THREE ANGLES

Chapter two| Unexpected Joy

A woman found zara crying near the market the next morning. Her voice was sweet, her hands soft.

"You poor thing", the woman had whispered, wrapping zara in her shawl. "Come. You will be save with me. I will take care of you.

Her name was Aunty joy..

And at first, she did take care of her.

Aunty Joy brought her food- jellof rice with real meat, puff puff, sometimes even canned malt . She gave her clothes , called her "baby" And said she'd protect her. At night, she would sit Zara on her lap and stroke her hair, humming gospel songs.

Zara thought she had found heaven.

But heaven started to rot around the edges.

it began with errands to strange houses. then cleaning after guest. Then smiling for men who smelled like sweat and gin. By eleven, Zara stopped asking questions, By twelve she stopped crying .. Aunty joy no longer called her "baby" but "Useful".

Zara learned the rules of Survival:

Keep Quiet. Don't Resist. Smile if u can, Always cry later but not loudly. This was how she continued till years passed and now she's going to be eighteen, a new adult. she wishes her family was still with her , she longs to have a family but she knows that almost near impossible.

Tonight, Aunty joy was in a good mood.

She came into the room in tight wrapper and lace blouse , gold bangles jiggling like church bells.

Her makeup was heavy , her perfume stung ...

Zara, now sat on the mat in her small room which looks like it can fall any moment busy folding her shirt which she had worn three times this week. she knew aunty Joy was behind watching her but she chose to ignore her presence and continued with her work.

"My dear", Aunty joy said walking slowly to her then crouching in front of her, smiling like a pastor's wife. "You have been so obedient. You've done everything I asked you, haven't you?"

Zara nodded slowly

"I'm proud of you. I know u think I've been hard on you, but... I had to prepare you for the real world. And now it's time."

Zara blinked, not getting a clear understanding of what the woman is saying

Aunty joy reached into her hand bag and pulled out a worn passport.

"You are going abroad. To Europe. To Italy. My sister's place. she will help you become somebody important. No more dirty rooms. No more Lagos heat.

Zara heart skipped smiling to her ears. she stared at the passport like it was a door way to paradise. But her smile came down when one part told her it's a lie ... Aunty joy noticed this and hugged zara "don't worry dear it's all real "

"Really?" she whispered, barely believing her own voice.

" Yes baby " Aunty joy said embracing her more. "You will be free" that sentence rang into her ears making a tear drop roll down her face .

But as the woman help her, Zara didn't see the quick flicker in her eyes.

And she didn't know that three strangers had paid for her soul - waiting in silence, across the sea.