TRIANA

MY FATE

The chilling morning breeze hit my skin and I shivered as I could feel goose bumps on my skin, the cool breeze is an indication that an ocean or lake is very close by, it wasn't bright yet but I couldn't stay in that building any longer.

I glanced down the unfamiliar street and decided to go straight down the road in search of a house or company that needs a cleaner or something,I was still breathing heavily from the temple run I just had now, I tried as much as possible to steady myself and breath normally as I looked intently at a small bill board with inscription dry cleaner needed, in front of a bungalow painted cream and brown, after much struggle whether it's to early to knock or not I finally summoned enough courage and knocked on the iron gate, it's still dawn not full day break yet but I am quite sure they are now awake, I waited for a response but got none, I knocked again using more force as I presumed whoever is inside did not hear me after a few minutes a young woman came out still looking drowsy and angry probably because I woke her up, 'Good morning ma', I am so sorry to disturb you pls, I saw this board and decided to apply, I would like to help you as a drycleaner' I said in my weak and tired voice, scared she would not give me audience due to how she was staring at me, she's probably one of those that look down on people, I won't blame her, I was literally putting on rags 'Where did you crawl out from' was the unexpected reply I got from her, I kept staring not knowing how exactly I should answer that question, she continued,

'And why should I allow someone like you touch my clothes, why do you look so dirty and tattered she said again now fully angry...

'Ma I am sorry if you are offended please just help me ......'I was still trying to explain myself when the gate was shut on my face causing me to stagger backwards, I was surprised, but what did I do wrong I wondered, maybe she was in a rotten mood before I came, I concluded, I must look so bad right now to make this woman think of me this way, I glanced down at myself once more and was shocked my skin was covered in patches and different insect bites gotten from sleeping out in the open, why didn't I see this before, my face looked horrible probably worse from the escape run I had just now, I could barely recognize myself when staring at a blur tainted mirror in front of a car window I have not had a proper bath in days now, I have only washed my legs and hands from the rain water I could get, I was still staring at the car window when the windows were winded down revealing the face of a pretty old lady, I was shocked at first because I never knew someone was in the car, I almost jumped and ran when I heard her voice 'Young lady who are you and what are you doing on the road dressed like that?' She asked gazing at me intensely I didn't know what to say or how to express myself as I wasn't used to associating with people, I managed to say the first thing that came to my mind, 'Please ma do you have a job to offer me' that was the only reasonable thing coming to my brain at the moment as I didn't want to start begging for money as that who make me look homeless even though I currently am.

She stared at me again with her clear brown eyes foranother full minutes pondering on what to ask me

'Get in the car let me help you '

I stared at her not sure if I should obey or not, what if she has bad intentions, I don't even know her, so many what ifs came to my mind I slowly shook my head, not sure what to say, 'You are scared right? I understand your fears but I just want to help you I won't harm you okay?I nodded still not sure If I should follow her, but I didn't have much of a choice here now, do I ? she's the only person that as looked at me pitifully since I started wandering, I know what could happen to young girls wandering around like this, it is very dangerous for you, and I think you should know that she stated.

I nodded not knowing how to reply this kind soul,'What exactly happened to you?'

She asked facing me fully after I got into her car, she didn't drive she just wind up the car window and looked at me. My lips quivered, I didn't know where to start my story from, my eyes became red and watery, as I tried to narrate how and why I got there.

My story was a pitiful one no doubt, she has been quietly listening to my story with rapt attention and nodding at appropriate intervals, she didn't interrupt or make any comments she just waited patiently for me to finish my narration, she even handed me an handkerchief when my tears starting rolling down my cheeks, "You don't have to cry again you've gone through a lot she said, you already look pitiful as it is now, crying too much will only make your eyesight poor, wipe your face and listen to me, "Whatever happened wasn't your fault, I know it's painful to loose a mother at such a tender age, it can disrupt your journey in many ways and make life difficult for you if you have your kind of father but trust me when I say there is one advantage in this situation it will make you matured quickly and make you think like an adult,"I nodded, completely agreeing with what she was saying, truth be told, I have become quite wiser than my age and I now think more like an adult, now that I am away from home I have to take responsibility for myself and stop wallowing in self pity, I have to be determined to live a meaningful life regardless of the situation I have been in or things that will come my way. please ma in what way do you plan to help me, what job do you think I can do now, I am just a high school graduate and I am barely sixteen years of age'

I asked quietly as I looked at her, she appeared to be in deep thoughts probably thinking of what to do with me,

Triana, right now what I can do to help you is to take you to my house to come live with me, I have a husband and a son but currently they are not in the country so you can stay with me for the time being till you find something to do, what do you think?, I stared at her again just to make sure she was real or I was just fantasizing or maybe I was still in a dream, Her clear beautiful eyes were still on me waiting for my reply, but I was still very surprised someone can be nice enough to bring in a stranger you met on the street into your home, but then nothing goes for nothing, I said within me.

I am so speechless right now, I don't know how to appreciate your kind gesture but all I can say is God bless you immensely Ma.

You will never regret having me, thanks so much Ma I managed to say even though tears were threatening to fall again but I held it in, she just warned me not to cry again to avoid looking worse than I already am.

"Is that a yes", she said smiling

I nodded in affirmation, Okay then let's go, she started the car and drove slowly towards the road, it's obvious she still have something to say to me.

I thought you would ask but since you didn't I am Mrs Smith," she smiled facing me briefly then turning back to the road, there was no much traffic and the road was quite free, but she was going at a steady speed

I really did not want to appears too forward, and I did not want to pry, but i would love to know more about you Ma" I answered quietly while looking at my laps with my head bowed, You don't have to be shy with me, I have always wanted to have a daughter but, unfortunately I never did, but now I do and a very beautiful one at that, She was really trying to me make feel free with her, I looked at her and smiled

Thanks so much ma this was the first time someone made a comment about my appearance even though I looked very bad right now she still saw through all that, It's like you don't talk too much you have been making a one statement answer all the while, she chuckled

And by the way, if you don't mind you can call me Mum, what did you think?, Well strictly speaking she is old enough to be my mother and even older but she still looks young and beautiful. "Yes Ma," I was still finding it hard to call anyone Mum, since years ago when my step mother just got to our house,

Let's get you out of that thing you are wearing", she said still facing the road.