Episode 2
Isadora’s side of the story continues from the last
scene of the previous episode
Leaving the house was one thing, having where to go, a
much more difficult issue. As I stepped out of the
house that night I knew my life was never ever going to
be the same again. I just couldn’t help but pray for
everything to turn out good for me. In my short life I
had experienced lots of horrible things that could only
be seen in movies.
I trekked all night to a popular motor park in the
neighboring town. I had no money on me and my prayer
was just to meet a Good Samaritan who could assist me
to at least get to Enugu city. I believed I could survive
in the city as a maid, a housekeeper, a salesgirl or any
decent feminine job that could at least offer a roof
over my head as I reshaped my life.
Yes it really wasn’t easy leaving the house I spent all
my young life to the unknown but I felt it was much
better to die trying to get a better life than live a life
of damnation.
I managed to find an empty abandoned bus at the
motor park, where I stayed and rested for the rest of
the night and early the next morning I stepped out and
wandered round the park searching for a Good
Samaritan to assist me. I equally was scared of getting
recognized and caught since I wasn’t really very much
far from home. Yes i was scared of stepping into the
wrong hands.
‘’dear lord help’’ I prayed earnestly.
Soon the Catholic Church bell close to the motor park
rang, notifying everyone that the time was 12 o clock,
time for angelus. I looked up at the sky and wondered
if anyone would really assist me. The few people I
managed to talk to only shrugged and walked away
after listening to my pleas. I was helpless, I was
hopeless. I was overly scared.
‘’hey young lady are you okay?’’ I soon heard a male
voice ask from behind. I turned to see a middle aged
young man smiling down at me as he chewed a long stick
of sugar cane. He very much looked like a bus driver
because he wasn’t neatly dressed as a traveler or rough
as a tout.
‘’good afternoon’’ I stammered, looking up at him
hopefully.
‘’you have been wandering round this park since
morning. Are you searching for something?’’ he asked
in vernacular.
‘’no sir, I need help. I’m looking for someone that will
assist me get to Enugu town’’ I stammered, watching
his reaction. He chewed on his sugar cane for a little
while as he studied me
‘’hmmm where exactly in Enugu city are you heading
to?’’ he asked curiously while I dropped my eyes. A part
of me felt like lying, another part of me kicked against
it.
‘’I don’t have anyone there. I just want to go and see if
I can better my life. I can’t continue living like a slave
down here’’ I poured out softly.
‘’hmmmm you know what. You look hungry, let’s go to
this small kiosk and eat. We can talk more there. I like
helping people’’ he suddenly offered, lifting up my
spirit. I smiled gratefully even though deep down I was
equally a bit scared, because not only did he appear to
be willing to assist me, he equally offered to buy me
food which really was more than the help I expected.
However I had no choice than to follow him.
We soon got to the small food kiosk where he ordered a
plate of rice for me and a bottle of beer for himself,
then watched me as I ate hungrily. I used the
opportunity to tell him my story and he kind of
appeared touched.
‘’anyway my name is Obiora. I’m a driver and I’m
heading to Enugu city today, but the problem now is
that time for my bus to load is a bit far. Six other
buses will load before my turn but if you can have
patience I can take you to Enugu and equally allow you
stay in my house till you get a life for yourself’’ he
offered, totally stunning me with his offer. I couldn’t
believe it. I never expected him to help in such a way.
‘’thank you sir, thank you very much sir’’ I thanked him
happily while he smiled with satisfaction and ordered
another bottle of beer for himself. I couldn’t help but
wonder if there was more to his generosity.
———————————–
Val’s side of the story continues
I was restless all through the night as I thought of the
young girl I almost knocked down the previous day. I
just couldn’t sleep. Her image kept appearing in my
head as if I owed her something. I tried very much to
get my thoughts off her but just couldn’t. I even tried
focusing my thoughts on my fiancée Jane who was
coming down to the country the next day but my
efforts were fruitless.
Prior to that day, I was living my dream life. I came
from a very wealthy home, I had the best education
anyone could dream of and equally was enjoying a very
thriving writing career. I equally was engaged to the
first daughter of a business tycoon. In fact had
everything I could ever wish for but my life suddenly
felt empty after seeing that young girl. It was just as
if I was missing something. Yes something and it looked
so very strange, very, very strange.
Early the next morning, without talking to anyone, I
jumped into my car, left Enugu city and headed back
to Nsukka in search of the young girl but unfortunately
I drove round the town without seeing her. I didn’t
even know her name and so looked a bit silly asking the
villagers I met about her..
—————————
Meanwhile unknown to Val, the young girl was already on
her way to Enugu city with a stranger
