BROKEN SOUL

EPISODE 12

The show ended around 12am midnight and all the

invited guests and dispersed.

Everyone was in their room,

changing into their night 

cloths…I was already in the cloth that Franca had initially given me

and was helping her to tidy up the

place. All the models were just giggling

and cheering at me,…it was

amazing how they have all fallen

inlove with me except for Tanya

who was nowhere to be seen. You are one badass Scarlett.

Said one of them whose name I

couldn’t remember. ''Franca, I think you should let her

join us at least.” Kerubo

suggested, she was one of those

that had finally introduced

themselves to me. “You guys you should keep

calm. I can hear Lucia coming.

Franca said and immediately,

everyone minded their

businesses. as usual, the sound of

her shoes was heard As she came to the room, she was

searching the faces of everyone in

the room and when her eyes met

mine she stopped shortly, Tanya

came in to join us. “Whose idea was it that someone

that had never practiced with us,

never  knew anything about this

company and worse without my

approval or knowledge…whose

idea was it for such a person to walk on the stage?? A shiver ran down my spine, I

thought she liked it, I thought she

Agreed, I thought… “It was Francas’ idea.” Tanya

Replyed intentionally. Everywhere was quiet as Madam

walked towards her… I was scared, I looked at Tanya,

she seemed pleased, I looked at

Franca, she looked troubled… “I’m sorry it was my idea, I

shouldn’t have …” I quickly said,

stepping in Madam's way so I

was standing between her and

Franca. “It was ATieno’s idea Madam

that slut is pregnant, and she

asked Franca to give that

wretched girl her spot.” Tanya

said callously. “Shut up Tanya!” I shouted at the

girl angrily..I was just so angry. “You shut up! You should not be

here in the first place!” She

shouted back at me. “Now I am, why don’t you get

used to it and suck it Up I

shouted at back. “How dare you talk to me like

that?” She sounded more angry

and was moving towards me… “Will you two shut it right now or

do you want me to shut it up for you?” Madam Lucia screamed at

us and we both kept quiet. “Now as I was saying..Franca,

what you did was not clever, it

was stupid and reckless. What if

she had messed up all the weeks

of practicing we did?” Madam was now talking to Franca who was quite  and whose head was bowed. “What if she had embarrassed all

of us outside there. Tanya was

there, she had no more spot left,

you could used her. I ignored the look of satisfaction

on Tanya’s face. “I’m sorry I just..” Franca began… “Do not interrupt me.  Madam

shouted at her and she kept mute

again. Then she faced me. “And you, have you been doing

this before?” I shook my head. Well, then, Franca, you just

brought out another star.  All of us were surprised… “Groom her and let her know

what she is to do. She will be

working here as from now on.

Goodnight ladies.” Madam said,

picked her puppy and left the

room. Tanya looked surprised like all of

us her face looked horribly 

defeated but she said nothing,

she just ran out of the room while

the rest rushed to hug me and I

screamed my head off. I was surprised at how the town

was still lively despite it was past

midnight. The rest have all gone

and I was outside the building,

standing by the side of the road. I

didn’t have anywhere to go and I was afraid of telling anyone…I

actually didn’t mind sleeping

outside as long as I get to work

everyday… The night was getting colder and I

clutched the purse in my hand

tightly…Franca has said the dress

and everything was mine now,

the first set of beautiful things that

I would have. I thought I should probably sit in

front of the building so I began to

look for a comfortable spot….just

then, a car light shone brightly at

me. I had to protect my eyes with

the back of my hand… The car pulled over beside me…. “Holy  Jesus! Scarlet, what are you

doing out there?” I relaxed as I spotted Franca’s

face at the driver’s seat. “I..I…”I started. “Don’t you have a place to go…

damn! It’s about to rain..get in,

get in….” I stood up and rushed into

the passenger’s seat, closing the

door behind me. “Were you planning to sleep

there?” She turned to face me and

asked gently, trying not to sound

surprised. I nodded, a bit ashamed of myself. “Well, its either you are crazy or

you have a long story to tell me,

which is it? I have a story to tell.  I replied.   I figured.” She replied, turned the

ignition key and we drove away.

BROKEN soul 

EPISODE 11

“Is that me?” I asked, in a state of

confusion and surprise. Franca came behind me in the

mirror and smiled. “Yes, baby girl,

that's you , now you look

exactly like a princess… ''She teased

and I laughed. I looked different-I looked too

beautiful and not like myself at all.

The dress was a tube gown,

knee-length, clinging to my hip.

It had a flowery pattern. There

was a purse and a pair of shoes to match…they were all nice. The

makeup changed my face totally.... it just couldn’t be me… I could feel moisture at the corner

of my eyes but I blinked them

away quickly- I still could tell that

this was a dream. maybe i

was m dead really and just

imagining my life somewhere in heaven cos this beautiful thing

happening to me has never 

happened…I do not deserve it… “Will you stop feeling sorry for

your self and let’ s go enjoy the

show? she asked..... Summoning courage, I

nodded immediately. Careful not to

trip, I held Franca’s hand and

walked with her. """"""""" The show was everything I have

always seen on TV just that, now I

am in the show and not at home... I was sitting

next to one of the most powerful

women I know in the fashion

industry. The show was beautiful and I saw

familiar faces which I normally

saw on TV…the lady that was

mean to me was really good,

everyone celebrated her and she

was probably the most beautiful girl I had ever seen. She just knew

how to wow the corwd and many

men in suts kept whistling at her..i

got to know her name was Tanya.

She came out in different

spectacular dress... she was indeed Nairobi’s star and I could

tell that even Madam was proud

of her. Through out her walking, I

realized she kept looking at a

particular direction….she would

smile and even wink…it was so fat

that no one  wouldn’t take any

attention but I did…she did it three times so while she walked

away and before she came out

again, I looked towards that

direction and my eyes came in

contact with a man….he was rich

quite alright and he was white, he looked like all these oyibo 

superstars. While our eyes came in

contact, I quickly looked away. Tanya came out shortly after, this

time, wearing a mini gown,

leaving all her Bom out on

display. There was a loud

whistling from the men in the

room,,,,Madam rolled her eyes and sighed. All the turning and walking she

did, got me clapping even though

I never smiled at her…_i didn’t like

her at all… The excitement got to me too

much so I had to excuse myself

and went to the toilet. I was vomiting…it wasn’t cos of

the food I ate but the excitement

was too much for me…my body

wasn’t used to such things and I couldn’t

control it. While I washed my face carefully,

so as not to wipe the makeup, I

was looking at myself in the

mirror...unconsciously, I began to

mimic the way Tanya had walked

and blew kisses at the crowd…so who was that man she kept

winking and throwing her butts

at? Probably her admirer or her

man. He must worth a mint..i

thought to myself..he ws also

handsome ….i continued thinking unable to stop but  I stopped thinking when I heard

someone sobbing in the

bathroom I first of all contemplated if to go

check or not but the sobbing

increased so I went to check who

it was…it was the other model that

had worn the Cinderella gown. I rushed to her… “What happened to you?” I

asked, flushing the toiler for

her….. I noticed she’s been crying for sometime now … “Im pregnant..Madam will kill

me…I can’t stop vomiting, the

morning sickness is getting to me

so quick..i don’t want to ruin tonight

and I am so scared…” “Should I call Franca?” Before she answered, Franca and

three other models came in, along

with Tanya. “Atieno darling..is it bad? Are you

okay?” Franca said, rushing to her

while the other two embraced

her, trying to pet her. Tanya

remained behind, watching herself in

the mirror. I moved back while I created

room for the rest of them. I was

standing beside Tanya and feeling

like probably ..i don’t know why I

even had to talk to her…. “You are so beautiful and you did

so well….” I said to her..its fashion,

I can’t help myself She looked at me and scoffed.

“I’m a star, that’s what’s

expected.Someone like you

woiuldnt know that.” She said

bluntly and returned to the mirror. I kept quiet and went to the rest. “Someone will have to take your

place.” I heard Franca say while

the rest nodded. “You can’t go

another round like this and you

still have one more round to go.

You need to go to the hospital. Wekesa and Kerubo… I need you

both to find her a car right away,

we will get someone to do the

round for her.” The two ladies nodded  quickly

left the bathroom. “I don’t have any more round to

go, I can take her place.” Tanya

said, that was the first thing she

said since she got in. Franca and Atieno exchanged

glances… “Why can’t she take my place?”

Atieno asked Franca , pointing to

me. I thought she was joking so I

laughed out loud. “I’m serious. Let her do it. She

looks my size Franca plus I saw

her walk infront of the mirror few

minutes ago, shes natural, let her

do it…” “The cab is already here.'' The other two

ladies said they helped Atieno out

of the room. “I will call you later dear and none

of you should talk to Madam

before I do. Let me handle it.”

Franca shouted as they left. “You can’t be serious Franca. Why

can’t I do it? “ Tanya demanded,

she sounded angry. “Atienon wants scarlett to do it

and that’s final!” “She can’t do it! She is a nobody here''

How can you just say that?” Tanya

shouted, flaring up. “Franca, please, I am not

interested in stepping on any toes

and….” “Nobody wants you here

anyways, why don’t you just

leave!” Tanya shouted at me. “Will you both just keep quiet!”

Franca shouted at us. “Look, this is a big mistake and I

will be glad once Madam Lucia

fires you!” Tanya said finally,

walking out. “Franca please…” I began… “Shut up and follow me..you are

doing this I can see the desire in

your eyes already ...................... Now..the next is the exquisite Meghan Taylor’s gown which will be featured on the Amazon’s movie for 2022, this is how its going to look like….. While the moderator or whoever it was

kept explaining the gown I was

putting on, I couldn’t help but feel

jittery. You know that feeling you

have when you are somewhere

very very high and you are looking down below….i felt worse

than that. I could even feel a pee

coming. The gown I was wearing

resembled that of Katniss in the

Hunger games for those that have

watched the movie..the one where

her clothes had wings…..yea….it

was a short red gown clinging to my hips delightfully, it,  was made

of the finest silk with a pair of

beautiful detachable wings made

from the finest cotton and

adorned with diamonds....the wig

I was wearing was a red bob style and my eyelashes shot out like

twigs. My makeup was quite heavy

making me look like the devils

angels. I was wearing a knee

length black ankle boot…  .  “You can do this. All you have to

do is to breathe, count your steps

and make me proud that's all …beat

Tanya….and let her realize she is not

the only star here…anyone can be a

star and you are here to be one…” While Franca gave me the encouragement 

talk..i wasn’t listening   all I could

see was walking down the

runway and tripping….falling flat

on my face and probably

breaking one of the wings and finally being deported to Nigeria

where I finally wake up. Let’s welcome the  Red and Black Meghan Taylor 2022 for the Amazon's movie….The Devils Advocate… The music started and the beam of

light was already positioned in my

direction….I was still behind the

curtain..my heart  was beating so

fast and I was beginning to

sweat even when there was air-condition ….from behind the curtain I could see the eyes of a thousand

and the camera lights. “Go girl!” I heard Franca say but I

couldn’t move… “I said Go!” She shouted at me, pushing

me out of the curtain that I almost

lost my balance… that instance, I

saw Tanyas..she looked as if she

was ready to mock me at any

moment. I adjusted my position and stood

up well…. My God…there was so much

crowd and too much lights….. Trying so hard to regain my

confidence, I concentrated on the

music and I flashed back to the

time when I was in my mothers

house when I used to practice for

a time like this….that was when I regained my confidence. I walked and let the music count

the beat for me….my legs moved

effortlessly as if they were

walking on the clouds….i stopped

as I got to the end of the walkway

and just as I turned I spread out my wings as if I wanted to fly…the

crowd stood up and  I couldn’t

believe the applause I heard…. That was when I later realized that

just like in hunger games as well,

the wings had their own lights….i

never knew that such gesture

would bring out sparks of light…. Finally I was smiling ..as I walked

back  majestically, I could see

Tanya’s look of disappointment around her face .......I

could see the whiteman rasing his

cup of wine to me as a cheer and I

could see Madam nodding her head in agreement while the curtain

was pulled down…the applause

still continued. Franca looked at me in awe and

embraced me….”I knew you are a

natural born star….” She said as she hugged me….i was

too happy and I knew it was time

for me to faint… 

****** ****.

.

.

The room I stepped in was like another planet entirely, everywhere was crowded with half-naked, almost-naked and completely naked ladies, walking up and down. The room was noisy and I could see more, ladies sitting in front of the mirror, whispering, gossiping and laughing while some were making up their faces. Others were walking up and down, trying to fix their wigs, some that were fully clothed were wheeling in mobile hangers, on which were hung several clothes …I knew what it was-it was a changing room, for models…

I walked in, they were all too busy to notice me…there were so many hangers here and there and they all spelt one thing_DESIGNERS!

I was mesmerized as I kept checking this out and checking that out. I knew every single one of those designer cloth’s by names and their date of production-

The room was extremely large and the AC was making me freeze but I was too excited to notice…

“Everyone sit up! Lucia is on her way here!” Someone shouted and immediately, there was an uproar-everyone started pushing and pulling one another….those that were whispering quickly shout their mouth and focused on what they were doing…soon everyone became as noiseless as a graveyard-we heard the sound of her shoe-it was as if everyone was afraid of breathing- the sound of the shoes was already sending shivers down my personal spine so I quickly hid inside one of the hangers, the clothes were long enough to hide me but I could see what was happening.

The puppy strolled in first followed by Madame herself-then she stopped-Observing everywhere as if she needed a scape goat-but she could find none-Then she picked up the puppy and sat on a chair I hadn’t even see there before.

I could see her hands resting on the puppy’s head as she rubbed it affectionately.

“So, what am I doing there?” She growled.

“Welcome Lucia. This is the sample you requested for.” A woman said , coming from somewhere behind me. She was fully clothed in suits and she was accompanied by another lady in what seemed like a Cinderella tube gown, sweeping the floor.

She had a large diamond neckpiece around her neck. Her hair was long and jetty black, adorned with a Tiara at the center of her head. The Tiara was laced with diamonds, sparkling as she moved. The other woman was busy adjusting this and that and finally wrapped a large belt around her waist.

They stopped as Madame Lucia signaled to them. She didn’t look pleased.

“Something is off with this-I need you all to figure it out. “

When I heard that, I looked at the dress again. It was a white and blue gown. the pattern was flowery. One of those gowns they were to prom-one of those you find in Disney movies-you get it-good.

“Is there no one here that has good brain to tell me what is wrong with this cloth?” The lady shouted again…sending shivers down my spine…

“Madame….?” Someone said at the front…she seemed to lack confidence.

“Oui.?”

Madame replied.

“I ..think..the neckpiece is kind of inappropriate.”

“Really, why is that?” Lucia demanded, I could detect sarcasm in her tone.

“bec..because..because..” Then she kept quiet and everyone chuckled.

“Idiot! If you don’t know anything why don’t you shut the hell up! Head as empty as my father’s drum of wine! You people are so useless! So no one can tell me how we can make this gown even better!”

Silence!

“This is hopeless! We have to return this gown…and”

“Loose the belt!”

Everyone was quiet as they heard that…

“Loose the belt.” I repeated..i have already experienced hell, what more could I expect.

I was quiet and I could hear her movement as she advanced towards me and brushed the cloths apart, where I sat, hurdle in the corner.

She recognized me as the girl in the elevator and as she looked at me with those cat-like eyes, I felt myself shiver.

“Is anyone seeing the fashion fairy that I’m seeing here?” She asked, without taking her eyes off me.

The other woman was surprised as she sighted me…

“Madame Lucia..i’m so sorry I didn’t..” The woman started but she stopped at the snap of Madame’s fingers.

“You were saying?” She asked me again.

I breathed in and remembering one of my famous quotes..” As Coco Chanel always says- Always lose the last thing….”

“you put on.” Madame finished the sentence with me, looking at me with a great interest.

“I saw her put the belt on as the last thing and I think….” I stopped as Madame snapped her fingers again and the other woman quickly removed the belt.

Madame walked towards the gown and turned her around- It was perfect….

“You’ve got the talent.” She said to me, her lips twisted in a smile…suddenly there was a loud chime….

“IT’S EIGHT BITCHES!” The other woman shouted and the pandemonium started again…the show was about to start. Madame Lucia and the woman was busy talking…more cloths were wheeled in…

I came out of my hiding place towards the model..

“Thank you.” The model said. She was so beautiful.

‘You are welcome” I replied with a smile.

“Where are you from anyways?” She asked, sitting down.

“Nigeria.” I replied.

“Hey , you, common, you are up.” The other woman said to the model and she waved at me. “Goodluck.”

The rest of the Models were busy wearing their costume…

“Nice job girl…” Some said to me and I smiled…they all seemed noise, except for one who hissed. I later recognized her as the one who had raised that dumb idea of losing the neckpiece.

“Hey you. Come” Madame Lucia beckoned to me.

“Don’t tell me a fashion fairy like you will wear that Godforsaken cloth to the Fall…” She asked, screwing up her nose in disgust…

I couldn’t say anything so she called the woman….

“Franca, Please, fix this girl up properly and bring her to my seat later, the show is on.” Then she walked out of the room.

“So, our beautiful guest, what would you like to wear? Gucci, Cabbana, Lous Vitton, Dior..Chanel…YSL….?”

I couldn’t believe my ears…those are world’s top designers she was mentioning….

“You better don’t faint because you will just lose this opportunity and believe me designers are not in heaven, they are in hell….” Franca said jokingly….

“Just give the girl something. Beggars can’t be choosers, she obviously hasn’t owned a decent thing in all her life.” Someone said…I recognized the lady with the dumb idea. She was fully clothed in her costume and if not because she just bad mouthed me right now, I could have described how magnificent she looked.

“Shut your mouth Tanya. No one asked for your opinion.” France said to her .

“I’m just saying.” Tanya replied, now walking to the mirror.

“Do not mind her. She is the star here, and she sees you as a threat for having captured Madame’s interest. So comeon, we need….” She started and stopped as she checked my hair, my body and my cloth….she sighed. “Your life needs a miracle. Comeone, im a miracle worker!” She said with a wink and I followed her out of the room….

“So what’s your name or do I keep calling you Fairy?”

I laughed. “No please, I’m Scar..let..call me scarlett.”

“Oh my God! Mom! Dad!'

The noise woke me up and as I opened my eyes, I shut them immediately as the ray of light were directly to my eyes….

I managed to open my eyes and made effort raise my head but it seemed so difficult for having been at one position for far too long…

I wondered what time it was but I soon snapped out of it when I realized everyone was looking at me.

I was still in the boot and about four people were looking at me…

The ray of light was still blinding me in my position so I finally raised my head a little..i could see them properly.

The couple and two kids, one in my age and the other one a bit younger. They were looking at me as if they are looking at a spirit.

“Keep her there. I am calling the Corps... The father ordered as he started dialing number on his phone…

“You poor girl..what were you doing in there?? The mother said, looking at me in shock.

The one of my age looked at me , her eyes filled with disgust and that was when I remembered the rain had beat me terribly and I must probably be stinking with my messed up dried cloth.

“Go check our bags Shantel, check if my Ipad is still intact” She told the other girl.

I jumped down from the booth and they moved back. The man was still on the phone, I eyed the food in the girl’s hand…it looked like sausage roll or something made from flour…

I was damn hungry.

“You are not going anywhere, this is where the police will meet you, She said to me and while she took a look at her father, I quickly grabbed the sausage from her and I ran as I always do.

I ran as my weak legs could carry me, eating at the same time….I could hear her shout and screams….until I could hear it no longer. That was when I realized I was in a very big hall that looked like it was made of a glass-I was at an airport.

I walked towards the place that was tagged ‘exit’ and I passed through it, finally out of the place…I saw many fliers on the floor and I picked one of them….it was an advert of some home appliances, I checked the address..i saw what I dreaded-Nairobi….

Oh God! How did I sleep? I must have probably fainted throughout the journey, or else how did I survive throughout the journey?

This was a dream ….one that u would never wake up from

I was on a high way and there were so many cars speeding across…people looked at me and laughed as they saw me…I knew I must really look messed up..i couldn’t even look at my feet..instead..i kept moving  maybe I would finally get to somewhere..or maybe I could finally die.

.......................................

Even though I was weak and have walked for hours, I couldn’t but gasp at the splendor of Nairobi, haven’t been to so many places in Nigeria but this place is so beautiful. The sky scrapers, the street designs and the beautiful building were just ju….

I stopped as I saw one of those electric adverts that display messages on something like a glass. It was a very tall building and several lights were showing…”FASHION BALL TONIGHT BY EIGHT.”

I could only understand one thing ''FASHION

I scurried towards the building and rubbed my eyes very well, to make sure I wasn’t in a dream

It was like all those tall building in American movies and there was nothing that stated the name of the building or company or whatever it was…instead, I wanted to go in but I stooped as I sighted security men in suits in their black glasses and black tuxedos. At the other side, many people were waiting. They dressed professionally so I wondered what they were waiting for.

Maybe they were waiting for 8’o clock, I thought and I joined them.It was like they were waiting for someone to show up.

I was already getting tired of the waiting when I heard the noise,” She’s here, she’s here!”

Immediately, everyone started talking at the same time, camera lights kept blinking and I could micro-phones being handed out..

Just then I saw a very big  car..that type they call Limousine..I saw it for the first time in my entire  life…it was white and really beautiful! It just drove in and packed by the street, close to us.

Everyone rushed towards it, I waited and looked, finally I saw security men that were standing in front of the building earlier, they were moving towards the car. One of them opened and I couldn’t see who it was that stepped out but I knew someone stepped out…everyone wanted a reply from her and I realized I was in the midst of press man.

“Madame Lucia, please will Granda Laham be coming tonight as you had announced earlier  today?”

“Madame Lucia, any surprise coming up tonight?

“Madame .Lucia  how do you feel coming for Nairob’s Fashion Fall all the way from France??

From what I could see, the woman was busy talking on the phone and didn’t even give one reply, all I could see from where I stood was a beautiful blonde wig, walking in between two guards.

While everyone’s attention was on Madame Lucia, I used the distraction to sneak past the guards into the building.

When I finally got inside, the metal doors shut behind me and I realized I was in an elevator.

I have never been inside one before but I’ve seen them on TV several times and I knew I was to press a button but which do I press without getting to a floor where they demand for my head. Hahah

While I wentthrough the buttons, the elevator chimed and the metal doors opened…. Standing infront of me was a woman, all dressed in white fur..in her hand was a very cute white puppy..she was wearing a black sunglasses –no, I need to make this right-she was wearing a pair of black and yellow Gucci Aviator Sunglasses, which seemed to cover every part of her face.. On her head was a black  wig..the type that Nicky Minaj always wears in her Illuminatic videos…full fringe, reaching below her waist…her shoes were…..OH MY GOD-Gucci- leather mid-heel pump! Those were just featured on TV two nights ago and I was even showing Lawrence…and she has them already!

Madame Lucia walked into the elevator without a single body guard. I held my breath as the doors closed and she pressed some buttons. I felt a sudden rush in my belly when the elevator shifted..we were moving.

I couldn’t breathe…Madame Lucia was…the Madame Lucia of my Fashion Opera. I have seen her so many times …she is a legend..she owned the biggest fashion companies in all Africa and she is French…she hails from Paris and has fashion magazine companies in Kenya, in South America, in Paris…and she is here..beside me…..right out of the TV…right out of my imagination…right out of my…..

“Girl…are you having a stroke??

I held my breathe as I heard her voice….it was like Angles singing…i couldn’t even turn to see her…it was like seeing God for the first time in a Human form. If she is here…that means…OH MY GOD! Fashions Fall is taking place tonight in Nairobi…in this building….I knew I was going to faint but I didn’t want to faint because..i might never wake up again or I might wake up and find myself back in Nigeria!

The elevator chimed again and the doors opened, she strolled out, I was still in a state of shock that I forgot to step out, it was until the elevator chimed again and started moving that I knew, I had been so stupid.

I rushed to the buttons and pressed some buttons to make it stop moving, when it finally did, I wasn’t on the same floor.

Lightening filled  the sky….I shuddered as the next thunder rumbled down the street.

I should have stayed…I should have stayed!

I sprinted up the sidewalk, the rain shouldn’t meet me on the way. I knew I needed shelter as soon as possible.

Everyone was rushing, trying to avoid the heavy rain. The traffic was heavy and the atmosphere was getting windy. I looked around, as everywhere became menacingly dark, the power was out. It happens like that in my country, especially when it’s about to rain heavily.

The next thunder stopped me in my way. It was too close to me.

I noticed there was a filling station in front  If I could get there on time, I could avoid the rain. But I would need to run and I wasn’t having enough strength left in me.

As I walked, I could feel a light moisture on my cheek, I doubled my pace, then on my shoulder….and finally it became a heavy downpour of rain

I hugged the store fronts as I passed, pausing with other pedestrians under their small umbrellas.

The downpour became a heavy curtain of impenetrably gray. It was blinding me already.

The shush of water against the pavement and rooftops obscured the sounds of traffic completely.

I paused as the rain beat me as if punishing me for forgetting to put off the gas and for leading Francis to his death..this is definitely a punishment....

The filling station was still like six blocks away…

I sighed ,my dress clung to me, moisture slashed and squelched in my water-logged sandals. The long hands of my didi(plaited hair) matted against my neck.

The station was two blocks away…I noticed Mr Bigs Restaurant beside me, a couple was leaving the restaurant and were holding an umbrella.

The man pressed a button on his key and the booth of a car very close to me opened.

I was calculating and thinking fast…

“Hurry up Ruth!” The woman called out. They still waited…they didn’t spot me I squatted behind the boot of the car. I removed my drenched sandals and hopped into the boot.

I went further inside and lay on my side, pulling my legs very close to me. I .laid there hurdled and shivering. My teeth were seriously shaking without making some clattering noise.

I was so so cold...

I heard footsteps and the light from above me came on. I held my breath….

“I called grandma  she said she would call us back…” A female voice said …two bags were placed infront of me, blocking me from being seen..finally a heavy travelling bag blocked my view completely. The booth was slammed and I could hear noises as the family got inside.

“Darling, thanks for today, I enjoyed myself but I’m still not sure if this night journey is a good thing….”

“Nairobi is not too far  darling. You should keep calm okay?? We already booked our flight, Nigeria to Nairobi is not far at all, plus there is no worry about finding taxi as the car is coming with us…you should trust me okay??

.

I heard noise of kisses and my chest beat faster… heading to the airport for Nairobi hurdled in the boot of a car..well…death can never be this easy!

........................

“It’s been two years since it all what  happened and here I am, still a nobody and still trying to find where I actually belong….”

“ Wow”, Lawrence said with a sigh. “ Are you sure that woman is really your mother?”

I smiled and nodded in agreement. “Sure she is. I mean, she actually confessed that I was supposed to be aborted.”

“That is sick, really. So you spent 2 years at a correctional facility before you were brought to this place?” He asked again and I nodded.

“How was it there?

I inhaled a sharp breath as my mind wandered to two years ago..the pain, the regrets, the struggle for superiority with my inmates flashed through my mind and I shuddered at the memory.

“I do not want to talk about it. I replied immediately.

“I was sent to Fadbas Correctional Facility.

 I spent three years…my step sister said I raped her…” He said almost immediately.

I gasped as I gave hear to his story. “Did you?”

I asked 

He gave me a deadly glare. Ofcos not..

 It is just a means to steal my father’s property for her and her whore mother!

Is  there any proof?”

He shook his head. “No need for that, Lucy-my step mother was sleeping with the judge so. you can figure out the rest by yourself..

He was wearing a sleeveless shirt so I could see some scars all over his huge arms. He looked my age but he worked out regularly.

“Were those scars from the facility?” I asked, moving to take a closer look but as I heard footsteps, I quickly grabbed the basket and threw the dirty clothes into the laundry machine.

Lawrence sprung up too and tiptoed quietly to the bathroom to finish the plumbing chores.

Mistress appeared by the doorway, her huge pair of glasses fixed steadily on her nose while she gawked at us from behind the glasses.

As always, her lipstick was smudgy, she must have been making out with the guard again….

“I thought I heard some noise in here!” She shouted at us. “Were you two discussing??

No ma'' We said at the same time before she eyes us suspiciously and went back the way she came.

I and Lawrence exchanged glances, laughed quietly and continued with our work.

I met two other kids here but they were already taken by new parents. I was told I have become too old to be adopted by any one and the more I age, the little my chance of being adopted reduces..

Lawrence came out, carrying a heavy metal on his shoulder and while he passed, I couldn’t help but stare…

He looked like someone that must have been from a wealthy family but who was badly treated and who probably had a rough upbringing. He was very fair and his lashes were prominently black and long like a girls. He had a snake tattoo on his upper arm alongside lots of scars.

He was tall but not as tall as Francis, instead he was more built and his plaited hair was hidden inside a dirty faded- versa face cap. His English was also correct he must have gone to a very good school but later dropped out

“Would you stop checking me out and finish with what you are doing?”

His sudden statement got me so suddenly and I flushed in embarrassment. That was when I realized that the machine had stopped working.

I pulled out the plug and inserted it again…still dead.

Wait, let me fix it princess He said behind me, dropped the pipe in hand and squatted behind the machine….

While he bent, his ragged-rugged-sleeveless shirt kept jumping up as he did whatever he was doing, exposing his waist…

I swallowed hard and looked away…but the Gucci logo on the cap got me talking…

‘Your family must be rich.

Right.??

“yea? Why did you say that? Cos I told you?’

“No , cos of your cap, it’s made of Gucci.

He chuckled. “What’s a Gucci. This cap was my tenth year gift from dad before he died.”

“Well, your dad had a good taste.

He stood up and plugged the machine again and it worked.

“You are welcome.” He said to me ,picked his pipe and went back to the bathroom.

“So you love fashion…” He shouted from the bathroom.

“Yea, I do. Just that, it’s been a while I watched the show, I am so out of the loop, I am not current anymore.”

“Well, I can fix the TV in our room if you want.” He replied, grunting as if pulling something heavy…later I could hear a loud splash.

“Really? Will mistress allow that?”

“Well, only works if you can keep a secret and if you are smart enough.” He replied, coming out of the bathroom. I could deduce he was through with the plumbing work.

‘I can keep a secret.’ Taking the cloths out of the drier. I replied with a smile.

.................

It was already a month since I got here and Lawrence and I had become really close. He was always looking out for me. When I got here, there were lots of errors I made, like, mistakenly dropping a cup when mistress was sleeping, waking her up abruptly which could probably earn me a slap or, no food for two good days and worse, sending me back to the facility. Anytime I make the mistake, Lawrence would take the blame so he got the punishment several times.

With his help, I was able to get the TV in our room fixed. Well, we shared same room, mistress said she hoped we would sleep together, get pregnant so she could finally get rid of us. She wanted children and they brought her teenagers. She liked Lawrence but disliked me, said I looked like a whore.

With the TV fixed, I could keep watching my Fashion shows and so many things have changed since I last watched it.

Mistress never knew this, she was always too drunk in the night whenever the TV is on. Lawrence was all about sport, I used to wonder why he just never liked fashion at all. He said it was stupid.

Most times, we would go for social works and get paid but Mistress would collect all  the money, sometimes Lawrence was able to keep part of his, this he used to buy us body cream and sometimes, sanitaries for me.

Tonight, as usual, we knew Mistress would be drunk as always, I was on my bed which was the top bunk while he was below….we were busy watching the TV when we had a loud explosion.

We sprung up immediately and we perceived something was burning and smelling . Still reluctant to find out what it was….we heard Mistress screaming and cursing at the same time.

I jumped down from the bed, panicking…

“Chill, let me find out what it is okay?” Lawrence said to me quietly and nodded. He quickly left the room while I waited. I could hear more noises and things breaking….

Lawrence rushed in , looking at me in horror…

“You didn’t switch off the gas….?”

My heart skipped a beat… “I..i did.”

“Are you sure?” He asked again and I nodded though I wasn’t sure.

“Mistress will definitely kill us both tonight…the whole house is on fire…you need to go out now! She is already calling the facility to call fire brigade.”

My chest was rising and falling and I could hear Mistress screaming and getting closer to our room.

“You need to leave this place right now..I need to stay and help her….”

“No,no,Lawrencem she will punish you..she will take you back to the facility if she knows you helped me escape….”

As we were talking, Lawrence was tying ropes together. Then he went to our window..our room was upstairs…

“You need to start climbing down, she is getting close.” He said to me, Mistress could enter any minute from now.

I went to the window quickly, holding him by the shoulders while he held onto the rope…

“Start climbing.” He ordered, he was so afraid of me and for the first time, I could tell he really cared for me, without think, I plastered a kiss on his lips, grabbed the rope….

“I will find you.” He said as I finally jumped down.

I rolled on the floor and looked up. He was looking down at me and we were waving at each other. Just then I heard a sirene noise coming closer to our house…Taking a further look at him, I realized he was no longer there, instead, I saw Mistress’s face, burning with hatred for me as she looked down…

“Get that wrecking slut!” She screamed at the officers who were now climbing down from their vehicles…I did what I could do…I ran for my life... 

Few years later…

“We are here.” Officer Paul said as the car stopped infront of a two-storied building. Largely printed on the signpost adjacent to the house was..”HOME FOR THE UNWANTED.”

I sighed and got out of the vehicle, after the officer and together we walked to the front door which opened almost immediately.

Hello ! Hello !! officer Paul!

The lady that confronted us couldn’t be more than 38 years, she kept chewing gum incessantly and blowing it, sticking her tongue at the officer intentionally. Some gums were sticking on her red painted lips. Half of her breasts seemed to be out of the tight spaghetti she was wearing. One hand was pocketed in her pair of rugged jeans trouser while the other was on her waist. She was giggling for no just  reason and it seemed to be having a bad effect on the officer.

“So who do we have here…? 'She asked, now looking at me…and her smile widened. A pretty girl, wow! How sweet. What’s your name?”

“Scarlet is her name Maggie. She will be staying here from today.” The officer said sternly.

Bu ...but officer   I and the boy you brought the last time barely have enough to last us, why would you bring someone else? Another teenager?'' She cooed, her pointy fingernails going upwards towards the officer’s cheek but he backed away quickly.

“Stop that nonsense this minute Maggie. We still brought some food and gave you some money last week, that should be okay for this month. You will hear from us next month. Have a good day.” Without further talking, the man adjusted his cap and went back into the taxi which was soon out of sight.

Then I turned around to face the woman. I could tell she didn’t want me here, her eyes said it all.

She hissed, went inside and locked the door after her.

I was confused. Should I just wait till she comes out again or knock?  I was very confused. I had no idea so I just spotted a comfortable place by the steps and I sat down.

It was already two years since I was taken to the correctional facility and now I have been brought here.

The facility was like hell for me, with the struggle with my inmates, I was just so glad it was over. No one had come for me during the two years and no one showed up either when it was time for me to leave, so as the policy of the facility, they would need to find me a place to stay till someone comes…I knew no one would come and now that I thought I could start over in another place, the woman doesn’t even want me.

I stood up and decided to check out the house, as I moved to the side of the house, I caught my reflection on the sliding window glass.

I was staring at myself and was wondering why I was still alive up till this moment, then the window moved and I saw myself face to face with another teenage boy in a very dirty ugly facecap.

Neither of us spoke, we just kept starring at each other for like some seconds 

“Were you planning on coming through the window?” He finally asked.

“No, I was just wiling away the time until she comes to open the door.”

“She won’t come and open the door.” He replied emotionlessly.

“okay, would you be so kind to come open for me?”

He scoffed. “Why should I?”

“Because im just back from the facility and I need a place to stay?”

“You are a pretty girl , don’t you have a boyfriend to come pick you?”

“He’s dead.” I replied without thinking.

“Outch well, life sucks. That still doesn’t prove anything.” He replied again.

I was getting angry and uncomfortable. I have been longing for a warm bathe and a soft bed to lie on ever since I left the facility and this hippo was making it impossible for me..

“My mother is a whore…she killed my boyfriend and made me take the blame.” I said, hoping that would make him sympathetic.

“My mother died before I got to know her….father remarried, disowned me cos stepsister lied that I raped her and now im an orphan…”

I was getting frustrated….

“My mother named me scar…said she wanted to abort me…cos I brought her pain.” I replied.

Instead, he yawned. “My father thinks Im a bastard and now he…” The boy stopped and looked at me…”Your mother really wanted to abort you?Named you scar?”

I nodded.

“Wow! That is so fucked up in the list of everything fucked up….i will come open the door for you.”

I sighed in a big relief and scurried towards the front door.

****** **

“And where do you both think you are going to by this time of the night…?”

I could feel my heart beating so fast as if I just finished marathon race. Francis grabbed my arm, pulling me behind him while he confronted her….

“Mother…please….” He started but kept quiet as mother raised her head so fast and shot him an hostile glare…

“Mama… oh really?” She asked , now climbing down slowly, taking the smoke from the ciga and still holding the gun at us.

“I knew you two Fools  were up to something right  from the day I sighted you together on my birthday. I just didn’t think you would be stupid enough to continue with it. You both are so stupid, you didn’t even notice I left my phone in the sitting room when I went out, recording everything you were saying. That drink you thought you gave me, I poured it away fool.”

She walked closer and we backed away.

“You stupid boy. I gave you everything and you still preferred my daughter over me.  That slut!”

“Mama..please, just let us go, you can deal with me but let Scarlet go….” Francis pleaded, now between me and mother. We were moving in circle, she kept coming closer with the gun in her hand  and we kept backing away, slowly.

“Scarlett….there is nothing scarletty about that slut!” She was looking at me now. “I should have aborted you while I was still pregnant with you! If not that the doctor said it could take my life. You think I would have kept you still?? ! See what you did to my perfect figure! I had the perfect figure eight and now I lost that when I gave birth to you fool! I could never get that back. I dunno why I just hate you. You are a liability.   a problem. and now you are running away with my own Boy! Its not that  too late to get rid of you bastard.”

“She didn’t do anything to you Mama! Please let her go! That is the only way to get rid of her! You are not thinking straight, you are drunk, Put down the gun mama!”

“Move Francis, or I shoot you both together!”

I watched as Francis rushed to her, they were both struggling with the gun now and the ciga fell from her lips…

Should I run..should I stay…..

“Run Scarlet..run!” Francish shouted while panting and still struggling with mother…

I checked the door, the key was still there…I ran to it and began to turn the key with trembling hands , I looked back, they were now on the couch, still struggling with the gun…..

My heart was racing and I couldn’t get the door opened….just then there was a loud gun shot , which shook the entire building.

Everything stood till….i held my breath, afraid to look behind me….

Everywhere was quiet and I heard someone slump to the floor….

Using all my will power and still not breathing, I turned around….

Lying in the pool of blood was Francis…he had a hand to his chest and he was looking at me, while coughing blood….i forgot about my mother instantly.

“No    no   No   Francis!!

I felt the panic begin like a cluster of spark plugs in my stomach.  my heart was beginning to race like a rabbit trying to jump out of its skin as I watched him jerk he was still looking at me…and trying to say something to me  but all of a sudden, his face grew limp and he didn’t jerk or shake anymore.

It was like a hurricane starting from deep within me, shutting my brain out like a machine gun. I was immediately covered in sweat, I felt like my body was covered in another hot body like a bin bag and I knew I was going to explode.

I was crying like I have never cried before….my one chance to freedom is just gone…..i was still kneeling down and crying when I heard the door open and some men came beside me…my brain couldn’t register anything….

“That’s her officers, please take her away, she just shot her boyfriend.” I heard my mother say.

I felt hands grabbing me, I was too Weak to resist..i was so weak inside and I kept looking at Francis who was lying cold on the floor…….while the officers took me away.