Relocation!

Hey Guys,

I'm pleased to inform you that Senorita the Lagos Chick has been moved to Adaezewrites.com
I have placed my stories together in one site, so for the next post on Senorita the Lagos Chick which will be on Wednesday, please go to the new site, adaezewrites.com

Thank You

Click: adaezewrites.com

Revolution + Senorita's Fall!

The Revolution 
Hey Guys,

I am excited to say that in no time, my new site adaezewrites.com will be launched.
adaezewrites.com boasts of an unstoppable flow of stories that will keep you at the edge of your seats all day. For this new site, each day will have a new post on different stories. I am launching this site so that all my works can be merged together as one. With this site, everyone can enjoy their favourite stories at just the click of a button. On the picture below is a preview of my header. Hopefully, soon, you will be directed to adaezewrites.com for all your lovely stories.

Here's a rough sketch of the categories section:
There will be a Home page with all the posts of the day, the life of a very funky naija teenager which I have changed to Life of funky naija teens, Frank Tuesday which I introduced recently, Senorita the Lagos chick, Reviews, and finally, Wife Material, a new addition to my weekly stories. I have separated each to suit the five working days of the week. 

Mondays: Expect the post for Life of Funky Naija Teens( which has all the stories of your favourite teens.)

Tuesdays: Expect the post for Frank Tuesday.

Wednesdays: Get your dose of Senorita The Lagos Chick

Thursdays: Reviews (which is a new section of products, sponsored or reviewed by me.)

Fridays: Will have my newest and most exciting addition,Wife Material ( It's a surprise package...click and see) 
On the side bar will have a 'Book of The Week Section' where I'll place my favourite book of the week. Either chosen by me or by you the reader (I'm doing this to support Nigerian/African young authors who would like to use my blog as a platform to advertise their books.)

I hope you enjoy my new site and everything that I added.  Remember that I couldn't have done this without your suggestions, help, prayers, support and your views. I am so grateful to each one of you for reading and commenting and I hope that this new change makes you as happy as it has made me.

Thank You for reading my stories and I  pray that God will bless and water your paths with so much success. Amen.

Best Wishes...

Ada.

Senorita's Fall!

*****

“She has fainted, revive her quick!” I heard one of the girls say.

"Bring water…be quick…run run…” Shouted another of the girls.

Madame was trying hard to keep her cool, I could tell that she was pacing around the sitting room.

“Madame, what do we do? She’s not getting up.” Said Chi, who had taken care of me these past few days.

“We cannot lose another recruit…No way! I have inflicted Fola with madness by breaking our cord but losing this one in the process, no way!” Madame shouted.

They brought water and poured it on me and I held my breath. Thanks to the swimming exercises I had taken in my village, I didn’t move a muscle when they poured the chilled water on me.

“She isn't responding …” Cried Chi 

I felt sorry for her, she really sounded pained but I had made up my mind not to wake up. I saw what happened to Fola and I would not let myself enter a bigger fry pan than I’m used to. I know that the money swayed me at first and if I had a chance, I’ll go to the strong room and cart away with the bundles but I have to stay still, till I get the chance to escape.

“Madame, why don’t we take her to the hospital?” One of the girls suggested.

“No way! I won’t do that…she can't be tied back to me, the police are searching for me as it seems and everything that I have built. Sending her to the hospital will only have her confess to everyone who cares to hear about what went on here. I had the woman who brought her here, killed and after what happened to Fola, I don’t think I want her out of our sight.”

I remembered Awero and sighed…and the sigh came out a bit louder than I expected.

“Wait…I just heard her sigh…is she awake?” Asked Chi.

“I heard nothing ooo…” Said another girl.

“I heard her sigh…I can swear it.” Chi said.

They were all silent for a while and I could not decipher what they were doing since my eyes were closed. I was tempted to open my eyes a little to see what they were doing but if I did, they would catch me. Later, I heard whispers and movements then unexpectedly, I was lifted up from the floor, I almost sucked in a breath but held myself . Suddenly, I heard Madame’s voice.

“Take her to the nearest hospital and send me feedback.” Madame said with a very queer concern in her voice.

A door opened and I was carried outside, I could feel the wind caress my cheek and the warm sunlight that bathed my skin. I instantly knew that I needed to be outside again, free and exploring the Lagos life.

I almost applauded myself at this juncture, I relaxed and almost smiled at my cleverness. The hands that carried me suddenly placed me down on the ground. Then I heard their voices,

“Let us go into the house and get the keys to the bus.” Said one of them, it was a man.

“Aha…why didn’t you bring out the key? Which of the buses are we taking? We have to take her to the hospital soon or something else might happen to her.” Said another male voice.

"Let's go into the house together and get the key." Said the first.

"Is that a good idea?" Asked the second.

"What can an almost dead girl do? Abegi...let's go." Said the first.

I heard their footsteps as they left me alone. My heart beat so fast that suddenly I opened one eye and then the next. There was no one around so I quietly and carefully turned my neck, there was no one in sight. Jumping up from the ground as though my life depended on it, I contemplated on the next step to take. 

They had fallen for my faint stunt and I had to leave the house immediately. It was my first time standing in Madame’s compound in the day time, the last time, I was with Awero and it was during night time. I had no trouble finding the gate and I ran towards it and even though there was no security at the gate, it was locked. I looked up at the fence, it was very tall but I was an expert in scaling and in no time, I had found myself at the top of the walls.

That was when the alarm rung! The loud shrill of the alarm could wake the dead and I was too shocked for words. Suddenly, Madame, her bodyguards and the girls ran out of the house and hurried towards me. Fear gripped me like a padlock, I turned to the other side and saw just at the ground below the fence, three dogs barking at me with ferocity. I didn’t know what to do. Madame and the girls had reached the fence and they were all laughing.

“You thought you could fool us right?” Madame laughed.

“There’s no turning back, you either fall in or fall out and you know the consequences…” Said Chi in anger.

“You little liar! I have never seen a girl with so much stupidity in my life but I guess I’m the more stupid one of the both of us. I still want you in my team. This is a residential area and even though a lot of people have gone to work, no one will notice you. Everyone will think that you’re a thief. I can’t believe you almost tricked me if not for Chi’s observation when she heard you sigh. You either get in here or out!And when you get out, those blood thirsty hounds will tear you to shreds.” Shouted Madame.

I stared at them, and turned back to look at the dogs that were barking loudly and baring ugly sharp teeth. Madame had indeed spoken the truth, not one neighbour peeped out of their gate, the area was very peaceful and quiet. I was stuck, I couldn't fall either left or right!       

            

Execution!

Early the next day, I was taken to a very large sitting room and for the first time in my life I was staring at more than fifty beautiful ladies. My mouth hung agape as they tried hard not to look at me, I didn't really know what was going on, all I knew was, I had to join these ladies, even if it was the last thing I ever did.

The door to the on of the rooms opened and two ladies walked out followed by Fola who was striped naked and who had her hands bound in a thick rope. She stared at the ground careful not to look at anyone and I sensed her fear, today was her judgement day. Another door opened and Madame stepped out in an all white outfit. She looked like a queen and I instantly became afraid as well, I really didn't understand what I had gotten Fola into. Immediately Madame stepped out, all the ladies fell to the ground in prostrate, it was as though she really was queen of their world, I too fell in prostrate as well, I did as they did.

Fola was pushed to the middle of the circle we had made and she fell to the ground on her knees. Madame looked at her angrily and spoke;

"You have betrayed us...you have betrayed out trust."

"I am sorry Madame. You have done so much for me and I really enjoyed serving you but I didn't...I couldn't. I realized that the new girl didn't understand what she was getting into that was why I had to try to let her escape. If only I knew that she wasn't interested in leaving!" Fola said quietly.

"You know what comes with your actions...disgrace! All your properties seized! You will be thrown out into the streets, naked as the day you came." Madame shouted.

"Mercy Madame, please forgive me. My family have lived the life of comfort for too long and I can't let anything destroy their happiness. Whatever you ask, I will do. Kill me if you must but don't let your anger burn my family especially my mother." Fola cried.

"I won't spill more blood on my hands, I am not interested in killing you. You would have pulled off your plan unsuspectingly if the girl Senorita didn't speak up or alert everyone to your deeds." Madame said.

As soon as I heard my name, I felt obliged to speak.

"Madam...na God oo...I for run comot with am if not for de money wey I see for inside room..." I started.

"Will you shut that dirty mouth of yours?" Madame barked at me.

"My mouth? E nor dorty na...abi I brush am dis morning." I continue.

The other ladies look at me in shock, they wondered how i could speak to Madame with no iota of fear.

“Can someone slap this twart’s face?” Madame thundered.

One of the ladies beside me hammered me with a resounding slap. I was taken aback, I turned back to the lady and slapped her.

“How you go slap me? Na wetin she talk you must to do? Who you be sef?” I panted.

The lady stared at me in surprise and turned to look at the Madame in question.

“We only brought you out here to testify, that’s all, and not to talk when you’re not spoken to.”Madame said.

“You suppose happy say I dey talk…for my village pesin nor dey hia my voice. Na so I go just quiet like sheep.” I said.

Madame rolled her eyes in exasperation and continued speaking to Fola, ignoring me completely.

“If you had a problem with a customer, all you had to do was inform me and I’ll take care of it. You shouldn't have told Chi about it and plotted to take my new recruit from me. For this, I am cutting your ties from this sisterhood for good.” Said Madame who brought out a scissors from her pocket and walked up to Fola. Taking Fola’s hands in her hand, she cut loose the ropes that bound her.

In that instant, Fola fell to the floor in a heap and after a while, stood up, her eyes looked glazed and spittle rolled down the sides of her mouth. Fola suddenly shrieked in laughter and ran round the room, she had run mad. Some guards walked in at that point and took her away.

There was complete silence as everyone shivered in fear, ‘how did Madame do that?’ I thought to myself. Immediately I started shaking like a leaf and felt sweat trickle down my spine. Madame turned to us.

“This is the beginning and the end of your journey. Disappoint me and get the treatment of a dog, impress me and get everything you want, cars, houses, luxury, gifts…everything. Anyone else that goes behind my back after taking the oath will run mad in the streets of Lagos till she’s dead. Do I make myself clear?”

‘Yes Madame.” Everyone replied.

Turning to the two girls who had brought in Fola into the room, she said;

“Follow up on my lawyer, have him prepare to confiscate Fola’s properties. Her family must be out on the streets by noon tomorrow.”

The girls nodded and Madame continued.

“As for the new girl, Senorita, get her prepared for the oath. She joins us officially today.”     

Immediately those words left her mouth, I fell to the ground in a dead faint.                        

Frank Tuesday- Our Gifts

Just yesterday, after church, I saw a proud mother introducing her little son to a friend as her 'future lawyer'. It was cute, and I was impressed that she could dream 'big' for her son yet, something else struck me. Why was she planning his future for him at such an early stage? The boy shouldn't be more than two or three yet his mother already knew what she wanted him to be in the future. My mind zeroed in on many parents I have met and I realized that some parents are the ones who make choices for their kids and vice versa. Let's look into Chinenye's rants with Timilehin at the assembly ground in the just concluded episode of 'Ruined' (Just In case you missed it: http://lifeofaveryfunkynaijateenager.blogspot.com/2014/07/ruined.html/ )

Chinenye has a talent or would I call it a gift, which is, to make clothes but her parents feel that being an Economist is better. Don't get me wrong, every parent wants the best for their child but when their 'so called' best is killing the child's dreams or gift, then they have to stop. I've seen instances of parents relieving their dreams in their children or threatening to stop paying their kids school fees all because they are not studying the courses of their choice.
I could remember that while growing up, I was quite the rambunctious one. I drew all over the place, painted a lot and wrote cartoons in papers and tore pieces of papers. My room was filled on a daily basis with short stories and cartoon drawings, all done by me. Even after my parents begged me to stop littering the house with my write-ups and pieces of paper, I never stopped, I wanted to but I couldn't, it's how I was created. Even in school, while the teacher would be teaching, I'll turn to the back of my book and draw cartoons or write short stories. Along the line, my mom discovered that I was really good at writing and encouraged me, my parents spurred my gift and here I am today.

Surprisingly, when I grew older, I would write stories and place them in my locker in school and whenever someone read it and asked me if I was the one, I felt too ashamed to say that I wrote it. Even when my teacher in school gave me a zero score in an essay homework because she believed I wasn't brilliant enough to write an exceptional essay. I actually thought she was right till my mom paid a visit to the school and you know what that means...lol.
In summary, life isn't the way it used to be back in the days. When kids sang career songs and aspired to be doctors, lawyers, engineers, accountants e.t.c. Now, things have changed, everyone has a gift or even multiple gifts and no one should kill the talent of his or her child with their cravings or desires.
I do hope Chinenye is given a chance to do what she loves, even though I'm not going to write further on her story. Fashion is big in Nigeria now and with the likes of Mai Atafo, Lanre Da Silva, Jewel by Lisa, Iconic Invanity, Okunoren Twins, the list goes on, there's real money to be made and most of all, satisfaction. After all, your'e doing what you are 'gifted' to do.
I feel that the mother in my first story felt it's her duty to say what she wants her son to be 'anyway, he's after all, her son' but wouldn't it be nice to see parents watch their children closely and see what they are really good at?
I'll leave it at that...

Thanks for reading and sit tight for Senorita's escapade tomorrow.

Note: There's good news, I'll be launching a site soon and this means that all my blogs will be merged together (Thanks to Fab Melody for the wonderful suggestion). This means that I'll be introducing new series with more exciting episodes. Thank you all for your comments and views, you guys are the reason, I'm still writing. God bless you.

Frank Tuesday-Getting To Know Me!

I know no one is expecting a post from me today but...well..here's one. I've decided to start a 'Frank Tuesday' which is practically, writing about everything. From myself to what I do, products I use, products I think you should try out, events, books, movies and many more.
Today, I'll talk about myself and how I coped with the nasty pimples that invaded my face-space a few months ago.
 I am light skinned and have an oily face which is really not a good thing. My skin is dry and my face is badly oily that even after using a face wash, I can still feel oils pushing through to my skin.

So, about two months ago, I had this epic spots breakthrough on my face...when I say spots, I mean black, red and what have you. Now, I really had to fight this spot because really, it was turning my face into a war zone. I called my friend who has incredible skin and asked her what to use and she went to town on loads of stuff.

"Use Dudu Osun soap on your face, don't pop your pimps, mix epiderm and cortisone every night, rub on your face and your spots will disappear."
I was so excited and raided the stores, looking for all she told me to buy. I bought them quickly and followed her regimen. 'For where?' I seemed to grow more spots. Did I add that she told me not to pop the pimple?
I continued this for a month and my face turned Badoooo on me, I mean, I had like huge spots, irritation and this big ...I don't know what to call it...on my face till date.
I picked up the phone, called my friend and bawled, like really bawled my eyes out to her and she was like, "that's what I use and I'm sure you're not doing it the proper way or maybe your skin is super sensitive." We sha... moved on and chatted on other stuff like her new hair regimen (she's growing dreads) and her new job (she's a big-time make-up artist).
So just last week, I got to work really early and you know how it is when you rush out of bed at 5am and have your bath then rush off to the car then zoom. So I got to work at about seven ish and decided to make up. I almost threw myself a pity party! My face was a mess.
Throwing all caution to the wind, I started popping all those nasty pimples, I popped and popped and cringed when I saw the hideous stuff crawling out of my face. When I was done, I took a shawl, hid my face in it and minded my business (I didn't want to entertain 'Ah...Ada what's up with the face?) question.

Now to the main story and how I got rid of the useless pimples and spots.
Over the weekend, I steamed my face with hot water: (After boiling water, pour into a bowl, place in a towel and gently dab your face. It's hot ooo...so be careful)

(Before)

I apologize for this photo, it's the only one I took after using my remedy plus it was night too, hence the darkness lol.

After that, I wore a pair of clean socks over my hands and popped the life out of the pimples on my face.
When I was done, I washed my face and used my newest potion 'Dr Miracle Acne Wash'

 and waited for about thirty minutes then I washed off. After this, I scrubbed my face and washed off again then went back to my mirror to see what's up.
My face was remarkably clear. I hope I keep this up tho...

(After)

Frosh face...well, almost!

Note: This was the remedy that worked for my face. My friend's remedy didn't work on mine because I kinda realized that we have different skin types.
Thanks for reading and please say if you like the 'Frank Tuesday' section. I would have created another blog for it but, my blogs are getting too much and soon, blogger would start complaining.
I'm also planning on adding new sections during the week, something that would maybe keep the blog busy till I post new episodes of  the 'Funky Naija Teenager and Senorita the Lagos Chick.' I'd also appreciate suggestions for new sections.
*Do you have any pimple story? Please share with us. Thank you.*

God bless...
xoxo Ada...

In Or Not?

I was sound asleep when I heard the door open and someone sneak into the room. I felt a hand clamp my mouth shut and I opened my eyes wide but couldn’t see anything because the room was dark. However, I felt someone close to me.

“Shhh…it’s me. I couldn’t sleep…I had to do right by my conscience.” A female voice which I recognized as Fola’s whispered.

“Hmm…” I moaned.

“I will remove my hand from your mouth but you have to promise me not to scream. I am in enough trouble as it is, I do not want you to step into our shoes, it’s not the most comfortable option.” Said Fola.

I nodded, hardly understanding the grammar she spoke but knowing that she wanted to help me escape as she had said to Chi earlier in the day. She removed her hand from my mouth and I stood up from the bed. My legs still ached from the pricks of the bottles which had pierced my feet some weeks ago and I limped behind her as we left the room. I realized that Madame’s house was so large by the time we had tiptoed through different passage ways and had not still left the house. Fola placed her finger on her lips and motioned that do not say a word and I nodded in compliance. We had just crossed to another passage way when one of the doors to the numerous rooms opened and Fola hurriedly opened a nearby room door and shoved me inside. I landed in a large pile of bundles and I wondered what that was but since the light was turned off, I didn’t know what it was. I heard voices coming from the passage and I was able to hear what was said.

“Fola…what are you doing up at this time of the night? What are you doing in our section?” A female voice asked.

“Tonia…I am so sorry my footsteps woke you up. My phone has been misbehaving lately and the service has been poor. I was looking for where to get better network.” Fola answered, feigning a yawn.

“Okay…these service providers sha. But come ooo…so Madame let you hold on to a phone. She seized mine and some of the girls when she found out that men were contacting us behind her back.” The girl confided.

“Really? How come I did not hear of that?”

“Well…that’s why I don’t have a phone now. But you know…Madame’s prices are too high. She charges these men a whole lot for our services and they complain. She doesn't even let us spend extra time with them, once our time is up, the guards take us away.”

“Well, that hasn’t been my case. Madame gave me permission to take anyone of her cars out of the compound so, I have been doing her business on my watch.”

“Lucky you! Wow you’re a big chic. I pray to be promoted to your level ooo. How’s your mom?”

“She’s fine, I built her a house in the village so, she’s there now.” Fola said.

My eyes widened in shock. So Madame has been enriching these girls lives and now, Fola didn’t want me to benefit from it. Slowly I rose from the bundle and walked to the door, straining to hear what was said. The room was too dark so using my hands I felt for the light socket, it was placed on the wall to my right. I located the switch and turned on the light, the room was instantly flooded in brightness. I opened my mouth in shock as I stared about the room. From the top of the walls to the bottom were huge bundles of notes, ranging from foreign to Nigerian currency. I clamped my mouth shut with my hands to stop myself from screaming.

“So dis na wetin dis yeye gial no want make I chop…chei people wicked sha ooo.” I whisper.

I turn about again and stare at the room in amazement, the money in the room was more than enough to reform my village. I screamed aloud and pushing open the door, I run out of the room.

Words could not express the shocking expression on Fola and Tonia's face as they saw me.

“Chei…na so you wan chop leave me abi? I go show you say, two fit play dis game.” I yell at Fola.

"What are you talking about? Who are you?" Fola asked, acting as though she didn't know me.

"Who is she? What is she doing in our mini strong room? No one enters there." Tonia said, sounding more shocked.

"Ahhhh na dis Fola geh ooo...she waka come meet Chi for afternoon, she talk say she wan helep me escape. Na so she come carry me wen I dey sleep..." I say, pointing at Fola.

"Fola...do you know this girl? What is she talking about?" Tonia asks in anger.

"No I don't...I've...never seen her in my life." Fola stammered.

"How does she know your name? You are in trouble...you are in deep shit!" Tonia declared.

The doors to the rooms opened and different sizes of ladies flooded out to the corridor, some guards came as well and everyone looked more shocked than the other.

“Fola want carry me comot from dis kain chopito. You don jam today…ya plan don enter voice mail…” I continue screaming at Fola and clapping my hands. “Help ooo….make una come carry me ooo…I wan join una, if na dis kain money una dey make, I want am ooo. Me wan build better house for my mama for village ooo.” I scream aloud.

Fola knew her bubble had burst, immediately she tries to run but was caught by the hefty thugs. 

I was quickly led away by three ladies who were whispering amongst themselves that they had to take me to Madame.

“I wan join una…abeg carry me go take oath ooo…I wan swear! I must swear today!” I yell.

Strange Truth!

I didn’t count the days, all I knew was, at a certain point, I was dragged out of the tub of water, dried off, dressed in good clothes and had my short hair combed till I felt it would pull out of its roots. A young girl Chijioke, was with me all the time as she fed me, clothed me and made sure I was rested. Everything happened in a blur and somehow, I didn’t understand myself anymore or my body changes, it felt like I was being drugged or intoxicated. I smiled at every whim and stopped protesting, instead I made myself feel at home. One day, as I was sound asleep with only Chijioke as a companion, the door was pushed open quite roughly as someone stumbled in.

“Chi…e don happen ooo.” The voice cried, it belonged to a female.

“Shhhh…don’t speak pidgin…I don’t want us getting into trouble. What happened?” Chi asked the girl in a confused voice.

“That …that bastard…that good for nothing Alhaji…he…he…” The girl started and choked in tears.

“What did he do to you? Didn't you take a guard with you?” Chi asked.

“I have been with that bastard for over six months now so I felt I didn’t need the protection. I was wrong, he is a pig…a goat…a buffalo…an idiot…God will punish him…” The girl continued cursing.

“Fola…calm down, and please keep your voice down, the new recruit is asleep…don’t wake her up with your noise.” Chi cautioned.

“Poor girl, she doesn't know what she’s gotten herself into…how I wish I turned back the day my mother brought me here. We are suffering ooo…let’s stop deceiving ourselves. We are high class prostitutes who are used by big men at will and …oh God!” The girl started and broke down in tears.

Chi ran to hold her in her arms.

“Shhh…please don’t let Madame get angry with me. Your noise is too much and even though I had the new recruit drugged, she could wake up at anytime.” Chi said.

In flinched at her words, ‘drugged?’ I said to myself, what did it mean? ‘Drugs na medicine na?’ I said inwardly. Then, I instantly knew, all the medications I have been receiving, the food, the drinks, everything had drugs laced in, all for me to stop causing a fuss.

“I want to take my life…I want to die…I can’t continue this way…no way!” Fola stamped her foot on the ground and made moan-like sounds in her throat.

“Tell me, what did he do? Please tell me…” Chi pleaded.

“He…he.” Fola started but later dragged Chi closer and whispered into her ears.

“What?” Chi shouted, disregarding the warning she had given Fola earlier about shouting.

“Yes…he did that and many more to me…Chi, I cannot let another girl live this kind of life. I need to stop this or else…” Fola continued.

“I can’t believe he did that! O my God! Please go and tell Madame…”

“What? So that she’ll throw her nose up in the air and tell me that she warned me never to go without an escort? I admit that Madame helped relieve me from poverty but how much better am I now that I’m here?” Fola said and referring to me, she said “Has she taken the oath yet?”

“No… she hasn’t yet.” Chijoke answered quietly.

“Then she can actually leave before things get worse for her. As soon as she takes the oath, it’s over, all over!”

“No way! Madame proposes to send her to Italy. Look at her, she’s so pretty and she has the finest skin even after living a ratchet life and all. Do you know she murmurs about the encounters she went through on the street in her sleep? I have never seen Madame so invested in anyone like this girl. I practically eat, breathe and sleep with her, she is like a mini Queen. Madame knows that this girl is on huge money bag. Big time!”

As I feigned sleep, my heart pumped in fear. One thing is certain, whatever that Alhaji did to Fola was bad, really bad and I wasn't ready to be a part of it or anything associated with it. At that moment, I really wished my mother was a witch or possessed some kind of supernatural powers to save me. Inwardly I screamed;

 “Mama ehhhh…abeg join witchcraft make you come carry me fly comot from hia ooo…dem wan use me do juju.”

The Oath!

I paced about the room in quick strides. “Today na today! How dem go lock a whole Senorita put for room?” I said aloud.

The room was big and well furnished, it was my first time of seeing such a big and beautiful bed in my entire life and the adjacent room to it had a white large tub with taps attached to it. The tub had a toilet seat close to it and I had no idea how it worked. I paced for four hours and when the clock struck 2am, I was already tired and hungry. I looked round the room in tears and sighed. 

At that moment, the key rattled at the lock and the door opened. One of the men who had carried me in some hours earlier walked into the room and not bothering to speak, he dragged me out of the room.

I protested weakly but the stab of hunger in my stomach left me defenseless, I needed nourishment to carry on with my plot to escape. I was pushed roughly and tossed into a small red room. I call it red because apart from the fact that the light in the room was red, there were red candles, red curtains, red floor tiles and even the walls were painted red. Madame was seated cross-legged on the ground while two ladies dressed in black stood beside her. The air was so warm and misty and I struggled to adjust my eyes to see the people in the room.

“Come closer.” Madame said to me as her eyes remained closed.

I turned and looked around in panic, I couldn’t believe what was happening to me or why I was summoned. Shakily, I sat squarely on the ground, I refused to move. The man that brought me in, left as quickly as he came.

“Bring her here.” Madame ordered. The two girls walked up to me and pulled me closer to her, I raised my voice to cry out but I heard an intangible sound leave my throat. ‘Was I jazzed? Is Madame a ritualist? Am I about to be sacrificed?’ I kept asking myself.   

“This is the initiation room…a place where you swear to keep everything that is going to happen to you from now on, a secret. Failure to do so will lead to your death.” Said Madame as her eyes opened suddenly and she pierced me with an owl-like stare.

“Wetin…” I whispered in a confused tone.

Madame gave me a sharp stare and continued speaking.

“Your pubic hairs will be taken and burnt at the altar of sacrifice.”

“Public?” I muttered, more confused than ever.

“Now you will repeat these words after me…I solemnly swear to hold my tongue whenever I am called upon to talk about my organization. I will repeatedly say that it is an NGO established to take care of less privileged women in the society.” Madam said.

I stared at her and didn’t respond.

“Are you deaf? Repeat after me…” Madam raised her voice at me and repeated the words she had spoken earlier.

I still didn’t reply, I wasn’t about to be used as a pawn in anyone's game lest of all, Madame. Lagos is a free land for everyone, I had no idea why I had been be taken captive against my will.

“Get the chains!” Madam ordered.

I stood up in fear and hurriedly ran to the door of the room but it was locked. I screamed loudly as the ladies advanced towards me like zombies, their hands held portable sized chains. Surprise turned to disgust as slowly, they raised the chains high above their heads and let it rain down on my body as they whipped me.

The pain felt strange, I had never been whipped with a chain before but for the first time in the past five hours, I realized that this people meant business. The chains landed on my body, intent on breaking my bones and I knew I had to convince them to stop or they might kill me.

“E don dooo…I go talk…I go swear…abeg nor kee me…” I scream.

Madame whistled slowly and the girls stopped, each walking back to drop the chains. I wondered how the woman was able to control everyone in the household like puppets.

“Come here.” Madame ordered.

I shakily walked towards her and sat on the ground, right at my former position.

“Repeat after me…” Madame said as she read out the long oath off the top of her head.

Finally when I thought the oath would never end, Madame gave her last line.

“And so, I am offering the hairs from my body to the shrine, this binds me to the organization and its cause forever.”

I gulped and tried to repeat the words but couldn’t, I mean, I didn’t understand half of what she said but, I knew deep down that the words held huge meaning.

“Repeat it!” Madame ordered.

“Errr…and so…I offering the hair on ya body…” I said.

“Hairs on what body? The hairs on your body dammit!” Madame said.

“De hairs on ya body.” I said again.

“Are you daft? Are you joking? Do you think this is child’s play?”

“Are you dafting? Are you joking? You think say na childs we dey do?” I replied.

Madame stood up in fury, she paced around the room in anger.

“Keke…call the guards, tell them to strip her naked and throw her into the empty room for three days. On the third day, let’s see who she’s fooling around with.” Madame ordered.

The lady rushed out of the room and in two seconds, she came back into the room with two men, they hurriedly scooped me up and took me out of the room. But not before I had given Madame a piece of my mind.

“You think I dey fear you abi? You wan join me for cult…my mama na witch…you never see de kain witchcraft wey go put you for corner. Shege!”

I screamed out loud as I was carried into a dark room where I was stripped to my skin and tossed into a tub filled with water. I screamed as the water touched my skin, it burnt the parts of my body that had been whipped with the chains. Some drops of the water had touched my mouth and I brought out my tongue to taste it, it was laden with salt. Hurriedly, I scampered down the bath tub and jumped to the ground. I had no idea of the sharp bottles scattered across the room so I cursed in my language when my feet sank into sharp edges of glass. Quickly I placed them back in the tub and cursed some more as the salt and water found its way into my cut flesh. The room was pitch dark but I could feel the blood ooze out of the cuts in my feet, I closed my eyes and wept pitifully while crouching in the small tub filled with water.

"Chai...Senorita...wetin be dis? Abi na de Lagos Janet come so, na im you come? Lagos no easy ooo...Lagos na hardwork. I swear say, if I comot from dis place ehn, na village I dey go so...my mouth nor fit talk de kain thing wey I don see for Lagos. I nor fit shout... I nor fit die before my time reach!" I cried as I folded myself like a ball inside the tub.

Death-Trap

I can’t describe every single detail and all that happened to me after I saw Awero slump to the ground in the silence of death. All I could think of was a quick way to leave the scene, I wanted to flee but had no clue what part of Lagos I was. I kept asking myself,  'who is this woman who stood powerfully before me? A woman who commanded respected with every fiber of her being. As soon as I looked up at the face of the woman who stood before me, I felt fear and dread snake up my spine, this woman, I thought, had no time for child’s play.

“What is your name?” The woman asked me quietly. Her voice sounded like a deathly whisper.

I just kept starring at her as my stomach growled angrily in protest as it heaved up another bout of coke from it’s depth and threatened to spill it out.

“Don’t you dare throw up again! What are you? A child?” The woman warned me.

I stared at her in fear and the vomit which was formerly at the tip of my throat found its way back into my stomach.

“What is your name?” The woman asked again.

“Se… my name na Senorita…” I heard a hoarse voice say, which I recognized as mine.

“Don’t you speak good English?” The woman asked.

“I…dey try.” I replied meekly.

The woman muttered irritably under her breath, pulling out the bell from the pocket of jeans trouser she rung it. The girl who opened the door for me and the 'now' late Awero stepped out from one of the rooms.

“Do you think she’s potential?” The woman asked.

“Every girl is potential, Madame.” The girl answered meekly.

“She can’t speak good English and I am tired of training girls who after they are trained do not impress me. I spend lots of money training them and after that, what do I get? Wasted time, money and efforts. This girl can’t utter a sentence in good English.”

“I remember that my English was really bad when I came but you helped brush me up.” The girl told the woman.

“Hmm…” The woman murmured absent mindedly and kept staring at me.

I looked at the two of them, the woman dressed like a modern day queen and the younger girl dressed like someone I recognized from the short time I spent in front of the television set.

“You will take her to the room and help her get something decent to wear. If she wasn't this pretty, I might have been tempted to send her down the same path as her late friend.” The woman spoke quietly.

My eyes widened in shock, I didn’t want to believe that she just threatened to have had me killed.

The girl nodded and beckoned to me to follow her but I was having none of that, I shook my head vehemently and took a few steps backwards.

“I nor dey follow you go anywhere lai lai….since Oga landlord hause na so so waka waka I dey do. Abeg find transport give me make I dey go my own.” I said to them.

The woman stared at me in shock, the girl looked at me in warning but I decided to be stubborn.

“Please follow me…” The girl said.

“Who dey follow you enter dia? You wan kee me abi? I nor fit die like Awero ooo…I nor kukuma collect any money from una hand. Abeg free me make I dey go joor.” I said sounding bolder.

“Call one of the men to take her in…and lest I forget, I am not receiving any visitors today, please tell anyone that’s looking for me to see me tomorrow.” The woman said.

“Wetin she dey yarn? Madam or wetin dem dey call you…abeg find transport give me, I dey go.” I continue.

“What did she just call me? How dare you?” The woman raised her voice at me. She was obviously baffled at my outburst.

“I don talk am say una nor serious for dis place…if una nor get change for transport, talk am now. I sure say one pesin get one thousand naira for hand, una fit give me, make I go find change.” I said.

The woman stared at me sharply and in a high-pitched voice she called out a name. The door opened in heavy thuds and two men hurried towards me.

“See wahala oo…if pesin nor wan stay for place, na by force?” I asked in wonder.

The two men lifted me up like a sack of weightless grain, I struggled and fought hard but the men were really strong. They took me towards the room that was at the far side of the sitting room, I screamed and lunged for one of the men’s ears. Clamping my teeth hard on it, I sunk in on the flesh with all my strength and pulled off skin. To my surprise, the man didn’t flinch. My mouth was filled with his blood and I stared incredulously at the iron men who held me captive in their arms. They had a far-away look in their eyes, a look that was some-what abnormal. There and then, I knew that I was in deep trouble. Throwing my head back, I screamed and said.

“Chai…Senorita your tori nor get part two!”

Serious Business!

The water splashed squarely on my face and I jumped.

“See am…e still dey sleep…abeg gerrup joor, the fire don off.” Screamed on of the women.

I stood on my feet and tried running out of the building but the whole place was packed with people, both onlookers and the police. There wer still signs of smoke and people still held buckets in their hands.

“Wia you dey go you dis anyhow gial? You think say dis na playground?” Asked one of the policemen.

“I wan go my house…ooo” I cried loudly as I tried letting myself out of the compound but was held back by some people.

“Abeg make una carry am go hospital…e fit be say, de fire don affect her brain.” Said one of the onlookers.

“Which kain hospital…it is now confirmed that this place is a brothel aka ashewo joint so every lady who resides in this house must be arrested. Atleast the fire has been doused so everyone can now return to their homes.” Said one of the policemen.

The man who held me in his grasp let me go and I fell to the ground, all of a sudden, everywhere emptied as everyone left the scene including Awero and the other ladies.

“Ah! Where dem dey?” Asked one of the policemen.

“Dey run comot? Chai…dis for be how we for take catch dese women ooo.” Another policeman said.

“Na only dis gial remain…wetin we go tell D.P.O?” Asked another policeman.

“We fit tell am say, all de ashewo don comot for night paroles and na only dis one remain for house.” Said the first.

“Good idea…oya, Akin, handcuff am, make we dey go station.”

Immediately I sensed that I was about to be arrested, I began to scream.

“Heeeeehhhh…I nor dey ooo…na today I waka come ooo.” I cry.

“Na you and who, waka come?” Asked a policeman.

“Na only me.” I replied, tears staining my cheeks.

“You nor suppose talk anything till you reach station so shut up!” Said one of the policemen.

“Chai…if I know, I for just lie down for ground, faint dey goo…” I cried.

The policemen dragged me outside and threw me into their van. As we left the scene, I saw Awero peep from the side of one of the houses and before I could scream and alert the police to her, she had disappeared.

****

I was left at the cell for three days, no one asked of me and no one cared for me, all I was given to eat was some food and water. On the third day, one of the policemen walked up to my cell and whispered.

“Pesin don pay for ya release…just cooperate…nor do like say I don tell you anything or oga fit suspect. By eight for night, I go open dis gate, make you comot.” Said the policeman.

“Ahhh…oga…taink you…God bless you sir.” I said, as I knelt down in thanks.

The woman that I shared the prison cell with, didn’t even flinch, she just sat down like a stone and kept staring at the wall. I heard that her husband locked her up because he caught her with another man but lied to the police that she stole his international passport. The lady wasn't much of a talker but whenever her family members came to pay her a visit, her lips moved fast as she told her story, over and over again.

The police officer left the cell and walked back to his duty post.

“You get wia you go fit go?” Asked the woman.

I was shocked, I turned to look at her and was more surprised because she was staring intently at me.

“I hear ya case for police mouth I even hear when you dey shout say, you nor be ashewo.” The woman said to me.

“God go bless you ma...na one chance I enter for dem Ashewo hand ooo.” I said, sounding relieved.

“Go number 17 Ajia street…you go see my pikin Rita, tell am say na her mama friend you be. Young girl like you nor fit waka anyhow for nite... atleast, make you slip till morning reach.”

I fall on my knee before her and thank her.

"Auntie e go better for ya generation...all ya pikin go prosper..." I continued showering blessings on her.

The woman nodded quietly and kept staring at the wall.

****

That night I was released and as soon as the night air kissed my face, I felt hands grab me. I yelped and struggled but was hushed by a familiar voice.

‘Shhh….na me Awero.” Said the woman.

“What? Awero…ahhh…Awero…wetin una do me nor good ooo…” I begin to cry.

“Abeg shat ya mouth.” Awero snapped. “Follow me, I wan carry you go my friend house.”

‘Ahh…I get place wia I dey goo…I wan go number 17….” I started but was cut short by a slap.

“You wan craze? Who pay for ya release? Na number 17?” Awero demanded.

I shook my head in fear. She tugged at my hand and I hurriedly followed her.

It was very late when we reached Awero’s friend’s house, we had to board a bus, take a bike and walk quite a mile because the bike rider refused to go further into the rough street. By the time we reached the house, I was fagged out. Awero knocked at the door and a very beautiful young lady opened the door for us, her dress was clingy and her lashes where so long it took me a lot of effort to see her eyes.

“What’s the password.” The girl asked Awero.

“Thunder and Fire.” Awero whispered.

We were ushered into a small sitting room and offered drinks. Immediately I saw the bottles of drinks on the stool the hunger I felt from the prison surfaced and I quickly grabbed one bottle of coke and corking it with my teeth, I spat out the cork and tipped the contents down my throat. By the time I finished the third bottle, I was belching louder than a pig. Awero ignored me throughout and was instead looking at the door leading to the inside of the house.

Suddenly the door opened and a very slim woman walked into the sitting room.

“Hmmm…you were the one sent by Jasmine right?” The lady asked Awero in a light voice.

“Yes ma…na me be Jasmine friend…she talk say…” Awero continued but the woman held up her hand.

“Is this the girl? Is she the one?”

“Yes na she…look am well, na fine girl I carry come so…”

“Who is she to you?” The woman asked.

“Na one girl wey come our place for ashewo joint, she be wan join us but I tell am say, dat place nor fit am at all.” Awero said.

I stared at Awero incredulously as she spoke.

“Hmmm…how much do you want?” The woman asked Awero.

“Madam…” Awero hailed, flashing her teeth, two of her teeth had broken, I hadn't noticed. “Na small money…scratch my back, I scratch ya own…give me two hundred…na virgin I bring come ya dormot ooo.”

“I’ll give you one hundred…” The woman said.

Awero shook her head. “Madam lai lai…I nor fit remove one kobo…na cost price we dey.”

“Are you new to this business?” The woman asked.

“Yes…na my first time but I fit bring you correct girls….dis one wey dey here don too suffer if not ehn, I fit no even sell am to you for five hundred thousand.” Awero boasted.

“I’ll give you one twenty…”

Awero stood up to leave. “Madam…talk like pesin abeg…see ya fine house…abi you nor want make I build my own? Scratch my back make I scratch ya own…I nor fit comot kobo from cost price.”

The woman rang a bell and a lady came out of the room, she whispered something to her and the lady went back into the room and came out again carrying a bundle of notes. She handed it to Awero who greedily grabbed the money and wetting the tip of her fingers with spittle, she proceeded to count.

Awero smiled as soon as she finished counting the money and turned to leave.

“Tank you ma…I go dey bring you plenty correct gials…” Awero said as she headed towards the door.

The woman rung the bell again and one hefty man walked out of the room and turning to the woman, he nodded while the woman tilted her head side ward. 

Awero smiled and happily made her way to the door but gasped as the man walked up to her, grabbed her by the neck till he strangled her. I stood and stared in shock as a limp Awero fell to the ground and the two hundred thousand naira was retrieved from her palms and taken away by the young lady. The man swung a lifeless Awero over his shoulder and stormed out of the house.

I opened my mouth and threw up all the contents of the coke which I had drunk earlier on.