CHARLES AND HIS TWIN SISTER(8)
They both left leaving the children behind. Uche pleaded with Annie to take care of the children that he’d be coming back to pick them for the vacation when he’s free. Meanwhile, Uche handed the two children a thousand Naira note before leaving.
Their bathroom was few distance away from the house. When they boil the water with firewood in the kitchen, they’d manage to carry the bucket down to the bathroom to bathe which was constructed by Annie with some dark nylon, few bamboo sticks and ropes. The two children had their own separate towel. Annie don’t bother to boil because she bathe with cold water all the time.
One afternoon, as soon as Annie stepped out of the house, Rachael rushed to the backyard. She hurriedly entered one of the shades in the bushy area, and Charles was taken aback and went after her.
Rachel sat down on the shrubs, tears streaming down her face, with her hands tightly clasped between her legs.
Sister, what’s wrong? Why are you crying again? Did someone beat you? Charles asked with concern, removing her hands from her legs.
Somebody is threatening me.. Rachel replied, her voice trembling. He passes use to pass this place most times. He always calls me to a quiet place to talk, telling me that he likes me and wants me to follow him to his house. But I always refuse because I don’t know him. The last time he saw me, he even slãpped me because I refused to meet him. Brother I don’t know what to do. I’m scared that something might happen to me.. Rachael criêd out..
You should have told madam Na. She’s the only one that can cushion him. How long has this been going on?
It’s up to a week now..
Sorry naaa. Stop crying. It’s okay. We are almost thirteen. This year is almost gone and Christmas is closeby. You know that Uncle Uche has promised us that he would take us out.. Remember!
But it’s taking long.. It’s almost two weeks and we haven’t heard from him. I’m getting tired of this place. I’m not comfortable using that bathroom. Charles are you not tired of going to that farm? Let’s leave and go to somewhere else. Madam will not know naa. Rachel contemplated.
What if we fall into the wrong hands? It’s better for us to stay here and wait for Uncle. Don’t worry, he will surely come for us.. Staying here is far better than staying with Dad.. Charles reassured his sister, offering her solace. Mr Uche is a very busy man, but I trust him. If he wasn’t a good person, he wouldn’t have helped us that day when I first met him… Charles continued to console his distressed sister until they eventually returned inside the house. When time clocked 4:25pm, Annie instructed the children to fill up their trays and join her to hawk.
On their way back they bumped into the man that was owing them. Where my money wey you dey owe me?.. madam shõuted seizing his dark shirt after parking her wheelbarrow.
Madam calm down naa. Like this, I just dey come from work. No disturb me abeg. No be just ₦300… Immediately he said that, a slap form Annie went across his face. And he began shouting, contemplating and pulling his shirt like someone that was about fighting back before some passerby held their them.
Can you imagine! This idîot don’t want to give me my money that he had been owing me for weeks. Can you imagine!!
Which mõnêy! I owe your pikin money? See madam I no dey like all these kin thing asweãr. You dey call me idiot abi!!
After much deliberations, two of the women’s each donated ₦150 and gave Annie the ₦300 apologizing to her on his behalf before they left. However, the man was behaving like someone that was insane, he was ready to start up a fight at any moment which was why they donated the ₦300 to prevent the issue from escalating. She also advised the children against selling on crêdît.
After Annie had finished planting all her cassava stems, she would frequently take the children to the farm, each armed with their own cutlass, to help clear away the weeds so that the crops could flourish. From what she told the children; she doesn’t buy garri that she produce it by herself, that it was what her parents taught her.
On the 20th of December, just a few days before Christmas, Rachael hastily ran out of the bathroom on bare pants to meet Charles like something that was being chased by a ghost. She Entered inside the house crying and panting heavily that was around 3pm. Mrs Annie laid by his corner sleeping.
Rachel what is it?… Charles questioned her looking so worried and shocked.
