THE CITY OF PANDORA

chapter 1:The beginning

“Nurse! Nurse! Please come help us, I think the baby is here. Hurry please!” Shouted Monica as she called out for any obstetrical team she would find. Two nurses sprang out of their comfort zones running through Parklands hallway. One looked a bit aged in her late forties while the other looked pretty young ,mostly in her middle twenties.She ran briskly in low cutting evening dress. One would confuse her for a barmaid. She was an intern at the facility.

“Calm down young lady, lead us to the ward room so that we can help.” the older nurse said in a trembling voice. Hell seemed to have broken loose.Monica led the way as the nurses followed, panting in panic.

Anita was lying on the bed helplessly, groaning in pain.

Her pale face best described how much unease she was feeling. Tears flowing down her chubby cheeks uncontrollably. Her voice had mixture of pain and anger. Every woman can attest to this motherhood circle.

The older nurse ran some random obvious tests assessing her womb. Her face indicated that time was ripe.

“Anita please calm down.” She said as she wore her surgical gloves ready for the task ahead.

"Anita!" the older Nurse called again, this time with a more firm voice.

Anita reached out for her sister's hand who had been standing at the door all that while shaking with fear. She then slowly parted her two brown legs.

"Ready?"asked the nurse her eyes fixed on Anita.

she responded with a nod.

"Aaaaaaaaaawwwww God,"she cried as she pushed with all the energy she had.

"You are doing well, let's do it again a little bit harder," said the nurse again as she waited eagerly like a marathon runner waiting for the starter. “Awwwwwww!” Anita cried loud but a little relaxed. The baby popped out and fell right in the hands of the nurse. It was a girl. She had stained blood around it with some whitish mucus like smeared on its head. The nurses cordially helped to wipe and clear up the area of work. She was handed to the mother for bonding session as it is the scientific norm. Anita could not hide the joy in her eyes.She giggled ,dizzy with happiness,exhaustion and relief. She took a long breath as she cuddled her daughter on her chest.

“How will you name her?” Monica asked. Her voice still shaky.

“I don’t know yet sister. Do you have a name?” Anita replied.

Monica sobbed as she looked at the young angel lying firmly on her mother's chest.

“Elena! She sprouted as if she remembered something. “After the gaming name. You always loved it.”

Anita smiled as she still stared at the young soul. She nodded in agreement with the name.

“Elena Mwendwa.” Anita said smiling.

It was 5 o’clock in the morning. The alarm sounded like would wake even the dead. Sun rays had started penetrating the house due to the small openings on the roof. Commotion outside,kids shouting and buses hooting couldn't allow someone to even have a 2 minute nap. It was that time of the month everyone had to get out and do something especially in this ghetto side.

We were barely three months since we moved to this little forlorn. My mother’s health was wanting. We had to auction valuable husehold items to carter for her medical bills. She had been diagnosed with breast cancer. We lived with my little 15 year old sister, Clara.

We always had struggle waking her up. Today is another normal routine for our morning struggle. She was in adolescent stage. Her body had started forming to womanhood. One could easily tell her hips had widely broadened. Tender breasts were increasing rapidly and sharply pointed. Her flawless skin was glowing putting her small sexy blue eyes poked right into position. Clara had well-arranged vicious coral that glow even in the dark. Her curvaceous body was so conspicuous amongst her peers.

“Clara! Clara! Time is up. Wake up, you’re getting late for school.” I roared. I drew the curtains as light pierced inside all corners of the room. She hurriedly sprang out the bed but still feeling dizzy. She mumbled in distress but had no choice but to get set for school .

"I hate mondays,i hate school,"she complained again. We always fought in the morning because she hated waking up and so did I. Scrolling my phone, I gave her a glance as I imagined the value of her bride price.

Her black hair was caught up in a bun but some strands could be seen hanging on her face as a result of the tossing at night.She was wearing a red silky night wear that showed her curves. She unwillingly woke up and started to prepare porridge for breakfast.There was an old round slightly bending table positioned in the middle of the single four blocked house. On the other corner, split by torn curtain we called it bedroom. Masha, my ill mother laid helplessly on the bed supported by rocks at the edges. Spider web ran through the overhead maybe to secure her from the mosquitoes.

Right on the lower side we laid carton boxes where we laid our tongue sized joint mattresses. Initially we felt so fatigued waking to such but it was becoming a norm. Mother had a small table besides her bed to put her food and drugs. She was motionless and would partly rely on us for her movement.

I grabbed the basin to go take a shower. The queue on the bathroom doors was normal. However today it seemed we had extra members in our neighborhood. People stood next to their basins as they queued patiently. This is the time silence was an experience. No one had their teeth brushed thus none of us would want their filthy mouth smell contested in the forum of public opinion. Men to women had towels rubbed around their waists as though it was a culture fest. Interestingly, some did not have soap while others had so little water. Nevertheless, we all had different problems. My turn came and I took the slightest moment since I was already running late for work.I came back to the house to find breakfast ready. I gave Clara the basin and soap so she would go take a shower. I then searched through the pile of clothes for my black trouser. I topped up with a patterned shirt and a black leather jacket.After making sure I was neat enough for the day I walked to my mum's bed.I woke her up. She grimaced and groaned in pain letting out a wheezy asthmatic cough. There was a squeaky tone in her voice. She held my hand with a tight grip so I could help her sit up. I then placed the cup in her hands and encouraged her to drink so she could be strong enough to take her medication. By the time mum was done Clara was also ready. She sat at the edge of the bed and hugged her mother. This moments were emotional and difficult for all of us. Leaving our mother alone in this creepy house with no support.Clara hurriedly left before me, I also didn't take long.

The sky outside was thick with cloud. It was viciously cold.The slum was overcrowded with people. Each building was tightly packed together making the streets narrow and overshadowed. I jumped past water trenches heading for the main stage. I strained to avoid mad. Every now and then children ran past me. This place was packed with houses, it was muddy all over. I could hear conductors shouting .

"soo commercials !soo commercials! "

That's what they said to mean a hundred shillings to town.

One tall dark heavy weighted conductor ran up-to me.He grabbed my hand and started shouting at me," Bro tao! Bro tao!"

The man was so aggressive,he looked like he would give me a slap if i refused to board his Matatu.The last thing I wanted this morning was drama,so I gave in.I just didn't have an option.

I stared out of the window as the bus lumbered along the cobbled streets past, shops,churches,business buildings ,schools and dwellings.I admired the cars driving on opposite lanes and hopped my day to own one nice car would come. There were a lot of billboards advertising different businesses.I watched as the thought of my earlier dreams crossed my mind.