FAMILIAR ENEMY (EPISODE 5) Written by Glorie Adepoju

“Last month I had a girl whose job was to attend to me personally, here in this home. She agreed to the job because she was awaiting admission. I let her go the moment she got admission into the University. I haven’t thought about a replacement since then.” For the first time since I stepped in, she took a good look at me.

There was something about the way she regarded me, the silent way she was studying me.

“I’ll take her.” she said, those simple words did so much to ease the tension in the atmosphere.

They finally reached a conclusion about how much I’ll be paid monthly. It doubled what Pa Benjamin paid. I was stunned, even though my features were too schooled to give any emotion away.

“You will not regret your decision, I promise you.” Madam Mabel said as she stood up

“I’ll take your word for it, my regards to your family. I would love to see you off, but I can’t because of this.” she said, gesturing towards her feet under the ministrations of the pedicurist, who was totally concentrated on her business

“No problem, I totally understand.”

Madam Mabel, signaled and I followed her outside.

“BB and I were mates in the University, I can’t say I know her so well. What I do know is that she treats her staff well, in that regard, you are in good hands.” Madam Mabel said to me once we got outside.

She dipped her hand into her bag and she fished out a thousand naira note, she pressed it into my palms.

“Manage this in case of any emergency before you get paid.”
Surprised, I felt greatly touched; “Ah, thank you so much ma..” I knelt in appreciation

“You are welcome. I’ve told you to stop kneeling for me.” she said pulling me up.

“I have a long way to go, I have to be on my way. Remain the good girl that you are Eki. Now, go inside, don’t keep her waiting for too long.” she added.

“Ok ma, thank you so much ma.” I spoke. She adjusted her bag properly and turned to leave.

Although Madam Mabel and I were never so close, as she was leaving, I knew I would miss her. The moment she walked out the gate, I went back inside.

“You look tired; I guess you had quite a long journey. You will rest today, come downstairs for dinner by 7, not earlier not later. You understand?”

“Yes Madam.”

“Which Madam?” she asked sneering

“You address me as Aunty BB. Ok?”

“Yes ma… Aunty BB.”

“Good, Peter! Peter!!”

“Yes Aunty!” came a voice from somewhere within the house.

A man joined us in the living room,

“This is Peter, the housekeeper.” she said gesturing towards him

“Peter, starting from today, Eki works for me. Take her to one of the rooms upstairs.”

“Up…stairs ma?”

“Yes! Do you have a problem with that?!” she said sharply.

“No ma, sorry ma.”

I clutched my bag, and followed Peter upstairs. A new chapter of my life opened.

…to be continued…

pEn&pAPEr
GLORIEADEPOJU