HIS OBSESSION

I sat on the worn-out couch holding my old phone with a cracked screen, waiting anxiously for the message. A message from my only friend, Nancy Waithaka. My childhood friend who had been like a sister to me. I had been looking for a job. Any type of job to help me pay off the debts I owed. Debts I got after my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago. We had sold everything we owned, starting from land, cattle, and sheep, and yet she still died, leaving me on this world on my own. With so many debts to pay and nothing left in my name. My dad died 6 years ago after he had a motorcycle accident, leaving me and my mom. And as if the world was not cruel enough, my mom left me 6 months ago. All her friends turned their backs on me and everyone who had loaned me money demanded I pay them. A total of 273K. I could run and hide but I wanted to live a peaceful life so I chose to pay every penny I owed. All my family members from my dad's side wanted nothing to do with me. Of course, to them I was cursed. And on my mom's side there was only one uncle. An alcoholic who barely knew right and left, always drunk to the point of sleeping kwa mitaro. My phone rang, jolting me from my thoughts. I scrambled to answer it, almost dropping it. “Hello?” I answered, my voice hoarse. “Hey mamma, sorry for keeping you waiting. I have good news.” Her voice was chirpy, full of life. I got up from the old couch and wiped my sweaty hands on my old jeans. “Niambie besty, please talk.” My heart was beating so fast, I was almost panicking. “Mmmmh. They asked for your details, that is ID and your Form Four certificate. In fact, they want them now, now. Harakisha!” She was screaming. I was jumping up and down like a little girl. Tears welled in my eyes and I could not stop them from flowing. “Ngai. Aki, thanks to God. How much are they paying?” “Now here is the best part, baby girl. It’s a very, very wealthy family. Like, very wealthy. A place where you will have to sign NDAs. I hope you have a certificate of good conduct?” “Of course niko nayo.” I was now sitting down. “Now we are talking. Do you know Kamau Wambugu? The rich guy that owns half of Nairobi?” “Yeah I kn... What!” I screamed. “Mmmmh. That one. I contacted the high bureau last month and sent them your credentials. By the way, nilikuwa nimeloose hope but God really loves you.” I could tell she was smiling. My mouth was really wide. I was speechless. What girl didn’t know that sexy as hell man? He was the definition of a Greek god. He was every girl’s wet dream. I cleared my throat, “W...h...how much are they paying?” “You are not going to believe this but... wanaanza na 55K. That is for the first three months, and after the probation, if they like your work, they can decide to add you more.” “Yes baby girl, those are called tears of joy. Now I am going to send you their phone number where you will send your documents via w******p. That is your ID, high school certificate, and the certificate of good conduct plus CV. After that, you wait for their call.” “Ok, send it.” I said, getting up to get the documents. “Nancy,” I said before she hung up, “yes?” “Thank you so much.” I hung up. After a few seconds, my phone beeped. I opened the message and saw the number. I quickly took a photo of my ID, GC, and CV, then I sent them to the phone number via w******p, then I waited. Around 11:00 AM, the shrieking sound of my phone ringing came. I was busy cooking ugali. I took it from the table and saw it was the agency number. With a trembling voice, I answered, “Hello?” “Hello? Is this Annastasia Wanjiru Maina?” Came a flat but serious voice. “Yes, that is me.” I answered, my voice shaking. “You are speaking with High Value Agency. We received your credentials and from what I can see, you qualify for the said job. Now all you need to do is come here to Kenyatta Avenue Plaza, Room 75, and if possible today. You will show the receptionist the code I will send you, then wait there. Are we together?” Her tone was monotone. “Correct. Now, are you available now? Because they really need a nanny now as we speak.” “Yes, ma'am. I can come.” I was already heading to the corner where my clothes were. “Okay, make sure you carry a bag of clothes plus the documents. Where do you reside?” “I live in Umoja 1.” “Good, that’s not too far from here. I expect you will be here by 1:30?” “Yes, ma'am.” “Ok, I will see you then.” She hung up. Within twenty minutes, I was at the stage with a worn-out bag, waiting for a matatu. Luckily, I had 300 sh in my M-Pesa. After 10 minutes, I boarded a chubby, old matatu and we headed to town. At exactly 1:24, I was boarding an elevator to the 12th floor. I felt out of place in that building. I adjusted the bag on my back as I got into Room 75. Like I was told, I went and greeted the receptionist. She was a dark chocolate, middle-aged woman with glasses and a bobbed wig. “Hello? I was told to show you this.” I said, taking out my phone and showing her the 6-digit code. “Hello... oh yeah, you are Annastasia.” She said, getting up. “Follow me.” She said and walked through a long corridor where we passed a series of doors before she stopped and knocked at one at the corner labeled Head Office. “Come in.” A voice came from inside. She opened the door and directed me in. Inside there was a large mahogany desk and behind it a woman sat with glasses and was busy typing away. “You are Annastasia?” She finally acknowledged my presence. “Yes, I am Annastasia.” I said, nodding. “Sit.” Her voice was clipped and somehow cold. “Now you already know why you are here. I am going to brief you. You will be working as a househelp at the Kamau Wambugu residence in Runda and your salary will be 55K. You will need to pay us for our services, but not now. We shall receive our payment after your first month. So, of course, your salary will be deducted automatically by your employer. The rest will be told to you when you get there. Any questions?” My thoughts were jumbled as I shook my head. “Good. A car will fetch you and it will take you there. It’s a black Range Rover KDY. Show the driver your ID and you are good to go.” She said and gave me a document to sign. “Give them this when you get there. And be a good girl. Don’t ask questions, only follow orders.” I smiled and nodded. I threw my old bag on my back and walked out of her office. I burst out onto the busy Nairobi street and just as I was about to take my phone out, I saw it. A black and shiny Range Rover was parked at the parking lot. I checked the number plate and walked towards it. I knocked on the window and a bald, medium-aged black man dressed in a black suit and a striped tie got out. “Habari. Are you Annastasia?” He asked, giving me a toothy grin. “Yes, ni mimi.” I smiled, taking my ID out and showing him. He opened the back left door for me and I got in. Inside, the car reeked of money and wealth, with dark brown leather seats and a screen at the front. “Mimi naitwa Mwangi. I am one of the drivers uko.” He said as he started the car and pulled out of the parking lot and into the busy road. “Mimi naitwa Annastasia ama Anna.” I said. “Well, we shall be seeing each other often.”