By Esther Ochoga
Episode 2
The long awaited day finally came when my Aunty who came back 3days ago told my mum we will be leaving the village today. I didn’t sleep the previous night because I kept dreaming of what my new life will look like.
Am I going to be welcomed by her children? Will my mum survive without me? So many questions left unanswered, I cried myself to sleep because of all the things going through my mind.
“Where’s Maria, your Aunty is waiting for you. Come out with your bag, there’s no time because you have a long journey ahead of you my mum called out to me with a shaky voice. I came out with tears in my eyes and embrace my mum. My Dad who was sitting close to the entrance of his room beckoned on me to say his goodbye while fighting back his tears.” I hugged him and assured him everything will be fine. My brother and sister where Crying including my mother as they wave me goodbye, this broke my heart in piece that I wished there was another way.
We got to the park and before we even finish alighting from the bike some boys came and started dragging our bags. My Aunty yelled at them and told them to give back our bags. When she succeeded in getting the bag from them we went to a different motor park and boarded a bus. I was sitting very close to the window and this made the journey a bit fun. I saw so many big houses as we crossed each state while my Aunty help me with the names of the state. After so many hours on the road we finally got to Lagos.
We dropped from the bus at the motor park. I saw so many yellow buses with people rushing into the bus while others were hanging on it, I saw so many people walking up and down as if there’s a kind of war ongoing.
“Welcome to Lagos.” My aunty said. She took my hand and we crossed to the other side of the road. Why took a bus to a very beautiful bus stop and had to take a tricycle to her house.
We stopped in front of a very beautiful mansion and my mouth was wide open seeing the serenity of the building standing in front of me. I snapped out of my thoughts when my Aunty asked me to take my bag and follow her. I was sad knowing that’s not my new home. Although, have seen that kind of house in my dream before and now I am wondering what work the owner did to get such money and come up with such massive building. I wonder what it will look like inside too. There were flowers by the side of the building outside the gate giving it a more exquisite look.
“Welcome home.” My Aunty said again. I didn’t notice the path we used to the house because I was lost in thought all through. Thank you ma I said and just then I saw a boy of about 16 and a girl about my age or maybe older walk out of the building, welcome mummy they said embracing their mum while ignoring me totally.
“Thank you.” my Aunty said letting go of her handbag, my Aunty called back the girl who was already leaving us and asked her if she didn’t see me. She looked at me from my head to toe and said welcome. But mum, where will she be sleeping because I am not ready to share my room with any village champion. my Aunty draw her closer to herself by her shirt and squeezed her lips, I turned and saw the boy laughing so hard while the girl was fuming with so much anger. I was so nervous at point because this was not how I wanted to start my life here.
“Maria dear, these are your cousins. this is my daughter Lizzy and my son Tony please make yourself at home, this is your new home and you are part of this family henceforth. You will be staying in Lizzy’s room for now until we get a bigger apartment, please make yourself comfortable. Lizzy, show her to your room and make sure you are nice to her or you will be sorry.”
This way Lizzy said angrily, I took my bag and followed her, we got to her room and I saw so many pictures hanging beautifully on her wall. a shoe rack holding different pairs of shoes and a wardrobe standing with butterfly stickers all over it.
Hey, she snapped her fingers across my face bringing me out of my thoughts, keep your bag there, you won’t be sharing this bed with me because I can’t share my bed with a wretched peasant like you and the only thing I have to tell you right now is “welcome to hell” she said and left the room.
Tears gathered in my eyes and I immediately started missing home because even though I don’t have all I wanted at least I had peace of mind!
