Yellow Tales of a Nigerian Housemaid (completed)

Chapter Forty Six

I glanced up at him, watching as my body trembled at the sound of his voice. His words carried so much authority that even the tiny hairs on my neck stood at attention, at once. I swallowed hard spits before turning to leave.

Just as I took the first step, an unknown forceful strength caught up with me, forcing me to face him even before I could understand what was going on.

"But what should I tell Ogochukwu?" I heard myself ask, my lips moving apart as the questions formed.

"Why? What do you mean?" He replied and I could sense worry enveloping his voice.

"She said she'll sleep on my mat tonight, so where do I tell her I'm going to?"

He chuckled. "That's silly, prayer warriors don't sleep in the tent"

The tent, that's what it's called.

"They have a place assigned to them and.... "

"She said it's filled that the invited guests would stay there too" I replied, acknowledging my inner strength.

He shook in surprise. "How long have you known her that she's feeding you with even security details?" I ignored his question.

"And moreover, I can't sleep in that room. I'll be more comfortable staying in this open place" I added, a boost of confidence spiking in my tone.

"Your mother asked that I take proper care of you... "

"I know and that's why I need to be here so everyone can jointly look out for me"

I don't know what happened but the sudden surge of confidence within me, scares even myself. Maybe after witnessing a mate's death, punishment is far gone from my 'scary' list.

"I'll head back now" I said walking away from him.

Ogochukwu was delighted to see me and wanted to know why I was summoned. She was sitting beside a robust dark woman, by the far edge of the wall. Immediately I came into view, she waved vigorously until I sighted her. I increased my pace, carefully avoiding the numerous skinny and chubby bodies sprawled reckless on their mats.

The middle aged woman smiled up at me as I approached them. Ogo adjusted a bit, patting on an empty spot on the mat for me to sit. I slowly did as she bid, crouching beside her.

"How are you Nne? Hope you enjoyed the meal?" The woman asked.

I didn't need to be told before knowing it was her mum. Apparently Ogo had pointed me out for her to recognize me instantly. I nodded and thanked the jolly woman for a nicely prepared meal. She told me stories, several stories to be sincere and I laughed, not for the stories but for where Ogochukwu got her talkative trait from.

Later on, the sound of the chumming bell brought everyone to their feet. It was then I noticed that the other hall was now well lit with a soft music emanating from within.

One by one people exited, pouring down into the other hall. Ogo's mum adjusted her head tie, grabbed her Bible and trudged there too. Ogo and I got to what served as our bedside and I watched as she pulled her Bible out from her small bag.

"You don't have a Bible too?" She asked surprised. I was shy but nodded anyways. Talk about going to the farm without hoe or machete.

"I didn't know, would have brought you my spare when I went home earlier" I nodded happily. I wasn't really the bible person and would really lose my way around it.

From my bag, I produced my head tie, wrapping it lazily around my head.

"Will you stay with me tonight?" I asked in a shaky voice, my fingers still struggling to tie the knot behind.