Glimpse of hope

We started packing our stuff for the move. When we shall settle to Mr. Lorenzo's house, I will be able to stop the work I was doing. In consequence, I aim to ask him to help me find a better job. I really hope to become independent financially. So, I can rent a house later and live with my siblings without depending on anyone.

At the end of the week, we went to Mr. Lorenzo's house. He sent us a pick-up for the move and everything went perfectly. His home is very large and each of us had one's own room.

"Why did you build such a big house, while you could leave at any time?" I asked him one day when we were sitting in the living room talking.

"I really like big houses. In fact, I wanted to leave this one to a young lady I knew here. M Unfortunately, she passed away." He replies with nostalgia on his face.

"Oh... I'm sorry!" I said, looking sad.

"It's nothing. It's been a long time since. I also have other houses bigger than this one in Yaoundé and Douala. Three in each of these cities. I invested a lot in real estate. I believed that my wife and my children would agree to follow me in this country that I loved so much. Unfortunately, they refused. It's been 25 years since I moved here."

"Wow! You're then more Cameroonian than me!" I exclaimed astonishingly. He smiled then told me

"I like this country, despite the drifts towards which it switches."

"Do you plan to return home?"

"Yes of course ! But when I am very old."

"May God give you longevity! You have such a good heart!" I wished him with a genuine look.

"Thank you Martina! Could you stop talking to me like a stranger ?" He requested looking serious.

"If you want... Sorry, if you want."

Mr. Lorenzo starts laughing, then asks me the question me more seriously

"And you, what are your projects?"

"I would like to find a good job in order to be able to raise my brothers."

"You are a brave and mature woman. I'm impressed by your thoughts, though you're still very young!" He says admiringly, before continuing to inquire. "But, don't you want to continue your studies?"

"Of course ! It's part of my plans. That's why I have to find a job to be able to pay for my studies." I responded to him.

"Martina, I want to help you with your studies." He replies with a serious tone.

"No no Lorenzo! That will be too much" I retorted waving my hands, as to oppose to what he has just told. "You've already done enough. I wouldn't want to take advantage of your kindness. If you really want to help me, find me a job and I'll be fine."

"To have a good job, you will need a university level. I'm going to enroll you in a university abroad where you can have at least a bachelor's degree or a master's degree." He explains to me.

"Why are you doing this? What do you expect in return?" I inquired to him, looking him straight in the eyes.

"I'm just helping my neighbour. . Isn't that what the Bible says? I nod my head. To tell you the truth, I liked you from the first day you came to the Society. A real head of mule! In addition to that, your story moved me a lot and I would like to do a good deed by giving you a boost." Mr. Lorenzo sqys to me looking sincere.

I'm not surprised that he likes me. His manners and his gaze full of tenderness towards me had given me a hint. As I did not know what to answer, he continue

"Don't mind the fact that I love you. Nothing will change between us. I'm aware that our ages do not match. My help is pointless."

"Okay." I answer to him reassured. I don't know how to thank you Lorenzo. When I just think that those on whom I counted to help me, because we are of the same blood, humiliated and rejected me without any pity.

"Don't trust that. It's an experience of your life to make you stronger. Martina," he said tenderly. "I want to help you move forward. I know you have a grea t potential and I also know you're a smart girl. I hope one day to make you smile and forget the ordeal you went through?!"

"Thank you Lorenzo!" I answered with no emotion.

We each went into their room after this moment of talking. I thought about our whole conversation and I'm really glad he's helping me. I don't know how to thank him enough. If only I still had a heart, I might have loved it. Isn't it often saif that love has no age? But my heart is forever closed to love. Nevertheless, I will always be grateful to Lorenzo for what he has done for us. While I was thinking about all this, my door opened slowly and I saw two people getting in. I turn on the bedside lamp and see Nathan and Lam.

"Sorry to disturb you, but we wanted to sleep with you if you don't mind." They say all tense.

"Come!" I reply, opening my arms they come and throw themselves on me and at the same time, we hear the door open again. It is Tania who immediately joins us. They spent the night telling me the stories of their school and other recent events. I was happy to see them so happy after the drama our family went through. We haven't had a moment like this in a long time. The boys ended up falling asleep. Luckily, the bed is big enough to hold us all. Tania, who stayed awaken with me, I tell her, taking a false angry tone

"It's not because tomorrow is Sunday that you have to sleep late."

"I'm not a child anymore, for your information! Besides, I wanted you to tell me. You and Mr. Lorenzo, What's up! Is there something between you?" She asks me the question with a wink.

"Dirty little snooper! Nothing happens between he and me. He just wants to help me. There are still good people on this earth." I say staring into space. "He wants me to continue my studies at the University."

"Wow!" Does she make her eyes full of stars. ,"He is really nice!" She jumps on the bed then asks me. "But he doesn't want anything at all in return?"

"He confessed to love me, but he is aware that nothing can happen between us, given the age. And that's good!" I replied calmly.

"Too bad then, otherwise he would have been a good partner." She said sorry and disappointed with my answer.

"Yeah, and you better sleep. Good night!" I say covering myself with the blank.

"Good night mum!" Hearing this sparked melancholy in me and remembered me my mother, but I pretended not to feel anything and closed my eyes once I turned off the light.

Living with Lorenzo has done us a lot of good. Everyone has recovered and peace and harmony reign at home. Lorenzo is a very good person, he treats us as if we were his own family.
Time was moving fast, and we were already on the eve of exams. Lorenzo was helping Tania with science subjects and she was under severe stress. We advised her on how to face the exam and she was quite calm. After the exams, Lorenzo made us travel to Yaoundé. I had come to this town just once for a contest when I was representing my school. We stayed in one of his houses. It's in Bastos, a chic residential area. The house was even bigger and more beautiful than the one where we live. There is a maintenance staff who comes three times a week to clean it up. We had fun and entertainment until the announcement of the baccalaureate results. Tania succeeded and Lorenzo came to join us in Yaoundé. He threw a party to celebrate the occasion. There was a mad world of upper middle class. I saw how men devoured me with their eyes. You have to admit that since I've been at Lorenzo's, I've taken good care of myself. My beauty products are of high quality and my complexion is more radiant. There was a young Métis man that I kept dabbing all over the party. It looked like he was following me. Tired of seeing his face, I went to him

"Aren't you tired of following me around like a little doggie?" I say aggressive.

"I'm just a little doggie, as you said. I do not bite." He replies with a charming smile.

"Still happy !" I retorted no less aggressively than the first time.

"Can we know why such a charming young lady, sweet at first sight, can spit so much fire?"

"I would be you, I would leave before I spit a volcano." At this moment, Lorenzo came towards us then interrupted us.

"Martina! Have you met Larry?"

"Enchanted Martina!" Said the young Métis taking my hand and kissing it. Seeing Lorenzo embarrassed and jealous, I free my hand and tell him

"Nice to meet you ! I have to go see the boys if they don't do something stupid."