Living Two Worlds by Veronica Begwu

Author:Veronica Begwu [BEGWU, VERONICA]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781468539769
Publisher: AuthorHouse
Published: 2012-01-12T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FOUR

Adapting to the new Delta state was easier because Aunty G. had arrived first with a consignment of goods. Her soothing voice calmed down any anxiety in Helen, who had silently held fears about coming to live in her husband’s hometown. The school that her children attended had an attachment of a secondary school, which was just starting. There was a sudden surge in population, as most of the people who had moved to Delta state sent their children to the school. In addition, many of the children met with former friends and quickly made new friends. Some of the children’s new friends even came to play soccer at home after school. A large compound served as the field, and two stones on opposite ends of the compound became goalposts. The players would be shouting, “Hey, Chike! Hey, Pat!” at the top of their voices, and red dust would rise up to the sky as they played their matches.

The house was located on the outskirts of town, yet the children took pains to come, the distance notwithstanding. The earthen road that led to the compound also led to the stream a mile away. There were fruits, including mangos, oranges, guavas, and coconuts, that the children plucked after they played. The two girls played on the swing and loved to pluck fruits for their granddad, who lived nearby. How refreshing it tasted to drink juice from oranges and mangos. The breeze smelled of the different aromas of fruits, and nearby birds chanted their melodies in the trees and bushes.

A feeling of satisfaction became the first sign of victory in a new environment. On the first school day, the daily routines started by making breakfast and eating before seven in the morning. Every child knew his or her share of the chores and need not be told. Helen traveled to Asaba for work but would drop off the kids first, and Granddad was available for any emergencies. After awhile, Helen was posted to Ibusa as a vice principal of Ibusa Girls’ Secondary School.

Mrs. Keinde became one of many friends. She welcomed Helen with a warm smile that spoke only one language. Soon they would share the job of coordination of class one, and this brought them even closer. Their school gardens were next to each other, and they would stay back after school to work on them. When Lenge’s grades began to slide in reading and writing, it was Mrs. Keinde who provided extra lessons on Tuesdays and Thursday. Helen was a single mom, but her husband sent them money and visited yearly.

At the mention of Helen’s name, people exchanged warm glances; she found ways to link up with people. There was always fresh pepper for anyone who wanted some. She’d soak the dry pepper seeds in water over night then mix and cover them with jute for warmth. In two days, the seeds would have germinated in large numbers, and she’d share the seedlings with friends. It took very little to make a difference.

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