I’m in a restaurant having lunch. This table has four seats—two seats on both sides.
A woman walks in, observes, and finds that almost all tables have one extra seat apart from mine. She comes over, says hi, and proceeds to direct her sister to this restaurant.
We’re not talking.
The sister walks in, clearly disturbed.
They exchange pleasantries and ask for drinks. Mama Crystal—the first to arrive—orders tea only. The sister asks for passion juice with samosa.
Mama Crystal starts talking. “Siz, I’ve been confused for four days now. I had to call you and have you listen to this story. Imagine, Crystal is pregnant.”
The sister spits out her juice. She’s in total shock. She remains mum for close to two minutes.
“What? What did you say?” she finally asks.
“Exactly what you heard. Crystal is pregnant,” she repeats slowly.
The sister is still in shock. “Crystal is only 22. How? Why? Just help me understand.”
“Yes. Crystal is 22 and she’s pregnant. I found out four days ago. She complained of nausea, and I had her take the test,” she says ashamedly.
“How? How did she start? Who’s the father?” the sister asks with a shocked expression.
“That’s the worst part. Imagine the man is 54. Older than her father. Baba Crystal is 46. Crystal was sleeping with a man older than her father.” She starts sobbing softly.
They are both silent.
“What was she thinking? Have you disclosed this to her father?” the sister asks.
“No. I don’t even know where to start. Baba Crystal will go crazy. He loves his daughter so much. How do I tell him this? I told Crystal to break the news by herself.”
They are both silent.
“I’m really shocked. I don’t know what to say. Crystal knows how much you have sacrificed for her. What was the need for all that? Why such an old man? Money? Phones? What?” the sister asks angrily.
“She claims that she doesn’t know the reason either. We give her money—not a lot, but enough for her consumption. What else does she want?” Mama Crystal is now sobbing openly.
The sister doesn’t know what to do.
“This is really bad. How do we even solve this? I assume that is a married man. Does Crystal want to be a second wife? Or just a babymama to an old man? Or just a silly homewrecker? Crystal is a homewrecker,” the sister says angrily.
“He’s married with big children who are as old as Crystal. I wonder how his children will react upon learning a 22-year-old is carrying their father’s child? A shameless 22-year-old. The whole world will blame me for raising her badly, yet I taught her everything, including respecting people’s marriages.” Mama Crystal is now angry.
“You did your best. She chose this path herself. I’m feeling sad for her father. I wonder how disappointed he’ll be. What will we do? I feel like we can raise this baby without a lot of drama. Maybe we just tell the man and that’s it. Crystal will have to cut ties with him. If the man needs to communicate to his child or pay any bills, he has to pass through you. Crystal should never talk to him,” suggests the sister.
“I think it’s a perfect idea. Crystal has brought me so much shame. I never imagined this from her. I don’t know what to say to anyone. I’ll find a way of telling her father. In case he chases me away, just know that you’ll accommodate me. You know Baba Crystal…” They both laugh. For the first time, Mama Crystal smiled.
My break is over. I hope they solve this amicably.