There was nowhere else to go. I hefted my traveling box and the extra backpack I had and made my way towards the bus station closest to my former apartment, flagging down an oncoming minibus as I crossed the road to the other side.
Source
A young man at the bus stop was kind enough to help me lift the box onto my lap as I sat, then carried the back pack and sat next to me.
“Thank you” I gave him a smile. He simply nodded and smiled back.
I took my phone out of my jean pocket and bit my lower lip to prevent the tears that almost dropped out of my eyes. The screen was badly cracked and because of that, I couldn't make a phone call to my name sake and best friend, Treasure, whose house I was headed for.
I knew my rent was due but I didn't think my landlord would drop my things outside and lock up the apartment while I was away at school. Because of the 8 month strike, I had lived in that house for only 5 months out of the 12 that I paid for.
When the bus rolled to a stop at the junction that led to Treasure's, I dragged my box along the untarred road, completely ignoring the jabbing from the numerous pot holes in the ground. I was already too drained, physically and otherwise to start worrying about the state of my traveling box.
I knocked on Treasure's door when I got there, peeping to see if I could get a glimpse through the windows but as always, her windows were locked.
I rapped two more times on the door and sank to the floor in tears when there was no response. My older brother was out of town for his youth service and because he wasn't expecting anyone to visit his home, he had not left his key behind.
There was no other friend or family who I could barge in on and since my phone was bad, I couldn't call anyone to ask if I could come stay at their place. I didn't even know their phone numbers off head.
“Hey! What are you doing there?”
It was an elderly woman who had obviously just returned from the farm. She had 2 children behind her.
“I’m waiting for Treasure ma”. She came closer and took one good look at me then walked up to the door and banged on it. The locks were clicking almost immediately.
Treasure emerged with blood shot eyes, I smiled and thanked the woman.
“Na so she dey sleep like who don faint” the woman muttered as she walked away. For the first time that afternoon, I laughed.
“Treasure! What are you doing here?” She asked picking up my backpack.
“My dear, long story. Let's just go inside”
Treasure's mouth was wide open when I was done narrating my ordeal to her.
“That man is the devil himself. How could he kick you out?” I shrugged.
I stayed with Treasure for one month and was already feeling uncomfortable. I had not successfully raised enough money to get a decent apartment so I decided to get a one room apartment instead. I would have to share the toilet with other tenants but it was better than inconveniencing someone else.
I called Treasure one evening after class, “I want to begin house hunting this weekend” I told her
“You've gotten the money for another apartment?”
“Yes, and no. The money on me would only get me a one room”
“Why would you want to stay in a one room? Who is chasing you away from here?”
I shook my head, “Treasure I can't keep inconveniencing….”
“I don't want to hear it” she rose to pace, “If you have to leave my house, you're leaving for a good apartment. There's light here, and water too. We have our own kitchen and toilet. Why do you want to go and settle for less?”
I ended up staying with Treasure throughout that year. Not necessarily because I didn't have money to rent a good place, but because she enjoyed my company and just wanted me to live with her.
I moved out of her apartment the following year when I finally found a beautiful apartment. I had lived there for only 8 months when I overheard a conversation in the female toilet of my department between one of my girl friends, Ella and her younger sister, Favour.
“We're already 3 in my apartment Favour, you cannot come and squat with us. I know it's a big apartment but that would be too inconveniencing”
“She can come stay with me” I said. Ella turned to me, I could hear Favour sobbing at the other end of the phone.
Ella cut the call immediately and rushed to take my hands.
“Why would you do that for me, Treasure? You just got your own place”
“Before I got my place, someone housed me for free when I got kicked out of my house. I know what she must be passing through” I said smiling.
Ella put her hands around my neck and began to sob.
“Thank you, God bless you.”
I cannot describe the emotion in my chest but I knew I was feeling fulfilled. Because of what Treasure did for me, I had promised myself never to turn my back on anyone who needed assistance with accommodation.
Now that I got the chance, it meant everything to me.
Favour and I still live together till date though she now contributes to the rent. Even as we stay together, we still take in girls from time to time who have found themselves in an accommodation crisis.