Alin had no idea that she had a bandage on her left arm. She ran quickly towards the market way and rested a bit. The sun was almost setting. She knew very well that no matter what, now her life was between life and death. She glanced at the small kids that were playing and a flash rang inside her mind. How she used to play with her dad whenever she was bored. How her mom used to carry her and swing around while she's on her arms. But all those were just unforgettable memories that they'll never disappear.
' Miss..... Miss! Are you okay? Someone asked jerking her from the thoughts.
' Yes, yes am okay why? She replied turning towards his direction.
' Your hand..... Your hand is bleeding. Are you sick or...
' No, no, no. Don't mind it, it's just a minor scratch, I'll be fine.
' Ahhh! Are you sure?' he asked as she nods her head.' Okay no problem if you say so. Anyway where are you from? You don't seem like someone who belongs here.'
' Yeah! That's true. I don't belong here. I was admitted at South Side hospital but now l don't know my way back home. And also l don't have any transport to take me back.
' Uhh! I see. Now how will l help you? The man wondered from inside staring at her. Anyway am Jake. I live in the next street.' he introduced stretching his hand in front of her.
' Oohh! Jake, nice to meet you, am Alin.' she muttered smiling softly.
' Nice name. Anyway, where is your home town?
' Uuuhhh! Actually, am from City Lafghan. The City which is known by many but we used to live in Yhir.
' What do you mean ' We used?' Jake asked as they walk down the street.'
' Tsc, l mean me and my parents. But since they are gone, am all alone, If only they knew.' she answered dropping her head down avoiding his dark blue eyes.'
' Uhhh, and what are you doing here in City Bashir. You don't look like someone who comes from this city and.....
' Yeah, she cut.' I wonder how l reached here cause the moment l walked up, l found myself in the hospital. Since one of my friend was travelling, l thought that l will catch up with him to tell him a goodbye but l came to realize l can't. Cause it's too far from here.
' Huh! Then he must have been so disappointed in you. Anyway, would you like to earn your own money? It seems you are homeless and worthyless from the look of your eyes, are you willing?
' Are you serious? She beamed clapping her hands.
' Yeah, but the problem here in Bashir City is they don't employ black ladies. Mainly because they are poisonous.'
' Whaaaat! What do you mean?
' That's it. You can ask around if you think am lying. This is not City Lafghan or Yhir City. Bashir is more different unlike those.
' But have never seen nor heard anything about black women are poisonous. Is there a major reason why they don't employ us black women? She curiously asked.
' Lady Alin. Can you just look around you. See how those people are staring at you, they think that you are an Alien or an intruder from another world. Us people of Bashir, we don't welcome black people.'
Alin stared at her left side then to the right almost three times but the results were the same. Everyone had stopped working, now all eyes were fixed on them as if they are ready to strike. Every step they took or any place they could approach, everyone stopped just to stare at them. The blood inside her started boiling making her to feel uncomfortable and insecure.
' Which street is this? She finally asked as Jake leads the way.'
' This is the complicated street ever. Among the eleven streets, this is the most protective one. You can either call it Lazar or Zar street. People here are so friendly.' he said with a smile as they turn to left.
' Friendly? You mean the other streets weren't Friendly. Is it because am with you that's why they didn't attack me?
' Heeey Alin, slow down. You can take as it is. But here in Lazar, you should be more careful with whom you are making friends with. Don't trust everybody nor more. Trust one? He instructed as they reach to a certain gate which was blue in colour. Jake knocked three times then someone opened it for them.'
' Hello, jake.' she greeted staring at Alin in wonders.
' Hello Bella. How have you been?
' Am fine. Dad is waiting for you upstairs, infact we were waiting for you? She replied as they all enter.'
' Don't tell me he's furious. Anyway this is Alin. Alin, meet my young sister Bella.' he introduced with a smile.'
' Hi Bella. Nice to meet you.'
' Thank you Alin. Are you from this City?'
' Uhhhh!..... Mmnhh!.....
' Bella, Stop your interogations, she's new, so you better give her some time. I know your mind and tongue how sharp they are. So, upstairs now.'
' Brother, can't we be friends? Bella retorted pouting her mouth.
' Not now, first go serve her with some heavy super. Infact am hungry too.' he retorted showing Alin where to sit then within some minutes, he vanished from the living room going upstairs.
.......
' Bean! Bean! Beeeeean! Where the heck are you? Bailey shouted as they enter inside their mansion.
' Yes brother. Am in the toilet removing some excess materials.' he responded.
' Huh! Fine.' he murmured slamming his body on the couch as usual.'
' Hey brother Benzyl, l wanted to ask you something? Benny shouted before Benzyl could walk upstairs.
' Now, Benny? Can't you wait till tomorrow? Am totally tired.'
' It's about our company. You know since dad and mom died, they've never let the company down by dealing with the outsiders business men. And now the SOJIK company wants a partnership with us the BBC. Are you really now going to accept their proposals? He asked curiously.
' Benny, am a man of actions and not of words. To be sincere with you, I'll not accept their proposals cause the SOJIK chairman died by accident few days ago, according to my observations and conclusions from my spies, the company is complicated. Everyone is fighting for that company and all they want is the benefits but not the growth. So, to be more secure, l had to lie that I'll check their proposals later and see if l can partner with them.' he explained his arms around him staring towards the door.
' So you mean you didn't accept their request?
' Hmmhh!
' Super! Yeah! I almost run away from ideas on how am going to object their request.' he said chuckling.'
' Humph! Are you satisfied now?
' Mmmhh!
' Good, tell Bean, have said goodnight to him. And you two, same.' he said rushing upstairs.
' Bailey, today's day for brother isn't as usual. Do you think there's someone who caught his eyes? He asked moving closer to the silent Bailey.'
' Benny l can still hear you, there's no one who has caught my eyes, it's just me, l want to be happy for a day.' Benzyl shouted surprising them.'
' Huh! Don't tell me he has heard it? If only I knew, l could have kept my mouth shut.' Benny murmured his eyes out.'
' Don't forget he has long ears like for the pigs.' Bailey replied tapping on his phone.
' Ahhhh! No wonder dad used to call him pig ears, this man really has no some sense. His old but can't marry.'
' Benny! Bailey shouted jerking him.'
' Whaaaat! Am speaking the truth, if you want to beat me, then do so.'
' Are you not also old? The question almost made him cry as he stare at him furiously.