Despite my seriousness and dedication to work, Madam Sussan still paid me a mediocre salary, giving the excuse that the economy was hard and she had a family to cater for. I began to envisage and strategize about what plan to take. I could not continue saving some "peanuts"—barely enough to feed me—let alone the money intended for my schooling. It was at this point I met Gabriella.
Gabriella and other girls who were working under Lady B usually came around on weekends. So, I waited for that weekend to see Gabriella and tell her about my plan of working with them. Though I didn't know what the work was all about, I could tell that those girls were living big.
That evening, I took Gabriella aside and told her my intention of working with them. She laughed so hard that for a moment I began to wonder if there was anything funny about what I said.
"Why are you laughing?" I asked her, slightly annoyed.
"I'm so sorry, dear, but are you a virgin?" Gabriella asked.
That single question of hers threw me off balance.
"Why do you ask?" I was becoming inquisitive.
"You see, Natasha, the work we girls do is typically not for a girl like you. You are too good to be spoilt."
"How do you mean?" I quizzed.
"In this work, we give to take; we call it 'screw-driving business.' Okay, let me explain it this way to you. This work is a night business where we sell our bodies to rich men in exchange for money. So, do you now understand?"
I was speechless for a while before I found my voice at last.
"Regardless, I think I have to join you girls, so long as the pay is fine," I found myself saying.
"What? Come on, Natasha, you don't have to. Besides, Lady B loves you and treats you like a daughter. You have free food and a roof over your head. What more do you need money for?"
"I know that, Gabriella, but I still have dreams I am pursuing. I need to fend and hustle for myself. Yes, Lady B has been nice to me, but I ought to be independent on matters that deal with my personal life," I explained.
"What dreams are you talking about?" Gabriella pressed further.
"It has been my earnest desire to become a lawyer. This passion has been nurtured right from childhood, and I wouldn't want to dash it away now that it lies in my hands," I said with a wave of emotion.
"You so much remind me of my younger brother. In fact, he is the reason why I am into this. I had never, for once, had interest in academics, but my kid bro— that one is exceptionally brilliant. He is currently studying Medicine and Surgery at UNN in Enugu State. I usually send him some cash twice every week, and I have come to see that as a responsibility."
"How about your parents?" I asked as a matter of concern.
"Speaking of parents, I have none. They were both involved in a fatal car accident which took their lives."
"I'm so sorry to hear that. I'm really sorry about your loss."
"It's okay. I mean, it happened a very long time ago, and I've gotten over it. So, tell me, are you really sure about joining us in this work?"
"Gabriella, I am so sure. Look, if not being a virgin is a guarantee of becoming one, then you have me. Someone I trusted so much took my virginity, but I wouldn't want to talk about that. I desperately need this money. By next year, I'll have to retake JAMB exams, gain admission, pay acceptance, departmental, and tuition fees, look for a suitable lodge, buy handouts, sort out lecturers without having any intimate relationship, and what have you. Now, come to think of it, all these need money. So, whatever it takes to get this money, I am ready for it. Besides, once in a lifetime, one has to be bad for good reasons," I lamented.
"I love your determination! Anyways, I'll have to tutor you on certain things. To start with, do you have a bank account?" Gabriella asked.
"Yes," I replied.
"When was the last time you accessed it?"
"A very long time ago."
"It should be dormant and you need to reactivate it; perhaps tomorrow, we will see to that."
"Thank you," I said to her.
"Then again, you need to get some seductive dresses to attract men. Men are attracted by what they see."
"I know that."
"Cool. Always remember to put on protection. You know, this is Lagos, and if you don't shine your eyes well, treacherous men will take advantage of you. Do you get it?"
"I do."
"Lest I forget, you have to disclose your real name to any client. This is based on security grounds."
"I understand," I said with a nod.
"And finally, when it comes to charging money from men, you will have to be smart."
"Of course I will. I am good at pricing stuff, and that's where I took after my mum," I teased as Gabriella and I laughed for a while.
Afterwards, I took Gabriella's number and promised to get in touch with her. That night, when I went to bed, my conscience pricked me. Was that really the right thing to do? My parents would have me beheaded if they ever found out what I was up to in Lagos. But then, I had no choice. Time was ticking fast!