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DAMAGED BUTTERFLY
CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE

The girls were marvelled and awestruck by the beauty of the city with it's stable electricity.It wasn't like Nigeria where there is epileptic power supply.
The city was a sight to behold.It was simply magnificent and glorious.Not a single area of darkness could be spotted.Electric bulbs were glowing uninterrupted.
And the people of basked in the euphoria of this social amenity.
From the window,the two girls could hear the sound of loudspeakers as it blasted beautiful spanish music.The night was young and the people took note of this fact.The streets were busy and bustling with activities.
It was a beehive.

Chioma heaved a sigh.
"Just look at that.So beautiful,it's unlike anything i have ever seen before." she said.

"Yes,you're right.This place is really great." Aisha replied.
"But no matter how good it looks,there is no place like home."

"Home is not this good."

"That's not what i meant." Aisha retorted.

"I know what you meant,home must be very special to you." Chioma said.

"Yes."

"You got family,right?" Chioma asked.

"Yes i do and they are very special.My home is with them." Aisha replied.

"The idea of family must be very nice.Too bad i grew up without one to call my own."

"I'm sorry."

"It's okay,i dont care about them.I came from a broken home,it's a lot more complicated than you think."

"Do you think we'll go back to Nigeria?
Are these people ever going to free us?"

"I dont know but i'm ready to save myself more trouble and do everything they say"

"Everything they say?...like spread your legs just to make them happy?" Aisha asked.

"It's not like we have a choice.By the way,i dont want to think about it.Besides we are a thousand miles away from Nigeria with little hope of seeing that country again.If wishes were horses,beggars would ride." Chioma muttered.

She walked lazily into the bathroom.
Aisha stood near the window,swimming in her sea of thoughts.
A new career awaits her,a new life.

"Aren't you going to get some sleep?" Chioma asked after she emerged from the bathroom.

She slumped on her bed and few minutes later she had slept off.

Aisha heaved a sigh and went to sleep.She wished she would wake up in her bed in Kano and all her worries would turn out to be a bad dream.
----------------

In the morning,the girls were woken up by the blaring and deafening sound of an automatic siren installed in their rooms.

Madam Galiana was screaming in her native portugese.

"E' hora de acodar,meninas.
It's time to wake up,girls."

The girls had to no time to perform the morning ablutions.
Madam Galiana's men came barging through their doors uninvited and unannounced,forcing every single sleepy head out their respective rooms.

Aisha lazily got out bed.It was the first time she had slept confortably ever since she was bundled into the cargo ship.She could have slept longer if the univited riffraffs never came calling.

She was bewildered when she got out of her room and found all the girls heading downstairs to the large living room.
She figured it must be something important.
She manuvered her way through the crowd until she found Bina.

"What is going on?" she asked.

"I dont know but the rumours say Madam Galiana has some special announcement to make." Bina replied.

Every girl had trooped out of their respective rooms and a few minutes later,the living room was once again crowded with a hundred females.

Madam Galiana stood on a platform with her body guards.She had a nightgown on and one could tell she stays in the brothel.

The woman cleared her throat and bellowed a good morning in her portugese language.

"Bom Dia!"

The room was as silent as a graveyard.The girls were not yet accustomed to Madam Galiana's portugese dialect.

"Good morning!" she bellowed again.

"Good morning ma" the girls replied.

Madam Galiana heaved a sigh of relief and stood hands akinbo with a satisfactory smile on her face.
She scanned the room with her sinister eyes and nodded in approval.

She took a deep breath and began.
"I hope you girls slept well because today is a big day,a very special day.Today marks the beginning of a new life,it is the start of something special and lucrative.Today you will start your new career as a prostitute."

Madam Galiana cleared her throat and continued.

"This brothel is the largest of it's kind in Rocinha.It has been spaciously built and furnished to taste unlike any other brothel in this town.
I'm happy to announce that tonight,we will officially open this distinguished business enterprise.
We will hold a grand opening ceremony and we have guest from different works of life coming to this ceremony.
I want you girls to prepare yourselves.You need to ready to spread your legs for our guests.There is no shame in prostitution.
But for now,i need you to clean this house,set the tables and chairs and fix the decorations.
This ceremony will be marvellous and everything must be perfect."

DAMAGED BUTTERFLY
CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO

She knelt before the witch doctor. And heaved a sigh.Her curiosity got the better of her and she stole a gaze at his face.
The man was scary as hell.He wore an ugly white makeup but it did little to conceal the scars which looked more like a tribal marks.It cut horizontally across his cheeks like the claws of a tiger.
Aisha averted he gaze immediately.
"Take this" the witch doctor muttered in his spanish accent as he handed Aisha the amulet.

She held the amulet clumsily with trembling hands.

"Now repeat after me" the witch doctor growled.
"I...you have to say your name....solemnly swear"

Aisha repeated his words with a shaky voice laden with fear.

"I,Aisha Raquayatu Abubakar solemnly swear...."

After the exercise,she bowed her head and closed her eyes.She was sweating profusely.

"Now strectch forth your hand" the witch doctor growled.

Aisha reluctantly did as she was told.The process could have been less complicated if it didn't involve drawing blood.
She clenched her fist and took a deep breath.
She closed her eyes.
The sharp object did it's work and soon there was blood dripping from her arm.
The witch doctor placed a bowl under her hand as the blood slowly dripped into it.When he was satisfied with the amount he got,he closed his eyes and started making inconprehensible incantations.
Aisha was terrified and watched helplessly as her destiny was locked away.Her dream,her future,all had just been swept under the carpet.
The witch doctor dismissed her.
She walked back to where Bina sat,looking all woebegone and dejected.



"How does it feel?" Bina asked.

"You mean how does it feel to watch helplessly as my future gets locked away,my life,my destiny?
It feels wierd and....awful."

Bina heaved a sigh and stood hands akinbo.

"Yes,i know that feeling.But there's nothing we can do about it,is there?"

"No."

Madam Galiana clapped her hands to draw attention.

"Alright girls we're done here.It's time to see your new abode.
Leve-os aos seus quartos" she bellowed in her native portugese.





The girls were taken upstairs.The house was bigger than they thought.It looked like a guest house with it's many rooms.
The rooms were small but tidy and by mere observation,one would say each room was meant for two people.
The girls were excorted randomly to each room by armed men.

Aisha and Bina were separated once again.

When Aisha saw her room she was marvelled.It was the opposite of the filthy cages in the cargo ship.
The floor was tiled unlike the ceramic floor in her home in Kano.The room was well ventilated and beautiful.She saw two beds.It was well made with sheets that smelt like roses.The room also had a small bathroom and a toilet.
It looked neat and brand new.She entered the toilet and scrutinised it.The wash hand basin caught her attention.She stared at it for a while and finally turned the knob.
Water came rushing out.
It was unlike Kano,where they had wash-hand basins installed in their homes and yet not a single drop of water came out of it.
A mirror was attached to the wall above the basin.
Aisha examined her face in the mirror.She looked dirty and unkempt.
She had not taken her bath in a long time.She washed her face at the basin and looked at the mirror once again.
She remembered the bathroom and heaved a sigh of relief.

"A warm bath is not a bad idea" she soliloquized.

She slowly stepped into the bathroom.It was squeaky clean and not a single dirt could be spotted.
She turned on the shower,warm water came rushing out.She turned it off.
She slowly took off her clothes.It was too dirty to be worn again and it looked more like a rag.
Aisha couldn't imagine putting it on again.She reckoned there must be clothes in the wardrobe.
Afterall the room seemed to be well stocked.
Aisha turned on the shower.The warm water made her relaxed.She ended up spending more time in the bathroom swimming in her sea of thoughts.
She could've stayed longer under the warm shower but she heard some footsteps.
Someone must have entered the room.
Aisha quickly wrapped a towel around her body and stepped out of the bathroom.
She was suprised for a moment at the sight of her new roomate.
She was glad it was someone she knew.
It was Chioma,the girl she met in the cargo ship.She stood by the window,transfixed by whatever she was staring at outside the window.
She sensed Aisha's presence but she didn't bother.

"Hey" Aisha called out.

"Keep quiet" Chioma whispered.
"Come closer,you need to see something."

Aisha stroded to the window and looked outside.

She was marvelled by what she saw.

It was the city of Brazil lit up in all it's twilight glory.
Electricity must be abundant as hundreds of bulbs were alive.Not a single area of darkness could be spotted.


Chioma chuckled.
"According to the rumours i heard, light seldom goes off in this part of the world.It's beautiful,isn't it?"

"Yes it is."

DAMAGED BUTTERFLY
CHAPTER FIFTY ONE


"It is my pleasure to introduce my honourable and distinguished witch doctor."
Madam Galiana Ferreira-Gonzalez strectched out her arms towards the main door.
The door opened and man shuffled in.He wore a white flowing gown and a hoodie.His unsmiling face was laden with terror.He wore a mask of seriousness.A terrible white make up cut across his face and his boodshot eyes spoke his language to the girls.The man was not there to crack jokes,he came for serious business.
The image of a human skull on his black gown almost betrayed his his ugly personality.The man was definitely a devil incarnate.

Madam Galiana shook hands with him and muttered something inconprehensible.

The man chuckled and replied in spanish.

"Hey girls,this is my voodoo specialist,Fernando Guerreiro.He is a man with incredible talent.He is a spiritualist and a witchdoctor.He is the fail safe i'm talking about.
You see,when i told you there is no escape from here,i meant what i said.
Fernando will perform a blood ritual on you.This ritual will bind you and keep you loyal to my course.The only thing he needs is your blood,he will use it to cast a spell on you.
After the spell has been casted,if you try to escape,you will die.
We wont be the ones to kill you.The spell will do it's work and every ounce of life in you will be sucked away.
Have i made myself clear?" Madam Galiana asked.

The girls went silent.They were still trying to come to terms with the fact that their lives were tied to the business with magic.

Aisha was none the unperturbed.She couldn't believe what she just heard.When Madam Galiana said 'no way out',she didn't think a magic spell would be casted on her.
Things were getting much more complicated for her.She never thought South Americans had witchcraft like the Africans.
She was dumbfounded and crestfallen by the new development.

Bina was just as worried as Aisha.

"They are going to use magic on us.They are going to perform some kind of ritual" she said.

"Yes,that's what it looks like" Aisha replied.

"Things just keeps getting worse,doesn't it?" Bina asked.

"Yes."

"It makes me wonder if there is any hope for us." Bina muttered.

Aisha gazed at her and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"There is still hope." she said.
"I can feel it".

"My guts tells me we should run away rather than succumb to this ritual"

"Dont be stupid,Bina.It's not possible to get out of here without loosing your life in the process."

"So what do you suggest we do?"

"Just play along.....for now."

---------------

"Alright girls,queue up.We dont have time." Madam Galiana bellowed.

The girls reluctantly formed a line.
Each of them had fear in their hearts.
The sight of witchdoctor was enough to send shivers down the spine of any minor.
They did everything they were told to do to avoid more trouble.

The line was moving quicker than usual.
The process was a fast one and didn't take much time.

Each girl was given a shiny amulet with a sharp pointy edge.They were asked to say their full name and make a declaration to follow the rules and regulations.
They did as they were told.No one wanted to stay near the scary witchdoctor.
The amulet was collected from them and the witch doctor used it make a small cut on their skin.Just enough to cause bleeding.
They watched in horror as the blood dripped into an ugly bowl.
The witch doctor muttered some inconprehensible things in his native sapanish language.
He chanted like a drunk fellow and made some incantations.He then marked the girl with a white chalk and dismissed her.
The process was repeated on every girl until it was Bina's turn.

She was terrified and could barely walk properly.
Aisha noticed the terror in her eyes and tried to calm her down.

"You have to do this.I know you are scared but you really have to do this.It's the only way we can stay alive." Aisha whispered.

"I know,it's just that...."

"Be brave Bina,be brave."

Madam Galiana checked her wristwatch and bellowed.
"Next!"

Bina slowly walked over to the witchdoctor and knelt before him.

She was handed the amulet and she did everything she was told to do.
The witchdoctor pierced her arm and collected a few drops of her blood.
He made his incantations and dismissed her.

It was Aisha's turn.
She took a deep breath and walked over,slowly to the witchdoctor.

She had the urge to turn around and refuse the blood ritual but she had no choice.She had to do this.It's the only she could live.
She weighed the repercussions of the blood ritual.
Having a spell over her life was scary prospect.It means that she wont be able to escape if she wanted to and only her captors could release.

She thought about Madam Galiana's words.
"The only way out is up."
She hoped that there was really a way out and she wouldn't have to spend the rest of her life as a prostitute with a spell on her head.
She whispered a prayer to Almighty Allah and knelt before the witch doctor.

DAMAGED BUTTERFLY
CHAPTER FIFTY

Madam Galiana Ferreira-Gonzalez stood hands akinbo and waited for her message to digest in the girls.
None of them was happy.But they had no choice.The writing on the wall was crystal clear.
It was....FOLLOW THE RULES OR DIE.

Aisha was awestruck and speechless.Just when she thought her pile of misfortunes wouldn't get any bigger,it got worse.
Her world was falling apart.Whatever little hope she had of going back home had just become a pipedream.
Madam Galiana's words were definite and firm."No going back.
The only way out is up."
Aisha had to go through the fire,through the storm.That was the only way out.The only way she could make it back home.It wouldn't be an easy task.
She was still struggling to grasp the harsh reality as it truly were.Her captors were going to turn her into a sex slave.A prostitute with the sole purpose of fetching money for her heartless captors.She was trapped even more.Everything was collapsing like a pile of cards.Things were about to get worse and this was only the beginning.If human trafficking wasn't already a bad thing,she would call it hell on earth.
She wished she would wake up and everything would all turn out to be a bad dream or a hallucination.But that was not to be.It was real and she had to face it or die.

Aisha was still thinking about her new career when someone tapped her on the back.
She turned around and found Bina.
The poor girl looked spent and famished.The woebegone expression on her face said it all.

"Aisha,did you hear what the lady said?" Bina asked.

"They are going to turn us into sex slaves." Aisha replied.

"Just when i thought my life wouldn't get any worse,everything is falling apart.What have i done to myself" Bina muttered as she sunk to her knees and covered her face with her palms.

Aisha was overcome with pity for the poor girl,it almost made her think less of her own predicament.
She bent down and wrapped her arms around Bina.

"This is not the time to cry,everything is going to be alright." Aisha whispered.

"How do you know that?" Bina asked.

"I have hope."

"You never cease to suprise me Aisha,even in the face of trials and tribulation,you still have hope? Bina asked.

"Yes,i promised my family i'll come back for them.I'm not going back on that promise.I'm going to see my daughter again,whatever it takes.I wont give up."

Bina cast a glance at Aisha and bowed her head in shame.

"I'm so sorry,Aisha.I really am......this is all my fault,i shouldn't have......"

"It's alright Bina.This is not the time for self pity and regret.Such things wont aid our survival.You need to be strong.We have to get through this mess,that is the only way we can be free."

"Get through it?...i'm not sure i can bear the trouble anymore.Just take a look at ourselves.What are we now?...sex slaves?....prostitutes?
This is getting too much.I cant take it anymore."

"That is why you have to be strong.You cant let the ill-fate pull you down."

"The last time we spoke,you ended our friendship.You were so angry and frustrated,i knew i hurt you so bad.I know it will be very hard for you to forgive me but i just want you to know that.....ever since you drove a hedge between us,i have not been myself.I was so lonely and angry at myself."

"Look Bina,i forgive you.I did blame you for what happened to me but i blame myself even more.If i didn't turn my back on my family,i wouldn't be in this hell hole.I have forgiven you Bina.I figured it's time to put the past behind us and forge ahead."

"I'm glad you have forgiven me.At least,even if i'm going to die in this hell hole,i will do so knowing that i have been forgiven by the person i hurt most."

"You cant talk about death.We will survive.We will go home"

The two girls were still talking when Madam Galina clapped her hands and drew their attention.
The room was enveloped in an awkward silence as the girls listened with rapt attention to whatever Madam Galiana had to say.

The lady cleared her throat and began to speak.

"I know that you all are confused and worried.That feeling will gradually disipate and you'll get used to this business.
However,you must bear in mind that none of you can escape.That is why we have a fail- safe in case of an escape or any mysterious activity you might indulge in that could expose my business to the wrong people.
When i talk about fail-safe,i'm not saying i will guard you day and night.No....you see,i'm a woman that believes in the mystical world and luckily,i have connections.
Each one of you shall take part in a blood ritual that will bind you and keep you loyal to my cause.
The ritual is very effective,if you try to escape.You will die instantly.We wont have to guard you day and night but you'll always follow our rules.
So it is my pleasure to introduce my honourable and distinguished witch doctor."

DAMAGED BUTTERFLY
CHAPTER FORTY-NINE

The woman walked into the living room.Her steps were majestic in the gladiator high heels she wore.She was accompanied by two macho men,probably body guards.They were terrifying with their bloodshot eyes and their huge muscles could send shivers down the spine of any minor.
The lady wore expensive jewelries and her diamond crested handbang glittered.Her curly hair was beautiful.She was dressed to kill save for her face which looked like a spoilt paintwork due to too much make up.She looked no older than 50.
The girls stared at her without uttering a single word.An awkward silence had enveloped the room.
The woman took a moment to scrutinise the girls.

The girls cast an inquisitive stare at the white lady.
Aisha reckoned she must be the boss.The one who paid to have innocent African girls work for her.The villain of the story.
Aisha tried as much as the possible to contain the rage that boiled in her heart.
The lady cleared her throat and broke the ice.

"It's good to see you girls,welcome to Brazil.The next phase of your journey is just getting started." she said.

The girls stared with curioucity and uncertainty in their eyes.
The lady read between the lines and beamed a sinister smile.

"I know that you all are curious.Getting kidnapped and shipped to a new country can be very difficult for you girls.I understand how you feel.But do not despair,i can assure you that everything will be allright.As long you follow my rules....ofcourse." she chuckled.

"You are here today because i have paid a heavy price for you.You are my property and you will work for me."

One of the girls summoned courage and asked.
"What kind of work are you talking about?"

The lady laughed.

"It's a very easy work.It is an attractive work and it has been around for as long as history can remember.
It is popularly known as...prostitution.I'm sure that the majority of you have heard about it.Prostitutes are found in every country.
And now for those of you that doesn't know what it means or maybe not familiar with the word,it is a kind of work where you make money by having sex."

The lady's last sentence triggered noisy murmuring among the girls.
Aisha was flabbergasted and woebegone.She wished the ground would open and swallow her.
She could not imagine giving up her body for money.She's a human being for crissakes,not a sex-slave.
The lady heaved a sigh of disappointment.

"Silence!" she bellowed."I know that many of you dont want to do this kind of work.You detest it because no sane girl would give up her body for money.You are not wrong but i assure you,this work is very easy.You may hate it at first but with time you'll get used to it.I will not send you out on the streets of Rio to search for customer.No.
You see, i own a big brothel.A brothel is a place where people come to Bleep.You will stay in my brothel.I will take good care of you.I will provide security,food,anything you need.You will be confortable under me.The only thing you have to do is satisfy the customers.
You will work everyday to earn money for your upkeep.A large chunk of the money will go to me ofcourse.
However there are rules and regulations that you must obey.
The first and foremost rule is;you must satisfy the customer.
Satisfaction is our watchword in the world of prostitution.The customer could ask for a quickie or a marathon,missionary,cowgirl,BDSM,anal etc.Your job is to satisfy him.If you carry out your task with effeciency,more customers will visit the brothel and business will boom.
However,if you dont surrender your body to the hungry customers,we will treat you harshly that you're gonna wish you were dead.If you want to survive,do my bidding.
Also,you will stay in the brothel 24/7.You will not sneak out or try to escape.If you do so,you will die.
The brothel is your new home and there is no getting out until you earn our trust and become a professional.
You see,i was also a prostitute.I learnt the trade and i built my empire.I'm a professional and as a pro i will give you my candid advice."
The lady cleared her throat and continued.
"The only way out is up.If you want to be free,you must work your way up the ladder.
Think of it this way: You are trapped in a burning house.There is fire and smoke everywhere and there is only one exit and that exit is front of you.Now,you cannot go back.The only way out is through.You have to pass through the fire in order to be free.
That is your situation now.You all want to go home.But there is no going back.If you want to be free,you must pass through the hurdles of prostitution to make it to the top.That is the only way you can be free.
Have i made myself clear?"

The lady was greeted by noisy murmuring.Some of the girls,the weaklings, were sobbing.
The lady didn't look like she gave a hoot.

"You'll start work tomorrow.Prepare yourself and by the way,my name is Madam Galiana Ferreira-Gonzalez."

Marchborn123:
Ur holiday no dey finish? Biko do n kom update joor etaff tey.

i no go holiday oo...
I was busy plotting the final part of the story.
I had to do an extensive research on life in Rio,Brazil.

It took time but i'm all set resume.

DAMAGED BUTTERFLY
CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT

The girls walked out of the cargo ship in a straight line.Their stay in the ship was over.They had reached their destination.
Aisha was dumbfounded and crestfallen.The white man's last words echoed in her ears: 'Rio de Janeiro,Brazil.Rio de Janeiro,Brazil'.

Aisha was flabbergasted.She was on the other side of the world.South America.
She was a long way from home.
She wondered if she would ever get back home.She still had hope but she reckoned it wont be an easy task.
For the first time in her life,she missed her country Nigeria.She would strive to get back,whatever the cost.

Aisha finally stepped out of the cargo ship.Out a dark prison and into a new environment.The moment she walked out,the sun dazzled her eyes.She had not seen the sun for a long time.It lifted her spirits and rejuvinated her.
The weather was warm and beautiful.Aisha closed her eyes.
She took a deep breath and exhaled.She was breathing fresh air for the first time since she got into those dark filthy cages in the cargo ship.
A cool breeze radiated around her.The air was nice.The day looked young and promising.
Aisha looked around her.She sighted Bina a few meters away.The girl was also taken aback by the new environment.

---------

The girls were led into a big truck that looked more like a school bus.Their hands were chained and they were sorounded by armed men.
A short white man slided into the driver's seat and started the vehicle.
The driver drove the truck away from the harbour and onto an expressway.
Aisha glanced at the cargo ship for the last time before it got out of sight.She heaved a sigh of relief and whispered a prayer to Almighty Allah.
She was lucky to be sitting near a window.
She looked through the window and marveled at the new country.
She gaped at the skyscrapers and beatiful infractructures.
Brazil was a beautiful country or so she thought.She stared at the beautiful landscape and the city, shaped by interaction with mountains and sea, lay in the narrow strip of alluvial plain.
Its exceptionally dramatic landscape was punctuated by a series of forested mountains that tower over the city.
The city’s densest buildings sat on the narrow strips of alluvial land between the mountains and the sea laid out in irregular clusters of tall white blocks which contrast vividly with the green vegetation of the mountains and the blue of the sea.
Aisha was taken aback by the beauty of the city.It was unlike anything she has ever seen before.

She thought she had seen it all,but then the giant statue came into view.
Aisha stared at the statue with her mouth agape.She was lost for words to describe the awe that she felt on sighting one the wonders of the world.It stood on a mountain peak.
It was the statue of Christ The Redeemer!
It stood with his arms outstretched sideways,it's head was slightly bowed as it overlooked the city of Rio de Jameiro.
Aisha was awestruck by what she saw but the feeling disipated when she remembered why she was in Brazil.

The truck navigated through some major roads and streets.They entered a new and strange environment.
The skyscrapers and beatiful houses were behind them.What lay in front of them suprised Aisha.
The new environment was a bit dirty and unkempt.It looked like a ghetto.A residential place for the average and poor class.
It was a big town.But unlike the fine city,this town was built haph-hazardly.It was densely populated and the inhabitants,who live crammped into a steep and rugged landscape.
The houses were constructed with mud,wood,rocks and sometimes maybe bricks.
Aisha was sure the occupants were mainly poor people.
The town that lay in front of them could best be described as: 'Town on a hill'.
Looking up the incline at thousands of tumbledown houses, the hillside looked like an avalanche of brick and mortar, frozen still in the middle of a freefall.
Most of the buildings are reachable only by twisting sidewalks that honeycomb the neighborhood.
The neighbourhood lacked infrastructure and organisation.

The truck driver navigated through the busy streets which cut across like a maze.A driver who was not familiar with the town was bound to get lost.They stopped in front of a four story building situated in a lonely street and the girls alighted.
They were led into the house by the armed men.

The house was big and unkempt.
The girls were led into the living room where furnitures had been removed to accomdate the hundred females.
Aisha was curious and afraid,she wondered what their captors would do to them.

The girls were visibly shaken and taken aback by the new place.Fear of the unknown enveloped the room.
A hundred thoughts flooded into Aisha's mind.She had burning questions and she was curious to know how things would turn out.
She was still wallowing in sea of thoughts when a woman walked into the room.

"Good to see you girls,welcome to Brazil.The next phase of your journey has just begun." she said.

DAMAGED BUTTEFLY
CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN

Aisha jerked awake.She was sweating profusely and her breathings were uneven.She looked around her.She was flabbergasted and visibly shaken. She panted like a hound and wiped the beads of sweat on her face.She rested her head on her hands.It was starting to dawn on her and she finally relaxed.It was just a dream.
All that talk with the imaginative projection of Obinna was just dream.
All that hallucination was just a dream.
It was all a dream.
The dream felt so real and Aisha could still remember every detail.Every word she uttered.The Obinna she encountered looked so real,he even spoke like the real Obinna.Everything about him seemed amazing and real.Aisha herself was not much of a dreamer but this dream shook her visibly and rendered her bewildered and woebegone.

Aisha could still remember the last thing she said in the dream.
"I must never give up until i fullfil the promise i made to my family."

She closed her eyes and said it again and again until that sentence stuck to the back of her mind.

She took her time to think about the dream.The whole thing felt like a motivational video.
The dream itself felt like a journey into the emotional trauma,pain,anger and guilt she felt.A journey with the sole purpose of finding the will to move on with life even with all the trials and tribulations.
She finally found that will and it had something to do with her daughter.She just didn't realise it on time.
Nneoma was the one thing that kept Aisha going.Memories of her daughter kept her from giving up when she wanted to.
Infact,it has always been about her.Her little daughter was her backbone,the major thing that kept her going in life.
She was determined that one day she would return to her daughter.
She may be in a cargo ship sailing the atlantic ocean but nothing would stop her now.She was more confident now more than ever.As long as there is life,there's always hope.
She prayed that Almighty Allah would help her make it back to her daughter,to her family.

Aisha headed into the new day feeling confident and more determined.The pressure to give up had disipated.The feeling of anger,guilt and shame no longer clouded her judgement.She was starting to live above it.Her emotional trauma no longer weighed her down.She was a little bit lighthearted.She felt rejuvinated and her appetite was back.It was a new day for her,a new begining.She would fight any obstacle that came her way and she would survive to see her family again.There's no time to give up,it was time to move forward.
-----------------------------------------

Later that day stale bread was shared and this time,Aisha ate it hungrily.She finished the loaf in less than two minutes.Chioma was amazed.

"Aisha,you are finally eating" Chioma said.

"Yes,my appetite is back" Aisha replied.

"Just like that?...you woke up this morning and boom!...your appetite is restored?"

"Yes."

"What really happened,you dont look gloomy today."

"Let's just say i was inspired."

"Inspired by who?"

Aisha chuckled and beamed a smile.

"One day i will tell you about it." she said.

"Well,you can have my bread." Chioma said handing her a loaf.

"Look Chioma,my appetite may be back but i dont want to...."

"It's allright,you have not eaten for three days now.You need your strength."

Aisha reluctantly collected the bread.

"Thank you." she said.

"You're welcome" Chioma replied.

"I thought about what you said yesterday about Bina.That i should forgive her and all that."

"Have you made up your mind.Are you ready to forgive her?"

"Yes,i think there's no point in holding grudges.It doesn't change the fact that we are on a ship heading to God-knows-where.I'm going to forgive her.It's time to move forward and nothing should hold me back."

"I'm glad you made that decision."

The two girls were still talking when a group of men barged into the hall.
The men were all armed with their guns except a white man among them.

It was the first time the girls have ever seen this man.He was not a familiar face on the ship.

The white man fumbled in his pocket and fished out a stick of ciggarate.He lit it and slid it between his pink lips.He was clad in an expensive suit and his curly black hair glittered.

He cleared his throat and began to speak.He spoke very slowly.

"Hello ladies,my name is Luis Rodriguez.I'm your caretaker.
All of you are under me.I'm your boss and you will work for me.
There are rules and regulations that you must follow.If you follow this rules,you might be released.But if you dont,you could die.
You girls will do some special work for me.The work is very easy but i will tell you more about it later.
For now i want you all to relax,your stay in this cargo ship is over.We have reached our destination."

One of the girls summoned up courage and spoke up.

"Where are we?" she asked.

"You are a long way from home" the white man chuckled.

"Welcome to Rio de Janeiro,Brazil."

DAMAGED BUTTERFLY
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX





When she woke up she found him sitting close to her.His eyes glowed with love and compassion.His smile was gracious and ever infectious.His presence made her forget her sorrow.He was grinning from ear to ear like a school boy.He looked smart in his blue checkered shirt and khaki shorts.The type of clothes he used to wear back then in Kano.
Aisha was flabbergasted and crestfallen.She rubbed her eyes to make sure she wasn't dreaming but he still wouldn't vanish.
He looked so real and too convincing.
Aisha couldn't help but stare at him with mouth agape.
She tried to speak but her throat went dry.
Right there in front of her,Obinna sat and smiled at her.
He reached out and took her hand.
His body felt warm and real.

"Obinna,is this really you?" Aisha asked.

"Yes it's me" he replied.

Aisha shook her head and rubbed her eyes again.

"What are you doing here?" she asked.

"I came to help you" he replied.

"Help me?"

"Yes i came because you want me to be here."

Aisha shook her head in bewilderment and scoffed.

"I dont understand.How is this possible?" she asked.

"It's possible because of you."

"How?"

"You wanted me to be here,you brought me here.I'm not real.
I'm simply a projection of your imaginations.You're hallucinating."

"Wait...you're not real?....i'm hallucinating?...What does that mean?"

"It's a perception in the absence of external stimulus which has qualities of real perception.I'm more like a projection of your imagination.You have been passing through emotional trauma,you've lost your appetite and your reckless attitude of late has been taking it's toll on your health.You are going to die if you dont eat."

"I understand but the problem is not food.I'm so worried about my future.My life just took a wrong turn and now i feel trapped in a dark tunnel with no streak of light at the end.I have so many regrets but most of all i regret not going back to Kano with my family.I dont think i can continue with life anymore,i want to starve myself.Life is so unfair and death sounds like a quick getaway from my dilemma.I want to die."

"That is the real problem Aisha.Emotional trauma,you think you have nothing to live for anymore.You think your life's journey should come to an end.You think you're in a dark tunnel with no light but you need to understand that the only reason why you cant see any light is because you are blind.Blinded by guilt,pain,trauma and anger.You shouldn't let these feelings to cloud your judgement."

"But how?...how am i supposed to get rid of these feelings.It's not that easy."

"You're right,you may never get rid of these feelings but you must learn to live above it.If you can do that,you will survive the storm."

"So how do i live above these feelings..huh?...It's impossible because not a single day passes without me reeling in self pity.I'm so angry at the world,at life,at myself.I'm guilty.If i had returned to Kano,this bad luck would have been avoided but i was stubborn.I was so focused on myself.I was selfish....too selfish.I thought i could help myself and i turned my back on my family,i turned my back on my little daughter.I'm so ashamed of myself."
Aisha cried.Tears streamed continously from her eyes.

Obinna wiped her tears and kissed her.

"Everything is going to allright.You just have to be strong.
You said that a part of you wants to die and the other part wants to live." he said.

"Yes,i dont know what to do.I'm at crossroads." Aisha muttered.

"You will find your way.You just need to focus on that part of you that wants to live.What is that thing that is holding you back from giving up too easily?" Obinna asked.

"It's my family.My father,Obinna and my daughter.I want to go back to them."

"It's not just your family that is holding you back.There is something else.Someone else.That person is the only one you always think about.Whenever you remember that person,you are enveloped with regret and sorrow.You know who it is Aisha."

"You're right.That person is my daughter Nneoma.She is the major reason why i dont want to give up.I regret turning my back on her.She needs me,my daughter needs me.I want to give her the motherly care she deserves.I dont want to die knowing that i would never see my daughter again...No,i cant do it.I cant give up"

"Congratulations Aisha,you just spotted that streak of light at the end of the dark tunnel.Now all you have to do is get to it.You need to stay strong.Trials and tribulations will come your way but you must always think about your daughter.She is the main reason why you need to stay alive.You must find your way back home to her.You will never give up until you fullfil the promise you made to your family.Say it Aisha,say it"

"I must never give up until i fullfil the promise i made to my family."
Aisha said.

The ground shook and the imaginative projection of Obinna vanished into the thin air.

DAMAGED BUTTERFLY
CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE






Bina had been trying to talk to Aisha but she always ignored her.Aisha would avert her gaze and pretend like she didn't know Bina at all.Best friends had turned to strangers.
Aisha's rejection really affected Bina.She knew that Aisha was right.She was the root cause of everything.Her mistakes had landed her into big trouble and her emotional trauma was increased by the fact that she had dragged an innocent Aisha into her mess.Bina couldn't sleep at night,she would stay up,thinking about how she had damaged Aisha's life.Guilty concience bothered her and her nights were enveloped with nightmares,insomnia and dark memories.The situation could have been less complicated if Aisha wasn't so hot headed.Bina didn't really mind if Aisha was no longer her friend,all she wanted was for Aisha to strectch out an olive branch and bury the hatchet so that tension between them would reduce.She didn't need friendship anymore,she needed forgiveness.
When Aisha wasn't forthcoming with her forgiveness,Bina sook out Chioma.She had noticed that Chioma was a little bit close to Aisha and she grabbed the oppourtunity.She pleaded with Chioma to interceed on her behalf.
Chioma was somewhat of a recluse,always secluded in her own shell,minding her own business.It took a lot of persuassion before the girl finally budged.
--------------
Chioma was starting to get worried over Aisha.Anytime food was shared,Aisha would hand her food to Chioma.This scenario repeated itself for three days.No food entered Aisha's body,she only drank water.Aisha was matiating rapidly while Chioma ate double portion everyday.
Chioma didn't like it when Aisha refused to eat.The girl was going to starve herself to death if care is not taken.
One day Chioma tried to talk some sense into her.

"Aisha,you have not eaten anything for three days now.Are you allright? Chioma asked.

"How can i be allright when i'm stuck in a ship heading to God-knows-where" Aisha replied.

"Yes we're on a ship heading to God-knows-where but is that enough reason for you to starve yourself?" Chioma asked.

Aisha did not reply.

Chioma sighed and shook her head in dissapintment.

"Look Aisha,i'm tired of collecting extra loaf of bread from you everyday.You're loosing weight rapidly and my concience will never let me be for letting you commit suicide" Chioma retorted.

Aisha stared at Chioma with an inquisitive expression on her face.

"What do you mean by suicide?" she asked.

"You are going to kill yourself Aisha.You are deliberately starving yourself to death and i'm not comfortable with it." Chioma muttered.

Aisha averted her gaze and closed her eyes.

"Tell me Aisha,do you want to die?"

"No."

"Then why are you starving yourself?"

Aisha looked down,she wiped the tears that were streaming down her cheeks.

"I dont want to die but..."

"But what?"

"A part of me wants to give up and die but the other part wants to live.I dont know what to do."

Chioma shook her head.

"Look Aisha,i'm not the kind of person that motivates people but if you really want to die,perhaps you might consider forgiving Bina."

"Bina?"

"Yes,she approached me the other day and asked me to speak to you.The girl needs you but since you are hell bent on killing yourself,why not forgive her so that your scorecard might look good before the Jehovah,Allah or any white bearded sky daddy over there in the great beyond." Chioma said.

"I understand your point" Aisha replied.

"Good,and since you are going to kill youself,you should refrain from giving me your food.I dont want to have anything to do with your death.Please" Chioma muttered.

"Okay."

"But you really need to forgive that girl.She doesn't need your friendship,she needs your forgiveness."

"Did she say that?"

"Yes,she said she couldn't sleep at night and the guilty concience is weighing her down.But if you can just forgive her,she would be glad and her spirit would be lifted a bit."

"I'll think about it."

"Please do"
-------------

At night,Aisha lay on the cold floor thinking about how to go about forgiving Bina.
She really wanted to forgive the girl but she always held back.
Perhaps it was the fact that Bina landed her in big trouble.But she later came to realise that she was not so angry with Bina,she was more angry with herself.Deep down in her heart she blamed herself more than she blamed Bina.
If she had returned to Kano,all this badluck would've been avoided.
She longed to see her daughter and hold her in her arms.
She longed to be a real mother,not the one that runs away from responsibilities.
She longed to reunite with her father again.
She wanted to be with Obinna again.The good old days was still fresh in her memories.She longed go back in time and fix her mistakes.
She was still thinking about her family until she fell asleep.
When she opened her eyes,she found him sitting close to her.
His eyes glowed with love and compassion.
She found Obinna!

DAMAGED BUTTERFLY
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

One of the men held a bunch of keys.He went opening the cages one by one.The girls came out.

"Everybody line up,you all know how it's done." One of the men said.

"Come on girl,are you not hungry?" Chioma asked.

"Ofcourse i am.By the way,call me Aisha" Aisha replied.

The girls quickly formed a line.they stretched out their lean hands as the men opened the containers and started sharing bread.A loaf to each person.
The bread was stale and Aisha found it repulsive and disheartening.

"The bread is stale but you still have to eat it.They only feed us twice a day.If you dont eat when you have the chance,you might fall sick.You have to manage that loaf of bread." Chioma said.

Aisha was still staring at the loaf in her hand when someone tapped her on the back.She turned around and was amazed to find Bina.

"Bina,where have you been?" Aisha asked.

Bina bowed her head in shame.Her eyes were red from continous crying and her voice was weak and laden with sadness.

"They locked me up in one those cages down the hall." Bina replied.

Aisha looked at her from head to toe and took a few steps back.She was not supposed to be talking to Bina.This is the same girl that got her into trouble.Everything that has ever happened,from the abduction to a pitiful life in a cargo ship.It all started with Bina,she is the root cause of the current problem.This is a girl Aisha treated like a sister but now as she looked at her,anger and regret streamed into her heart.

"Aisha how do we get out of here?" Bina asked as tears welled in her eyes.

Aisha scoffed and glared at Bina.
She couldn't believe the girl just dropped the altruistic crap.

"Are you seriously asking me that question?" Aisha asked.

"Aisha we need to get out of here..." Bina replied.

"You brought us here.This badluck fell on us because of you.Everything that has happened is all because of you."

"Aisha i'm sorry."

"It's too late for apologies.We are in a hell hole.Look around you,this place is like a prison.There is no getting out of here.I still cant believe i'm your friend.I treated you like a sister.I stood with you through thick and thin but all you have ever done is mess up my life and land me in trouble."

"Aisha you need to calm down."

"Calm down?...i curse the day i met you.I curse the day i became your friend.I dont want to have anything to do with you."

"Aisha please forgive me.I made some mistakes and i'm sorry."

"It's over Bina.Our friendship is over.I dont want to associate with you anymore.Stay away from me.Stay away."

Aisha's words shattered Bina's heart.Tears streamed down her cheeks.Her life was in turmoil and now her only friend.Her best friend just abandoned her.She had to face her storm alone.
Bina stood there watching as Aisha turned her back on her and walked away.


----------------------
Aisha sat in a corner in the cage staring at the loaf of bread.She couldn't get herself to take a single bite.Her appetite had suddenly vanished.

"Aisha you need to eat your bread." Chioma told her.

"I'm not hungry." Aisha replied.

"Hunger is not an option here.It will kill you if you let it" Chioma said.

"You can have my bread.I dont want to eat." Aisha said.She stretched forth her hand into Chioma's cage and handed the bread over to her.

Chioma collected the bread reluctantly.
"Dont say i didn't warn you" she said."Anyway i saw what happened back there with your friend.It's none of business though."

Aisha covered her face with her hands and sobbed.Everything was falling apart like a pack of cards.Her life felt like a dark tunnel with no streak of light at the end,no hope,no purpose.
She was starting to regret leaving Kano.If only she had known that this is how her life in Lagos would turn out,she would have avoided this by going home when she had the chance.She thought about her last meeting with Obinna and her father.She could have returned to Kano with them but she refused.Her life had suddenly become a dark,hollow minefield and there was no one to turn to.She felt lonely and depressed.
Images of Nneoma her daughter flooded into her mind.Obinna was right,the little girl needed her mother.She remembered the promise she made to her family. That she would,one day,return and be with her daughter. That promise now looked like a pipedream.How was she going to fullfil that promise?...How?
She was trapped in a cargo ship for crissakes,heading to God-knows-where with no hope of ever seeing her daughter again.No hope of seeing her family.
Everything she anticipated had suddenly vanished into thin air.Her life was now too broken to be fixed and the only thing left for her were dreams...a dream of a happy life with her daughter that she was never going to have.
She wished she could go back in time and fix her mistakes,return to Kano with her family and start her life afresh but that was impossible.
She lay on the dirty floor and cried herself to sleep.

DAMAGED BUTTERFLY
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she sobbed.
The girl in the other cage cast a quick glance at Aisha and shook her head in disapontment.She placed her hands on her ears to shut out the sound of Aisha's pitiful sob.
But her sobbing only got louder and turned into crying.

"Look here young lady,you need to stop crying...please." the girl said.

"This is the end" Aisha said.

"End of what?" the girl asked.

"The end of my life.This is the point of no return.There's is no hope." Aisha replied.

"There's no hope of getting out of here.You in a different world,a harsh one and your life just took a turn for worse but you need to get used to it because that is the only way you can survive." the girl replied.

"Survive?..you are talking about survival like it's just a piece of cake.I didn't want to end up like this.This was not supposed to happen."

The girl heaved a sigh and looked at Aisha.

"You need to understand that some things happen because we want it to happen while some things happens unexpectedly.Life is what happens to you when you're busy making plans." the girl said.She stood up and walked to the entrance of the cage.She held the iron bars and heaved a sigh.
"Look at them,all those poor souls.
There's about a hundred of us here,all locked up like animals,to be sold like mere comodities.That is the harsh reality of human trafficking.Just take a look at them" she said.

Aisha stood up and scanned the hall with her eyes.She took her time to examine the girls.Most of them were not too older than her.
There were girls from different parts of Africa,tall,short,big and small.None of them looked younger than fifteen.They all had a pale skin and they looked like zombies in their dirty clothes.
Aisha started to grasp the harsh reality as it truly is.

"Look at them,all locked up like animals.The world is a very wicked place.You need to understand that.These girls are human beings like you and me.But we're getting sold like animals by the wicked traffickers.
None of us expected it,none of us chose this path.We are all victims of human trafficking.So you need to stop with the self pity and show some strength.For as long there is life,there is hope." the girl said.

Aisha looked at her with suprise written all over her face.

"Hope?...What kind of hope are you talking about?" Aisha asked.

"The hope of staying alive to weather the storm.Victims of human trafficking dont always survive to tell the story.I've been on this cargo ship for five months as it cruised around the Atlantic Ocean,stopping at major harbours in coastal countries of Africa to pick up unfortunate girls.
I watched as new girls were bundled into cages every week.Some of these girls are not very strong.Some of them fall sick and die."

"Die?...How?" Aisha asked.

"We stay in a dirty environment.It's very easy to contact disease.Last month a girl came in with lassa fever.Before we knew what was going on,the disease spread.About a dozen girls were affected,they were had to be quarantined.A few weeks later,they all died and their bodies were tossed into the sea.Our captors dont give a hoot about us.There's not a single medical practitioner on board.If you fall sick,you have no choice but to pray because no one will give you medicine."

Aisha gaped at the girl in suprise,she took a few steps back and put her hands on her head.

"Is this real?" she asked.

"It is real.This cargo ship is no man's place.If you try to escape,they'll kill you.You need to get used to how things are done around here.That is why i'm asking you to be strong.Crying will not solve a thing,self pity is not an option here.You need to survive and you need to be strong to do that.Only the strong ones survive,the weak get crushed to death.Always remember that." the girl replied.

"You said you have been on this cargo ship for five months.How did you end up here?" Aisha asked.

"I'm an oppourtunist and that was what led me into this hell hole.I had one dream.I wanted to get out of Nigeria at all cost.Life is hard in Nigeria and i when i could not bear it anymore,i looked for an escape route.I met a woman who promised me a gateway out of Nigeria.She offered me a job in Italy.It was a balant lie and i swallowed the hook,line and sinker.I followed this woman like a sheep to slaughter house into this cargo ship.That is how they captured me and now here i am."

"I'm so sorry" Aisha said.

"Sorry wont change a thing.We are all victims of human trafficking.By the way my name is Chioma" the girl said.

The iron door opened and a dozen men walked in.They were carrying a meduim sized containers.All the caged girls turned their attention to the men.They all had their eyes on the container.

"What is in that container?" Aisha asked.

"Food.They only feed us twice a day.The food is small and terrible but you have to manage it."

DAMAGED BUTTERFLY
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

When she woke up she found herself in a cage.She looked around her and everything that happened flashed back into her mind.She reckoned she was in the cargo ship.Her heart skipped a beat and beads of sweat streamed down her face.The cage was dark,dirty and the stench of a dead rat filled the air.She took a deep breath and stood up.The after effect of the drug she was injected with was still in her system,her head ached and she felt weak.She staggered to entrance of the cage and shook the bars vigorously.Her efforts were pretty much futile.
She shook the bars vigorously again,this time to attract the attention of her captors.

"Stop!" a voice filled the dark cell.

Aisha turned around in fear.She realized she was not alone.

"Who is there?" she asked.

Her attention was attracted to the right side of the cage as a figure came into view.It was a girl.Her skin was pale and her eyes were half shut like she was drifting into sleep.Her hair was dirty and unkempt.She wore a dirty dress that should have been white.When she stretched out her arm into Aisha's cage,Aisha nearly screamed in fear.She took a few steps back and gaped at the stranger with eyes full of suprise.

"What?..you look like you've seen a ghost." the girl said.

Aisha wanted to speak but the words wouldn't come out.

The girl heaved a sigh and shook her head.
"Stop shaking the bars,you are making so much noise.And stop staring at me like that,haven't you seen a human being before?" she asked.

"Uh..erm...i'm sorry...i..erm..didn't know you were there" Aisha stammered.

"You know now" the girl replied.

"I'm just too taken aback right now.Some men took me.They injected me with something and it seems like i'm on a ship?" Aisha asked.

"Stop asking questions you already know the answers to" the girl replied.

Aisha shook the bars again more vigorously.

"I told you to stop that" the girl said.

"I need to speak with my captors.I have to get out of here.My friend Bina she....."

The girl cut her short.

"There is no getting out of here and stop shaking those bars.I'm trying to get some sleep." she said.
"I'm not suprised,this is what happens when they bring in a new person."

Aisha stopped abruptly when she heard the girl's last sentence.

"New person? Aisha asked."What do you mean by new person?...Are you saying there are other captives too?...What is really going on?"

A big iron door opened and a man walked in.He flicked a switch and the entire hall was illuminated.
Aisha stepped back in horror.The hall was large.She could see everything now.There were dozens of lined up cages housing women and young girls.It was a horrific sight to behold and Aisha stood gaping.The man that entered the room approached Aisha's cage.His eyes were red with too much weed and he looked like a drug addict.He carried a gun and his countenance sent the message to Aisha.

"Stop shaking the bars or i will deal with you" he growled.

Aisha didn't say a word.The man quietly stroded out of the room and shut the iron door behind him.

When he was gone.Aisha cast an inquisitive look at the girl.

"What is going on here?" she asked.

"Those men are human traffickers" the girl replied.

"Human traffickers?...i heard about them on the radio and they are on the newspapers too...they kidnap people for sale...right?

"Yes...we have been sold already.They are just shipping us to the major buyers."

"This ship,where is it headed?.Where are they taking us?" Aisha asked.

"I dont know...Rumours has it that this ship could be headed for Europe or America"

"What are we going to do when we get there?...Why did they sell us?" Aisha asked.

"I dont know" the girl replied.

Aisha was bewildered and crestfallen.She couldn't believe she had landed into a big mess.It finally dawned on her that things are about to take a turn for worse and there was no hope of getting out.She was trapped.

She scanned the rest of the hall.
There were many girls in the cages numbering about a hundred or more.She couldn't see them clearly.Bina could be anywhere.
She feared for her.

Aisha sank to her knees and shook her head and slumped into soliloquy.

"Human traffickers..Europe..America" she said.

She prayed that it was all a dream and she would wake up in Kano.
But that was not to be,everything looked real.This was harsh reality.
Just when she thought her life was getting bad,it just turned worse.She started thinking about her unfortunate stay in Lagos.
Where did she get it wrong?
What did she do to deserve such pitiful fate?
She blamed herself,nonetheless.
She had the golden oppurtunity to escape such badluck,she could have returned to Kano with her father and all these wouldn't have happened.She cursed the day she met Bina,that girl was the root cause of current dilemma.She had warned Bina but the girl refused to listen and now that she had fallen,she's dragged Aisha with her.

Aisha covered her face with her hands and sobbed.

DAMAGED BUTTERFLY
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE


"I'm sorry for everything that has happened,Aisha i'm really sorry" Bina said to Aisha when Joseph had left the room.

"There's nothing you can say to make me feel better.Sorry wont change a thing."

"I know but i just dont want to leave anything unsaid."

"What are trying to say?"

"Since we about to die,i just feel like pouring out my heart right now."

"Say what you want to say and make it quick."

"Aisha,i just want to say thank you."

"Thank you for what?"

"I'm grateful for everything you have done for me.The time we spent together,the words of advice you gave me and the concern you've shown towards me.You are like a sister to me and you have done more for me than i have done for myself these past months.You have always looked out for me and i wish i could repay you but i guess it's too late.I should have listened to you,if i did,we wouldn't be in this mess.I brought this on us,this is all my fault and i am ready to take the fall for my mistakes.But you dont deserve this,you deserve better and you must not suffer for my mistakes."

"This is not the time for an emotional speech.We both know how this is going to end".

"One way or another,i'm going to get you out of here.I promise." Bina said.

The door swung open and Joseph stroded in.
"Please i'm the only one you want,just let my friend go." Bina pleaded.

Joseph ignored her but Bina continued .When it looked she was never going to stop pleading,Joseph approached her.He glared at Bina with bloodshot and growled menacingly.He took out his knife and brandished it in front of Bina.

"Now look here young lady,we've had enough of your plea.You are not getting out of here.I could have killed you right here but i have better use for you.Now load them in the truck..now." Joseph commanded his boys.

"Where are you taking us?" Bina asked.

"You will soon find out." Joseph replied.

Aisha and Bina were tied up and loaded into the truck.They were blindfolded and could not see where they were going.
------------------------------------------

Joseph and his men pulled up near the harbour and parked their truck.They alighted and waited until when they saw a car approaching.
The car stopped and the driver got out.He went to passenger's side and opened the door.
A short man with a well rounded pot belly stepped out.
He threw away the ciggarate in his hand and smiled the moment he saw Joseph.

"I thought you'd never show up" he said.

"I was always going to show up."Joseph replied.

"I'm really sorry about your brother,family is strong thing and loosing a brother is not too easy to get over." the man said.

"Lawal was the stubborn type.May his soul rest in peace."

"Did you bring the package?" the man asked.

"Yes,two young girls.I know that younger females a very valuable comodity in the human trafficking ring.The price outweighs the amount of money i owe you.So you are going to pay me some money." Joseph replied.

"I agree with everything you say.Now let me see the girls."

Joseph's boys went to truck and came back with Aisha and Bina.

When the blindfold was removed,the sunlight dazzled their eyes for a moment.Aisha was suprised,she saw Joseph with a strange man and wondered what they could be discussing.A rope was tied around her mouth and she could not speak.She could only listen and grab something from the conversation.

"These girls are very important to me,i know what i went through before i could get them.The other one killed my brother" Joseph said pointing at Bina.

"You are saying i must give you a reasonable amount of money." the man asked.

"Yes." Joseph replied.

The pot belly fellow gave a signal to his men.They went back to their car and came back with a briefcase.

"I got the reasonable amount in here.I dont have time to hassle over the price.My ship is about to set sail" he said as he handed the briefcase over to Joseph.

Joseph opened the briefcase and marveled at the sight of wads of naira notes neatly stacked in it.
He beamed a satisfactory smile and his eyes shone with greed.

"You can take the girls.It's been a pleasure doing business with you." Joseph said as he shook hands with the man.

A helpless Aisha and Bina were observing everything with keen interest.It was clear to them that they would not be killed.
Aisha wondered why Joseph would exchange them for money.
Everything seemed strange to her,it felt they were being tossed like a ball from one minefield to another.

They watched helplessly as Joseph drove away with his men.

"It's over.Now let's take this girls to the ship." the pot belly man commanded his men.
Bina and Aisha were bundled into a car and they zoomed off.

Few minutes later.They arrived at the other side of the harbour.
A big cargo ship was waiting.

The men suddenly pulled out a syringe and injected them with a powerful sedative.Aisha and Bina became weak as they were carried into the cargo ship.They saw no more,they heard no more.

More udates coming up@midnight.

MightyFortress:
OP, you are a good writer and a better story teller, except for a few discrepancies here and there... I feel these make it to look more story like and less life like..

You mentioned someone picking a call on a cell phone in your story... Cellphones In 1983 Not so common place.


Aisha was allowed to sleep at the restaurant to beat coming late.. Later the detective started dropping her at home... And she was on the way home with Bina before the 1st abduction...I need clarification...


Aisha sounds too educated and world wise to have been a 13-15 year old butchers daughter...

The story has a lot of "American flavour"...
Words like cops are not common in the Nigerian dictionary...



Restaurants in Nigeria don't sell glasses of wine... at least not to the best of my knowledge....And not the kind of restaurant u described owned by madam Oby....

And some more...




Hope you get my drift?
Corrections are needed cos this story is good enough to be publi
shed

Aisha used to sleep at the restraunt until the accident which involved Detective Tunde....after she spilled drinks on him.Madam Oby told her to go home...it was temporary but she continued going home everyday BECAUSE she had a scuffle with Bina and she needed to sort it out.Bina was misbehaving and Aisha needed to talk sense into her,she finally did...but she continued going home in order to strengthen their relationship plus Aisha was also keen to look out for Bina....Bina is like a sister...and Aisha wanted to keep her closer and monitor her properly...that is why she stopped staying at restraunt.


About the cell phone...in 1980s police carried 3-channel radios that were about the size of a brick. This handheld radio, their car radio, and any phone they could find were their only communications sources in the days prior to the advent of cell phones and other sophisticated devices.....i always knew this....but not all my readers will understand how these handheld radios work...,btw not everybody understands 1980's technology....so in order to carry all my readers along and not confuse them...i used cell phones...the one we all know and understand.

About restraunt serving wine....
Madam Oby's restraunt is the biggest in Ajegunle and when i say 'wine'...i'm not talking about champagne and modern wine we drink...i'm actually refering to palm wine and other locally made gin.....(i will modify)..restraunt in 1980's did serve wine..(apart from palm wine)...but not just the kind of wine you see today....btw Nigerian Breweries were already active in 1980's and yes....wine...both local and international,were very much in circulation in those days....and it is not that expensive that Madam Oby cannot afford it.

About the American Flavour....i did not live in 1980's....i was born in 1999 and i grew up to understand American Flavour very well.
It has influenced me and it is very difficult for me not use it....indeliberately.
It has been in my head for years.
And when i see the police...the first word that comes to my mind is 'cops'....and whenever i'm writing...that syndrome affects me....FORGIVE ME.

I am really going to publish this story...when i gain enough knoledge as a writer.I intend to study English and Literature in the uni....and when i'm done...i'm gonna dig up every story i ever wrote on paper plus Damaged Butterfly and i'm gonna rewrite it in a formal way for publishing.

Damaged Butterfly is my first story on internet and i'm writing it so that the idea will not escape ....so any mistake i make is just a stepping stone....a kind of preparation for my dream as a well known as literary icon like Adichie,Achebe dem.

Your criticism is welcome....infact...i need it as growing writer...in order to improve.

When i'm done with the story...i'm going modify it.

Damaged Butterfly is going to be my debut work as full blown novelist one day...(hopefully).



YOUR CRITICISM IS IMPORTANT

DAMAGED BUTTERFLY
CHAPTER FORTY



Aisha had always nursed hope of getting out of this dilemma but now her hopes looked more like a pipedream.

"Bina,they are going to kill us" she said.

Joseph laughed.He threw away his ciggarate and stood hands akinbo.

"I'm not going to just kill you girls.I'm going to peel your skin,bit by bit until you beg for mercy.You will beg me to end the misery,the pain.You will beg for a quick death.A wise man once said that vengence is best served cold and now i will avenge my brother.Better say your last prayer because you're not getting out of here alive." Joseph growled.

He stroded out of the room and slammed the door behind him.Aisha could hear the sound of metal scratching a hard surface.The men were really sharpening their knives.The end was near.There was no escaping it.

"They are going to kill us,Bina they are really going to kill us." Aisha bellowed at Bina with eyes full of fear.

Bina didn't say a word.She kept her head down,staring at the floor.

"Bina did you hear me?...I said they are going to kill us.This is the end." Aisha said.

"What do you want me to say Aisha?" Bina retorted.

"You got us into this mess."

"I know,i got us into this mess and we are about to die.What else do you want me to say,that i'm sorry?...Sorry wont change a thing."

"I warned you about questionable relationships with randy men but you wouldn't listen.Now look where we have ended up.First it was Lawal and now his brother?"

Bina tried to speak.She wanted to apologize for her mistakes but the words eluded her.She relaxed on her chair,staring into space.She was lost in deep thoughts.
She remembered leaving her family to come to Lagos.She had high hopes and expectations and so did her family but now it was all for nothing.She had an irrestitable taste for money and her love of money attracted her to men.The type of men she hung out with had no limit as long as the money was available.
Aisha was the only one who saw the dangers in Bina's escapades.She had warned her but now it was too late.Nemesis had caught up with her.She was heading straight to her waterloo and she had dragged Aisha along with her.

"I'm sorry,i'm really sorry" Bina finally apologized.

Aisha looked at her and hissed in disapointment.

"Your words are useless to me.You've said it before.Sorry wont change a thing." Aisha replied.

"Aisha it's not over,i'm going to try to get you out of this mess."

"You mean the mess you dragged me into?" Aisha retorted.

"Yes..erm..I know that this is all my fault.I admit.You warned me about those dangerous men but i dindn't listen.I will definitely go down today but i dont want to drag you along with me.I will try my best to bargain with Joseph so that he can let you go.I promise."

Aisha didn't say a another word to Bina.She had given up hope.There was no way out.

Joseph and his boys barged into the room afterwards,brandishing their sharp knives.

"Look here Joseph.I need you to listen me." Bina tried to get his attention but Joseph ignored her.

"Please,this is not how things are supposed to go." Bina said.

Joseph stopped abruptly and laughed.
"Tell that to my dead brother." he said.

"Yes i know i killed your brother but i'm the only one you want.You need to let my friend go,she has nothing to do with this." Bina pleaded but Joseph turned a deaf ear to her pleas.

"As long as she's your friend,she has everything to do with this." he replied.

He took out a knife and smiled mischievously.

"Revenge is a beautiful thing and now i will avenge my brother" he said.
He lifted the knife above his head and was about to inflict the deepest of cuts on Bina but he stopped abruptly when one of his boys stroded into the room.

Sir,you have a caller...on the telephone." the boy said.

Joseph dropped the knife and went out of the room.He picked up the ringing telephone and put it to his ears.

"Hello,who am i speaking to?" he asked.

"You know who it is" the caller replied.

Joseph recognized the voice.

"Oh...Dike...how are you?"

"I'm not fine,you owe me money,lots of money and you are yet to pay."

"Dike relax,i'll pay you as soon as possible.I just need more time,i'm still mourning my brother."

"I'm sorry about your brother,may his soul rest in peace but i need that money as soon as possible.If you dont pay me,i'll have your head on a silver platter."

Joseph took out his handkerchief and wiped the beads of sweat on his face.

"Dike take it easy.I'll pay you in few days time."

"I cant wait anymore.I need that money tomorrow."

"Okay but...erm..i have a business proposal for you.Something that will make up for the money."

"What is it?"

"Are you still taking young girls to foreign countries?"

"What do you mean?"

"The human trafficking ring..Is it still active?"

"Ofcourse it is.Why do you ask?"

"I have two young girls,not more than 19 years of age.How much will they go for in the human trafficking market?"

"Bring them to me.Let us negotiate."

DAMAGED BUTTERFLY
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

Aisha opened her eyes.She had a headache and her eyes were adjusting to the dazzling light that streamed through the windows.
She tried to move but she found out that she was tied to a chair.
She struggled all she could but the ropes were very strong and her efforts were futile.
Aisha looked around her.The room was big.It looked more like a workshop.Aisha found Bina at the far end of the room.She was tied to a chair just like Aisha.
It seemed she was still out cold from the incident.

"Bina wake up" Aisha called out to her.

Bina groaned and opened her eyes.She looked around her and flinched.Fear was written all over her face.

"Aisha where are we?" Bina asked.

"I dont know" Aisha replied.

"How did we get here?"

Aisha sighed and shook her head.

"We had an accident.Our car got hit by truck.It somersaulted and..." Aisha paused."That's all i can remember."

"Did you see who was driving the truck?" Bina asked.

"No" Aisha replied."This whole thing is a suprise to me.We're in danger and we need to get out of here."

"What about Detective Tunde?" Bina asked.

"I dont know.I woke up and i found us here,i dont know what's going on but it looks like we've been abducted."

"Abducted by who?"

"I dont know."

A door swung open and a man walked in.He was clad in suit and a sinister smile played on his face.
He clapped his hands as he walked in.
Aisha and Bina stared at him with eyes full of terror.
The man stopped clapping and chuckled mischieviously.He fumbled in his chest pocket and fished out a pack of ciggarates and a lighter.

"I have been listening to your conversation.I know that you're scared and confused but everything will be revealed and all that fear disipate." he said.

"Who are you?" Aisha asked."What do you want with us?"

The man laughed hysterically and shook his head.He stuck a stick of ciggarate in between his lip and lit it.

"Why did you bring us here?" Aisha asked.

"You still dont get it,do you? He asked."Why dont you ask Bina,she has the answers you seek."

The man glared at Bina with bloodshot eyes and bellowed.

"Bina,why dont you enlighten your friend."

Bina was silent.Her heart was racing.She was sweating profusely.
An awkward silence enveloped the room,their heartbeats could be heard in the interlude.

"Bina who is this man?...What is going on here?....Tell me." Aisha said.

Bina looked down,trying to avoid Aisha's inquisitive gaze.

"Bina who is this man?" Aisha asked again.

"This is Joseph,Lawal's brother" Bina replied.

"Who is Lawal?" Aisha asked.

"Lawal is the man that kidnapped me before...."

The man glared at Bina and cut in.

"Lawal is my brother and you killed him.You stabbed him severly with a dagger until he bled out and died."

Bina had had enough and she flared up.

"Your brother kidnapped me,he tortured me and he tried to rape me.He deserves what he got.He deserves to die...."

Bina's words irked Joseph and he walked closer to her and rammed his clenched fist into her face.

"You dare not talk trash about my brother.Watch your tongue and i will guarantee you a quick and less painful death." he bellowed.

"You know i'm right about your brother.He deserves what he got." Bina said.

"My brother loved you with all his heart.He treated you like a sister.He gave you everything you wanted but how did you repay him?...You suddenly decided to break up with him.You just rejected him with no good reason.You broke his heart and he cursed the day he met you."

"And what did Lawal do about it?
He abducted me and tortured me.
Is that a good way to treat a lady?"

"No,but that is the right way to treat a she-devil and you my dear,are a she-devil."

"Yes i'm the she-devil.I killed your brother.I stabbed him till he bled out.He died gruesomely in my hands but what are you going to do about it?....Are you going to keep scolding me instead of taking action?...Why not pull out your gun and kill me?"

Joseph pulled out his gun and aimed at Bina's forehead.A part of him wanted to avenge his brother by killing Bina but the other part of him did not want to kill her immediately.His hands was shaking.He was trying to fight the urge to pull the trigger.

"Do it.Just pull the damn trigger but dont forget it is me you want not my friend.So you are going to kill me but you are going to let my friend go." Bina said.

Joseph nearly pulled the trigger but then he stopped abruptly and laughed.

"I underestimated you Bina.You are such a clever bitch.You are tempting me to kill you now and let your friend go.Never!...A quick death is the last thing you deserve.I will make you suffer until like never before,until you beg for mercy." he growled.

The door swung open and two hefty looking men with dreadlocks stroded in.

"Go sharpen your knives" Joseph told them."We have two lovely skin to peel."

Damn....i have not posted for 6 days now and i feel really bad.
Please bear with me,my phone fell into water and i have been trying to get it repaired ASAP.





The goodnews is....A friend of mine just lent me his phone for a couple of weeks.

Sit tight and relax....updates must be posted tonight....and every single day until the story ends.