One Wrong Turn

Episode 15

As soon as the gateman saw us, he beckoned on us to hurry up. We quickened our pace, and entered the gate house.

I saw too other girls inside the house, i couldn’t tell which class they were, because they were no longer on their uniforms.

One was putting on blue denim jean trousers,
with a white t-shirt, with very low neck line that revealed some cleavage.

She was busy applying make up, she hardly noticed our presence. Her companion seemed a little more decent, she was uneasy and shy just like me.

They finished their make up, and handed 1000 naira note to the gate man.

He stepped outside, opened the gate and looked around for a while. When he was sure no one was in sight, he beckoned on them to proceed. They both walked briskly across the gate and out of sight.

It would be really difficult for anyone to spot them, because the rear gate was quite far from the main school compound, and it was shielded by trees and tall grasses.

It is rare for anyone to use the rear gate. It is mainly used during the morning hours, to ease traffic.

As i stood and watched, i began to understand how the whole process works. The gate man was merely making money off the girls.

He collects, a fee of 500 naira from each girl, and allows them escape unnoticed. The gate house was their changing room. The gateman even keeps their uniform safe when they are gone.

It all seemed like a safe plan, at least for now.

“here, put this on” Ruth ordered, as she handed me a pair of leggings and a pink top.
I struggled into the trousers. It felt really wierd, i had never worn trousers before, my mum doesn’t like it on me, even if she wears.

Hannah opened her school bag, and brought out a box containing make up accessories, and handed them over to me.

I held on to them, not knowing what exactly to do with them. I have never used make up before. This was a whole new experience for me.

Ruth noticed my dilemma, and came to my rescue. She applied the make up on my face, layer after layer. I felt like a different person already.

I grabbed a mirror from the box, and looked at my face. I couldn’t believe how pretty i was.
The red lipstick matched my earrings, the handbag went with the shoes. Everything looked perfect. I wished i could look like this every day.

Ruth brought out her phone, and dialed a number. I guess she called Ehis.

Few minutes later, we heard the sound of a car horn just outside the gate.

The gate man came out, looked around around as usual, to make sure no one sees us. He signaled us to go. Hannah handed over a thousand naira note to him, as we made our way outside.

Ruth waved me farewell with a smile on her face, urging me to have fun. She did not go with us, because i had

Borrowed her cloths.

A car was packed just outside the fence. I recognized it, it was the same car from Sunday.
The door opened, and i sat in front. Hannah took the back seat. There was someone else at the back, a boy. I haven’t seen him before.
But judging by his appearance, he was in his late twenties.

I turned towards Ehis at the drivers seat. He smiled as my eyes met his.

“you look beautiful honey”

“thank you” I replied, almost blushing.

He introduced me to the boy at the back, his name was Odion, he was a cousin of Ehis, who just returned from his NYSC.

I turned around and greeted him in English. He extended a hand, and i gave him mine. He drew my hand up to his mouth and kissed the back of my palm.

“You are such a pretty lady” he said,
starring down my cleavage.

I was a little embarrassed

“thank you sir” i replied, trying to turn around quickly before he tears of my bra with his eyes.

Ehis started the ignition, and drove straight ahead. I had no idea where we were going, or what we were going to do. Ehis simply said we would hang out.

I raised my head and looked at the rear view mirror, i could see Hannah and Odion. They were kissing lustfully. He had one hand underneath her skirt manipulating her,while the other caressed her b—m.

My heart began to beat faster. I felt the tension building up in my head. Only then i realised what was going to happen that day.

I was deeply terrified, I didn’t think i wanted
to do this anymore. But it was already too late, as Ehis pulled over and stoped the car.