Made from Me.

CHAPTER TWO: ISA MEETS MAMA

ISA POV.

The first crow of the c**k shattered the silence of the early morning, jolting me awake from my slumber. I sprang from my bed with urgency, unwilling to face another reminder from my stepmother delivered in the form of a cold bowl of water. As I opened the window, a biting breeze greeted me, invading the warmth of my cramped quarters. Quickly shutting out the chill, I resigned myself to the reality that restful sleep was a luxury reserved for dreams, as my day was already weighed down by a mountain of household duties.

With weary feet meeting the unforgiving cold of the floor, I fumbled for my shoes in the darkness, the absence of oil rendered the lamp useless. Navigating the familiar path to the kitchen by touch alone.

I encountered a scene as grim as the smell that assaulted my senses. The kitchen smelt as bad as it looked.

The prospect of my sister's impending wedding only added to my workload, with a horde of guests expected to descend upon our home. Cleaning, cooking, and laundry were but a few of the tasks that fell upon my shoulders alone.

Before the sun had even cast its first light upon the horizon, I had already prepared a hearty breakfast to fuel the day's endeavors. Pasta, banku, bread, and tomato soup were laid out on the dinning table which I never sit to eat because I never eat with them. With my mastered Chef practiced efficiency, thanks to the years spent honing my culinary skills in service to my family, cooking and cooking. I prepared something so delicious for them.

Ascending the stairs to the laundry room, I was met with a sight that elicited a mixture of frustration and resignation.

My siblings, oblivious to the concept of cleanliness, had left their clothes in a state of disarray once again. This is what I face every single day. Both the boys and girls, never think it's a good idea to do their laundry.

And of course for the girls, their impending marriages did nothing to remove their laziness, instead they developed a newer concept of catching their beauty sleep and ' brides ' so they look so beautiful, leaving me to pick up the slack as always.

As I began to wash I remembered an encounter with my eldest sister, Jenny, And it served as a stark reminder that I am nothing to them but a househelp, family caretaker. She offered that I would come live with her when she finally married Fred in her new marital home. This was not because she wanted to send me to college but because she wanted my assistance with her domestic responsibilities.

Meanwhile, my other sister, Benny, interjected with her own agenda, eager to claim my services for herself. The both almost fought that day, if not for the intervention of my step mother.

' Isa, will you love to come live with me in my husband's house?'

'Why? ' I asked to know why. Like I did not know already.

' Who's going to help me with my chores?' She asked.

' Hey! Hey!!! I am taking her with me, Jenny'. Benny the younger Sister but older than me said.

' Are you mad? I said first... '

Benny interrupted sharply ' Of course I am not mad and you are quite aware. If any one is, then it would be you, who is over twenty years of age and yet can't boil an egg'.

Mother! Mother!! Benny is getting on my toes, I will make her cry soon, ' Jenny informed their mother. She was becoming impatient and red.

'Isa, Isa!! Come clean my room,' my step mother called from her room. Taking me out of my thoughts. I rushed downstairs and hung the clothes, I just finished washing.

She's up so early. I looked at the big clock in the living room. it's getting to 6 am. I quickly finished with the clothes of about six persons and ran upstairs to clean their rooms. Yesternight, she had called me to inform me that our in-laws would be arriving for Jenny's Bride price. And she expected me to be of my best behaviour, my best behaviour there meant that I should slave myself away with all the house chores.

She specifically told me to cook Banku and Bread, just how our visitors will love it.

' Have you forgotten how to knock? ' My step mother screamed at me.

' Sorry Mother! '

' Get lost' She said to me. ' I am sorry about that's she said to the man that laid on top of her, 'she would be done and would leave as soon as possible'.

I got down to work immediately, I cleaned her bathroom, the toilet and the wall. After that I moved to the visitor's room. And then the rooms of my siblings. Ended with the living room.

****

As the sun began to rise, I filled my plate with breakfast, satisfied my hunger, and quickly bathed before heading to my favorite spot in the world – the area reserved for outcasts. It's always so tranquil and isolated, which is precisely why I'm drawn to it. It's been close to six months, I last visited this place. But for some unknown reasons, I am drawn to this place. I need to have some peace.

Upon arrival, I was surprised to see a new building standing in the familiar landscape.

"Who could be living in such a place?" I wondered aloud to myself as I settled onto my mat, ready to lose myself in a book.

But curiosity soon got the better of me. Unable to concentrate on my reading, I decided to investigate the mysterious structure. It was a solid concrete building, quite out of place in our modest community. I pushed open the gate and entered cautiously.

Inside, I found an old woman busily preparing food in the kitchen. I greeted her, and she looked up, surprised to see me.

"Have you lost your way, young one?" she asked, her voice kind yet curious.

I assured her that I hadn't and explained that I was simply intrigued by the new building.

"What's your name?" she inquired, her eyes studying me intently.

'Isa, Mama'.

Oh, Isa, you are always welcome here, anytime you need to visit your favorite place in the world," she said, her words overflowing with love and hospitality. It had been over fifteen years since someone had spoken to me with such kindness. Before I could even comprehend it, tears welled up in my eyes. The woman looked at me with a mix of concern and surprise, unsure of what had brought on such emotions

'Did I say something wrong?'Oh, Isa, don't cry," Mama said, reaching out to gently pat my hand. "I didn't mean to upset you."

"I'm sorry," I sniffled, wiping my eyes with the back of my hand. "It's just... it's been so long since someone has shown me such kindness."

Mama's expression softened, and she gave me a warm smile. "Well, you're always welcome here. Consider this your home away from home.' She came and dragged me to a little stool just by the fire. ' Do you want some stew? '

I nodded, feeling a mix of gratitude and disbelief. "Thank you, Mama. That means a lot to me. Thank you for the food, but I ate to my fill before coming here'.

"You're welcome, sweetheart," she replied, her voice filled with sincerity. "Now, why don't you tell me what's been troubling you? You look like you could use someone to talk to."

I hesitated, not sure where to begin. But Mama's kind eyes encouraged me to open up. "It's just... life hasn't been easy lately. I feel like I'm constantly juggling so many things, and I'm afraid I'm going to drop them all."

Mama nodded sympathetically. "I understand. Life can be overwhelming sometimes. But you don't have to carry the burden alone. We're friends now, and friends helps each other through the tough times."

Isa told Mama of how she's been slaved away after her father passed by her step mother and her four children, who are her step siblings. She explained how's she's made to cook and clean and do all the chores. Although she's used to it but she's wondering if that's all life has to offer to her.

Mama listened intently, her eyes filled with empathy. "I'm so sorry to hear that, Isa. No one should have to endure such hardships, especially not alone. But remember, your circumstances don't define you. You have the strength to rise above them."

Isa sighed, her shoulders sagging with the weight of her burdens. "It's just... sometimes I feel like I'm drowning in responsibilities. I barely have time to think about my own dreams and aspirations."

Mama reached out and placed a comforting hand on Isa's shoulder. "I know it may seem like an endless struggle, but don't lose hope. You have so much potential, Isa. You're capable of achieving great things, despite the obstacles in your path."

Tears welled up in Isa's eyes as she absorbed Mama's words of encouragement. "Thank you, Mama. I needed to hear that."

Mama smiled warmly. "Anytime, dear. That's what friends are for—to lift each other up when we're feeling down."

Isa nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "I'm grateful to have you as a friend, Mama. You barely know me but you have made me feel better than people I have lived with for years. Thank you so much. Sorry for burdening you with my problems. What about you? Why are you living here all alone?

'My Isa, I live with my son, he had hurriedly gone to sell his crops in the nearby villages. I wish he was here. He would be glad to meet such a beautiful girl like you'

Isa smiled warmly at Mama's words. "Your son sounds like a wonderful person. I'd love to meet him someday." She glanced at the time on her phone and sighed. "

' Maybe next time, but now, I have to run back, before they notices that I am gone. I'll definitely come back to visit though."

Mama's eyes twinkled with understanding. "Of course, dear. You're always welcome here. And don't worry about burdening me with your problems. That's what friends are for." She walked Isa to the gate, her expression soft with affection. "Take care of yourself, Isa. And remember, you can always come to me whenever you need someone to talk to."

Inodded gratefully, feeling a sense of warmth and belonging i hadn't experienced in a long time. So I knew i would return, drawn by the comfort and solace of my new friend, Mama's presence.

As I made my way back home, I couldn't shake the feeling of serenity that enveloped me. I felt lighter, as though a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.