Coming to Ajegunle

CHAPTER 6:THE WARNING

Amaka lay quietly on the bed, lost in deep thought. She kept thinking about all the fairy tales and different things she had heard about Lagos.

She wondered how life in Lagos would be. She thought about how she would make money, buy her own car, and someday own a beautiful house.

As she continued thinking about her dreams and the future ahead of her, sleep slowly took over, and she drifted off.

Back in Amaka’s Uncle’s Room

Meanwhile, Amaka’s uncle and his wife were already arguing about her arrival.

Mrs. Anita: “My husband, I already told you. I dreamt that this girl would bring serious problems into this house, but you never listened to me. You always want to do good for people. Don’t you know that it is not everybody you should be good to?” she asked angrily.

Amaka’s Uncle: “My wife, I have already told you. This girl we are talking about is my brother’s child. She was posted to Lagos for her NYSC, and there is no way I can say no to my brother’s daughter. The earlier you realize that she is my blood, the better for you.”

He stood up angrily and walked out of the room.

Mrs. Anita stared at the door in disbelief.

Mrs. Anita: “Wow! Did this man just walk out on me because of that nonsense girl called Amaka? Well, we shall see in this house. Unless my name is no longer Anita!”

She hissed angrily and lay on the bed, trying to sleep.

The Next Morning

Early the next morning, Amaka woke up feeling calm and refreshed. After taking her bath, she headed to the sitting room.

She saw her uncle sitting on the sofa, watching television.

Amaka: “Uncle, good morning, sir.”

Amaka’s Uncle: “How are you, Amaka? And how was your night? I hope you slept well?”

Amaka: “Yes, Uncle, I did.”

She smiled warmly.

Just then, Mrs. Anita entered the sitting room and joined her husband on the sofa.

Amaka: “Good morning, Aunty.”

Mrs. Anita looked at her briefly.

Mrs. Anita: “Good morning,” she replied in a low voice.

She immediately stood up and walked out of the sitting room without saying another word.

Amaka looked surprised as she watched her walk away.

Her uncle noticed her expression.

Amaka’s Uncle: “Amaka, are you ready for today?”

Amaka: “Yes, Uncle. I want to go and see where I have been posted to serve, since I will be resuming there tomorrow.”

Amaka’s Uncle: “I actually have a meeting by 12 o’clock, so I won’t be able to go with you. But I will give you some money and direct you there, okay?”

Amaka looked surprised.

Amaka: “Yes, Uncle.”

She quickly went to get the address she had written down and brought it from her bag.

She handed it to her uncle, not knowing that her first journey into the heart of Lagos was about to introduce her to a world she had only heard about.