UNTOLD WOES

9

CHAPTER NINE

I HAD a terrible dream when I was sixteen and in SS2. It felt so real that I had no option than to visit Maama's house even though I haven't set foot in it since that unfortunate incident that is etched in my head. Ama is crying out for help calling out to me, shouting my name and asking why I have abandoned her and had done nothing to save her from that same giant evil man that molested her. I was running towards her, trying to save her but I couldn't reach her until she let out a guttural cry that shook the whole house. I woke up with a start and prayers at the tip of my tongue.

Zulai is no longer in control of the house because I provide for almost everything, the worthless orphan that she never spends a day to reminding me that I am is now the person that feeds and clothes her with the earnings from my numerous businesses because Alhamdulillah by now am even selling Hibiscus drink, Ginger drink and water and I owned a freezer. In short, I've become the jack of all trade because whatever I see or learn, I start selling out and God so kind, everything I touched, He puts barakah in it.

Being that it's the weekend, I arrived at the house around 2pm with a Salam after knocking at the huge door. There had been some renovations and changes and the house looks more beautiful and intimidating. My heart started beating fast as footsteps approached from what I knew to be the dinning area and to my shock and surprise I saw that same man that I've seen years ago molesting Ama walking towards me with an undecipherable look on his face.

"Who are you looking for ?" He thundered.

"Good afternoon sir! I came to visit Maama, Ama and Muhammad. I was once a maid here " I managed to squeak out even though my whole body is shaking with fear.

"I know who you are and thank God you are here. I've been looking for ways to deal with you" he smirked making me feel more fearful of him.

I started muttering dua's in my heart which gave me the courage to stand still and not slump down on the ground or loose my conciousness. He was about to say something when Maama descended from the stairs looking sick and haggard.

"Ahh ahhn who am I seeing like Fatima Bintu. So you're alive?" She playfully stated as the giant man walked past her  without a word.

"I hope you've greeted Alhaji. He's Ama's father" she asked motioning for me to take a seat. I nodded with a smile after which we exchanged pleasantries. She informed me that Ama and Muhammad are now in boarding school and will be coming back that same day.

"I'm happy that you're here. Why don't you help me prepare something for them because I'm a bit under the weather as you can see"  she sounded sad. I couldn't say no to the woman that has been kind to me when I had nothing and no one even though she abandoned me and I don't know her reason for doing that, I can't stay mad at her or turn her down when she obviously needs my help.

"Don't worry Maama, just tell me what to do and I'll get it done in shaa Allah" I said with a smile that hasn't reached my heart. She gave me instructions on cleaning Ama's room saying that Muhammad's is out of bounds because he locked it and left with his key and then asked if I can cook well and told me what to make. I was scared thinking she's going to go back upstairs and leave me alone with the evil man who she's unfortunate to call her husband but thankfully lay in one of the couches in the living room. I set out to work with a heavy heart filled with more questions than answers to the mysterious life Maama and her children are living.

I finished everything within a short time being that am fast at doing things. I wanted to take my leave but Maama insisted I wait for Ama and Muhammad's return. I didn't protest much because I know that after that day, I will never make the mistake of setting foot in that house ever again. Maama asked after Fiddausi saying that she just left without notice and refused to collect her last salary when I was sick and that when she went there neither Fiddausi nor her mother could offer any explanation so she had to resort to getting another maid who also left after a few weeks.