NINA

By Maxine Aryee

'I felt his lips on my neck and I shivered. I wished it was out of pleasure but it was from fear. Nothing felt right. His lips grazed along my neck, sending another ripple of shiver through my body and I reeled back, trying hard to push myself from him. He gripped me even harder and I was overwhelmed by his strength.'

Anyone can fall in love, but not everyone can find love. Exposed to dysfunctional relationships and murderous mysteries, it seems nearly impossible for Nina to find the affection her soul yearns for. When she falls in love despite the odds, it's messier than yam porridge and she is afraid that it wouldn't taste as good.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jan 5, 2023
• ISBN: 9781387297900

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NINA

MAXINE  NAA  AYELEY ARYEE

Copyright © 2021 Maxine Aryee

All rights reserved.

DEDICATION

To GOD ALMIGHTY, Mum, Dad, and Awinyel♡.

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I would like to thank everyone for their support.

CHAPTER 1

Life on this street started even before the sun awoke. It bustled with the noise of buses and taxis honking. Street vendors crowded the sidewalks, making little to no room for pedestrians to walk by. Other vendors who did not mind the risks involved, awaited traffic to build up so they could entice drivers and passengers with goods. All in all, the noise was almost deafening. 

But if you could look past the noise and the danger, you could truly appreciate the day for what it was. Amazing. The aroma of street food floated through the air, testing the notion that man shall not live by bread alone. He may live by street food too. 

I walked past shops stuffed with different goods. From carpets to jewellery to my favourite, food. But I had not the luxury to be tempted by the sweet aroma of Aunty Oyo's kenkey with delectable red fried fish, no. 

I balanced my pan on my head, squeezed my way through corners, and tried to find customers whom I could help carry their bought goods to their desired location. It was this part of the day that I loved and despite my aching neck and back, I went on. Mama and my little sister, Amina were my reason to keep going. I had to cater to their every need since mama, sick with an ulcer no longer had the strength to work and Amina still had a year to complete secondary school. 

I did not think life for me would end up this way. Like every young child out there, I had a dream. I dreamt of enrolling in a tertiary institution after secondary school to study business administration. I loved to read a lot but I also had my way with numbers. It always amazed me the wonders you could achieve with numbers, hence my interest in accounts. After my degree, I would become an accountant. The best the country ever had. So I thought. 

Even before completing secondary school, mama was diagnosed with a severe ulcer shortly after papa's death. I had to struggle my way through school, but fortunately making it. The rest of my dreams became non-existent thereafter. Considering mama's condition, I knew I had to become the breadwinner of the family but who would hire a high school graduate? It was hard finding a decent-paying job so after trying so hard to secure one without success, I moved from Tamale to the big city; Accra.

Things were a bit better in the big city but I still found myself trying to secure a job, the struggle continued till I finally and sadly decided to become a female porter. A kayayoo to be more precise. 

So here I was, rushing like other female porters to buyers who were done with their shopping so I could carry their heavy loads. 

Maa, let me help you carry your goods. I said to a customer loud enough to overcome the other voices. 

She turned to me And how much would it be? 

Just 3 Ghana cedis, Maa.

"Ei, habaa! But that's too much. Reduce it, please." She looked at me expectantly.

Knowing well that it did not pay to argue with customers, I smiled. Okay, let's make it 2 Ghana cedis. I couldn't afford to lose my first customer of the day.

To my relief, she agreed. I carefully arranged the items in my large pan. Using an old cloth as a buffer, I balanced the heavy load on my head. The job began. I followed her lead, trying hard not to lose her since that would make things difficult for her and me. We finally made it to the taxi station and I carefully placed the load on the ground, then waited to be paid.

She took her purse, drew out 3 Ghana cedis notes, and placed it in my palm. 

I looked at her, unsure. Maa, we agreed on 2, not 3.

She smiled at me teasingly. I take it that you do not like it then. she chuckled lightly when she saw my alarmed face. I'm only joking dear. Let's just say that seeing how you readily agreed to my bargain made me realize that life out here is not easy.

I lowered my head slightly in polite respect after she made that comment.

What is your name? She asked after a short pause.

Nina, maa.

Do you have a phone, Nina?

Pulling out my almost damaged phone, Yes, maa.

Good. Whenever I need help with my things, I'll want to call you. She handed me her more advanced phone Give me your number.

I eagerly punched my number in and returned the phone. She saved it under the name, Nina. She then nodded to me and with a goodbye, she got into the taxi and the driver sped off. 

This day is actually going great, I thought to myself. I only hope it ends great. Picking up my pan off the ground, I continued with the rest of the day, scavenging for more customers.

After a hard day's work, the sun slowly began to set and dark soon fell on the busy streets of Accra. Herds of people rushed to buses and taxis, eager to make it home. Street vendors and shop owners packed up their wares, calling it a day whiles night sellers began to display their items. As they say, the night is still young. Evening shoppers consequently thronged the night market to have a taste of the night snacks and street food. It was amazing how beautiful it was at night. 

Life seemed so much fun when you had enough to spend. I slowly walked to the sad parts of these streets. The part where hawkers who had too little to spend on accommodation settled in for the nights. In front of shops that had been closed. I spotted Asibi, my closest friend amongst the crowds of homeless female porters, and walked over to her, settling by her side. Asibi and I met three months after I arrived in Accra and she introduced me to the job. It had been two years and we had been friends ever since.

I sighed heavily after settling down beside her on the hard concrete floor. My back hurts terribly.

She turned to face me and laughed silently. No room for complaint in this line of work. It's hard for all of us. 

I know, I need to grow a tough skin. I muttered.

Her eyes widened in faux surprise. Haven't you already?! She pinched hard at my skin. So hard...like concrete.

Ahh! I hissed, swatting her fingers away from my skin.

She simply laughed loudly and pouted. I'm sorry. I just want to toughen you up a bit.

I playfully frowned at her antics.

So how was your day? Did it go less painfully? 

I wish. I simply stated. I met a lady though. She took my number and said she would call me whenever she needs help.

That's very nice. What kind of help? She looked genuinely interested.

I'm not sure. I know I can do any manual work so I'm ready for anything at all.

She nodded but her face twisted in concern. How are mama and little Amina? How are they doing?

I told Asibi about my family and she had been supportive. Maybe not financially but emotionally, she had been really helpful.

I sent them most of my earnings and kept some for myself. I sighed. I wish I could give them more than that. They deserve more...so much more but that's not possible. 

My eyes turned glassy. I was so close to tearing up. Asibi placed a comforting hand on my back and rubbed it soothingly.

You're doing all you can and I'm a witness to that. She said. You're one of the few most hardworking people I know. You're killing yourself to cater to them so don't be so hard on yourself.

The tears threatened to fall but seeing reason in what she said, I blinked them back. You're right. I just have to keep going harder. Big girls don't cry.

She nodded. Now let's get some sleep. Tomorrow will be a busy day. As always.

I bundled my cloth and placed it beneath my head, making a pillow out of it. Slowly, I drifted off to sleep.

______________________________________________________

Wake up! Wake up, Nina! Someone tapped me roughly, yanking me out of sleep. 

What?! I snapped.

It was Asibi. I sensed her alarm as she looked frantically about. Abayei! 

It didn't take long for me to realize what she meant. I quickly grabbed my things and just like everyone else, I began to run with Asibi in tow.

This was a normal way to start the day.  Abayei meant that the market guards were on the lookout for misdoings that went on in and around the market. Female porters who slept outside were the main reason for this activity. When caught, we were sent to the police station to spend a few nights. If we were lucky, we could bribe them with a few moments of pleasure for our freedom. The latter was never an option for me but that meant that I sometimes lost a few days’ earnings and that was not good for myself and my family. The best we could do was not get caught. It was a beautiful day.

______________________________________________________

Nina! One of the food vendors called. It was now noon and I had been working nonstop. I turned to look at her.

Aunty Oyo, anything I can do for you? She was like a second mother to all of us here. She was the nicest and looked out for us whenever she could.

She shook her head slowly. "Take some rest, my dear. You will hurt yourself oo." She said tapping at the bench beside her food stall.

But Aunty Oyo, I can't... I began but she cut me off gently.

No arguments...It comes with free food. How about that?

I grinned brightly at her. "You like tempting me, Aunty Oyo. If you keep it up, I might eat all your waakye oo."

She burst into loud laughter at my comment and a few customers awaiting their turn to be served, joined in. Just come and sit. We would see how you will manage to eat it all.

I took my seat on the bench and patiently waited for my free meal. It was for times like this that I often thanked the heavens for the creation of good people. A few minutes passed by and finally, my food was served. The aroma was enough to get me salivating. I dug into my meal, wasting no time at all.

This waakye is really delicious, Aunty Oyo. I managed to say, my mouth stuffed with food.

She passed me her signature motherly smile. You always say that and yet, you hardly stop by to buy some.

Swallowing, It's not my fault. Money has been tight for me lately.

When has it never been?

I smiled lopsidedly and continued with my meal. Halfway through, my phone buzzed loudly in my pocket. I took it out hurriedly, expecting positive life-changing news. Identifying the caller, I immediately answered.

Hello. Amina, how are you?

The voice on the other end of the call was muffled and sounded tired. Full of worry. I'm not fine at all. Nothing is fine.

What is wrong and where is mama?!

A sob escaped her lips. We're at the hospital. She had a severe stomach upset this morning so I had to take her to the hospital. Sister, I'm scared.

Calm down. Quite ironic considering that I was anything but calm. What are the doctors saying?

She hesitated for a while. She is stable but we need to make an initial deposit

Relieved, I asked, How much?

She filled me in on all the details and I ended the call. I rushed out of the market, too frustrated with worry to realize that the few people who were gathered around Aunty Oyo's waakye joint had witnessed the scene.

I kept my pace, running and searching wildly for a mobile money vendor. 

I can't waste time. Mama, please be okay...you can't leave us. No, you shouldn't.

I reached the slightly busy road and without thinking, began to cross. Too lost in thoughts to realize that a car was fast approaching. Then suddenly, too suddenly, before I had time to react to this form of stimuli, the car loudly screeched, its driver trying his hardest to avoid knocking me down and possibly killing me. I flinched with eyes tightly shut and awaited my gory death. It took several seconds to realize that nothing had happened. 

Was I dead? Was this what heaven smelt like? Like—like polluted air. It was noisy too. No, that couldn't be right.

Cautiously, I pried my eyes open. I looked around only to see people gathered around the scene. Most scolded my actions whiles others were left too frightened to utter words.  

My heartbeat raced rapidly. The door to the driver's side loudly flew open, snapping my attention almost immediately to the direction of the sound. It was the driver. He looked furious and ready to devour. Reaching my side in graceful yet quick strides, he grabbed my arm painfully. I gasped.

Are you insane?! He bit out. You could have died, moron!

Maybe I had indeed gone insane because I had no explanations as to why I was thinking of how nice he smelled. Just like the smell of earth after a rainy day with hints of fruits. I wasn't sure which fruit but it was still there. It was so addictive.

I silently stared at him, too frightened to move my lips. He towered over me and that did not help my situation. It only made me feel more intimidated.

I took a reflexive step back, snatching my arm away in the process. Gathering my thoughts, I was finally able to compose a sentence. 

I'm so sorry sir. It—it won't happen again. I apologised earnestly. Why was I even saying that? Did I have other intentions to get almost hit by him again?

What on earth do you mean by that?! With his face twisted in fury, If I had hit you, it sure wouldn't have to happen again! He lashed out. And then, low enough for just me to hear. Thinking of it now, maybe I shouldn’t have missed. I'm sure the world would survive without an idiot. 

I gasped at that. I did not know this stranger and yet I was greatly affected by his statement. He looked at me with pure anger. His eyes—they burnt with disgust but beneath it all, there was…worry. That and...fear?. Was it just me or was this guy just trying to look mean?

With that, he let go, leaving me with a dumbfounded look. He stormed off to his car, got in, and sped off, sparing me no second glance. I was not good at understanding emotions but that moment was definitely intense.

Unlike the previous day, the day was not going well at all. The crowd had begun to disperse and I joined after remembering the reason for my haste.

______________________________________________________

I felt a tug at my worn-out dress as I was retiring for the day. The sun had not yet set but I was too low in spirit to continue working. I turned to see that it was Asibi. She was spotting a bright smile.

Asibi. I acknowledged her presence. Are you done for the day too?

Not quite but I've been trying to find you. A worried look replaced her frown. I heard what happened today. Paa told me that you almost got knocked down. What happened?

What a gossip that Paa was turning out to be. How did he even know about the incident? 

A feeble sigh escaped my lips. It was my fault. Amina called me today to inform me that mama had an issue again. My voice had suddenly turned hoarse. A sign that I was close to tears. I rushed to send her some money but I wasn't careful. Oh, Asibi, it was so terrible! I wiped away the tears that were threatening to roll down my cheeks.

A look of intense fright crossed her face. I'm just glad that nothing happened and that you're okay. She patted my shoulder comfortingly. 

Maybe it should have. It was barely a whisper but it did not escape her ears.

Don't be silly! She chastised angrily. If I didn't know better, I'd say he knocked out your senses. She said.

I sighed feebly Well, I'm perfectly fine. Look. I gestured to my body. Physically, sure—but emotionally, I couldn't possibly be fine. Why was I so affected by this stranger? He was indeed beautiful but he was extremely mean so why was it so hard to forget? 

Anyway, what is up with you? I changed the topic. You look so happy today. What's the occasion?

The initial smile radiated all over her face and quickly grew into a full-blown grin.

I knew that smile. She only preserved that smile for one person. King. He was one of the market guards. Only, he held a rank higher than the rest. King was a pretentious, selfish man who was ruthless in all his ways. He cared only about himself and did what he could to put others beneath him. But his most unforgivable trait; he was an abusive bastard. It was rumoured that he was behind the death of two female porters whose bodies were found in the gutters behind the market the previous year. The rumours claimed that he wanted to have sexual relations with them and when they refused, he snapped in fury and eventually killed them with his own hands. That rumour unfortunately had no evidence. 

I feared him greatly and so did everyone who knew him but it proved hard to convince Asibi that he was not right for her. The last I tried, I almost ended our friendship so I had to be more subtle in my approach.

King invited me over. Excitedly, she said. It's his night off and he wanted us to have a romantic evening.

My face scrunched up, disapproval so evidently written all over it. Quickly masking it, Does that include sex, sex, and more sex?

Oblivious to my change of mood, Of course! What else could be considered romantic?

For someone smart and tactical, she was being extremely reckless with her emotions for him but I couldn't blame her. Love indeed was blind.

I attempted no rebuke. Just be careful. I said softly.

I will She answered quickly.

Before I could say my proper goodbye, she left. Eager to be with her treacherous King.

CHAPTER 2

It had been approximately two weeks since I had last seen Asibi. Initially, I was really worried. It was unlike her to go AWOL so I tried contacting her. After several tries, I finally reached her.

Hello? Her voice reached my ear.

Relief washed over me. Asibi, thank God I've finally reached you! I've been calling but you never answer or even call back. Where are you?

Nina...?

Yes. Did she already delete my number?

Oh, it's you. Disinterest floated through her voice. What did that mean? Maybe I was being paranoid but something was wrong. This was not the Asibi I knew.

I tried not to get offended. Yes, it's me, Nina. You told me you were going over to King's and that was it. You didn't even try to let me know that you'd be away for so long and I've been so worried.

You shouldn't be worried. I'm a big girl now. She simply stated. Big girl? It's good you called. I was planning on calling first but I lost your number. I have a new handset, you know. Anyway, I won't be coming back because I'm into something better now. Something better? Whatever on earth did she mean?!

What would that be? I couldn't help prying.

She let out a chuckle that was so unlike her. I'm seeing real money now. I would advise you to join me but you don't have my kind of heart. You're a chicken. A baby chicken. She laughed loudly and I had to tear the phone away from my ears—it hurt to listen to her laughter.

Goodbye darling, I have work to do. she quickly added and before I could gather my thoughts, ended the call.

Honestly, I was so confused. I had thought it was a joke but the extra few weeks that passed without her appearance confirmed her words. She was not coming back. That was a hard blow to me. Asibi was my only close friend out here. I had acquaintances but she was the only one I could freely talk to. The only one I could pour my heart out to and her absence left me feeling so lonely. There was something wrong and I hoped she would come back to the sweet Asibi I always knew. 

After a month of hard work, I saved up enough money to spare me a week without work. I finally decided to go back home to visit the family I left behind.

So there I was, seated with my family in the hot chamber of the only property my father left us, with mama telling us stories of her time. It was an old chamber and hall apartment that had been passed on from generation to generation. From our ancestors to our grandparents, from our grandparents to our parents, and now, to us. Mama, Amina, and I at the moment were having a casual family conversation.

They had been extremely elated but more shocked to see me at the entrance of our rundown house, considering that I had not informed them of my arrival. For the first in the past two years, I finally felt happy. Being able to see them filled my heart with joy.

...and that was how your father bribed me, with just two cups of millet to meet up with him every evening under the secluded coconut tree till we got married.

Mama finished an old story she always told us as we grew up and no matter how many times we had heard it, it always evoked the same involuntary reaction in us. We all burst out laughing loudly.

Mm, mama, papa was quite the romantic in his time, then. Amina said, traces of laughter still evident on her face.

That he was, my dear child. You should have seen him. He always looked good and with that haircut he always spotted, every girl wanted to be his friend, and even more. she said, her eyes shining bright with admiration. When they found out that he wanted to marry me, some wanted to beat me up. But your father, the strong man he was, would not let them. I felt so important because most girls wanted to be me. Oh, those were happy times indeed.

A serene silence fell upon us. You miss him, don't you? I added, thoughtfully. Whenever mama spoke about our father, it was hard to miss the love and admiration that radiated through her face.

She smiled sadly. I do. Sometimes I wonder how life would have been if he was still here with us. I miss him so terribly but there's no use crying over spilled milk

For what it's worth, we all miss him a lot too. I said and Amina backed me up with a 'yeah' of her own.

That lifted our mama's mood once again. "I