ABUSED..
Episode 3
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I was surprised when mother permitted me to go acquire a skill. Though I know she did that not to look bad outside; I didn’t further my education the least she could do was let me get a equipped with a skill. I was happy she granted my request; not after dishing out the dos and don’ts. I gladly accepted all her conditions.
I settled for tailoring, I am intrigued by clothes and styles. I intend to learn thoroughly so I could be on top of the fashion industry, and make my name a house hold one like Versace. I met a tailor two streets away from ours through Binta my school mate and he agreed I joined without formalities.
I wake up early everyday, I made sure to clean the house, prepare breakfast and lunch for mother before she leaves to the bank where she works. She doesn’t eat out much. After coming back from the shop I made dinner and wash her clothes and her car before going to bed.
It wasn’t easy but I had to keep going😩.
My boss, Mr Hassan is nice and meticulous; he doesn’t speak to his apprentice harsh at least unlike mother who treats me like a puke. The work load is getting much everyday and I sometimes go home late. Upon my arrival mother would rant and accuse me of sleeping around😩😩.
One time my boss had a contract for a wedding aseobi, we worked till almost 8pm before he freed us, on getting home mother flared up and called all manners of name.
” Ha! Shebi I allowed to go learn tailoring and you feel you can come into my house whenever you finish whoring around abi”
” I didn’t go anywhere o. We have much work to do”
” Will you shut that pit you call mouth?😠” she fired back with disdain.
She was at it again, reminding me how worthless I am, how cursed I am
” Ha! A child of evil will never have peace. You witch you came late so you won’t prepare dinner abi? You have started sniffing around looking for those small boys to start scratching you abi. You harlot! I can’t waste my resources on you that’s why I decided you are not going to the university because you would end up a public prostitute. Your father’s evil seed runs in you. You good for nothing fool you better get in there and prepare me dinner, and make sure my car is neat before you go to bed. Foolish girl”
I stood in there for like forever, listening to the insulting been heaped on me, all I could do was cry😭😭.
I howled for the misery my creator has meted upon me. I think my sins are too much to be atoned for. Probably mine wasn’t paid for on the cross as those preachers claim. What’s the essence of living without you being needed around and lovei. I felt depressed, I manage to prepare dinner, wash the car and wash her clothes.
I cursed the day I was concieved, I am angry at the very existence of me. I have always feel empty, unloved and useless.
It’s been few months since I started learning, it’s been hectic for me. I feel drained; sometimes I feel like giving up, mother was helping matters. She does nothing to relieve me of the stress. When I return I must prepare dinner and do other chores and sometimes run errands for her before I retire.
One time I came back almost 10pm because Mr Hassan insisted I stay longer since I lived closer than other apprentice; mother beat me up and called me a runs girl. She never gives me an avenue to explain things. She sent me to get sanitary pads afterwards, shattered and exhausted I went. I was weak I couldn’t walk properly but I managed to get to the supermarket.
I got to the counter to pay when I heard someone behind saying,
‘ Allow me to please sort it out.”
I turned to see who it was and if he was referring to me. The smile on his face says he is talking to me. I objected but he was persistent and not wanting to create a scene, I allowed him pay and left…
I waited outside for the stranger, I wonder who he was? Does he know? A lot of questions were running through my mind. I sighted him walking towards the entrance by the left side of the supermarket. I ran towards him
” Hello’ I said while panting
” Hello beautiful! ”
” why did you pay?”
” I know you. you are Ruth. You work for Mr Hassan and you live with your mother”
Wow😯!
How would a stranger know this much about me I wondered.
” Thanks but these aren’t for me, I was sent to get them.”
“Ok. You can keep the money for your self then. Anyways, my name is Ade. I would like us to be friends”
” I have got to be on my way”
I left before he could speak further. I got home, mother was still having her bath. I kept the pads on her bed and walked to my room. The only friend I ever had was Titi, since she left I have been on my own. She was like a sister to me. She gave me most of the clothes I wear as mother rarely buys them for me, even pads. Mother never mind to ask about my welfare. I take care of myself without much from her. The little she throws at me I manage to save and take care of myself. I have pieces of clothes I use for my monthly flow.
I kept wondering why Ade wants us to be friends and how he knows me. He seems cool and cute. I yearn to have someone close to me too, I have been all by myself. In school I have been perceived as a nerd… I have been dumb at some point because I always kept to myself😔😔. I always feel out of place when my classmates talk about their families and most especially their adventures with their lovers. I thought of mother’s words of killing me if I get pregnant, so I get occupied with books most times.
Being friends with him won’t be a bad idea I thought, after all it’s just friends not more.
If only one could tell what the future holds🥺🤲
TO BE CONTINUED..
