CHARLES AND HIS TWIN SISTER(5)
Rachel just hold on we’ll find somewhere to rest. I don’t even know but let’s just be going. It’s better than staying at home and being beaten by dad everyday…
The sky was clouded, and heavy rain began to fall. Charles accompanied his sister as they searched for a shaded area after she had vomited more than five times. It was almost 8pm making it challenging for them to locate their direction.
The few shops they came across were already crowded with people drinking and engaged in discussions. They spotted a young man holding an umbrella a short distance away. Rachael was shivering uncontrollably, and if they didn’t act quickly, her life could be in danger. Her temperature had exceeded the normal range. Charles halted, and went to reach out to the man on umbrella leaving Rachael behind
Hello sir.
Hello sir.
Hello sir.
Yes, young boy. What is it? what are you doing in this rain by this time! You’re supposed to be at home, helping your mother in the kitchen, reading your books and doing your assignments.. And what happened to your face? He lamented eagerly observing Charles closely as he kept crying and panting heavily.
Sir please my sister is dyîng. She’s the one lying there. Close to that electric pole by the left…. Charles criêd out, extending her left hand in the direction.
Jesus Christ! What happened to her!.. Mr Uche stated, looking so worried as she held her trying to raise her up and trying as much as possible to make sure that the umbrella was shielding her from the rain. However, Charles assisted him replying him that she was not feeling fine. Mr Uche immediately stopped one of the passing tricycles, which drove them to one of the hospitals where Rachael was treated and injected. The nurse also gave Charles some medications to aid with the excruciating pains and wounds all over his body.
Mr Uche took time to discuss with them asking them about their parents but they kept telling him “our dad use to bêat us that’s why we ran away. Our dad stopped us from going to school. I miss my mother. I miss my school. We don’t want to go back to that place because dad will continue to bêat us.” Looking at the scenario he assured them that he’d do the little he could to help.
Mr Uche returned to check on them after a few days in the hospital, and he was properly clothed. He advised Charles to take care of his sister and to never leave her alone. He also indicated that he would be returning to the city that same day to assure them that he had settled all of their bills. Charles assured him that he’d take good care of Rachel. They both appreciated him and he departed the hospital with them and greeted most of the staffs. Mr Uche took them to one of her friend that was seen frying garri in the kitchen. That was around 9:25am.
Uche. Uche. I hail o. What do you have for me this morning. This one you came to my side today. And whose children are they?
Annie. Abeg see, help me look after this children. I wan travel like this. You know they’re still young and I’ll be traveling today I have so many things to do in Ibadan. I don’t want them to be wandering on the streets…
See how them just dey pack my garri eh. You sure say this children no go give me headache so?… Annie muttered, observing the twins as they were earnestly packing her fried garri on their hands and devouring them hungrily.
Let them eat abeg. They’re hungry and I’ve used the last money I had on me to treat them. You know I’m a very busy person. Just help me naaa. Should I just allow them go like that? This one that evîl people are everywhere eh. You’re the only one I fit trust for now.
Hmmm Oya Na. But Na because of you oo.
No wahala. I’ll be coming/traveling to check up on them whenever I’m less busy.
Charles and Co..
Yes sir… The two children answered.
This is madam Annie. She’ll be the one to be taking care of you for now. Okay. Please don’t disrespect her okay? Don’t do anything that will make her upset okay?
Okay sir. We promise that we will always obey her… They both echoed. Charles quickly rushed over to hug him while his sister was still devouring the garri. Rachael suddenly began coughing and requested for water. Madam Annie rushed inside her house and came back with a cup of water which she drank before Mr Uche left.
Madam Annie finished frying the garri and asked the children to accompany her in carrying everything to the home. The house was nothing more than a large room with a kitchen. I’d call it semi-self-contained. Annie led the youngsters to the pit she had dug as her toîlet. She was only showing them around and emphasizing on the hardship of her life.
There was a small batcha shop that was constructed at the left of the house, Annie opened it and showed them. Inside, there were bananas and oranges. She told the kids that’s what she sells and that, she sometimes Hawks them on the streets while other days she just shades for passers-by to patronize her.
I also go to the farm. Have you been to the farm before?… He questioned them.
