- I can't explain it. If I ever ran into Mom or Dad, they'd probably ask me about my sister! What do you think I'd say to them?

- Just tell them that...

- Oh sir, are you forgetting that the gestures the puzzle-maker makes have already been made before him?

- Which translates?

- I don't know, sir! The time you've already wasted convincing me would have been more than enough for you to go and buy that water now, but you're wasting it needlessly.

The man, not knowing what else to do, got up from his couch and headed for the stairs.

Fidélia immediately began pinching her sister in all directions. She was startled from her sleep and began to writhe in pain.

- Get up, we're getting out of here, you little fool.

Fidéliana woke up, rubbed her eyes and, a few moments later, stood up. With all her strength, Fidelia dragged her sister to the courtyard and then to the gate. She gently unlocked the gate and they landed on the outer lawn like a plane descending from the sky.