MEMOIRS OF A YOUNG NIGERIAN GIRL

Chronicles of Osas IV

The counsellors office was small, dark, poorly ventilated and as a result gave out stale air. There was an old cupboard at the corner of the office housing a couple of old files dating ten years or so. On the table were writing materials and other stationaries, rough patches on the wall that housed wall geckos and insects of different species. I was so immersed with the breathtaking appearance of the office. It was bad compared to what I had imagined. I mentally face palmed, my alter ego sufficed and asked, Martha, what were you really expecting. Were you expecting an exquisite office. Do what you came her for and leave and kindly ignore the nature of the office.

I looked at Osas and she nodded in disbelief.
The squeaking of the old rusty fan above us kept distracting and annoying myself and my alter ego.

“Good afternoon girls", her voice jolted me back to reality. How can I help you all today. From her reception, I figured she was someone we could relate to.

“Good afternoon ma'am", we both responded.

Ma'am there's an issue we want to discuss with you and we need your help.

Ok, she said and she continued. “Is it pertaining to the school environment?".

No ma'am, it is more of a family issue.I answered for I was acting as Osas mouthpiece.

She raised her eyebrows inquisitively and said, “Ok, I'm listening".

I narrated the whole drama in the same way Osas had told me. She was attentive all along and after I was done, she turned to face Osas.

“Osas, that's your name right", she asked.

“Yes ma'am", Osas answered.

Alright, she nodded and your mum is fully aware of this, she asked.

Very well ma'am, she nodded in the most eager way, but she did not believe me when I tabled the issue to her. She's on my stepfather's side, spreading out her hands pitifully.

That's ok, the counsellor said adjusting her hands on the table. My duty as your school Counsellor is to report suspected cases of child sexual abuse, guide and assist you and also provide appropriate services and care about what's happening around the school environment. But since it's a family matter, we need to thread carefully. I'm not saying I don't believe you both, this issue on ground requires rationality and should not be resolved with swaying emotions. You have taken the courage to bring this matter to my desk and since you are a student of this school, I will do my best to curb this issue so it's not going to happen to you or any other student of this school. You both should take it easy, ok.

“Yes ma'am", we sighed and replied. Her words were reassuring. I felt a glimmer of hope.

The counsellor saw us to the door of her office, admonished us once more and demanded we kept the discussion highly confidential. For me, keeping a discussion or secret highly confidential was my forte and that wasn't going to pose as a problem and I know Osas wasn't going to let it out either. The nosy receptionist still kept us under scrutiny and when she met my eye, she scoffed. What was really her problem?. I stuck out my tongue to her and hissed all which I did literally. I wasn't in anyway interested in knowing what her problem was though.

We left the building and walked in silence.
The silence accompanied with the rustling of leaves on the path we took, the whistling of birds, the sweet scent of air, the sun of the early evening together with all nature's beauty made the silence serene and peaceful. The atmosphere was euphoric. I was still in admiration when Osas broke the silence.

Thank you Martha, thank you. I know nothing has been done yet, but I can feel a glimmer of hope.
“It's no issue girl", I replied. You would do the same if it was me also, and I smiled.