CHARLES AND HIS TWIN SISTER(7)
I never see you for here before. What’s your name.. he questioned staring at her.
My name is Rachael sir and that is my brother standing close to me. His name is Charles…
He quickly inserted his hands selected a bunch of banana from her tray and began eating.
But you have not given her mõnêy.. Charles remarked as he sat down to eat.
Relax. You people will not have change. I have ₦1,000 here. Rachel when you’re going home, branch this place and collect your money… He said, pointing towards Rachael.
But sir madam said we shouldn’t sell on crêdît… Rachael said, frowning her face. She knew she was putting herself in big problem.
I’m not buying it on credit okay, you people don’t have change. As you can see this is my house. I no dey run. Your madam know me naa. Na our community be this o. No fear!.. He said beãting his chest.
Seeing the way he was reacting the children were already frightened, they had to leave. Rachel had already made up her mind to collect the three hundred naira from him.
They left and continued to hawk till they successfully made few sales and went back home. His door was locked though, when Rachel stopped to take the money from him. A bystander informed her that that he had left and might be returning the following day.
The children explained the issue to Madam Annie during the evening after they finished eating. She was extremely irritated and cautioned them not to mess with her business that Rachael should find a method to bring back her Mõnêy.
You people don’t listen to simple instructions abi! You people want to put me in serious problems abi!…
Ma I tried explaining to him that we don’t sell on crêdît. He didn’t tell us from the beginning that he doesn’t have change… Rachel said frowning her face.
Keep quiet!!… Madam shouted at her and told her to show her the guy’s place. Unfortunately when they got there he was absent.
Due to this, Annie paused the children from hawking for a short period and shouted at Rachael, urging her to find every possible means to earn money, or else she would face the consequences. She often instructed them to accompany her to the farm to plant cassava stems. Rachel had visited the man who owed her money multiple times, but unfortunately, she always returned disappointed, stating that his door was consistently locked. Later on, Mr. Uche returned one weekend to check up on them. He was well-dressed, as usual, and accompanied by an older woman who was also well-dressed.
Mrs. Annie and the children courteously ushered them in front of the house, arranging some of the plastic chairs for their comfort.
Good afternoon, ma’am.. Mr. Uche greeted. Good afternoon, sir, they replied.
Annie, you’ve done a great job, I must say. I know say e no dey easy. Please accept this small token of appreciation, Mr. Uche said, placing some cash into Annie’s hands, visible excitement beaming on her face.
Uche e no easy.. This children dey worry sha. Dey sell my things for credit. Thank you for this money at least I don get waeti I go use shop for this week.. Annie appreciated him.
Charles, how is your sister? I hope you’ve been taking good care of her,” Mr. Uche inquired facing him as he sat on the small mat with her sister
Yes, sir, Charles answered.
My dear what is it? Is something bothering you? The other lady questioned Rachael as she was quiet.
No ma. My mummy use to ask me this same question everytime. You looked somehow like her. I miss her….
I can understand you my dear, the pain of losing a mother. I am truly sorry. Uche had filled me in about your situation as we were on our way here… She comforted her, reaching into her purse and giving her a five hundred naira note.
Uche… Ma he answered her.
Looking at the children’s predicament alone I know that things have been hard on them.. Why not take them on a small vacation for them to experience the wonders of the outside world. Uche I don’t like it when children are being caged. Even the environment is somehow. They need to go out and learn something new that can help them… She said turning around to scrutinize the whole place.
Okay, initially I brought them here to stay temporarily. Annie has been my good friend for over eight years. Madam, regarding the vacation, I will set a date for that, perhaps next week,” Mr. Uche said, and the children immediately leaped up with excitement, muttering and dancing.
Yes!
Yes!
Mummy thank you.
Thank you.
Yes!
Yes!
Uncle will take you people to the airport.. You people will go to the Zoo.. You people will go to places you’ve not been to before… Madam added, holding their hands and cheeks, rejoicing and dancing with them. Annie was just smiling and counting her cash.
