An Orphan Girl

Chapter 6:

A few years had passed, eight years exactly Andrea had become a beautiful and pretty young girl. She was now 17 years old and was in Upper 6 science at the Government Bilingual High School of Deido. She was tall like her late father, and her appearance had not changed despite their situation, on the contrary, it had become more beautiful. His brothers when had grown up as well.. Jack was now 15 years old and was in Form 5 science, Precious and Kingsley respectively had 13 and 10 ans. Jack and Andrea passed their respective exams with flying colors. Their mother was very proud of them because despite their suffering and precariousness, they gave their all to their studies, young and old alike.

After this moment of joy, pain and sadness resumed even more. Andrea lamented in bed every night wondering why all this was happening to them, what their ways were.. Indeed, his mother was unable to pay for his higher education because she could hardly afford it. The studies she wanted to do were very expensive for her mother who had 4 children in her care. She therefore thought of looking for a job to help her mother by relieving her of certain responsabilities. She made up her mind, she said, I'm going to work no matter what because it's my duty to my family.

The next morning, she got up early, took her bath and left the house. She went to ask for work wherever possible. In the neighborhood, at the market… without finding anything. She returned home exhausted and with her feet in compote from having walked so much. But tells herself that she will do it again tomorrow. Her mom asked her where she was all day and she told her everything. She was not happy that her daughter was working at this age but was still proud that she thought of her family above all other things. Reason why she did not dissuade her and gave her advice.

Days passed and still nothing. Lying in bed, Andrea thought back to her last interview dating back a few days ago in a small company doing communication, marketing and ICT. She had gone there after following the announcements on the radio and it was said this time it was the good one. How ironic she told herself bitterly!

Arrived at the address indicated, she met an elderly lady sitting at reception. The latter motioned her to take a seat and began to ask her some questions.

- Hello Miss !

- Good morning Madam !

- How can I help you?

- I am MBUNYA Andrea, I am here following your announcement which was relayed by both sides.

- Ah okay ! Do you have a resume? Do you have any marketing credentials?

- First of all I want to say that I do not have a resume and that marketing is an area that I do not master very well. But I have some notions and I know very well in computer science.

- Uh okay! What is your level of study ?

- Well I just got my GCE Advance Level.

- Okay ! Congratulations ! Why do you want this job?

- Well, I think I'm useful to you and also because I absolutely need a job.

- Miss, how old are you?

- I am 17 years old !

- Okay ! I am sorry to tell you this but we cannot hire you because you do not meet our selection criteria. Really sorry ! In addition, I think it is better for you to continue your studies in order to improve your skills in a specific field.

- Okay madam, thank you and have a nice day.

It was death in the soul and on the verge of tears that she left. And that's it back to square one, I'm tired of constantly being rejected! yelled Andrea.

- What is it ? Why are you screaming like that? Asked her little brother Jack looking puzzled.

- Nothing ! Just that I'm tired of this situation!

- Sadly, you're not the only one! He said walking out of the room.

She knelt down and prayed. Her prayer was : “Eternal Father, you alone are worthy to be praised, worshipped, exalted and magnified. You the one who grants us the grace to breathe every morning. You are the one who protects us during the day. The God of Widows and Orphans. The omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient God Lord in you I trust. I come to you because I am tired of all this, I am tired of all this suffering that fills my daily life and that of my family. Dad, I call on you for help so that my family and I can smile and laugh again from the depths of our beings. May all the glory and honor be yours a hundredfold. Amen! ». After that she fell asleep with a lighter heart.

The next day, she was in a good mood and her little finger told her that she would soon receive an answer to her prayer. With the little savings she had, she decided to start selling Eru. This traditional dish specific to the English-speaking regions of the country. Andrea had been selling Water Fufu and Eru for almost three months. She went to the neighbourhoods and markets closest to her home to sell what she cooked. It was going pretty well and she was able to help her mother by making her modest contribution. She also introduced Jack and Precious who sold candy in their respective classes.