THAT NIGHT
Episode 4
I became short of words where I stood as I never saw this coming. Instead of taking sides with me, the other directors started speaking ill of me.
Mr. Jones: I knew she was up to something the moment she started wearing tight clothes and walking majestically all over the company
Miss Kemi: Wonders shall never end, so na married men you dey do? Pity his wife now
Mr. Kingsley: Young ladies of these days, always wanting to real from where they didn’t sow
The only thing I could do was to shed tears. I was forced to walk out of the board room when the embarrassment became unbearable. To worsen the situation, some policemen came to my house the following day to arrest me with the claim that my offense was lying against my boss who has been good to me and trying to soil his reputation.
Getting to the station, I was thrown into the cell and after a week, I was released to go home. I saw life for what it truly is, I became angry with everything and everyone around me. I realized that we live in a world where the oppressed have no voice.
I was angry at my parent for leaving me behind in this wicked world, I was angry that my Uncle and his family never bothered to check on me while I was in the police net, i was angry that there was no single person who could just stand for me and with me during this trying period. The event of that night made me a bitter young lady.
Since there was nothing on me after being released to go home, I had to trek home. On getting home, I was surprised to find my things outside the house. I went into the house to ask my Uncle what went wrong.
Me: Good afternoon Uncle, my things were kept outside, what happened?
Uncle Amadi: ohh that? You don’t belong here again. For you to tell lie against your boss and tried to soil his reputation then it means you can do worst to us. So, before that happens, you have to leave
Me: (hearing that from him drained the remaining strength I had left) Hmmm, can I go and pick something upstairs?
Uncle Amadi: yes, go and pick any of your remaining belongings
I decided not to argue with him because I had no strength left in me, if my family members don’t believe me, how would outsiders do? I went into my room and picked my ATM from the purse I kept it. The money I kept in the drawer was nowhere to be found, I knew they must have taken it.
After taking my ATM, I went to where my luggage was kept outside, looked at the house once last time, and left.
While walking on the street, I was emotionally broken as I was tired of living. I wished a car could come out of somewhere and knock me down so that I would go and meet my dead parents but it didn’t happen.
Tired of walking, I joined a bus at the bus stop without knowing it’s the destination. I just wanted to go somewhere far away. The bus came to a halt after being in motion for almost one and a half hours. The bus conductor informed us that we are all meant to alight since the bus has gotten to its last bus stop.
I alighted just as every other person did but the difference was that I had no place to go. I kept roaming and roaming about till it became dark. Shop owners closed for the day and I was able to locate a store where I laid down hoping for a miracle the following day.
I hadn’t slept for more than two hours when I felt a rough tap on my head, I opened my eyes only to see myself surrounded by three rough-looking young men with one of them smoking. My heart skipped a beat the moment the one smoking tried caressing my cheek.
Ist guy: wetin fine girl dey do here?
Me: eerm eerm, please… I mean
2nd guy: them tie your mouth?
Me: I was sent out of the house and I have nowhere to go
1st guy: Boss, this guy fine die. Make we sample am
Me: Please, don’t touch me.
Boss: that one no possible fine girl, no fine girl enter my domain and commot like that
Me: Please, I have gone through a lot. Okay, I will leave now but please don’t hurt me more
2nd guy: Babe, this world no balance, na everyone gets story to tell
Boss: Spark, carry her come backyard
Me: Please, don’t do this to me
My tears and plea were ignored and I was carried by the two guys to the back of the shop where the three of them had their way with me. I lost consciousness as the pain was too much for me to bear plus I had no strength in me. I never knew that life can be this cruel.
To be continued
