Chapter 5: A Glimpse of Light

Chapter 5 – A Little Glimpse of Light This part of metropolitan Oaks City was beautiful to behold with overwhelming sights. The name is called Zerado. Many people here were busy minding their own businesses. On the streets were passersby, not asking a lonely girl questions. There are buildings everywhere unlike her parents' quarters. Every street seemed to resemble the other. Benice trekked for hours searching for work. “What would I do if I don't get something to do today?” She asked herself. Most people she wanted to stop in order to ask some questions ignored her. Others insulted her because she had no experience in the type of job they wanted from her. “Go away!” “We are not hiring.” She stopped near a small fashion shop, she was exhausted with no food except the little snacks Mama Amah wrapped in a little cellophane. She later saw a signboard hung outside. !!!APPRENTICE AND A HOUSE HELP NEEDED!!! Taking a deep breath, she entered. Inside, stood a middle-aged woman measuring fabrics. “What do you want?” the woman asked. Benice swallowed nervously. “I saw the advert on the little signboard outside.” The woman looked at her carefully. “Do you know anything about sewing?” “No ma… but I learn fast.” The woman studied her face. “What is your name?” “Benice.” “I am Madam Rose. She folded her arms.” “I cannot pay any salary.” Benice's heart sank. “But you can stay in my house, eat, and learn the trade.” Benice's eyes widened. “Really?” Madam Rose nodded. “If you work hard.” Benice bowed quickly. “Thank you, thanks madam!” And that was how her new life began. The days were long. Sometimes she worked until midnight. But she learned everything. -Cutting, Stitching, Designing, Combining fabrics etc. Her talent surprised everyone. Madam Rose wanted to know more about Benice. “Come! Sit down here! Where did you say you came from?” “Azeroh” responded Benice. "In that ghetto with much population and old top-roofing zincs on huts?" Benice's heart pounding with shame. The day I went in search of a house help, I nearly threw up because of the type of stench oozing from the gutters in front and back of every compound." Madam Rose continued. Benice chuckled under this statement. She remembered her heritage but kept silent. "I need to know your family and where you are coming from so that nobody would question me if anything happens to you" continued madam Rose. Benice was breathing fast. "How can I take her to Mama Amah's hut in the slums? If she finds out about my baby, she might reject me and throw me out." Benice soliloquised. Weeks, months and years passed without madam Rose asking about her family. After several years, Madam Rose smiled proudly one afternoon. “You are free.” Benice looked confused. “To open your own shop.” Benice's eyes filled with tears. For the first time in years, hope returned. “But how am I going to start?" “I don't have money to rent a shop.” Benice complained. "Ma, Could you please, allow me to stay some weeks or months using your space to sew or I sew for you and get paid?" "You are supposed to be given start-up kits with some money for serving your boss for the period of seven years.” Madam Rose announced to her. Benice couldn't understand. She gaped at madam Rose in surprise. Madam Rose continued. “The custom here is that, after learning a trade or skills, your master/mistress is supposed to give you a start-up capital with kits or settle you with some money enough to start your own, so that you can stand on your feet." Benice was confused, not able to comprehend what she heard. "You mean that I would receive something in addition to what you did for me?". She asked. "You fed me, you gave me accommodation and you taught me fashion and design free of charge and now l am to receive a start-up capital with kits?” “Oh!! It's nothing. I am fortunate to have someone like you who made life easier for me all these years.” Said madam Rose. “I, madam Rose noticed your ability and had been right about your talent.” “You are gifted with your hands,” madam Rose had once commended her proudly. Benice received start-up capital from her mistress. "It's true that I am set free from my mistress, but I'm confused on where to begin life" Benice's brain is thinking fast.