For some days after the incident with Frank and me, Uncle Joe developed a strong hatred for me. He swore to make my life miserable under his roof. At first, he would send me on aimless errands and then blame me for nothing at all. Gradually, I was turning into a slave in my uncle's house. Worse still, he made me appear evil before my aunty's eyes.
Nonetheless, I endured it all because I desperately needed to gain admission into the university under their supervision.
One certain day, while I was plaiting Ruth's hair, Uncle Joe barged into our bedroom. He asked me to go and wash his car, saying he needed it to visit a friend. I left to do as he ordered, and Ruth followed me. When he came out and saw that Ruth was helping me wash the car, he yelled at her to go and study her books. Reluctantly, Ruth went inside. I wasn't surprised because I knew Uncle Joe was bent on frustrating my life.
All hell broke loose one Thursday evening when I was summoned by my uncle and his wife. I was thrown into a state of bewilderment when Uncle Joe told me that he had been unable to secure admission for me. He gave the excuse that indigenes were first considered, alongside affluent people, and the remaining slots had been sold off rapidly.
From the way Uncle Joe spoke, I knew he was lying, but his wife, already brainwashed, believed every word. Aunty Jane even said she was sorry for how things turned out and pleaded with me to stay with them until the following year for another JAMB registration.
Hot tears welled up in my eyes, but I withheld them from falling. Could this truly be happening to me, or was I living in a world of fantasy? Only God knew what I might have done to my insensitive uncle if I had a gun.
When I got back to my room, Ruth noticed the change in my mood and asked if I was alright. I stifled a smile and nodded. Honestly, I needed someone to pour my heart out to, but certainly not Ruth. She might not have understood my predicament as much as I did.
That night, I called my parents and told them everything. They were quite disappointed but advised me to stay with my aunt so I could rewrite the JAMB exam. To an extent, I also dialed Frank's number. I didn't think it was the right thing to do, but I narrated my ordeal to him. From him, I learned that his father was a wealthy entrepreneur with strong connections to the Vice Chancellor of the university I had applied for. Frank promised to talk to his father on my behalf.
The next day, however, an evil plan struck my mind—to make away with my uncle's money and escape to another place within Lagos. I had no intention of returning to the village, as tongues would begin to wag. Sooner than later, I began to perfect my plan.
At first, I monitored my uncle closely to know where he kept his ATM card. I also thought of how to get his PIN, but that was more difficult. One day, during his absence, I checked his personal diary, and fortunately for me, his ATM card PIN was scribbled there. I quickly copied it out and left as swiftly as possible.
My escape plan was gaining ground, but the biggest problem I had was figuring out where exactly I would go. Lagos is no small city. Thankfully, I remembered the home address Emerald had given me, which belonged to her big aunty, Lady B, who lived in Lagos. After much thought, I decided to visit her, hoping she might accommodate me. Besides, I had no other relative in Lagos.
The day I was to run away from Aunty Jane's house, I pretentiously left with my small luggage, creating the impression that I was only going to the market. I went to the nearest POS center and withdrew some money for transport fare. To avoid embarrassment, I carefully memorized Lady B's address in case I missed my way.
Afterward, I boarded a minibus heading towards Ikorodu, where Lady B lived. The passengers were allowed to pay their transport fare only when it was time to get off. Exhausted, I fell asleep. By the time I woke up, we had already reached the final bus stop at Ikorodu. To my greatest shock, my purse was gone—it had been stolen. That was when I realized that some passengers must have alighted while I was asleep, and new ones had taken their place.
There was one rascal-looking guy who had been sitting beside me and dropped off before we arrived at the bus stop. He probably was the one who stole my purse, which contained my phone, transport fare, and Uncle Joe's ATM card.
I was more than confused when the bus conductor demanded fare from the passengers. I had no idea what to do until, suddenly, an angel of a young girl—just a few years older than me—paid her fare along with mine after seeing the frustration on my face.
"Thank you so much, I am very grateful," I said to her.
"You are welcome. By the way, I'm Gabriella. And you?" she asked.
"Natasha," I replied.
"Alright, Natasha, I'll be on my way. Do have a nice day," Gabriella said with a charming smile as she turned to leave.
I quickly called her back. "Please, don't be offended. I am new in this city, and I am looking for Lady B, who lives at 124 Street Avenue, Ikorodu. She is a fashion model by career. Do you happen to know her?"
"Of course, I do. Are you her new client?" Gabriella asked.
"Client? No, not at all. I am just a friend to her niece, and I came visiting," I explained.
"I see. Well, I can take you to where she stays," Gabriella offered.
"How much more can I thank you? First, you paid the transport fare of a total stranger, and now you are offering to help me locate Lady B's house?" I said in amazement.
"Never mind," Gabriella said with another smile.
When Gabriella and I finally arrived at Lady B's house, I thanked her warmly, and she took her leave. Nervously, I knocked at the gate. A security guard, whose name I later learned was Adamu, peeped through the small opening and asked who I was.
"My name is Adeola Natasha. I came to see Lady B," I replied.
On getting inside the house, I met a fair-complexioned, plump woman sitting on the sofa.
"Good day, ma," I greeted nervously.
"How may I help you, my dear?" she asked calmly, putting me at ease.
"Ma, my name is Adeola Natasha from Ota in Ogun State. I am a friend of your niece, Emerald. She was actually the one who gave me your home address…"
After my brief introduction, I went ahead to narrate everything I had been going through since I came to live with my aunt —except how my uncle defiled me. Then I pleaded with Lady B to let me stay with her for a while until I figured out my next move.
To my surprise—though I had hoped for it—Lady B said I could stay as long as I wished. She asked whether my parents were aware of my plan, and I told her I didn't want to bother them yet but would inform them when it became necessary.
Afterward, Lady B showed me to a guest room where I would stay for the time being. And that was how I came to live with Lady B. Truth be told, I didn't know where my sudden courage came from, but one thing was certain: I was determined to achieve my lifelong dream of becoming a lawyer. Come what may, I would never let go of that dream—even if it meant taking risks.