Ella

chapter 1

POV - Ella

My alarm goes off by 6:30 and I whine

" why! "

I curse my boss for making me work extra at the bar last night. He's such a meanie, I was only thirty minutes late because I was baby sitting some set of twins and man made me work extra two hours.

I struggle to get out of bed and half consciously drag my body to the bathroom for a shower. This happens almost every morning. So frustrating.

After my eye opening shower, I stare at my reflection in the mirror and trace the dark circles starting to form under my eyes.

It was obvious I was stressed out, my eyes were a bit swollen due to lack of sleep and my fair colour wasn't so bright anymore thanks to the wonderful Nigeria sun performing wonders. My chest bone was popping out and I blame myself for not paying enough attention to my stomach.

I try to smoothen my hair which was roughly parked in a bun. I honestly look like crap.

These last few weeks has been exhausting for me, I know taking four part time jobs each day is extreme but I need the money and I'll be damned if I ever let my aunt work again.

I just wish I could get a job but apparently being a graduate isn't enough qualification in Nigeria and its even harder here in Abuja.

I start getting ready for my part time at Alhaji Amirs place and put on a black jean, plane black shirt and straighten my almost black hair.

I slip my phone into my back pocket and exit my room for breakfast.

A smile forms on my face as I see my aunt making breakfast and singing to her favourite song in the kitchen.

I'm kind of use to this already, she does it every morning and if not for her I'll probably starve to death.

don't get me wrong, I love cooking but I have close to no time for it.

" Good morning aunt " I greet as I walk into the kitchen.

“ Morning honey, just in time for breakfast, I made pancakes" she says enthusiastically with her eyes sparkling.

" Yay! "  I squeal drawing out a seat and begin to eat.

" Aunt I love you, this is so yum " I mumble as I stuff pancakes in my mouth.

My aunt chuckles as she watches me amused, she knows how much I love pancakes.

“ Umm Ella you were home late last night, I tried calling you but you weren't picking, I didn't even get to see you before I went to bed ” she complains suddenly serious and I sigh.

 " I'm sorry aunt, I had to work extra time "  I explain with pancakes still in my mouth,

“ You could have called or something, you know how worried I get about you and look at you " she points to my outfit.

" you always look like you're mourning someone, you promised to start wearing other colours Ella " she whines and I pout.

" Aunt I look great in black trust me I dazzle me whenever I look in the mirror " I give her a goofy smile.

" And I am totally fine you don't need to worry about me "

She attempts to say something again but I cut her off.

I raise my left hand from my lap.

" I promise I won't stay out late again " I try convincing her to put an end to this conversation.

“ Honey I love you " she says trying to smile.

" I love you more " I give her a reassuring hug.