She was the kid with oversized, raggy, hand-me-down things. Bullied because she couldn't fight back,made fun of because she couldn't afford the luxuries of life.
Lami was the kid nobody hates but everybody loves to pick on. Follow her on her journey...
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"So you mean you'll start going to talla? What about school?" Hamida said with wide eyes.
"No!" Lami frowned. "Umma said I will only go on Thursdays and Fridays after boko,then on Saturdays and Sundays beforeisalmiyya," she further explained.
Hamida just scowled,ducking her head to avoid their Mallam's gaze. "But still. I saw this film where a girl went for talla. A man dragged her into his house and gave her money. She got pregnant later on and her parents chased her away saying she did 'cikinshege'," Hamida furiously whispered.
"I won't go if a guy calls me. I'm not an idiot," Lami argued.
"Hamida! Amina! If I see you talking while the rest of the class are reciting I will give you two strokes of my marzakkwaila," Mallam Ahmad said.
That made them to recite along with the rest of the class.
****** "But, if you're going for talla, doesn't that mean they'll buy kayandaki with the money? Is your mother going to wed you off to an old man?" Hamida said,catching up with Lami after islamiyyawas over.
"Kai! Hamida! You watch too much Hausa films. Umma just wants me to be able to buy nice things for myself. Like buying a new book when Sameera tears it," Lami said frowning when she remembered her torn homework book.
"You'll start tomorrow then? What will you be selling?" Hamida said puting her hand into her bag.
"Groundnuts. They sell way faster," Lamo said smiling.
"Good." Hamida smiled and bringing out 10 naira. "Bring some for me on Saturday," she continued.
"I can't take your money. Umma will be angry. And I can't be sure they'll be some left then. It depends on if a lot of people will buy it." Lami said waving her palms in air.
"Okay then, if you come out tomorrow, stop by our house. I want to be the first to buy your nuts!" Hamida said fiercely.
Lami just laughed at how seriously Hamida was,knowing that Hamida only wanted to support her. She felt like she could explode from happiness.
"Okay okay!" She agreed when Hamida pinched her and told her to promise or else.
****** "Do not go into dark streets or empty streets. Do not go to a suspicious looking guy when he calls you. If a person follows you and you feel like they'll harm you,enter into the crowd. Keep your money hidden well. Don't follow a girl who's too casual with guys. Come back home after 5:30pm. It doesn't matter of your things have sold out or not. Do no-"
"KaiUmma! Let the girl listen first," Baraka interrupted her mother.
"No,let me talk. Let her know. The world is a cruel place,especially if you're trying to earn a living." Sadiya said sternly.
