They finally got to the building Kunbi referred to as the second Prince Quarters. It wasn't the kind of houses built at where Ara was coming from. Houses at Oshodi weren't this tall and new. Not beautifully designed like this with excess money spent. If some are gorgeous to look at, not as outstanding as the one before Ara. Of course, she had seen beautiful houses before. It wasn't her first time seeing houses as beautiful as the second Prince Quarters. But the second Prince Quarters was simple and plainly painted in white colour. Nothing much, yet great to look at and admire.
Not a dot of stain was on it. Even the building was looking newly painted. Ara took a quick glance around, quickening up her pace to meet up with Kunbi who had entered the two storey building already. It was quiet and peaceful, but Ara could hear low voices coming out. The people in there were obviously having fun because of the sound of laughter that reached down to where Ara and Kunbi were.
"Florence! Sewa!" Kunbi yelled from where she stood with Ara, calling out names. She took the advantage to shout knowing the second Prince wasn't around yet. Only if an helicopter could move from house to house would have caused the Second Prince got to his house before them. Since Kunbi knew he wasn't in the house, she took her time to yell again. "Florence! Se--"
"Hey! hey! What's the shout about?" Sewa was the first to walk out with her big stature, and behind her were two other young ladies as well. They recognized the voice that called out their names, but when they revealed themselves, Ara was greeted with curious looks.
Six pairs of eyes stared at Ara wondering where she came from and what she was doing next to Kunbi. They knew what it means for Kunbi to bring in someone with her, and it was obvious two out of them didn't like the idea. Ara could tell the eyes admiring her look. She could tell the one giving her a mean look, and the one who doesn't care whether she was existing or not.
Florence who didn't hide the fact that she doesn't like Ara the moment she saw her spoke up, pushing her long golden braids behind her back. She eyed Ara. "I thought the new workers were to stay in the main kitchen. Why is she here?"
"Guys calm down," Kunbi said to them. "First of all, let me introduce her. This is Aramade. She will be working here because Mama T was instructed to bring her here. She was told you guys need an assistance---"
"We don't need!" Both Sewa and Florence chorused at the same time eyeing Ara who was not expecting the hate that met with her on her first day at work. She was getting tired of the whole nonsense. They were all there to survive, earn money and work. Why the hate? But she didn't make a sound. The real Aramade wouldn't talk back no matter what you say to her, except she was unable to hold herself any longer which she would either walk away.
"Okay girls." Kunbi spoke up again. "If you girls aren't expecting anyone, I guess you will have to meet with your boss and sort that out."
They instantly became quiet. Kunbi knew that was enough for them to keep shut and have her finish what she came there for. She then faced Ara. "Ara, this is Sewa." She pointed to the
chubby lady who rolled her eyes at Ara instead. Kunbi continued, getting tired of them already. "Here is Florence, and that's Grace. Guys say hello to Ara."
Silent filled the air, followed by hisses from both Florence and Sewa.
"Who has that stupid time." Florence said and turned away with a hiss, walking away from them. She didn't care who Ara was, but she did care for the fact that Ara was heavenly beautiful. Ara had almost everything she wanted. The perfect shape she just bought expensive cream for, hoping her hips would come out as well. The glowing skin she had to pay for every month to get injected. But the beautiful face, even now that she was fair and no longer dark in complexion, she was yet to achieve the kind of beauty that have gotten pretty ladies favoured by Princes
and men of status living in the palace. But of course, she only wanted one Prince.
"So, I have to leave now." Kunbi announced. "Mama T will send someone in the next five minutes to deliver all you need, let you know who you will stay with, and what your work will be while you are here."
"Okay, thanks." Ara finally talked, getting the two ladies to finally notice even her voice could put a child to sleep for how pleasant it sounded. Kunbi instructed Sewa who was in charge of the quarters to put Ara through before she left. Sewa who was acting like she hated Ara's presence really didn't. She didn't care if Ara was existing or not, so she didn't see her as a threat at all. She was only worried because she was aware of the life every pretty lady in the palace lived. One, she would easily be noticed by one or two Princes. Two, be favoured, and three, they don't end well.
Sewa knew Ara would be walking that path soon. And if she was as greedy as the rest of the pretty girls who once lived in the palace, then she would suffer the consequences. Somehow, she saw Ara like her little sister, and a part of her didn't want Ara get caught up in the royal drama because she seemed cool and different to her. But even though she felt that way, she wasn't planning to show that side of her because look deceives a lot.
Sewa got a message from Mama T and walked away, leaving both Grace and Ara alone to answer who sent her the message.
"I guess I should introduce myself very well now." Ara turned to the lady who all through was admiring her. Ara smiled. "You don't have to. May the Grace of God abound in this house."
Grace laughed. "You really look like someone who don't talk. May be I'm wrong. But I will still like to apologize on behalf of the rest even though you look like someone who don't get angry either. Like, you didn't even give any slight reaction. I was expecting you to scare Florence a little bit and put her in her place."
Ara finally laughed. "Never let people turn you to what you are not. I guess if I had given her a scare, you would have been scared of me either. May be we won't be having this conversation. And for putting her in her place, I will rather put myself in my place and be myself."
Grace laughed. "You are right anyways. Nice having you here Ara. You are welcome to the second Prince Quarters where everything has to be in order and perfectly well done. I take care of the surroundings. And that means, if one day, the Prince sees a stain on the wall outside his house, or inside his building, I'm long gone."
That sounded funny to Ara that she laughed out loud. "Are you for real? Just to keep the surroundings clean and watch the wall all day."
"More than that!" Sewa's voice came in as she walked back in with Florence behind her. Now Sewa was facing Ara. "I'm in charge of his meal, and if one day anything goes wrong with his food, I'm long gone too. It sounds really easy right? Just one mistake will tell."
Florence eyed Ara angrily. "Why are you staring at me. Take your uniform out of my hand or do I look like a dummy for hanging clothes."
Ara grabbed the black material, wondering if it was going to size her at the hips or not. But while checking, she realized it was a stretching material. Sewa waited for her to raise her head before she started talking. "You are to assist me in the kitchen. And from now on, you are to make sure the Prince room is well taken care of."
"What! Which room!" This time around, both Florence and Grace chorused together as if they knew the words in their hearts at that moment. They stared at Sewa not sure if they heard her right. The Prince never allowed anyone in his room. It was something they all knew. Sewa was surprised when they told her too, and she knew this was going to happen, but she continued. "Florence, you no longer serve the Prince again. Ara is now---"
"What the fuck!" Florence spat angrily. Her eyes unable to hide her strong hatred for Ara. "She's taking everything I want! The moment I saw you, I knew you are a damn threat!" She was losing it. "Ara or whatever your name is, you better back off, because you won't end well with this."