Locked up In the Past

Chapter Two

I woke up to Mia's constant purring and licking of my ears. I checked the time and saw it was 5:40 am. I quickly put on my jogging pants and packed my hair into a high bun. I picked a few change and tucked it into my back pockets so as to buy breakfast on my way back. I put on my shoes and locked the door outside.

I started running. I've always been running. Away from my troubles, fears and traumas. Running keeps me sane, i forget everything for a second and picture it as a building then I'll run past that building with full force till I can't spot it. I hoped that's how it will make my problems go away.

Students were heading to school and various adults to their place of work. I have gotten used to the stares and pointing people always do when they see me. The sun was out now and I took a u turn back to my house.  I got to the kiosk where a man makes tea, cooks noodles and all. Bachelors and truck pushers are always here all the time.

I knocked on the body of the building. Mallam Isahs eyes lit up and he greeted me happily as always showing his missing two front tooth.

"Ah. Yarinya Mai kyau. Oyinbo! (ah. Fine girl. Outsider!) ". He laughed loudly which made all attention on me. I bought bread, eggs, beverage and little kerosene.

"Do you have pasta?". I inquired which made mallam Isah stop. He scratched his head in confusion.

"Pasta". I said again hoping he understands.

"spaghetti". Someones voice boomed among the group of men discussing football.

"Ah. Kai. Sufagethi. Ai I get it. Gashi nan (ah. Spaghetti. I have it. Here it is).  Mallam Isah added pasta to my goods and calculated it.

"650". Mallam Isah said while handing the black polythene bag to me.

I searched for my money but it was no where to be found. I placed my hand deeper into my pocket but I couldn't find it. I was starting to panic when

"I'll pay for it". The guy at the back who told Isah what pasta is brought out a 1000 naira note and handed it to mallam who grinned and brought out his change. He handed it to the man but he shook his head and told mallam Isah to give it to me..

I stood ln awe and refused the money but the man wont let me hear the last of it. I turned around and left them surprised. I don't need his help but because he told mallam Isah what pasta is doesn't make us buddy (note the sacarsm).

I plucked the flowers that I always did and started heading home. At the gate I saw a truck pusher collecting money from someone he rendered his services to.

"Hey. I need water". I said to him. The man looked at me but then turned his face and continued bringing out the woman's change. Why can't people understand simple English. I groaned in frustration.

"Tana son ruwa (she wants water)". The young lady told the truck pusher which made him smile.

"Ah. Customa!. Ina zuwa. Ina gidan ki?". (oh!  Customer!. I'll be right there. Where is your house). He started making a turn after handing the lady her change. I didn't understand a word and the young lady being an angel pointed to my house and spoke with him for a while then he headed to my house.

"Thank you so much". I clasped my hands in appreciation.

"Youre welcome. You know that's one of the struggles of being a Nigerian. You must be diverse when speaking languages. I'm Tara by the way". She explained. Tara was a short round girl with a beautiful chocolate skin color who smiled a lot. She had a wrapper on her chest as she stirred whatever she was cooking on a stove outside.

I caught a glimpse of it and my tummy grumbled in hunger. I thought she did not hear it until she looked up.

"You're hungry aren't you?. It's called beans. Let me pack some for you". I didn't protest even though I had no idea of what it was. All I wanted to do was to eat it. She went in to bring a plastic plate which she scooped some for me. I was beyond grateful.

"Thank you". I said to her as she handed it over to me.

"you're welcome. Ah zamfara has finished turning your water". I turned to look at the truck pusher sitting down. I didn't know his name was zamtata.

"Okay. Let me attend to zamtata". I said which made her giggle.

"Zamfara. It's a state in Nigeria. He got named after it cause that's where he's from. You see in Nigeria people get names through a particular thing they do. For example the truck pushers are called Mai ruwa which literally translates to "someone who owns water". Or Mai Shara "someone who owns dirts. Or Mai shai "someone who owns tea. And they are their various professions. Let me not bore you. We'll meet some other time". I didn't get the strange words she mentioned but then learnt a few things from her. She's educative but talks alot.

I thanked her once again as I headed to my house. The heat from the food already stung my palm. I greeted a few people on the way and then went inside to pay zamtata. Oh sorry zamfara. It was then I realised the money I intended to carry earlier this morning was on the floor. I face palmed myself and quickly paid the truck pusher.

I turned the kerosene into the cooking stove, kept the eggs in a bowl and the beverages and pasta on the shelf. When I was through I saw Mia in a corner. I turned the leftover milk in her bowl and she licked it quickly.  I then proceeded to take a shower. As always, I rushed when taking a bath cause I'm so not comfortable with it.

When I was through I saw mama Chika sitting outside her house with a friend. They were both discussing happily and when I approached them they stopped. The other woman was looking at my thighs and legs. I had only a towel on me

"Good morning to you". I said to them which made them scream excitedly

"Ehen Oyinbo. Morring. Sheh you sleep well?". (ah. Outsider. Good morning. Hope you slept well?). They greeted gleefully. I suspect they were talking about me.

"Yes I did. Thanks for asking". I proceeded to keep my bucket when

"Hei. Mosquito dey chop you oh. See mark for your body. Abeg do buy shetos". (wow. Mosquitoes are really dealing with you oh. See their marks all over your body. Please get insecticides). Her friend nodded in agreement. I didn't get most of what she said. Mosquito, mark and body were all I heard.

"Thank you". I headed inside without catching a word of what they said "she fine. But she too tall". Why the hell can't they look for a job to do. I quickly dressed and went out to dryy jogging suit since it was damp from all the sweat. I then and drifted into a long thought of what if's and what not. I sighed and didn't know when I started to cry. I turned to the other side of my bed and noticed something. It was the food Tara gave me.

I opened it and it was still moist. I scooped a part of it into my mouth. It was spicy, a bit peppery but it was amazing. I scooped more of it and then took a glass of water. Once thing I noticed is that it made me take alot of water. I've fallen in love already. I made a mental note to myself not to forget to ask Tara about the recipe. When I was through I washed the plates and did a little house chore. Not much was needed to be done but oh well I did it to keep myself busy.

When I was through I layed on my bed thinking. It then occurred to me I can't continue like this. I need a job!

Please V. C. S