Yellow Tales of a Nigerian Housemaid (completed)

Chapter Thirty Nine

I gradually got used to Steve's presence in the shop since he recently made it a duty to check up on me, at the close of work daily. He's mentioned where he worked but trust an ignorant me, I can't still place it even though it seems like a pretty popular place. I'd let out an 'oh' and 'okay' sounds while he described his workplace, I just wanted to play smart. I still wonder if he saw through my acts!

Surprisingly, I wasn't the only one who craves Steve's presence, Mama does too. She's always asking after him, shining all her brown thirty two sets whenever he's around, making flirtatious and suggestive comments while pushing me to him willingly. This unusual soft spot for Steve got me worried that I began to ask myself certain questions.

Could it be because of his frequent gifts to her? Like the beers and plates of meats?

Or the seldom cash he gifts her?

Or the fact that he lures his friends to our shop, where they spend heavily not only on themselves but on us too?

What could be her driving force?

Steve is now more of family than customer. Mama addresses him as 'My in-law', and I'm sure you're certain whom he's getting betrothed to!

On the bright side, Steve's presence brought about an enormous change in my life, and that of Mama too. She has been keeping her promise of not sending me after men. Funny enough, it took only a few thousand naira to stop her from selling me off, not forgetting daily rituals of beers and meats. Mama has even taken it upon herself to scream at some of the men when I come complaining of their incessant and narcissistic touch. I was no more the 'throw-around' Nneogo, I'm now a young girl who Mama has begun to respect, all for the wrong reasons.
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Today isn't a great day for Dera, at least her mood said so. Mama noticed this earlier, and asked if I had an idea of what was wrong. Sadly, I don't.

Dera was wearing an orange top on a faded blue jean trouser. The polo had a bold black inscription which rested on her small sized breast. Her hair was roughly combed and tied to the back with a yellow band with a low priced gold necklace hanging loosely on her neck. Did she just lose weight overnight?

I've tried breaking into Dera's silence, all to no avail. Mama got angry when customers began complaining of her attitude. Apparently, Dera wasn't all smiley and playful; she'd also angrily shunned few male customers who had tried hitting her bum, tapping her back, dragging her arms or calling her pet names.

In Mama's shop, this actually is the norm with the customers. The rule is to "play" with them till they spend their last cent.

To be fair, I was sad cos it felt more like Dera didn't want me peeking into her personal life while she was everywhere in mine; so angrily, I let her be.

"Nneogo, you'll have to come with me, there's something you need to tend to" Mama said picking up her black handbag which sat on the red cooler in the shop.

I didn't like the idea of leaving with Mama cos her actions are totally unpredictable. I fused angrily at her words and intentionally became clumsy. Mama wasn't having any of that as she went livid at my silly acts. She threatened to reset my rebellious brain with a hot slap if I don't pack up in a minute. I did as I was told, an angry Mama isn't a woman to be toyed with.

Then her phone rang.

She fumbled in her handbag for a while before sliding it out. Squinting her eyes to see the caller, she pressed the green key and held it up her right ear.

"Nwanyi oma (In this context means fine woman. It could also mean good woman)" She spoke into the phone. An intriguing smile was on her lips and I knew whatsoever it was is gonna be good.