Lahat ng Kabanata ng A LEAP OUT OF THE MIRE: Kabanata 21 - Kabanata 30

Three 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.

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

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 slave anymore, 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 shared the 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

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

“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