Chapter Five

I was so excited I was so close to taking complete charge of my life. I had just gotten a job. I tried my best to hide my excitement and then I let it out the moment I got out of the bookshop.

"I got it" I shouted with attention.

"Thank you for all the encouragement and support, I couldn't have done this without you."

"It is nothing trust me, we have each other" I could not wait to go home and share the good news with mama, she would be so excited when she finds out about it.

"We should get you a new dress for your first day at work"

"I want to get a new dress but I don't have the money to do so"

"Just follow me"

Laurie pulled me into a beautiful dress shop. There were beautiful dresses here and they all looked expensive.

They are all expensive. I pulled her closer to whisper in her ears.

"The clothes look expensive we should leave"

"I have just enough money to purchase one and I want you to take it as a gift from me too"

"Why are you doing all of this for me? Why are you being so nice to me"

"Because you deserve it and it is my little way of repaying you for your kindness"

"What have I done?"

"You were there for me when we were little and now I have an opportunity I won't hesitate to return the favor"

"Remember when you'd give me your food whenever I complained I was not full?"

I was shocked that she remembered, I had forgotten about that.

"Yeah and that was a long time ago"

"You could have chosen not to do it but you didn't and I'm grateful for that"

"You needed it more"

"And now you need this more. Go and try it on now"

She pulled out a brown plain dress and handed it over to me.

"Yes ma'am"

"Now you'll make me feel like an old Gina"

"Nooo," I said and we both laughed at that.

I came out a few minutes dressed in the new dress and it fitted perfectly.

"This looks perfect on you"

"Yes, but it is very expensive. It's $50 Laurie we can't afford it"

"Go change back and meet me at the counter. And please be fast."

Laurie left and I went to change back into my dress and met her at the counter as she had said. She had already paid for it and it was put in a bag. And we left the shop.

It was getting late already and so we took the subway that led to the bus station, and when we got there we entered a bus heading to cattagana where the orphanage was located.

On getting to the orphanage, we met Bella waving at Lara and Joe. Then I remembered she was supposed to leave today. She mentioned it last night.

The moment Bella saw me she ran over to me and gave me a very tight hug and went over to Laurie to hug her too.

"I will miss you so much Arya and your lullabies. And you Laurie "

"I will miss you too my dear Bella and I know your new mummy and daddy will sing you sweeter lullabies"

"I'll miss you too Bella," Laurie said

"Please take care of Lara and Joe"

I looked over to where they were standing and I could see them cry.

"We will," I and Laurie said in unison

"Bye," she said as she went over to join her new parents.

I and Laurie walked over to Lara and Joe and they hugged me while we waved at Bella till they drove off. Laurie went in leaving me and the kids outside.

"We will miss Bella"

"I know that and I'll miss her too"

"I want to go to a new home," Lara said

"Me too" Joe followed.

"Soon.. very soon. It is almost bedtime, Let us go in so I can sing you both to sleep"

"Yaaay!" They shouted in excitement.

After putting them to sleep, I went to meet mama to share the good news with her. She would be so proud of me.

I knocked on her door and permitted me to come in. She spoke like she had been expecting me.

"You have been gone the whole day. I was getting worried"

"I have good news mama and besides I am now an adult, I can take care of myself"

"I know, but you can't blame me for being worried. You know you haven't been out in the city by yourself, especially for this long"

"What is the good news?"

"I got a  job"

"That is great"

"When do you start?"

"Tomorrow"

"That is so soon"

"I know"

"But I am proud of you and please take care of yourself and be a good girl"

"Yes mama I will," We said goodnight to each other and went back to the room.

It was late already and I needed to take my shower. Laurie was already in bed but not yet asleep.

I was heading to the bathroom when I heard ma'am Gina calling me.

"Yes ma'am Gina"

"Where  were you all day?" She asked, she was oozing with so much anger.

"I went in search of a job"

"Who cares. You abandoned your chores for who?"

"I didn't abandon my chores, I made sure I finished them before I left"

"There are no groceries left," I said nothing: I just kept mute and listened to her.

"Are you deaf and dumb?"

"No ma'am Gina"

"Make sure to get the groceries early tomorrow morning"

"I just got a job and I have to be there first thing tomorrow"

"I do not care. Make sure you don't go against my order"

"Yes ma'am Gina"

She stormed off. I am yet to understand why this woman hated me so much.

I quickly had my bath and went back to the room.

"I heard voices. More of ma'am Gina's. Any problem?"

I was shocked to still see Laurie up.

"I thought you were asleep already"

"I was but ma'am Gina woke me up. What is the problem?"

"She wants me to get groceries first thing tomorrow morning"

"But that is not your duty and besides you have work tomorrow"

"I told her that but she insisted that I do it"

"You see the need why we need to leave here." I nodded slightly.

"Don't worry I'll help you get it. Hurry up and go to bed so you ph can wake up early for work tomorrow"

"Thank you so much, for today and this" "You're welcome, now go to bed"

"I will" I quickly changed into my night dress and lay down. I was super tired and so it didn't take time for me to sleep off.