ROOM 127

I always knew Greenland brothel had its protocols like checks with the securities  at the gate.  I've been  there for parties couple of times.  Layo and I would normally flash our invitation cards at the gate then hurry in. Unlike the other time when I stood outside the front gate with my siblings to meet our father,  I was inside the main building this time around because I meant business. I went straight to the gate keeper and when he asked me which room I was going to, I was silent. "Who do you want to see. " he asked. "I know who I want to see Oga just allow me inside the main building. " I replied. "All this small small girls without respect living here. So am talking to you and you are answering as you please. Is it because Men are coming to pick you girls on and on so you think you've  made it abi? " I was furious and I spoke to him harshly. "Oga in the first place I dnt live here. Respect yourself and stop saying what you don't know. Don't you ever join me with the women leaving here. " I screamed then walked into the main building while he stared in disbelief. 

I went straight to room 127. I knocked and the door was opened. "Good afternoon" Father I said. My father looked at me in shock and couldn't even offer me a seat. When he visited me at the bar few days back, he made it know to me that he was in room 127 in the brothel and he knew I will object to his invitation so he requested I bring my siblings at least to the gate and there I was today in his room. I looked around and noticed how tiny his space was. I thought we live in tiny space until I saw my fathers room and realized our room wasn't so tiny after all. The room had a small bed, two chairs, a slim wardrobe and some clothes we're  scattered on the bed. He looked at me keenly . He knew my coming was conditional. "Sit my child. " he said.  I sat on the edge of the bed. "Mother is sick. " I said. "I know. " he quickly replied. The news is all over the neighborhood moreover if a news is from any bar in London then its authenticity can't be questioned. I would have visited you but... " "I need money" I interrupted. He was mute. He got up, went towards the wardrobe and sat. "Do you need water. "?  He asked. I was furious. "Father I said I need money. " I said again in an angry tone. He came closer to me, held my left hand with his right hand while he scratched his head with his right hand. "My child.. I... Sorry.. The thing is... There's no money. " I looked into his teary eyes. He wasn't lying. I got up, adjusted my side bag and said "The doctor needs about 10 thousand naira for Mothers treatment. You have till evening to get the money. " Before opening the door to leave, I turned around and said "Please I don't want my Mother to die. "

I hurried back to the hospital and met my siblings playing round the clinic. I was angry. They should be by our mothers side I thought. Kiki ran towards me and before I could say a word  Tami said "Mother is awake. " "What? " I screamed in disbelief. "Yes she woke up before we arrived here. Dr. Charles said she woke up as soon as you left. " replied KikI. "Where is Osifa? " I inquired while hurrying to the ward. "She's packing our stuff. Mother said we are living. "  On the hospital bed my mother laid unconsciously for 48 hours, I saw her sitting and I felt chills down my spine. I was happy and I ran towards her. She hugged me tightly while I cried in her arms. "My child Am sorry for putting you through a lot. " "No mother. " I retorted. "You are not at fault. "There you are. " said Dr. Charles as he walked towards us. "Dr. Charles told me you went to look for money" said my mother. She chuckled then continued. "Where in London will you get 10 thousand naira at such an ungodly time. " I was quiet. I dare not tell her I went to see our father. Dr. Charles tapped my shoulder and said "You are such a brave kid fetty. Your mother regained consciousness immediately  you left.  I am surprised. I'll say its a miracle. " my mother smiled weakly and said "My children need me. I had to fight. " "Are you sure it isn't your bar that needed you? " said Dr. Charles jokingly. We all laughed. 

By 5:30pm we were home already. T. K our mechanic neighbor luckily brought one car home so I begged him to drive us home. Back at the hospital while I was setting our things in the car T. K brought,  I noticed our mother conversing in low tunes with Dr. Charles. Whatever they must have said ended in her pleading to repay the hospital bills as soon as possible. When we got home,  I boiled water for our mother to take her bath while Osifa washed the clothes we brought from the hospital. I took a stool to the bathroom while my mother sat. "Do you need help? " I asked. "Go Fetty I can handle it. " she said with a smile. I knew she  wouldn't let me help her. My mother had her ego to protect. After she took her bath,  my siblings and I ate the food I took to the hospital Mother requested for tea without bread. There was no bread after all. So I boiled water and dropped a lipton bag in it then offered her in a cup with little sugar. She drank, took her drugs and was soon  fast asleep. I looked at her in admiration. I was grateful she was gradually being herself again. I was happy she regained consciousness and I believe in Miracles. 

I ensured my siblings had thier bath then offered to assist them with thier homework. I haven't checked thier books lately. While going through their books, Tami said "Sister will mother be sick again. " I looked at the innocence in his eyes and replied. "No. Never will she be sick again.  Hr giggled while Kiki whispered to him saying "I told you. "  It was 8:25 pm and my siblings were asleep already. On fridays, they watch movies throughout the night and sleep late but today, they were tired.  I was tired too. I grabbed the wrapper that hung by the door, took off my clothes, tied it across my chest and went out to take a bath. I finished bathing and met someone standing by our door. It was Layo. "Fetty how have you been. Sorry I couldn't visit you at the clinic. I had some things to tidy up. " He said. "Don't  worry. " I replied. I went in, wore clothes on then dragged the bench by the corner and gave him to sit. We sat together. "I heard there's a birthday bash in Razi. " I said. "yea but I won't be going. " why not?  There will be free drinks oo I said while laughing. " he smiled and said "It will be the first time I'll go to a party without you and besides the free drinks won't make sense because you and I don't drink. " "But everyone thinks we drink." I said. "That's thier business" replied Layo. "We rock doesn't mean we roll. " he  added while I nodded. "So how's your mother. " I heard she was discharged. "yea she miraculously regained consciousness. Am glad. " " I almost struck a deal with the devil today Layo" I said. "I know. You went to GreenLand. " hr replied. "You knew"?  I asked then pulled the door to ensure it was shut properly so my mother and siblings wouldn't hear a word even though they were sleeping, I wasn't ready to take chances. "Ehmmm actually am here with the devil you nearly struck a deal with this afternoon. " said Layo. "Are you Mad?  You mean you brought my father here? " I said then dashed out to meet him.