CAUGHT IN THE MOMENT
***EPISODE 2***
Have you ever slept outside? Like not in someone’s house but real outside..in the open.. Open to both physical and spiritual attack..well I was in this position..I banged my Aunty’s gate continuously but it Never opened..I was more than scared..I stayed awake thru out the night. And promised myself I would run home the next morning..and the morning came my bag was snatched..my money and phone gone!
I cried my eyes out..until I even forgot how to cry self..and then hunger started..I couldn’t just sit and die..I had always watched in the movies of how people survived in the streets..Only this time it was my movie. So I stood up and dust myself up..I tied together the part of my gown Goliath and torn..and then I started roaming about..or should I steal food..hmm Nigerians would just kill me..there is something I can do..I walked over a pedestrian bridge..and from up there I could see young boys like myself making good use of the traffic jam..all they did was clean off dust from vehicles with small water bottle and a brush..just like that? And they got tips.. Well not from everyone but at least a good number..I hurried down there and pleaded with one of the boys to let me too..even if I was all dirty Already.. My beauty still helps a lot..I got 200naira! I rushed to the nearest mama put and satisfied my tummy first…what next?..I needed an urgent job..I attempted a car wash but they needed just guys..I got to a fast food.. But d–n I was too dirty to present myself..they had a notice “sales rep needed..apply within” I went to the security
“Excuse me Sir”
With my tiny voice.. He was a young man but judging from his appearance I could read he didn’t attempt going to school at all..
“How you dey?”.
He replied.. Starring at me
“Please sir I want to apply for a job here but am too dirty..can you help me with any cloth?”
He licked his lips continuously
Sometimes I would want to blame God for giving me this kind of beauty..but then I can only thank him..because I got the cloths and a long note sheet where I could write my application..
Fortunately the security alerted me that the manager was on his way out..I ran too him and burst in tears explaining heaven and hell to him..why I needed the job urgently..
“OK come and resume tomorrow”
My tears became intense
“OK OK..you can start now”
He stared and me with that surprise look. I know he must be wondering if I was from planet earth.
What I do know is..I am strong..and I would survive..
****************
As I earlier explained, I got a job..was I too lucky?
“Hi..am Annabel”
A girl same age with me welcomed me to the fold..it seemed she was the only one nice to me.. The others had that jealous look on their faces judging from the fact that I was given special treatment from the boss..he allowed me sleep in the girls room..bought clothes for me.. He had invited me to live with him and his family..but i was not ready to be victimized again..I couldn’t tell if his intentions was pure though
“Hi..am Bukky”
I replied her and offered a smile
“Wow your eyes are pretty”
She gasped and commented in admiration
“Would you two get back to work!”
Madam Lizzy shouted at both of us, she was the supervisor..rumour carried it that she was the boss girlfriend just that since I came around the manager had been paying little or no attention to her..”but wetin concern me nah” I thought..she was beginning to get on my nerves..
“Annabel go on your knees now”
She ordered..what! How ridiculous
“Get me a cane”
She went further and lashed Annabel at the back yard..I tried to bear the screams..I was in charge of sales that day I couldn’t leave the counter.. But this was too much..I bounced to her
“Madam please stop this”
I met her red eyes
“Are you mad?!”
She rage like a wounded lion..like we had an unsettled quarrel
“Madam with all due respect..i have not worked much but I believe it is not stated in the rules and regulation of this organisation that it is right to physically abuse any of the staff”
She stopped and faced me
“You dare challenge me?”
She raised her hand to slap me
“Don’t you Dare”
I warned..she noticed the boldness in my tone and stopped..one thing my father had always taught me was never to be intimidated when am right
“Annabel let’s go”
I picked her up and took her back to the counter
Later that night I was summoned to the manager’s office where the issue was tabled..but it all ended in my favour when all the staff that witnessed the scene spoke out for me..the marks of her abuse was still visible on Annabel’s body..she was suspended for a week..
Hurray! You would now say I am the hero right?! A piece of advice my dear readers..never be the hero..life is much more easier if you mind your business..
A week later Lizzy was back from suspension..she was calm and I was very glad for that..little did I know she had planned something big..
Later that night after we’ve closed for the day.
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