KAFTAN

Chapter 17

The previous day was important to Muhammad, he bonded more with Ebere.

It was already morning and rocking a three piece suit and his device firmly tucked his ears, he was ready for work.

He dreaded breakfast, his parents were going to be present. He reassured himself he was going to be fine.

"Good morning father, good morning mother" He greeted them once he descended from the spiral staircase. His father nodded in response and his step mother smiled instead at him.

Muhammad sat opposite his father on the table and added a cube of sugar to his coffee.

"Won't you  like toast?" His mum asked.

"I'm fine mother, I'm fine with just coffee"He responded and she shrugged.

" How are you preparing for your engagement, we would be having a party alongside"His mother reminded him

He sipped his coffee calmly.

"" Mother, can we talk about this when I come home? I'm late already"He took his last sip, kissed her on her cheek.

He didn't want to see his dad's expression, he wasn't ready for trouble.

**
"Mother I'd like to move out" Muhammad told his mother once he sat on the couch with her when he came back from the office.

"Cos we asked you to marry Hadiza?"

"Because I am a full grown man. I've paid for the apartment by the way, I just wanted to tell you"

" You are becoming rebellious"She had a soft look, a soft chiding look.

" Because I want to move out? I'm trying the be independent here and I really wish you and baba would stop insisting on this marriage. "

" Hadiza will make you happy, she's a good wife material"

Muhammad held the urge his eyes not to roll his eyes at his mother.

" I'll be in my room now, I'll be moving out by next week" He stood up and started walking away.

" Your engagement is next two weeks, just stay happy"She hollered after him.

As Muhammad walked to his room, he heard hushed along the passage area. He could hear Umar's voice, on closer inspection, he saw two people locked in a heated conversation, Umar and a maid.

"I don't want to lose my job just because of emotions, please Umar, let's stop all these"

" But I love you"Umar held her shoulder.

" But there's no where your father would approve of me, an just a maid from a village, no degree and no connection. If you really love me, just let me go"She was sobbing.

Umar hugged her. He looked smitten but she was sensible to run.

So Umar was in love with a maid? And he himself with an Igbo girl, wow, so much drama. The girl hurried away and at once Umar turned around to see Muhammad, no words, they both knew they were in deep neck trouble.

***
Ebere drove into the slums again, she felt bad that she wasn't constantly in touch with Eunice and he family. It was a Saturday evening and tell neighborhood was quite lousy, shirtless boys parading the streets, loud music and damn, it was congested.

Ebere could recognize the tiny house from afar, it's distinct feature was a rusty zinc and the walls were already a faded sea green color.

Once Ebere pulled up in front of the house, the front doors went open.

"Auntyyy!" Eunice was the first to scream and she rushed to embrace her. She looked better than before though her clothes were looking worn out.

"Good evening ma" She greeted.

"How are you dear?" Ebere asked beaming.

"Fine ma"

The younger children of about nine and seven respectively only hugged Ebere at her knees, Ebere smiled at them, such beautiful children she thought.

"Where's your mummy?" Ebere asked

"She's inside, aunty come inside, my mummy is stronger now, she went to the hospital yesterday and collected more drugs"Eunice explained

There was only one light bulb in the sitting room. Ebere took in the appearance of the small sitting room, there was just two worn out chairs that looked ready to be thrown out, a shaky ceiling fan, no television or anything exquisite.

The curtains drew aside revealing a middle aged woman with a beautiful smile.

She couldn't be more than 30,only that the sufferings of life had made her look older. She had a singlet on and a wrapper tied around her waist.

But the glow in her eyes, made her happy

"Good evening ma" Ebere greeted.

"Good evening aunty, you came to see us? We are really happy, you are highly welcome. Eunice go and get some water for her"

Ebere chuckled"That won't be necessary"

"Aunty you don't want to drink water? "Eunice asked, disappointment laced in her voice and Ebere found herself melting.

"Okay, bring a glass then"

A grin formed on her face as she scampered away to bring the glass of water.

"Thank you so much for saving my life. In this 21st century where men have proved to be evil, you have proved that hood people still exist, thank you, the fact I am alive is because God used you"

She was going down on her knees but Ebere was quick to stop her

"You don't have to kneel down, am happy God used me. I'm glad you are back to your feet"

The woman's eyes were already Misty.

" I'm Ebere Monalisa kalu
By the way, you?"

" Susan Kemi Adebayo"The slim woman replied

"What about your husband?"Ebere asked and just then Eunice came with the glass of water, dropped it on the table and left.

"He died in a motor accident two years ago and since then,life has been hell for myself and the kids"

" I'm so sorry ma'am but you should know you are all the kids have now,you have to stand strong and continue being a good mother"

" Thank you,you are God sent".

" Do you have a certificate perhaps,a degree?"Ebere asked.

" Yes,I am a graduate,I studied English and literary studies"

" Really?"Her eyes nearly left the socket.

" Yes"She nodded.

Ebere paused for a while.

"Would you mind working as a secretary in an hospital?"

"Of course,yes"

"Okay,I'll be needing your CV,my dad's hospital is currently needs a secretary, don't worry,you have the job,the CV is for formalities"

At this point, Susan could no longer hold the tears,she fell on her knees and thanked Ebere wholeheartedly. Ebere was embarrassed,she wasn't God or an angel,she was just helping how she could.

Before Ebere left,she had a long chat with the kids,they were so much fun to be with and it made her smile,she had found a family in them.