One Girl Carri Water 1 & 2 #Featured

Chapter 6

"Here we are my dear!" announced Barbara pointing to the old fashioned lodge as they approached its entrance.

The lodge was alive with music and lights. As they got off the bus Amina noticed girls of her age standing by the entrance dressed in very short skirts or dresses. Madam went straight into the lodge while Barbara led the rest of the girls behind the lodge where there rooms were.
Barbara led Amina up some rusty metal stairs into a small room with two mattresses lying next to each other on the floor.

"Welcome home, Princess" said Barbara and like a big sister got Amina water to bathe and freshen up while she made dinner.

All set, Amina couldn't wait to say her evening prayers before she dived into the dish, she had been drinking water and peanuts all through the journey.

"Is this where all of Madam's girls live?" asked Amina.

"No she has many establishments all over Sudan" explained Barbara "This is the best place and there are plenty of rich men looking for a good night. Madam brings her best girls here. You can start work tomorrow night. We'll need to find you something to wear" she said while giving Amina a once over. Amina only had the clothes on her back and a small bag.

It was only when Amina laid down on her mattress did she realise how tired she was. Once she fell asleep she did not open her eyes until it was morning. Barbara was gone for most of the morning to collect Madam's money from the girls who had been working last night. She returned at mid day and they made lunch together in the communal kitchen. There were other girls there too and they all seemed nice and friendly. Amina couldn't help notice that some of the girls looked too skinny and sickly.

The evening that Amina was dreading came all too soon. Barbara dressed her in a glittery short dress that made Amina feel naked. Barbara also put red lipstick on her, a wig of long hair and high heeled shoes that pinched her toes. Barbara also got dressed in similarly skimpy clothes.

"Here" Barbara said handing Amina two little foil packets. They are condoms "Make sure you use that. Some of these men have been visiting establishments like this for a long time and they have plenty of diseases. It will also make sure you don't get pregnant"

Hands shaking Amina examined the two packets "Thank you" she said to Barbara.

"But don't tell Madam I gave that to you. She doesn't allow us to use protection but I don't want you to get sick. I see something very special in you Amina and I will do all that I can to help you."

Amina was horrified that Madam did not allow the girls to use condoms.

"Is that why some of the girls look sickly? Is it because they have STIs?"

Barbara nodded "Some of them have been sick since they got abortions. Exactly why Madam is always looking for new girls, last year we lost a girl when she bled to death after she tried to take out her baby"

Amina cringed "That's horrible!"

"That's why you need to be careful" said Barbara "From whatever you make tonight I'll take what belongs to Madam and the rest you can hide away until you make enough money to get a bus ticket to Zambia. If you do a very good job the men will pay more. Now come let's go before Madam Come looking for us"

It was the first time that Amina felt hopeful since she had gotten onto the bus. She would save her money until it was enough to get her to Zambia.

Barbara took her into the lodge bar. There was loud music and flashing lights and it was very hot. The bar was full of men drinking and laughing. Some of them even had girls sitting on their laps while puffing cigarettes. Amina wanted nothing more than to run away but Barbara kept a tight grip on her arm. They soon found Madam who introduced them to a bald man who smelled strongly of alcohol. Barbara led Amina and the man into a back room in lodge and then she left them alone.
By morning Amina had slept with two different men. She had tried her best to shut her mind and block it out but as soon as she was back in the room she shared with Barbara she let out a sob and cried. She felt so used and dirty.