Chapter 10 – Reports on Eunice's Curiosity.
881 Words
Back in the slum, little Eunice was growing fast. She was six years old when she was registered in a nearby primary school.
Eunice had begun asking questions.
Curious.
Intelligent.
And full of questions.
One afternoon she discovered an old bag belonging to Benice.
Inside were photographs.
School pictures.
Family photos.
Eunice studied them carefully.
"This girl looks like me,” she said.
Mama Amah sighed.
She had known this day would come.
"Mama Amah,” Eunice asked softly.
“Are you my mother or grandma?”
“No." responded Mama Amah
"Where is my mother?”
The old woman hesitated.
But children always sense truth.
Finally she spoke.
“Your mother loves you very much.”
“Then why did she leave me?”
Tears filled Mama Amah’s eyes.
“She left so she could build a better future for you.”
But Eunice was not satisfied.
“I want to see her.”
Mama Amah held her tightly.
“One day you will.”
But inside she was worried. Secrets do not stay hidden forever.
She was a bright child.
Too bright for secrets.
"Mama Amah,” she asked one afternoon,
"Where is my mother?”
“ Why doesn't she come to see me?"
Mama Amah hesitated.
“How could I explain this complicated truth to a child?”
“Your mother loves you very much,” she said gently.
Mama Amah continued with her narration.
“Some children from the same school were pointing fingers at me, calling me all sorts of names I couldn't understand. They tried to bully me." reports by Eunice.
"Immediately, I reported to their head teacher because I hate bullying especially to vulnerable persons"
" The head teacher apologized, called Eunice’s teacher to instruct her to watch over her."
"I advised her to face her studies."
"After much inquisitiveness, I decided to narrate a little story about my life and my only daughter Rita who passed on.”
“Ahhhh so my own young mummy passed on?” She asked, crying.
"Nooooo, she was not your real mum, calming her down, your real mum is still alive"
" She immediately wiped her tears and went out to play with other kids”
"Within some minutes, she came in with three of her friends.
"Grandma. Is it true that you are not Eunice Mum?"
'They continued asking me too many questions reported Mama Amah.
“Uh-huh!!!!" Benice started crying.
"It's well my daughter." Mama Amah consoling Benice.
“I should look for a nearby school for Eunice.”
"Yes, without wasting time, it's better to do so" Mama Amah in agreement.
“I think I like this school written ‘St. Anna’s Nursery and Elementary Schools’
"All right, you will be given the prospectus for books but the school provides school uniforms. However, all the uniforms sewed have been exhausted."
"All right, I will provide them because I was the seamstress that sewed those ones" “Really! The children love the style. You have a unique style admired by the school and the parents." Commended the head teacher.
"Euny my love! You are starting school next Monday with your new school uniform. I will sew for you" “Wao! Mummy Benny thank you very much.". Eunice rejoicing.
"Mama Amah you are our big Mama but I would like to employ you as Eunice's nanny and be paid some stipends as prepare her for school, ensure her launch box is neat, take her to and from school daily.”
"Oh!! That’s very kind of you” responded Mama Amah.
Benice got back fully to her shop after some days’ off.
Adrian continued calling and visiting Benice in her boutique.
Later, he repeated his request of marriage to Benice.
"We shall go together to meet my parents and after you will also take me to see your family." Requested Adrian.
This time, she obliged. But felt reluctant whenever her parents were mentioned.
Her past was still haunting and hurting her.
Later, Adrian took her to meet his family.
The Cole mansion was even more magnificent than the home Benice had grown up in.
But the reception she received was cold.
Adrian’s mother examined her from head to toe.
“What family does she come from?” she asked sharply.
Benice lowered her eyes.
“I built my life from nothing.”
His father frowned.
“Our son cannot marry someone with no background." Said Mr. Cole vehemently .
The atmosphere became tense.
When Adrian introduced her to his family, Benice saw someone she never expected entering the room.
Victor.
The man who had abandoned her years ago.
Their eyes met across the room.
Victor’s face turned pale.
" Benice?" he whispered.
The memories rushed back instantly.
‘The betrayal.’
‘The pain.’
" The shame.’
Benice felt dizzy.
Her vision blurred.
Moments later she collapsed.
Benice saw herself woke up in the hospital bed the following morning. Mama Amah did not know her whereabouts.
“What brought me here?" She hurriedly asked to be discharged. The hospital didn't ask her for the bills because everything was settled the previous day.
Mama Amah was worried. “My daughter Benice, I am glad to see you.”
Benice never discussed anything about the marriage proposal with Mama Amah.
- Writer
