Chapter 12

“Please sir, all I want is for you to go through the book.”

Ntone studied the man behind the desk with keen interest. He wasn’t even looking at her. He was obviously more concerned about the stack of papers on his desk than the four hundred and ninety seven paged book in her hand.

“Young lady, the university uses books written by renowned authors and we’ve already made our choice. There’s nothing I can do for you.”

The tears burned in her eyes. Although Nkoro had told her not to allow the cold treatments get her depressed, she wondered if that was even possible. For months, she had visited several agencies, educational centres, schools and universities seeking for a platform on which the book could be accepted and marketed. To her dismay, no one would cast more than a perfunctory glance at the front cover.

“Thank you, sir.” She said, rising to her feet. The English coordinator of Achiever’s university still had his eyes on the stack of papers when she walked out of the office.

She arrived at Nkoro’s house about an hour later. Nna Awor was outside spreading clothes.

“Mama, I was going to wash them. You didn’t have to wash.”

Nna Awor smiled, the creases on her forehead deepening.

“It’s okay my daughter.” she replied. “I don’t like being idle.”

“How did it go?”

“It’s the same story.” Ntone replied, throwing her hands in the air.

“Is Nkoro back from work?” she asked in an attempt to steer the conversation away from her ‘Dreams from Prison.’

“No.” Nna Awor replied. “I hope you dropped copies of the book with them. It doesn’t matter whether or not they want to look at it now. They might want to look at it later.”

“I did, but some people would not even look at me, not to mention the book. How do I drop the book in such places?”

“Don’t worry about those who refuse to give you their attention. It’s merely because they can’t stand the truth.”

Ntone peered curiously at her mother as she poured the dirty water away.

“What truth?”

“You intimidate them, my daughter.”

Ntone chortled as she collected the bucket from her mother.

“Thank you, mama.” She said, briefly revelling in the image that her mind’s eye had created. She saw herself towering above those government officials who had refused to give her their attention. She beamed gleefully as she saw them quake before her.

“Let’s go inside my star. You must be hungry.”

“Yes mama.” Ntone replied, and followed Nna Awor inside the Duplex. Nkoro had recently completed the building in Calabar.

“We have a lot of work to do. Your convocation is in two weeks.”

“Yes mama. I know.” Ntone said, quickly wiping off a tear streak that had rolled down without warning. The forthcoming event brought back painful memories of the past, reminding her of ten wasted years. She bitterly thought of what progress she would have made.

Inside the sitting room, the aroma of tomato stew filtered in from the kitchen. Although she felt exhausted from the long hours of trekking, she didn’t think she could eat anything. Her head was throbbing and a mixed stream of emotions seemed to wash through her. She found her way into her bedroom and sprawled herself on the bed.

“Ntone, your food is ready.” Nna Awor called out from the kitchen. “I hope you are not asleep.”

“No mama, I’ll be right there in a moment.” Ntone said with closed eyes. She needed to speak with someone. She rose from the bed, picked up her purse, and left the bedroom. Nna Awor was still in the kitchen.

“Mama, I need to see Mrs. Johnson.” Ntone announced, from the doorway.

“But you have only just arrived and you haven’t touched your meal.” Nna Awor grimaced.

“I know, mama.” Ntone replied, feeling sorry that Nna Awor was unhappy. She seemed to have more wrinkles on her face whenever she was unhappy.

“I hope you’re alright.”

“I’m not mama, but I’ll be.” She smiled, and dashed out of the house before Nna Awor could voice another word of protest.

The sun was gradually receding when she alighted from the bus. She crossed over to the other side of the road where the prison was situated. She could feel the nausea return with each step she took towards the lofty prison walls. In spite of the countless visits she paid Barbara after her release, she never got used to the feeling.

She casually exchanged pleasantries with the prison security men and walked briskly towards the entrance. Her nostrils always picked the stench of prison garbage even when she was quite a distance away. Her eyes took in the dirty black rooftop that served as a covering to the poorly ventilated building in one long disgusted stare. She felt a knot tie up in her stomach, and spat on the sandy earth.

“Ntone,” Her heart leaped at the sight of Jennifer, the boisterous seamstress. They had been in prison together. Jenifer was thrown in gaol after she attacked her husband’s mistress with a kitchen knife.

“Good evening ma,” Ntone greeted. She was surprised to see Jenifer in a pair of jean trousers and a blue T-shirt. Her jail term was probably over.

“Good evening my dear. How are you?”

“I’m fine ma. I had no idea that you were out.”

“Oh.” Jennifer laughed, placing her left hand on Ntone’s shoulder. “I was given seven years. I regained my freedom a week ago.”

“I’m really happy for you. What brings you here?”

“I came to see the girls. You know they’ve been like sisters to me.”

“That’s true.” Ntone nodded.

“What about you?”

“I’m here to see Mrs. Johnson.” Ntone replied, suddenly feeling alive. The mere mention of Barbara Johnson’s name always evoked that feeling within her. Barbara Johnson had always found a way to dispel her fears. She however didn’t miss the abrupt transformation on Jennifer’s face.

“I guess you haven’t heard.” Jennifer’s voice dropped to a whisper.

“Heard what?” Ntone asked, her mind racing in different directions.

“Barbara died in her sleep two days before my release. They said she died of heart failure.”

It must have been coincidental. Without warning, the skies unleashed a flood on the earth. Ntone would not listen to Jennifer’s pleas to get shelter from the rain. Even the guards couldn’t compel her to shield herself from the piercing rain lashes. Her eyes simultaneously joined the sky in releasing water. The skies must have also felt her pain for they cried even more, as they released a torrent that seemed to last for eternity.