The next morning, Valeria woke up early, did her usual house chores and had breakfast with her family. After breakfast, she followed her mum to the room.
"I will be going to Daisy's place today" Valeria said sitting on the rug
"Don't forget to take the clothes and the food I made for her" Geraldine instructed
"I won't. Thank you mother" Valeria replied and leave the room. She left the house with James who drop her off at Daisy's house. Zarah who seems to be waiting for her opened the door even before Valeria knocked.
"Good morning Aunt" Valeria greeted with a smile to cover her startled expression
"Good morning dear" Zarah greeted back
"Good morning Valeria" Daisy greeted from the kitchen
"How are you both doing this morning?" Valeria asked walking towards the dining table.
"We are good and you?" Zarah asked with a smile
"I'm good Aunt. Mother sent some clothes and food for you" Valeria said sitting next to Zarah who already sit on the chair
"Really? That's so nice of her" Zarah said checking out the clothes while Valeria serve the dish
"That smells so nice" Daisy said walking up to them
"And I'm sure it will taste nice too" Zarah said putting a spoonful of the meal in her mouth. She chew like she doesn't want to miss a taste
"You should really have a food business" Zarah said and Valeria chuckle
"Mum is right girl" Daisy concurred
"I don't think my father will allow that" Valeria replied
"He should" Zarah protested
"My father has so many insecurities, he might feel like I want to take over his role as the breadwinner" Valeria explained
"But your mother is working" Zarah protested
"Yes she is but uses the money to take care of personal needs and petty things" Valeria explained
"You are not having your business to take care of the family" Zarah protested
"My father won't accept" Valeria said
"You can tell him it is to get personal stuffs for yourself during your stay in school and not disturb him" Zarah explained
"I don't think he will accept. He doesn't mind getting my underwears" Valeria said trying to explain the situation at hand
"I'm still not understanding this. He should be happy you want to take up your personal needs responsibility" Zarah protested and Valeria smile not knowing how to defend herself anymore
"Mum is right girl. Atleast you will be able to get new nails, underwears and cravings" Daisy said and all Valeria could do was nod
"You should talk to him about it" Zarah said holding Valeria's hand
"I will talk to him about it first before I decide anything" Valeria said and Zarah jump up for joy
"Talking about business, what business will you like to do Aunt?" Valeria asked
"I haven't thought of one" Zarah replied realising she sure has to provide for her and Daisy as her daughter has been the one providing for them since she became addicted to alcohol and gambling
"You should think of one soon so we can start planning how to start and when to start" Valeria said
"Why don't you start making jewelry back Mum?" Daisy asked
"Does she make jewelry?" Valeria asked with surprise
"Yes back before I married her father, I make jewelry for everyone in my village" Zarah explained shyly
"Wow! Do you have any you've made?" Valeria asked feeling intrigued
"Yes, she once made a complete jewelry set for me" Daisy replied before running to her bedroom. Few seconds she was back
"See how beautiful they are" Daisy said giving the beaded jewelry to Valeria
"This is a statement piece. I love the colour combination, the pattern and shapes of beads. This is definitely a hit in the market" Valeria said looking at the jewelry with so much admiration
"Thank you" Zarah replied shyly
"Aunt, where did you learn this?" Valeria asked still feeling intrigued
"The story behind my learning is stupid and childish" Zarah said
"I'm so eager to know about it now" Daisy said and Valeria smile. Valeria was about to tell Zarah not to bother if she doesn't want to talk about it but since Daisy wants to hear it she can't stop her.
"My childhood friend and I liked the same boy then, the boy knows we like him and does this you can't have me thing. Eid-il-fitr eve came and on this eve it is a tradition in my village for the children to dance and celebrate the day in advance. My childhood friend dressed extraordinarily and she end up dancing with our crush. Her cloth wasn't as catchy as mine but her accessories were calling attention. I got jealous and started trying how to make beaded jewelry so I can outshine her next time" Zarah narrated while Valeria and Daisy listen attentively with so much interest.
"That's petty" Daisy commented and Zarah nod in agreement
"Not petty but competitive" Valeria said and Zarah nod in agreement
"Now that you know, anything else?" Zarah asked shyly
"Do you know where we can get the materials to start this business?" Valeria asked
"I can call Audu, the boy that made me know how to do it in the first place, he now sells the materials" Zarah said with a blush which didn't go unnoticed by Valeria
"That's nice. Can he sell them on credit to you?" Valeria asked
"Yes but will collect thirty percent first" Zarah replied
"No problem then, call him and give me feedback so I can seek for a loan from my mother" Valeria said
"Don't worry your mother, she did more than enough already" Zarah said feeling shy
"It's fine Aunt. It's a loan" Valeria said knowing she doesn't want any favours
"Thank you so much girl" Daisy said hugging Valeria.
"Any for Aunt Zarah" Valeria said and Daisy laugh. They continue the business plan till it was time for Valeria to go home and prepare dinner with her mother. On her way home, she saw Alexis who seems to be coming from her house
"I was there when you two fought but was left out when you reconciled" Alexis attacked
"You've been busy with school admission process so we did not want to disturb you" Valeria replied
"Anyways, congratulations to you too" Alexis said and left angrily. Valeria watch her leave, Alexis has always been problematic and wants to be in everyone's business that Valeria thought she knew about Daisy's mother. Valeria walk back home not minding what had just happened between her and Alexis.