Yellow Tales of a Nigerian Housemaid (completed)

Chapter Thirty Six

Mama and Dera were seated quietly under the plantain shade, obviously awaiting my return. The shop was unusually quiet with no customers lurking around. The Commission's dwarf gate was padlocked, though one could see the numerous exotic cars packed inside.

Maybe the Director had finally come.

Mama's face lit up immediately she saw me. My school bag was still slung over my shoulders and held into position with my left hand. My right hand was free, making swinging motions as I happily walked to the shop.

"How was school today?" Mama asked loudly from where she sat. I was a bit surprised.

"Fine ma. Good afternoon" I responded, louder than she did.

The floor of the shop was dusty even though it never stopped me from tossing my bag lazily on it, before making my way to them. I glanced at Dera and made a funny face which made her chuckle. It was my usual greeting to her, still don't understand why I hated greeting her the traditional way.

"Thank God you're early just as you promised. I brought a clothe for you from home, so you'll have to change up and run a quick errand for me".

I nodded happily as she directed me to where she'd kept it inside. I made another funny face to Dera before returning to the shop. The cloth was my worn out blue gown which had hand made stitches around the armpit. I squeezed myself behind the door and slipped into it. I stepped out with my school clothes now in hand. Grabbing my bag, I forcefully tucked them inside.

"I'm through ma" I said stepping out and walking to her. She glanced at me with a satisfied look and turned to Dera.

"There's no food in this shop right?" Dera nodded. "Then give her a bottle of soft drink and a biscuit". She then turned to me "You'll have to manage it as lunch. When we get home, you'll eat!"

This act of kindness was totally unexpected. Dera's eyes lit up in surprise just as mine went wild. She smiled and walked in to get the order. I gulped down the Fanta happily and then pounced on my biscuits.

"You know our customer, Mr G?" Mama asked indifferently. "He's been owing me for long time now and just promised to pay. Please, you'll go to his office to pick up the money okay?"

I shrugged. "Okay" I responded with a mouth full.

Dera's countenance changed instantly. She was giving me a look which I never understood.

"Eh Mama, isn't it better I go pick up your money from him since I'll pass his office while heading to the market" Dera offered.

Mama turned to her sharply, I couldn't read the expression on her face. "Let Nneogo go, I need her to learn those routes!" She said with a tone of finality.

Dera nodded. Her quick nod held many unspoken words, words that I couldn't decipher immediately.

Through with my unexpected lunch, I clapped my hands mildly to free the crumbs on them. I stood up and stretched out happily, yawning like a hungry lion.

"You just drank a bottle Nneogo, why yawning again?" Dera asked jokingly.

"This isn't about hunger, it's about being tired. I just need to rest". I muttered.

"I think you should then rest, maybe for a little while after which you can head to his office" Dera suggested, her eyes resting on Mama.

Mama turned to her in anger "I don't know when you've turned to the mother in this house, Dera! Why are you.... " And she was cut off by the blast from her phone.

She picked it up, squinting her eyes to see who the caller was. I could see a hidden smile plastering over her face.

"Hello, I was just even..." She stopped and listened.
" Okay! 4:30 then" She said with a frowned face as the line went dead.