LOGINShare
Chapter Twenty-One
Last Updated:
2021-11-28 04:18:35Three weeks passed without much event. I was getting antsy every passing minute. I wasn't used to waiting around for something to happen. Though, there was nothing I could do in this case. I just needed to pull all my resources into moving out of this house. Though, so far, it has proven abortive.
My resources were falling short at every turn. Although, I loved staying with my baby, I wasn't oblivious to the fact that my business has suffered as a result. I wasn't making as much money as I used to before Success was born. I don't want to think this way, but I can't help it. There was so much to do. The fees were cutthroats. It was my fear that moving out of here wouldn't be easy, and it was slowly turning into a reality.
I let my eyes rove the expanse of the compound, as I took a drag from the cancer stick. Why was it that only Jumoke could enjoy all these with peace of mind, and we, taking the brunt of the work gets showered with peanuts? It's not fair at all.
Related chapters
A LEAP OUT OF THE MIRE Chapter Twenty-Two
I grabbed a wad of cash from my drawer, then pushed it into my purse. This money should be ok. If they wanted more, I will have to stall for more time. I hope my ill luck stays far from me today. I don’t want anything to go wrong. A quick glance at the wall clock heightened my anxiety. It was 3:20 pm. I better hurry. I walked quickly to my wardrobe and brought out the first cloth I touched. This will have to do. It was a floral mid-length gown that I always wore when I wanted to be respectable. Thank God, I bought it at the thrift shop that time. It always got the work done. I had a quick change and grabbed my purse from the bed, heading back to Jumoke. We need to leave early so that we can see things clearly. Darkness sometimes played a trick with decisions. Who else would know this, other than me? “Let’s go,” I said, immediately I stepped out of the house. Pelummi looked up from her phone. “You’re qui
Last Updated : 2021-12-02A LEAP OUT OF THE MIRE Chapter Twenty-Three
After taking so many wrong turns, we finally arrived at the location. The street was filled with bumps, and I found myself holding onto Antonio’s hands at intervals to stabilise myself. It was slightly discomfiting but weirdly intimate at the same time. It was difficult to concentrate on why I was here. The closeness with Antonio made it difficult to achieve and even his dry jokes was another issue. Forcing myself to look away from him to my immediate surroundings, I was appalled by the sight in front of me. The houses were shabby looking and so out of tune with the lifestyle, I led at the moment. Is this where Pelummi had brought me to, with all the hype and pump? I doubted it. I turned my head to the backseat, watching as Pelummi cleaned the drool on the sides of Success’s lips using a pink napkin. Why do I have the feeling she’s avoiding my eyes? “Are you sure we’re at the right location, Pelummi?” I asked tentatively. “I’m sure, Ada,” Pelummi assured me w
Last Updated : 2021-12-22A LEAP OUT OF THE MIRE Chapter Twenty-Four
“I don’t mean to get ahead of myself, but I can see you’ve truly approved of this place. I would love to pay all fees incurred.” Antonio said softly, looking directly into my eyes.I was momentarily stunned by his request. He looked so earnest as he implored me with his facial expressions to say yes. Though, I wanted to, I mean, it would get some of the stress off my shoulders, I couldn’t do it. I didn’t want him to think I was stringing him along for benefits. It’s a weird feeling to have as I did that weekly, but I still couldn’t do it.“I appreciate the offer, but I’m sorry I can’t accept it.”“What?” Pelummi practically shouted in disbelief.Why does she have to show her greed at every point? Couldn’t she hide her greed for a moment? It was becoming annoying and I might stop stringing her along when I’m out w
Last Updated : 2021-12-27A LEAP OUT OF THE MIRE Chapter Twenty-Five
Jumoke had called me late at night to inform me of her rash decision to drive Adanna out of the house. I was beyond pissed. It wasn’t right. It wasn’t because I gave a hoot about Adanna and her feelings,but the fact my business would suffer as a result.She was one of the most sort after girls in the trade. I hadn’t been wrong to support Jumi when she’d brought her in. It was one of the best decisions we’d made. It is true that Jumoke wasn’t my slaveanymore, and we were almost equals, though, she still had a long way to go to measure up to me. Yet, we oftentimes shared contracts. I signed some of her girls to my top clients, and in turn, I sharedthe money between us. It was how it worked.Right now, I hoped to remind Jumoke that this girl has been a great source of income to us. The other girls tried, but they couldn’t measure up. There was something about her youth, that turnedmen on. I’m pretty sure th
Last Updated : 2021-12-30A LEAP OUT OF THE MIRE Chapter Twenty-Six
We arrived at the street. It was as busy as it had been yesterday. I had a feeling that schools were on holiday. That was the only explanation I could conceive of children loitering around so early in the morning. I don’t know much about schools like I’d used to, because I don’t like to think about what I’d lost. It never solved anything.I stepped out of the taxi with Success in my arms, feeling a sigh on my heart. It was easier to look at things now without feeling any external pressure. I would be living here, in this fierce environment. Now, that I was here, I knew I couldn’t call it ghetto. There were worse places than here. Yet, it had this offbeat feel to it. It was the type of place that everyone knew everyone. Nothing escaped their eyes. This was quite evident in the way some people looked at me coyly, and others openly as I looked around. “Madam, where do I keep your bags?” The driver’s voice pulled me
Last Updated : 2022-01-10A LEAP OUT OF THE MIRE Chapter Twenty-Seven
I unpacked my bags carefully, making sure I had Success items at a strategic location. The bare floor begged for a mat. I would have to go out to get one. It shouldn’t be that difficult getting the necessary items here. And, I was grateful for that.I turned the travelling box upwards and sat down on it with Success in my hands. Having a child without any external assistance from people was beyond stressful. I wished I had someone to help me. There should be someone to at least look after Success while I carried out my duties. Mama Monserrat would have been the best option, but I didn’t want to disturb her at this point. There are times, being completely dependent on others cropped insults and neglect to the fore. But, I wasn’t sure of what to do either. A blue wrapper caught a glint in my eye from the distance. The answer to my problems was here. I could easily back my little bundle of joy. What a relief this is! I grabbed my purse on the floor, flipped my ba
Last Updated : 2022-01-24A LEAP OUT OF THE MIRE Chapter Twenty-Eight
Jeremy was one of my clients while I was still working with Jumoke He was a spendthrift, but demanding all the same. There was something about him, though that made us all excited when he called. It was his money and mannerisms. Normally, he went through Jumoke to get our services. I was quite surprised he was calling me directly.I swiped my screen, and it connected me to him. He barely said a word, just breathing through the phone.“Hello?” I answered.I clicked my key in the door hole, turning it right and the door sprang open. The room was still so bare, but at least it was better than nothing.“Hi, is this Adanna?” Jeremy queried.“Yes, it’s me. Is there any problem?” I asked as I walked deeper into my room, kicking the door shut.“Should there be?” He asked right back.I kicked my shoe off, sitting down on the bare floor without bothering with the box this time. “No, no
Last Updated : 2022-01-25A LEAP OUT OF THE MIRE Chapter Twenty-Nine
“Adanna!I turned towards the voice and stared at Antonio who was looking at me with such an intensity that took my breath away. He stood by the side of his car looking breathtaking in multicoloured shorts and a white t-shirt. He seemed too good to stay in such an environment. Yet, the smile on his face was as calm as ever.It’s been a day since we last had a decent conversation with each other. I remember he promised to take me out on a date. I also remembered we didn’t know each other so well. He hasn’t even touched me sexually, despite the heavy flirting. I did not know what to make of it. It seemed too good to be true.He effortlessly pulled away from his car, moving in my direction. It was the way he slipped his feet through the mud as he walked towards me that did it for me. I don’t understand why this man affected me this way. I didn’t like it. It was so different from the normal interactions I had with other men. I did
Last Updated : 2022-01-26
Latest chapter
A LEAP OUT OF THE MIRE A Hope Which Springs From Chaos
The journey of Adanna continues in this thrilling backstory. We’d learnt so far that she wishes to make a U-turn, but the question is: Is it that simple? In this sequel, you will see that it’s a whole thing to preach change and another thing to walk the talk.There are so many habits that she needs to let go of, that almost crippled her growth. There was also, healing that she didn’t let herself go through in the first sequel, but she would be forced to search it out. When you love with such abandonment, it becomes a falsehood and when it’s with restrictions, it becomes a sham. This is what Adanna would be forced to come to terms with.Coupled with that, she meets Emeka in this journey, and the paths are etched in pain, tears and remorse. Emeka doesn’t own up to his mistakes and does all he could to make her life hell. Thanks to Antonio, she is shielded from the worst of the blows. But, when Emeka finds out he is a father, things seem to
A LEAP OUT OF THE MIRE Epilogue
There are times that we note the way our lives undergoes a sharp curve. That was the reality for me when I finally found Antonio and a part of his family. I was forced to see life differently! I was forced to take a leap of faith.The mire in my life which was a product of rape, parental neglect and wrong decisions could only be surmounted through my conscious effort to improve, and grow. Thanks to Antonio, I’ve realised that I can make good decisions.I had given up on meeting true life-changers. But, now I can see that they are everywhere. I just needed to open my eyes to them. To see things clearly, and learn the art of saying no. Some so many people wanted to help, either for their benefit or my growth. If I’d learned to say no to half of them, maybe my life would have turned out differently.Nevertheless, my story is the true definition of a leap out of the mire. I dined with sin, I ate with sin,
A LEAP OUT OF THE MIRE Chapter Thirty-Six
“You look so angelic!” Jasmine exclaimed.I rolled my eyes. “I can’t even see what you’ve done to my face.” I pointed out.Jasmine made my seat away from the mirror. She claimed that if I watched my reflection at every turn, it would distract her. She wanted me to look and feel like magic today. Her cousin was taking me out for the first time, so it would be a sin if I didn’t look my best. “I’m the mirror.” She said smugly.“You’re the artist.” I contradicted. “It’s quite natural that you would hype yourself up. If I look at my reflection myself, I might be convinced.” I teased.She combed my wig, which I had worn for this night with such fervour. I knew I’d strike a nerve. Jasmine didn’t understand sarcasm. That was her only shortcoming. She felt I was being rude instead and not appreciating her efforts.“Take it easy on the wig.” I
A LEAP OUT OF THE MIRE Chapter Thirty-Five
Outside, kids gathered around in twos or threes playing a timeless game. It brought on a smile as I remembered that I have also played those games too; Tinko tinko and the likes of them. Life was a strange thing. One day you are laughing, the next minute you are sorrowful. I extracted my thoughts from its gloomy cocoon to the present world. Adults were chatting about one thing or the other while those who owned dogs took them on strolls. I was amused when I saw a little boy of about seven pulling a big bulldog. It was as though the dog was dragging him and not the other way round. I bit my lip from laughing. Then there were the hawkers, displaying different types of things under the sun.If one could watch these activities with concentration, it could belie the gross environment. Empty water bottles were strewn around like graffiti and other disgusting things. When the sun was high in the sky, the place was dirty. You can't imagine when it's been soiled with rain.I cl
A LEAP OUT OF THE MIRE Chapter Thirty-Four
Two days later, I was still shaking from the encounter with Uncle David. I was beyond shocked by it all. Is it me that is this? After I thought all hope was gone for me and I would die in my prostitution business, my life started making more meaning.I have enrolled at Brainstorm centre to undergo my tutorials. It was located at the Military zone in Ejigbo. I was scared I wouldn't be able to meet up as a student and a mother. Now, those fears looked unfounded, thanks to Uncle David. He sent his daughter to babysit Success. Jasmine is a very good girl, though her heritage couldn't be hidden. She is a white girl. The way she treats Success as her younger sister places me at ease.You know, I was stunned when Uncle David encouraged me as a single mother. He didn’t ask many questions surprisingly. I had expected much criticism, but nothing of the sort happened. I still think all these were a dream.All these are petty when it comes to my rock, Antonio. In as much as
A LEAP OUT OF THE MIRE Chapter Thirty-Three
My eyes shone in excitement as those words tumbled out of my lips. It was so strange but real. I could practically see the dream all over again like I was still asleep. It was so cute and real. I had felt it was happening live, and when Antonio shook me awake with that stunt he’d pulled, I’d been disappointed.Now, I just wanted to share it with him. I wanted him to know about the dream and share in my dreams. It was a natural emotion that engulfed me. I looked at him and he was looking at me curiously like he hadn’t grabbed what I’d said previously. I opened my mouth to speak, but he beat me to it.“What you’re saying is you want to read medicine because you had a dream?” He asked again like he wanted to be sure of what I’d said.I nodded rapidly. “Yes, that is right. I know how it sounds, but trust me when I tell you that I’m sure of my guts.” I said firmly.He cradled my face in his hands. &ldqu
A LEAP OUT OF THE MIRE Chapter Thirty-Two
His presence seemed to make the room heated to a hundred degrees. The tension was palpable, and he didn’t seem bothered about it. Not once, did he look at me? His attention was fixed on Inspector David, his uncle.“Antonio, my boy, we don’t do things this way. And, how exactly do you know this young lady?” The IG queried.I bit my lips as I waited anxiously for his response. With the situation on the ground, I’m pretty sure things would get worse from here.“Uncle, is this the time to talk about this? I know that whatever happened, wasn’t her fault. I hope you will let her go.” He said once more.Inspector turned his gaze to me, observing me closely. I wondered what he was thinking. Maybe, he was imagining a way to torture me once more for entrapping his nephew. Finally, he looked away from me to Antonio.
A LEAP OUT OF THE MIRE Chapter Thirty-One
I fiddled with my handbag as I looked out of the window, my mind was a whirlwind. If Jeremy worked for Madam Apple, then it was only natural that he had been sent by her, right? He couldn’t just pick me out of the blue. No matter what he had claimed about me easily getting contracts, it didn’t just add up. I wasn’t the only one getting contracts in spades and I wasn’t under Madam Apple but Jumoke. Yes, Jumoke answered her, but I didn’t. So, how did he know about the job I went out to do. It didn’t make sense at all.“Stop the car.” I snapped at Jeremy.He gave me a sideways look that showed how irritated he was. The car was moving at a snail’s pace, thanks to the heavy traffic. But, still, I was locked in by Jeremy, so I couldn’t just get out of the car even if I’d dared to perform such a fit.“Why?” He queried.I gritted my teeth. “Don’t ask me any q
A LEAP OUT OF THE MIRE Chapter Thirty
I was on the bus going to the Chicken Republic at Okota. The bus was half-filled with passengers, but still, the driver wouldn’t make a move, claiming it wasn’t filled up yet. We just needed three more passengers for the bus to be filled up. This was one of the reasons I didn’t vibe with commercial buses. But, what to do in this situation?Some of the passengers were complaining severely about the delay, but the driver was unperturbed about the situation. He gave it to them as hot as they gave it to him. I sighed in frustration at the whole thing. While a few passengers were buying drinks from hawkers and others were fast asleep. There was nothing I wanted more than for the bus to get moving, but there was nothing I could do. Finally, two market women stepped onto the bus with a teen coming behind them. The conductor hit the car in response and jumped on the bus so quickly, the passenger nearest to him, had to shove him forward. I gritted my
