KELENNA

What I Expected

I didn’t know what I had expected to see, but it was certainly not a pregnant woman seated behind an industrial sewing machine, eyes red from intense cries that didn’t seem to start when I came in.

And her face... I wouldn’t have that expression even if I was being sentenced to jail. It was heart wrenching.

She looked so torn apart that even she, a tailor, might not be able to stitch herself back together, even with the best sewing equipment.

I stood there for a while, confused and terrified.

She just stared at me without moving, a little surprised that I still had the nerve to come in despite her ignoring my knocks.

Instinctively I looked around, for anything or anyone that was responsible for her tears, and if I would need to run myself, but nothing looked suspiciously out of place and not a single soul was around.

Just industrial machines and sewing equipment precisely arranged where they needed to be, different fabrics were piled up, and other tools I don’t even know their names or what they’re used for.

Nothing in the world was wrong, except her.

What should I do right now? Say hi? Try to.. console her? Haa! A pregnant woman? Omo I no like this color we my life de shine right now.

She kept staring at me with nothing but pain reflecting in those tired orbs, I cannot just walk out now.

If this was supposed to be a crime scene, my involvement would either help or escalate this situation to my detriment.

If anything happens to her, I was the last person seen.

Oluwa, I know I'm not a good person but now is not the golden time to forsake your dear son please.

I took a deep breath, calmed down a bit and took a few tentative steps towards her when I suddenly stopped.

No, I should try to render help from as far as I could, though I have no idea what help I should render...

"Ma, I ... Please permit any offense I may have initiated by being here... But, are you alright ma?"

No response.

"I'm sorry if you feel I'm trespassing... mana you don't look good. Is there anything I can... do?"

Yo what am I even saying? Somebody hold a mirror up to my face, I need to see how I look saying this! Let me frame the expression for future awkward moments.

I didn't expect her to answer but she nodded while wiping her teary face with a handkerchief and tried to compose herself.

I don't know if she was nodding that she was alright, affirming to the fact that I was indeed trespassing or confirming that there was something I could do.

After wiping her face, I thought she was done crying when all of a sudden more tears gushed down and she picked another piece of cloth, trying to wipe it and stop the tears while hiding her face from me.

Was she... embarrassed? No o, I should be the one to be embarrassed here.

This can't continue, what should I...

I looked around and found a bottle of water, without thinking I took it, poured some out on a cup I saw beside it and took it to her.

"Will you have some water ma?"

She looked like she's got herself steady now, taking a deep breath, she took the cup from me and quietly drank the water.

"Who.. are you?" That was the first thing she said as the dropped the cup down.

Before I could open my mouth to answer she cut me off.

"No, I don't care. Why are you here?" She asked instead.

Phew! I'm glad she doesn't though because I may not even remember who I am right now.

The latter question will make things less awkward and easier.

Not wanting to beat around the bush, I told her exactly why I showed up here.

"A pleasant afternoon to you ma, for not greeting you initially, please pardon my lack of manners. I ran out out them this morning because a friend pissed me off, trust me it's not always like this and I promise to restock it on my way back today."

Okay I didn't know why I said that, maybe because I wanted to see the little smile that broke out on her lips at my nonsensical words.

That wasn't really what I planned to say, but my brain and lips have minds of their own and rarely cooperate together, even when I desperately needed them to.

"I am Kelenna, and I came here because I am pretty idle right now, and I am interested in tailoring. So, I wanted to know if I can work or learn the skill here."

Did that come out right? Ah, it doesn't matter, it's already out.

"I see..." She drawed

"You do? Then I wonder if you can also see that I'm here as a freeloader. I must add, I don't have a dime and may not be able to provide your apprenticeship requirements."

She squinted her brows and stared at me fully, her gaze lingering a little on my face with an amused expression and she shook her head in disbelief.

Okay that it, you no need mention am aunty, if my bank account could have even ten percent of my looks then life would have been a lot easier.

"You this boy..." She sniffled a laugh "Do you have to so shamelessly say it like it's a qualification on your CV? That's not something to be proud of in your twenties."

Should I pretend I know what CV is...? Right! Curriculum Vitae, if it was as important as what I'd eat when I get home then maybe I would have bothered to have it.

I folded my arms across my chest. "If that's a compliment, thanks but I'm 17."

There was a slight audible gasp from her, I understand if she doesn't believe me sha, while this is not the right time to unbox myself, I'll admit that I look a bit older than 17, in the best way though! I'm not your grandpa!

"I'll be 18 next month if that helps."

She chuckled and sighed "Kelen...?"

"Kelenna."

"Okay Kelenna you're hopeless, but I really do need hands here."

"You don't have anyone at all here?"

"Yes, my husband dismissed them earlier this month." Her tone got down as she said this and there was a painful edge in her voice but it disappeared quickly.

'Why?' I almost asked that. I almost did! But I reframed my words.

"But here's huge, how are you able to handle the work all alone and deliver on time? And I have no basic skill, I'm a complete novice."

"I've been managing, and I'm a very strict madam, you'll have to pick up fast under my teaching."

"Then I beg your pardon in advance ma, I'm broke and may not have coins to purchase manners on some days." I bowed dramatically.

"What a joker. How about you restock on your manners and money as well then come back tomorrow? I will remove the requirements and reduce the price for you since you're so shameless, just bring #20,000 while coming. Though it's way more than that."

I rolled my eyes. "If restocking on money was easy I wouldn't be here, we wouldn't even be having this conversation."

She frowned slightly.

Oh my goodness did I say that out loud?! Redeem yourself moron!

"Don't do that ma." I said referring to the frown.

"You're very beautiful, you know that? You and frowning should be mortal enemies, smiling suits you perfectly!" I said with my best smile.

She looked even more surprised at my audacity, well, even I myself is. she wanted to object, then just shook her head and didn't bother to suppress the wide smile that bloomed on her face.

"It suits you even better kid."

Did she even realize what she just said?

"Really? Then I'm honored to be deemed handsome by this double queen."

"Hey! I never said you were handsome boy!"

"I interprete words however I want ma."

"And.. wait! What did you just call me? Double what?? Please don't tell me you mean pregnancy!"

She threw her head back and laughed out loud.

"This boy...! w..what planet are you from? Who calls a pregnant woman double??"

She laughed even more. I just wanted to uplift her mood, because looked so heart broken when I stepped in. I'm glad I succeeded without freaking her out.

What a gorgeous woman, why was she crying that way?

After her laughs had subsided she spoke.

"Kelenna, go home."

Okay, I guess that it, but at least today wasn't in vain.

"Alright thank you ma, have a nice day." I moved my feet towards the door and opened it to leave but her voice stopped me.

"I can ignore the money, but don't forget the manners Kelenna. I don't want to be here before you tomorrow."

I turned immediately with a smile. "You're gracious ma, thank you. Have a blissful day and take care."

I left.