Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3

The trees were old and antiquated, she crept deep into the woods around the poisonous wolf's bane. The air was resinous and yellow leafs continued landing softly into the otherwise deserted ground. Oxblood-red toadstools spread all over. Hannah had never had such a teeth-gritting experience. Going deep into the forest, the smell of moist ground resembled a perfect abode for those who worship the dark. Despite being almost noon, dense shadows chocked the area with darkness.

She was following the trend which had disturbed twings, hoping the disturbance had been perpetrated by the evil doers and not some wild flock or the infamous ghosts which inhabited the forest. Her heart was beating hard like the east African Maasai drums but the voices were less loud, progress. She was just about giving up the chase when she heard a soft cry, more cool than disturbed. She picked the little bundle and headed home, she would move away with it silently.

"Where do you think you're going?" Paula, Hannah's mother asked with a tired voice. She was ever cool despite her age which had been heightened by lack.

"I think I could make a future in the town, life here has never been any better". She knew this was a losing battle but then why not give it a trial.

"Look, child. My poor bones have nothing left than poor blood running through them, I have seen you grow and though I'd retain you at any cost, I won't".

" Mum, you mean..." Hannah was sobbing.

"I mean to give you my blessings, may the town be a better mother than I ever was".

***

Eddy tore through the nasty streets of Highrise estate, litter lay at both sides of the delapidated path. Her torn school uniform badly exposed the backside but nothing could hide her beauty, she was four and already a sparkling figure with dark eyes, flowing hair and heavy eyebrows. The estate looked more of a camp with congested buildings, build out of metal tins and cartons. It was a total mess but home for thousands of forsaken souls.

"Mom, I'm hungry", she said with a soft tone, kneeling down and placing her head on Hannah's bosom who was seated sewing a new pullover.

"Where did you get that appetite, big girls don't eat, you'll grow fat like the irimu", she used to scare Eddy about her good appetite saying she'd grow as big as the irimu, some proverbial ghost which is said to have been as big as a storey building. Which fed on everything including human beings.

"But I want to be big, so I can help you at the hotel", she protested. Hannah had started a makeshift food outlet which mainly operated in the morning and evening hours. She stayed at her tin house sewing pullovers the other hours of the day.

"And where is daddy, Clara's dad bought her a big engine toy".

" Your dad went on a mission, he will be back soon darling. Now change your clothes and find something to put in your big stomach at the stand". Eddy was laughing loud as she enjoyed the salted gruel,it had a tangy and tart flavor. such a beautiful girl.

The following day two girls confronted Eddy and laughed at her torn uniform, the result was one of the girls going home with a losing tooth while the other had a swollen nose. From that day she became 'Bazu', for a young girl who had masculine traits in her.

It was during Hannah's errands at the makeshift hotel that he met Eli. He was a middle aged man working at the city as a clerk in some stationary company, he was mostly drunk if not always and used to brag about being the richest person in the slum. Sometimes he could come into the hotel and buy everyone tea just prove a point. In one of the evenings, she approached her as she was just closing.

"Look, Hannah. I can see your struggle, why would such a beauty have to serve old men who have no future in exchange of peanuts?" He asked in a flat tone.

"I know it's for the sweet little daughter of yours, but let me ask you", he smacked his lips. "Can you allow me take it as my personal responsibility, her fees and everything?"

Hannah just stared, she had never imagined having a man, not even getting married.

"Well, I can take care of myself". She said with finality.

"Take this", he handed her a handful of coins, enough to last her for atleast a week. "Tell Eddy the mission is over and daddy's coming". He walked out with measured steps.

Hannah stared at the hard floor, dark was filtering in. Maybe it was time for change.