“Thank you very much.”
Personal connections were one of the main ways to secure a job quicker, and she heard this was even more so in Lagos. Some of her university friends had already got positions with their relatives. In this case, Gladys didn‘t want it to come down to that. She wished to complete the hunt herself and get a good job independent of any family networks. It was still a puzzle why Aunt Isioma was being so kind and she wouldn‘t want to be more indebted than she could help in case things went awry. She looked up at her aunt‘s voice.
“At least the phone I got for you will be useful. Have you put the number on your CV?” Gladys nodded and she continued, “And have you called your mother and brothers?”
“Yes, I really appreciate that. I was able to speak with my mother this morning.”
“How are they?”
“They‘re all fine, and send their greetings.”
“I wish I could see your brothers; they must be all grown up now. I still sometimes remember you as the cute six-year old I last saw in Enugu.”
Gladys mused at her aunt‘s observation as she slowly chewed her food. Those were the good days before her father‘s death and her family‘s financial struggles. For a woman who had not contacted them or made any effort to establish a healthy relationship, Aunt Isioma put up a good front of making amends. Gladys wouldn‘t make it too difficult, but she would ask questions at the earliest opportunity, starting from now.
Aunt Isioma continued after a pause, “I have to remind myself that you‘re now a big girl. What did you do for the rest of the day?”
“After I handed in the application, I asked Okon to take me for a quick drive across to Lagos mainland. It was an eye opener; you know this is my first time in Lagos.”
“Okon would be more useful than Ade for that because he lives in Surulere. Did you enjoy it? It wasn‘t too stressful?”
“Not at all,” Gladys replied. This was as good way as any to introduce the topic that occupied most of her thoughts. Didn‘t her aunt get the subtle message?
Gladys became more direct. “It would‘ve been nice to visit Lagos earlier but it was beyond our means. It might have been possible but there were no friends or family here to stay with.” Her hands shook as she dished a little more rice onto her plate.