Chapter 6: Zainab’s Arrival

The madam na Zainab, pikin of Local Government Chairman.

The Ifedayo wey she dey talk, na the third son of Chief Ife.

Both of dem na big family people—perfect match.

She wear hairpin with big pearl, the thing dey shine for my eye, my chest come dey pain me.

Zainab carry small maid follow body,

The girl wear red skirt, gold bracelet with ruby for hand.

Her eye look me from head reach toe, finally stop for my silver bracelet.

"Pfft~"

The maid cover her mouth, laugh well.

"Madam, I talk am say you dey worry too much."

"See her level? Na village person—and you come carry her yourself? This kind person no fit threaten your place."

"Everybody sabi say our third oga dey generous. That bracelet for her hand—even house girl for village no go near that kain thing."

"No fear, madam."

"Just carry her enter house, treat her like dog, play with her when you like, throw her away when you tire."

The maid mouth sharp, voice loud.

Zainab face come soft, body relax.

She pat her maid hand.

"You sabi well."

"Enough, my husband dey wait. Make we dey go."

As she talk, two strong women rush come, hold my arms, begin drag me go another jeep.

"Wetin be this? Free me!"

Their hand strong like iron; no matter how I struggle, I no fit free myself.

For my mind, I dey call my ancestors, dey beg my late papa make e no shame me for stranger hand.

As I dey fight, Zainab face come dark.

"Enough. My husband no dey, so stop your acting."

"Village girl dey do shakara for me!"

I grind my teeth, keep my mouth for prayer. "God, make my juju work if dem try me."