WHAT LIFE STOLE FROM HER
what life stole from her-Episode2
©Joy Ajuma Moses
On a Monday morning Ramatu dressed for school, her uncle who is a business man had traveled for business trip leaving Ramatu, his wife and his two children…. Hassan and Fatima
Hassan the eldest who is a male is three years older than Ramatu while his sister Fatima is same age with Ramatu but Ramatu is a month older than Fatima….
She walk straight to Mrs Fatai after dressing for school and greeted her politely “good morning mum” she said
Mrs Fatai gave her a frown look “who is your mum? You unfortunate child never you call me mum in your life” she said to Ramatu
“okay ma” Ramatu answered trying to be cool
She looked at Ramatu from head to toe, she was so angry with her for no reason “where are you going to if I may ask, what about the clothes I gave you to wash? ” she asked nor minding that Ramatu was dressed for school
“I’ll wash it when I’m back from school cause I need to go to school very early ” she said
Mrs Fatai was so annoyed at Ramatu’s reply “I know that you are a spoilt child and I’m trying to help you so that you’ll become something in life cause you are very unfortunate, you were the one who brought misfortune to your parents but you’ll not be able to do that to I and my family. You better wash those clothes before going to school else you’ll hate your life ” she said
“mum!!!! ” Hassan shouted causing his mother to be jump…
“mum this is inhuman, how would you tell her to wash clothes when you know it’s time for school. You are indirectly abusing her and depriving her from her right” he said
“What? Do you just said that to me your mother? ” Mrs Fatai asked her son angrily ready to give him hot slap but he ran away…
“And you what are you still waiting for? ” she asked Ramatu who was standing innocently… She ran to her room and undress so that she’ll wash the clothes quickly before going to school cause she has test…
Hassan and Fatima left for school, they received warm hug from their mother before leaving for school….
Amarachi the house maid who had watched everything that transpired between Mrs Fatai and Ramatu decided to help Ramatu by doing the washing while Ramatu dried the clothes…..
While the two were washing fast Mrs Fatai sighted them from the window, she mashed her teeth in anger, she thought of how she’ll send Amarachi away without her husband knowing about it….
She walked fast to where they are washing and slapped Ramatu “Do you think I’ve forgotten there was a maid before I asked you to do the washing or what do you think of me? ” she asked
“mum she only decided to assist me so that it will be fast cause I have test to write today ” says Ramatu
Mrs Fatai turned to Amarachi “and you didn’t I asked you to stay away from whatever I’m doing with this girl? You guys have spoilt her enough please I want her to learn…. Inshort go to the kitchen and start preparing lunch ” she said
Amarachi who was almost done with the main washing left for the kitchen while Ramatu continued “lazy brat” Mrs Fatai said to her before leaving…
(Ramatu’s Pov)
I don’t really know why mum was angry with me but it hurt when she mentioned my parents and called me a brat, my mum always teach me house chores and how to cook every weekend…..
She even called me the unlucky child that brought misfortune when I merely knew what happened to my parents, I was also hurt by the robbers but I’m grateful to Allah for spearing my life…..
I just pray that he guides me and help me through from the hand of my uncles wife cause life is not easy with her at all….
I did the washing as fast as I could and ran to dress for school. It was 8am already, I pray that my teachers consider me for coming late….
I took my school bag and head for school, I met my uncles wife at down stairs watching me like someone that have something to do “hmmmm, Ramatu come back here I want to send you ” she called me while I was almost at the gate.
I ran to her in a haste to know what she wanted, she asked me to bring out my jotter that she wants me to buy some food items after school….
I brought out my jotter while she lazily mentioned the stuff, I was so angry to the extent I wish to slap her… If she really wants to treat me bad in my father’s house then I’ll have to be smart and harsh on her…..
I know how to handle wicked and heartless people, if she wants to make life difficult for me then I’m in to make life miserable for her….
I arrived at school at 8:30, the class teacher considered me… She gave me 20 more minutes cause the test has began already… I sighted Fatima who was looking at me, I knew she want answer but I was rushing and the questions seems to be very easy for me, biology is one of my best subjects….
After several signal to no avail that Fatima gave to me, the test was over. I could see anger in her face but I don’t even look like someone who cared.
(Mrs Fatai’s pov)
I just don’t know why I hate Ramatu with passion, she disgust me and I wonder why she did not even join her selfish parents to die….
I delayed her on a purpose, I overheard my daughter talking about test and if I permit her to go she’ll get better marks than Fatima…. I’ve tried my best to convince the form teacher to give Fatima good grades but he insisted that he’s an honest and just man….
All I know is that I’m going to make life a living hell for the battered….
