Yellow Tales of a Nigerian Housemaid (completed)

Chapter Forty Nine

No matter how fast Steve ran, he wasn't fortunate to catch up with us, thanks to my young chauffeur who wouldn't slow down even for a second. As soon as he swerved into the express, I peeked out my head, smiled and waved at him. He waved desperately at me, his body language pleading that we stop.

The driver trotted on as I watched Steve become smaller by each passing second. Immediately he took the next turn, Steve disappeared finally from my sight. Slowly, I pulled my head inside the tricycle, rubbing my eyes against the sudden strong breeze. I leaned on the black leather chair, smiling as Steve reappeared in my memory.
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The joyful feeling of placing my answer script on my very own desk while writing my exams overwhelmed every other feelings I'd nursed. For the very first time, I was sitting like a student. I would occasionally smile to myself, mentally patting my back and admiring my locker while writing. Sometimes, I'll widen my tiny legs just to occupy the entire chair, initiating the wholesome feeling that the chair was mine. I know it sounds silly but it really felt satisfying.

The examinations weren't that great, or let me rephrase, I didn't do well in them. Some questions looked strange while the few I was opportune to be in class when they were taught appeared a bit difficult. Apart from my mid night studies (which usually ends up in me dozing off due to fatigue), I've actually never really sat down for a moment to study. On the final day of our exams, I made a mental promise to my academic self to do whatsoever it takes to study harder especially since we'd be writing our WAEC.

With the exams over and the holidays kicking in, Mama made it clear that I'd have to be in the shop at least four times a week to help Dera with sales. At first I pretended as though it was hard work, grumbling and stamping my feet hard on the floor. However deep inside me, I was dancing in happiness. I know you'd ask why the pretence?

The truth is that if I ever let Mama suspect that I loved the idea, she'd know something is going on and would hawk over me until she gets to the root of it all. I didn't want that at all.

"Nneogo will go help Dera tomorrow at the shop. In fact I need her to be there before 7:30am. The commission will be paying the boys tomorrow and you all know how it always is" Mama announced settling on a couch in the sitting room. She leaned on the headrest and exhaled in comfort. Lifting her head a bit, she glanced at the wooden table standing at the centre of the room. She glanced up at me and with so much hesitation, lifted her back off the couch to sit upright. She then put her right toes underneath the table, hooking them beneath the upper layer. With a strong pull, her toes dragged the table a bit closer to her couch. She pulled again until the table was where she wanted. She exhaled leaning on the couch again, then lifted her legs and laid them noisily on the poor table. I guess everyone watched the little drama unfold with interest.

"Mama tomorrow is Friday and there are much things she'll do" Aunt Oby cut in, breaking my eyes off from where it'd rested on Mama's legs.

Aunt Oby sat on the couch opposite Mama. She was adorning a very beautiful yellow free gown which had bold white dots splattered all over it. Her back rested on the cushion just like Mama, with the yellow gown hiding her pregnancy. By her right, just a bit above her head stood the window covered with a black iron protector. The window curtain was raised, folded and forced into a hole created by the parallel iron bars, to let in some air. With the way her eyes were fixated on the table where Mama rested her legs, I was certain she desires to push Mama's legs off and have the table to herself. I watched keenly as she shuffled her legs noisily on the floor, eyeing the table with contempt.

Aunt Agnes was standing beside Mama's door, her right hand holding onto the doorknob, maybe for balance. She was putting on a white shorts and a red polo, just like I've seen her husband wear before. I must admit, she really looked nice in them.