Chapter 6

After waiting for an uber for ten minutes, I used the ride to think about a lot. Not just today, but the entirety of my life.

What had I achieved?

Was I special?

Of what value was I? To anyone?

I sighed.

Here it was, a glimmer hope.

I just have to not mess it up.

I got down and paid a cost not too bad.

Inside my shabby house. My father was drinking. Again.

Alcohol was his only source of sanity in this tragic life of ours. I just pray instead.

He had a good business. He manufactured tyres and was in partnership with auto shops and car brands. He made a bad investment with a bad person and lost a lot of money. The companies he was in partnership with, ended their business with him because he could not provide the appropriate goods at the appropriate time.

Since the man who was our breadwinner, now invested his savings on booze instead of making plans on how to help his family out of the disturbed waters, I was now the breadwinner.

"Osarugwe" He said calling to me

"Yes, dad. Good evening sir." I responded

"Give me some cash." He slurred

"I don't have any."

"You do...you work.

"I used it on an uber"

"An uber? Isn't that too pricey?"

"It was my only option"

"No. You were just being selfish. You took an expensive ride for your own comfort when you know our family is in your hands. You're selfish....."

On the verge of tears, I decided to stay silent.

"...selfish like me. A man who can not take of his own family.

My father had burst into tears once again.

I left.

Our house had become a dark home.

I saw my mother asleep with swollen eyelids. She had cried herself to sleep again.

My twin brother, Osasefe David Osula was hospitalised. So he wasn't here.

He has anaemia, caused by iron deficiency in his diet. Probably because there wasn't enough food.

The thoughts dancing in my mind made me want to cry even more, so I decided to focus on moving forward instead.

I took a deep breath and dialed the number given to me.

"Hello?" The voice from the other line came out. It sounded familiar, but I brushed it off.

"Good evening, this is Osarugwe Davina Osula. Your superior had me contact you."

I better not mention his name, incase it is a wrong number.

After a brief silence, the voice said "Good evening, Ms Osula. I am Mr Igwe's personal assistant. I believe you have been informed on the situation?"

"Yes, sir." I said. It was a clarion voice, very loud and clear.

"Great. When can you start?"

"Now, sir."

He chuckled quietly and said "The enthusiasm is welcome but let's start on Monday next week, yes?"

I was comforted by his calm and warm tone.

'My resignation should be approved by this weekend' i thought '

"Yes sir, thank you."

"Your salary will be discussed in person and you will be hired on probation for a month until Mr.Igwe clears you."

"Understood"

"Goodnight, Ms Osula. See you soon." He said.

"Goodnight sir."

Overwhelmed with joy of the opportunity, I started planning what I would wear for my first day. I reminded myself that I must be focused and competent, then nothing would go wrong.

Right?