“I've been meaning to ask you, what made you become a slay queen instead of venturing into any business,” Leo asked his wife as they sat under the summer but in their garden.“It's a long story, brace yourself." She sighed as she began with the story of her life.My parents gave birth to the two of us only, that's myself and my kid sister. Life was all colourful and rosy, until one day my dad brought in a new woman because he claimed he needed a son to succeed him when he passes on. My mom was broken but she was strong for both of us. My stepmother was a good woman, no doubt. She respected my mom and liked my sister and me, she held no grudge with us. We lived peacefully as one big family, she gave birth to a set of twins, both boys and that's where things started going south. My dad changed into someone we barely knew, he always treated my mother and us badly, his wife, that is my stepmother was always against his ill-treatment. Anytime he refuses to give us food to eat, she used to

“Akosua, where are you and Maakua, I'm home and no one is around. I called Ma, but she isn't answering. Kamdyn and Kwabena won't tell me where you girls are. Where is my daughter?" He asked angrily“Kwame, meny3 ready for ntokwa biara( I'm not ready for any trouble). We've been at 37 military hospital for a week, I've been calling your phone it's either switched off or no answer. Maakua is sick, you can come to see her when you like, tchew." She said as she dropped the call and went back inside the ward.Maakua was doing better than before but the doctor wanted to monitor her progress so she had been admitted. Kwabena, Kamdyn, Abena, Adwoa and her mother-in-law had come over to visit the little girl during the week. Her mother-in-law stayed there with her to watch over the girl.Kwame changed his clothes and then prepared his daughter's favourite, jollof rice with gizzard, garnished with vegetables, and also got her a pack of vitamin drink.

“Auntie," Akosua called to the woman who raised her. “Aw, me ba(My child), it shall be well, take heart." The elder woman said sitting beside her.“I hope so, I really do." She said as her aunt wiped her eyes.“Where's your husband?" Her uncle asked entering with a basket of food.“I dunno, " She stated.“Is everything alright between you two?" He asked again.“He changed." She said as Maakua entered the ward with her grandmother.“My in-laws, you're welcome." The woman greeted.“Thank you." Her aunt said.“Ma, I brought your favourite ice cream, grandma says it would help you feel better." She handed it to her as she pulled her towards her and hugged her tightly.“Thanks, Sweetheart," Akosua added.Kwame had made his cheating evident to his wife. He no longer treated her right and always came back with lipstick stains on his shirt or half-used condoms in his pocket.She no longer was happy in her home. She found solace in the little girl and her work.“Eleanor, do you know the man yo

Akosua and Maakua had been hoping Kwame would come back to his senses and come for them. Even if he didn't want her, at least he could come and check up on his daughter.But he did none of that. She had heard he had gone for another woman whom he was living with.“Ma, how are we going to survive without Da?" Maakua asked her stepmother at dinner one night.“My dear, we will be fine, very much fine. I have money saved up from years back and besides, I work. And my salary is enough to cater for us both." She told the girl.“How about my school fees?" She asked knowing how expensive that was.“Don't worry dear, that's why I've applied for the scholarship for you. If you get it, it will take you through to Senior High, now that you're in primary 5." She explained to the girl.Because of how intelligent and smart she was, she skipped primary four and was promoted to primary five.“Maate(I've heard you), Ma." She said as she proceeded to wash the dishes.“Ei, Eleanor so you didn't listen to

“Nii, Kpa(Stop it)" Adwoa said as he splashed water on her. She had come to visit him in his house since he had nothing to do at home. She hadn't gotten any clients yet after her last one which was last week.“Erm... Daabi(No)." He stuck out his tongue.“Nii, lah." She said trying to get up as he held her waist preventing her from moving.“Adwoa lah." He mimicked. As her lips twitched. He pulled her inside the pool to join her for a swim.He had liked her way back in school but he didn't get the balls to ask her out but the couple of weeks they had spent together rekindled those old feelings. Aku was just a fling or, lust but not true love. He drew her closer to him as he kissed her waiting for her reaction. She pulled his head closer and kissed him more passionately. “Adwoa, would you be my girl?" He asked.“Finally, I will I've waited for this since school days." She blurted.“Excuse me say what?" He asked shocked.“Manka hwe ( I didn't say anything)." She said swimming away from h