“Do you ever feel your man distant after sex? Because I do. He wouldn’t want to cuddle like I want him to.” Some of the girls nod. Seeming normal to some, others find it way awkward.

“I know that feeling” confessed another while fixing a young girl’s hair. “Amadu leaves bed after sex for his evening bath. Like he wants to wash my scent off him. The other time, I asked why he normally does that but I got no reply. Girls, if it wasn’t for the fact that he’s so good in bed, I’m sure we would be no more”.

A few laugh, and others hoot, sharing her sentiment.

“Hmm, when he sinks in erh, I feel like I’m in wonderland. The boy is too good,” The lady continues, her joy knowing no bounds. The giggling only got louder.

“Mavis, I know you have something to share. You seem quiet today. You should be happy o my dear. No one knows tomorrow” she chuckled, looking her over.

“Sandra let her be. No one has Amadu for a boyfriend” the girls laugh, finally taking their attention off Mavis. She’s been quiet since the girls at the salon, begin their conversation about their partners. The verse she read this morning, lingered in her mind, reminding her not to engage in unnecessary conversations with bad company. Focusing on fixing an elderly woman’s hair, she got lost in her own thoughts.

***

“My son will be out in a few days. He’s decided to come back home to see Manuel. Spend some time with him and later join the army…..I know how difficult it is for you as a young mother but you needn’t worry my dear. That’s why my son’s family will take responsibility. We will take care of the boy while he goes to the army”.

Liza felt sick at the mention of Felix going away. How long will he be gone? She longed to ask his mother. At 6:00, Mrs Mensa and her supposed sister, Miss Anita visited their house wanting to talk to Liza. They’ve been very clear about what their intentions are, which is to take the baby into the family and care for him as he deserves.

***

A few days ago had been hard for Felix, serving in prison and engaging in labour jobs for beating up his aunt. Finding out about his aunt only motivated him to serve one month in jail at least to atone for his misconduct. His case miraculously was not sent to court as his aunty decided it better that he served a sentence this much for assaulting her.

***

“Look at him?” He takes a look at the picture of a newborn his mom had brought to the cell that afternoon.

His face lights up, unable to believe he’s made a baby. Keeping the picture will remind him of his child at home. He thought.

“Mum, he’s my son” he muttered in delight and awe, a smile forming on his face.

Her mother shared the same sentiment. She’d fallen in love with her grandchild immediately, taking custody of him the moment she set eyes on him.

“When will he be gone for?” She picked up the courage to ask Miss Anita, not bordering to ask how her son was fairing.

“Not long, three years the most. Why do you ask?”

“Nothing, really aunty. I very much appreciate that you’re taking in my son”.

Mrs Mensa had been quiet the whole time, listening to the two talk.

“You needn’t worry. As she said, he’s family. My nephew’s son…. so it’s only proper that way” she chipped in. Liza nods. The conversation had been brief with the two elderly women, finally taking leave of her.

***

“Take your time with the food else you will choke.” Miss Anita told Felix who’s just been released from jail. He pounced on the food brought to him by his sister, never once lifting his head.

“Mum let him eat” Mika, his sister said, giggling.

He looked dishevelled, out of life, just for a month of serving prison. They sat together at the dining area, mostly watching him finish four balls of banku in awe. Dashing into the bathroom for a change, he neatly combs his hair and took his time to wash it off properly, something he hadn’t done since he hit the street.

He looked more mature and manly after being released. Somehow he thanks God for disciplining him by sending him to jail. learning a lot in those few weeks, and counting the months left before he turned 21 before he leaves for the army.

He comes out after washing up and steps into Manuel’s room. A name he’d given him after setting eyes on him. He checks out the beautiful decorations, stepping in further to the baby cradle in the middle of the room. The moment he set eyes on him, he panicked. Fear rose in him. Thoughts found a way into his mind. What if he doesn’t become a good dad?  The baby lay asleep oblivious to his surrounding. His rhythmic breathing brought some kind of peace to him, clearing away all the thoughts. He gently lowered himself and placed a kiss on his forehead gently.

Manuel’s face crunched up at the contact but fell back to sleep. God has been good to him. He’s got a beautiful place to live with a family and to take care of his son. Now he prayed that he doesn’t mess up like his dad had.

Months dragged by with Felix cherishing every day with his son and being grateful to God. Fortunately, the church decided to go ahead to fund Mavis’s teacher’s training classes and Liza’s for a period while they work to pay for the rest.

***

“Can you do me a favour while I’m away?” Felix asks.

“Sure what is it?”

“Manuel needs a mother. He’s starting to get clingy and want more affection.”

Liza looks away.

“I know what you’ve been through. We all have. Me especially. Our son thought me how to love and cherish little moments with the people we love. Look at me Liza” He pleaded.

She obliges, looking into his eyes, admiring them.

“He has a mother. Show him that affection.” The sun shone on his face. He looked sad talking about it. Liza hardly sees Manuel, giving all sorts of excuses. Felix thought she might come around but at Manuel’s 8 months of living, Liza had aborted the idea of showing any affection towards the baby, which made him worry.

“I will… It’s just overwhelming. You seem fine but with all of this. You have a normal family. They’ve done well to be sending you to the army. My son needs a capable mother…..”

“Hey…..” He said gently.

“It doesn’t matter what you are Liza. Showing affection to your child has nothing to do with being capable. Our son needs that. He’s getting big by the day and soon he will be asking his mother. Do you want someone saying you were never there for him?” That statement seems to strike her.

“So Liza” he began ” I’m leaving tomorrow morning. Whiles I’m away, he will need you….. After class, you can go and see him,” he suggested.

She felt bad for missing out on those few months of his life, fighting the urge not to cry.

“Thank you, Felix. For believing that we could be good parents to him…the pressure was just too much…

He hugged her before she could say anything else.

“It’s fine. Don’t beat yourself up… it’s not too late to be a mother to him.

She nods, sniffling.

For him, his son was enough. They broke up months ago, losing the love they once shared. Their paths were different and they knew somehow that they will find other people to spend their love life with. Those painful, stressful days were finally over as their lives take on a new turn.