The moment Kathum entered the house, she knew something was off and why is because of the shoes outside. It's her mother's shoes, the same one she wore to school today. Why is she back so early? she wondered.

She said a little prayer in her mind hoping that it isn't another bad news. She said her entry greeting .

" you're finally back" came her mom's reply. Definitely something was wrong.

" yes mom." her eyes then shifted to her sister's who was trying hard to avoid eye contact.

" Good. Come have a seat .There is something I need to tell you " her mother told her.

She didn't waste anytime, nor did she asked any questions. She did as she was told. This must be serious.

" well, I'm sure you must be surprised to see me home this early "

Kalthum nodded. Afraid that her mouth might say the wrong thing especially now that her heart was beating rapidly.

" Good. Today at school we had this important meeting and the outcome wasn't good at all. "

Kalthum was still quiet. She waited for her mom to continue

" Our salary has been reduced. I'll be receiving half of the amount I normally collect.

" what! " kaltum shouted. This caught her by surprise. It's too small

" Thank you, imagine my expression too" her mom Suwayba said.

"Now what? " Kalthum couldn't help but ask. Already she knew where this might leads to.

" I'm getting there already "

" OK "

" luckily when I got home your sister told me about this opportunity that atleast lightened my day a little bit. When she went to the Dantata's home, Umm kamal told her about this two vangant post in the house. They needed two cleaners "

" so? What does this has to do with us? "

" just listen" her mom said sternly. She hates It when she's being interrupted

" Since my salary can't pay yours and your sister's school fees,I was thinking that maybe after this semester, you two might need to defer your next two semesters so you can work in the Dantata's home as the cleaners they are looking for. By doing this you can earn money and I too can also look for a new job. It's only going to be for just one year"

One what?

" please mom I can't defer any semester. I can work and also go to school. I don't need to defer two semesters. Please mom"

" yes I also thought so but they demand that this cleaners must live in that house 24/7 . So now you see that you can't work and go to school at the same time "

" I can look for other jobs " Kalthum suggested

Her mom shot her a look " why are you always difficult? Your sister here have already agreed to it without complaining but your case is always different. "

My sister and I are two different people, kalthum wanted screaming back. Her sister have always dreamt of living in that mansion so this was her opportunity. Basma have never been serious with school anyways.

" Tell me where can you get a cleaning job that pays 50,000 naira per month? This is what they are willing to pay! why can't you just grab the opportunity. Imagine how much you'll receive for a whole year. This is an opportunity. Their isn't any harm in sacrificing a whole year to work. It's all for your own good "

This made sense somehow. But it's still hurting that her mate will leave her behind.

" just think about it sis. One year isn't that far. It'll come and pass like it never happened " Basma finally said something. She has been quiet all this time

" Don't mind her. She never sees the good side of things. " her mom said tersely and left the living room.

Suwayba's behavior towards her hurts alot, She wouldn't deny it.

" please sis"

Kalthum forced a smile. " I'll do it. after all is for everyone's good "

" yay! " Basma ran to hug her tightly " you'll never regret this"

" I hope so" she muttered quietly only to herself.