WHISPERS OF ENCHANTÉ

13: poisonous ant

Kaduna State, Nigeria.

Siyama sat around the small garden behind the boy quarters then got her phone out to watch a series she's been watching for days. She plugged her earpiece firmly in place then dive in.

She sprawled herself on the ground in no time because the grass was lush and clean. She was so immersed into the series she didn't feel anything crawling up her leg until it was too late.

A scream tore from her lips after feeling the bite, a bite so painful she doubled over then quickly clamped a hand to her mouth though she doubts anyone would hear her when the music is still loud.

Like any Nigerian, she removed her earpiece as though the pain would disappear or she would hear the bite. When nothing happened to the pain, she immediately curled her legs.

She lay on the cool grass, the pain from the bite radiating through her leg as she tried to steady her breathing. There was no steadying it when she was panicking in the dark.

The night was silent except for the distant sounds of laughter and music from the main house. She clenched her teeth, trying to suppress the pain, when suddenly, heavy footsteps approached her.

"What in the world are you doing lying down on the grass at night like some lunatic?" a deep, annoyed voice interrupted her thoughts.

Siyama glanced up to see a tall, broad-shouldered man in white kaftan standing over her, his eyes narrowed in irritation. She cannot see his face but his voice, she recognized.

"I'm in pain, you—" Siyama began, but he cut her off.

"Of course, you're a maid," he muttered under his breath, rolling his eyes. "These villagers never have any exposure, no matter how many years they spend in the city."

"Why would a human lay down on grass in the first place?" He muttered again in disbelief.

His words cut deep, and despite her pain, Siyama glared at him. "Just because I'm a maid doesn't mean you can speak to me like that," she spat out, her voice laced with anger.

Ignoring her outburst, the man knelt beside her, his hands reaching out to lift her. Siyama struggled against him, kicking out with her good leg. What the hell?

"Let go of me, you pervert!" she shouted, slapping at his hands.

"I'm trying to help you!" he ground out, his patience wearing thin.

Despite her protests, he managed to lift her and carry her to a nearby chair, placing her down with more care than she expected. But Siyama pushed him away as soon as she was seated.

"Stay away from me!" she snapped, her eyes blazing with defiance.

He frowned at her, a mix of frustration and wrath crossing his features. "You don't even know what bit you, and you're being stubborn. It could be serious."

"I don't need your help," Siyama hissed, clutching her leg as another wave of pain shot through her.

The man exhaled sharply, clearly done with her resistance. He checked his iWatch as if he had better things to do than save some villagers.

The hell? He thinks everyone working as a maid in their mansion is a villager? Siyama thought furiously while holding onto the place where she was bitten.

"Fine," he said, standing up straight. "Suit yourself. But don't say I didn't warn you." He turned around, muttering under his breath, "Villagers," as he walked away, leaving her in the darkness.

Siyama watched his retreating figure, her anger simmering beneath the surface. He wasn't just some stranger –he was the arrogant brother who hadn't appreciated her cooking earlier.

The same one with that awful mentality that she wanted to slap if not that she valued her job way too much. He should be darn lucky about that or those thugs she greets every morning would have worked him just fine.

Of course, it was always him. Her thoughts were interrupted by the buzzing in her pocket; she fumbled for her phone and turned on the flashlight, its dim light revealing a large, swollen bite on her leg.

Even seeing that, Siyama can't help but sighed in relief, it was just an insect bite, nothing too serious. It was a poisonous ant's bite. Cinnaka.

Still, the sting was unbearable, and she moaned softly in pain as she tried to get to her feet. The place was also swollen and red. This was a bad idea deciding to stay.

What if the big mouthed village hater decides to tell his mother about the insolent maid that got bitten in the garden when all maids are expected to retire for the day?

Shit! But he didn't see her face right? He won't know and Hajiya Lubabatu is probably head deep into her wedding planning to remember. Yes, there is that.

Limping away from the garden, she was determined to put as much distance as possible between herself and any more biting creatures. She hates those black tiny creatures with her heart.

As she passed the boy's quarters, a door suddenly swung open startling her. She jumped away from it ready to defend herself when a small round container was tossed at her feet.

"If you like, apply it," the man's voice called out from the shadows. "If not, just die there. It's up to you."

With that, he strolled off, his tall figure blending into the night as he headed back to the main house where the event was still in full swing. She stared at the thing on the floor then back at him.

Siyama glowered at his retreating back, tempted to leave the ointment where it lay. But just as she turned to walk away, another sharp pain from the bite made her wince. She retracted of course.

Begrudgingly, she picked up the small container and unscrewed the lid. The salve inside had a sharp, medicinal smell, and she applied a dab to the bite. Though she shouldn't have trusted the man. It's too late now.

The sting was intense for a moment, but then, miraculously, the pain began to fade. The place was still red and the swell was still raging but pain? Gone.

She stared at the small container, feeling a mix of relief and frustration. Magical!

The ointment worked wonders, but she hated the idea of accepting help from someone so arrogant. Determined not to give him the satisfaction, she carefully tore a leaf from a nearby flower and scooped some of the salve into it.

Closing the leaf gently, she walked back to the man's door and threw the now-empty container against it. Let him think she hadn't used it. Or whatever.

As she limped away, a small smile tugged at her lips. The salve would be useful for her sister, who often got bitten by insects too. Maybe something good had come out of this encounter after all.

Siyama remembered at the last minute that she was not supposed to be seen at the wedding.

Oh, I know. What a great person I am huh?🙂‍↔️ updating up and down like that. Enjoy while it lasts😭 my school will be after me soon.

Anyways, what do you think of Siyama and her arrogant employer?🤭 I like their banter. Wanna see more of it??? Let's see your comments.

QOTD; Would you rather be with someone that is obsessed with you or one you are obsessed with? Hehehehe lemme let yall choose. I want the comment section lively🤭