CHAPTER SIX

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Today is what they call visiting day at Unwana’s school, it occurs every last Sunday of every month. I never miss anyone, and I don't plan on missing this one. I won't lie, days like this are usually filled with mix feelings. I'm ecstatic about seeing my daughter and when the visiting day is over, and she's heading back to her dormitory, I feel heart collapse in despair.

I wake up early as 5am to prepare all I will take along with me, putting in mind all the things I know my daughter will need

I sit on one of the couch n my living to set aside her provision which where; one big tin of Milo and peak milk, one pack of cube sugar, one big cornflakes, golden morn, and a bottle of her favorite drink, Tasty Time blackcurrant. I found a neat nylon which was big enough to contain the seven cups of garri I turned into it, I tie the end tightly to secure the garri from pouring out and then, set it aside also. I instantly recall the bottle of roasted groundnut I bought the previous day, I rush to the dinning table to pick it up and then, set it down with the rest. Since This phase is settle, I move on to the next.

I stroll into the bedroom and straight to my wardrobe, I take out a pair f neatly folded school uniform shirt, day-wear and Sunday-white which I collected from my tailor yesterday. And also, the new set underwear I bought from Agboju market, last Sunday.

Unwana never stopped nagging on how her uniforms and underwear were stolen from her, Even though I'm convinced most of them were misplaced out of her carelessness, I still have to get her new ones.

I take them all to the living room and arrange them inside a strong, medium-size sac with hard zip. I thought of going along with the new sandals Mrs. Adebanjo bought for her but then, I realized she will be entering a new class soon and she will need new stuff too so, I drop the sandals back into my wardrobe.

I quickly rush into the kitchen that is now engulf in the sweet smell of jellof rice that I'm cooking. I take the clean hand towel that is hanging on the kitchen cabinet, using it to carefully uncover the pot and releasing the hot steam. I gently use the serving wooden spoon to give a little stir before turning off the fire.

I take out two pack of Happy-hour drink, A sealed bowl of home-made cookies and another of peanuts which I baked the night before. I them all to the living room and arrange them delicately inside the bag.

Unwana loves to take her food back to her dormitory I guess to eat with er friends so, I dish the rice into two small food-flasks, one that she will take to her dorm and the other one she will eat on the visiting ground. Then, I put on each flask two fried turkey before locking them tightly.

I stand the food flasks in a portable bag that I will hold in my hand during the journey. Letting out a gentle sigh, I inspect the bags one last time to make sure I've put in everything. Knowing that I'm unable to prepare the pepper meat as promised bothered me, owing to having little cash left and by my calculations, I still need to set aside some pocket money for her. I plan to just tell I forgot and will make it up to her

It's 7:50am on my wall clock, I dash into my room, undress and hurry into the bath room..

I had known what I would wear today in my head since yesterday it was a casual, green flowered dress made in a lightweight fabric that is soft to the skin. It is the first dress I notice hanging among the others In my wardrobe. I take it out, slip into it and adorn my pretty face with a light make-up.

Before leaving the house, I glance at the clock and I'm happy i made good time. I lock the front door behind me, watching my steps as I carefully transport the heavy bag down the stairs. I usually take a tricycle going to Alakija, then I thought I should just use a bike to Navy gate instead.

“Okada!” I call out, halting a commercial bike on sight.

“Madam, morning oo!” He greets.

“Abeg I dey go Navy gate.” I inform him in pidgin English.

“Oya na, enter.” He offers, trying to collect the heavy bag from me.

“No worry, I go hol’am.” I hold back the bag “How much?” I ask.

“Madam na two hundred naira.” He announces.

“Watin happen? All the money wey you no make since the beginning of this week, na for my head you wan make am abi? No be hundred naira una dey collect?” I inquire loudly “Something wey no far sef, I no blame you, na mumu una dey like.” I complain harshly.

“Ah Madam, no be fight na, oya, enter.” He agrees finally to take me for my price “You hold change?” he asks.

“Eh” I reply as I get on the bike.

I must have been rude speaking to the bike man but if you don’t speak that way, they will take you for nuts, “For Lagos, everybody eye dey shuk oo so, person gaz wise up.” I voice within me.

I get down from the bike at the gate and hurry through it to the barrack’s park at the gate which is situated opposite the Nigerian Navy Secondary. I take another bike to senior rate mess, there, a straight bus is made available to take us to comand secondary school at ipaja.

But getting there, I realize I am the first person to arrive; I’m even earlier than the Navy wives living in the barracks whose children are in the school.