Yellow Tales of a Nigerian Housemaid (completed)

Chapter Forty Four

The competition went great, though we arrived a bit late. There were over twenty selected schools in attendance, with the medium hall filled to the brim. From the door where we stood to be screened in, all I could see were smartly dressed students, with matching beret and socks, seated quietly on the pews, head hovering over the sheet which laid on their desks. Some were already writing while some were busy apparently reading the instructions.

We were taken to our seats, in two different pews. I sat down while I glanced over at Daniella in time to see her settling in. Our question and answer sheets were provided, and were urged to start writing since we were behind schedule.

At the end of the written examination, a brief oral session commenced; and I must confess, I did better in the oral than I'd expected. I guess my little practice paid off.

At the end of the competition, we were served cold Milo drink with meat pie. We were also gifted chocomilo by the organisers and I was extremely joyful cos it's been a long time since I last had that.

Finally, after a brief appreciation sermon, we were dismissed and Mrs Orugbuo took us back to school.

I made my way to class once we arrived the school compound. I was actually surprised to see that the once noisy compound was extremely quiet and deserted. Apparently it was already past 3pm, thanks to me not having a wristwatch.

I raced to class on realising that Mma might be waiting for me, but was surprised when I met the class empty. I ran through all the other classes but still found them all, empty. I was confused.

Mma wouldn't have gone with my torn sandals? Looking so unkempt? What of my school bag? I was even more worried when I remembered I wouldn't be in school till next week Tuesday, how then is she going to wear those torn stuffs to school? And most importantly, where can I drop off her things?.

After hovering around for over an hour, I decided it was useless to keep waiting, so I dejectedly left the class, making my way to the school gate.

Just as I was about exiting the compound, I heard someone yell my name. I turned around to see a fellow SS3 student, running towards me. I didn't particularly know her name, but her face seemed pretty familiar. One of those popular queens in school, and believe me when I say, I was totally surprised she knew me by name.

"You guys are back! How was it? And where are you heading to?" She asked almost breathless.

"It was okay and I'm heading home, why?" I replied

"Oh, Mma has been waiting for you. She told everyone to inform her once we see you." Her body expression seemed off and I began to panic.

Had Mma told them why? And why was she staring at me that way?

"I've looked for her around the entire compound including the junior section but haven't seen her yet. And did she tell you why she was looking for me?" I wanted to know if she knew.

She shook her head. "No. She said it's between you both. By the way, she's hanging out in the hostel, that's why you didn't see her"

"Oh, I hadn't thought of that" I gasped turning to head back into school.

"Alright, see you then" She said exiting the gate.

"Please which of the hostels?" I asked loudly.

"The first hostel, St. Cyprian" She replied walking away.
*****
I got home to meet Mama who was already packed for our trip. Seems there was a change of plans and we were expected to be home that evening. Her boyfriend was already on ground, in his tricycle, waiting. She didn't even allow me to change into something else as she pulled me into the tricycle. I watched as we left home to a destination where my life might change.