chapter nine
584 Words
Eva’s Friendship
Days passed slowly in the big house in Accra.
For Afia, every moment still felt unfamiliar.
She tried her best to adjust—waking up early, helping with chores, staying quiet, and avoiding mistakes. But no matter what she did, she could always feel the cold eyes of Mrs Matey watching her.
Waiting.
Judging.
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The only comfort she found in that house…
Was Eva Matey.
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Unlike everyone else, Eva treated Afia like a human being.
Not like a servant.
Not like an outsider.
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One afternoon, Afia was arranging books in the living room when Eva walked in.
“You’re always working,” Eva said, sitting down.
Afia paused. “It’s what I’m used to.”
Eva studied her for a moment.
“Do you miss home?” she asked gently.
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Afia’s hands slowed.
“Yes…” she whispered. “Every day.”
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Eva nodded.
“I can’t imagine leaving everything behind like that,” she said. “You’re strong, you know.”
Afia looked surprised.
No one had called her that before.
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“You’ll be fine here,” Eva added with a small smile. “And I’ll help you.”
For the first time in days, Afia smiled back.
A real smile.
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But peace in that house never lasted long.
---
That same evening, the front gate opened loudly.
A car drove in.
Voices followed.
---
“Madam! Evans is back!” one of the maids called.
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Afia froze slightly.
Evans Matey?
But he wasn’t supposed to be home.
He was a boarder at Achimota School.
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Mrs Matey rushed out.
“Evans! Why are you here?” she demanded.
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Evans stepped out of the car, looking completely unbothered.
“I was suspended,” he said casually.
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“Suspended?” her voice rose. “For what this time?”
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He shrugged.
“Just a week,” he replied. “It’s not a big deal.”
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But it was a big deal.
Evans was seventeen.
A second-year student.
And already known for trouble.
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A playboy.
Careless.
Always breaking rules.
---
Mrs Matey held her head.
“You will not ruin this family’s name!” she snapped.
But even in her anger…
There was something else in her eyes.
Something soft.
Something protective.
---
Afia noticed it.
That difference.
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When it came to Evans—
Mrs Matey saw a son.
---
But when it came to Afia—
She saw nothing.
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Evans walked into the house, his eyes scanning lazily.
Then they stopped on Afia.
---
“Oh… the village girl is still here,” he said with a smirk.
Afia lowered her gaze immediately.
---
Eva stepped in quickly.
“Evans, stop it,” she said firmly.
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He laughed.
“What? I’m just saying.”
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Then he moved closer, circling slightly.
“This house just got more interesting,” he added.
---
Afia felt uncomfortable.
Something about his tone…
His eyes…
It wasn’t right.
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Eva stepped closer to Afia.
“Don’t mind him,” she whispered.
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But Afia did mind.
Because deep down…
She felt it.
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Evans’ presence in the house was not just trouble.
It was danger.
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That night, as Afia lay on her bed, she stared at the ceiling.
Her heart felt uneasy.
---
She had found a friend in Eva.
But now…
There was a new problem.
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And something told her—
This was only the beginning.
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- Writer
