Chapter 2: The Arduous journey
Chapter 1
In a village called Afari was Abrefi who was an ophan and was living with her foster parents. She became the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Osei-Owusu after her father being the most popular hunter was killed in the forest in which every hunter was to hunt for animals to bring to their family and her mother died while in labour ;luckily she was born. Abrefi's father died three days before she was given birth to. Due to this, her mother's blood pressure rised very high and she died during labour as she taught more about her husband's death.
When Abrefi was born her mother gave the heaviest sigh as she knew her purpose on earth has been fulfilled. At a distance the Osei-Owusu family saw the pain the woman went through to deliver. But, since, they were longing for a child, they decided to take the child and cater for her as theirs.
Chapter 2
After Abrefi has been longed catered for, she was about to turn fourteen years two weeks ahead. But she did not know the reason behind her parents happiness. So she eavesdroped on their conservation that night and heard something that made her heart skip a beat .
"Tomorrow after school we must tell her about the contract we made with the city family who wants a house helper." said her father. "I agree because if she is told on the day of her travel, she might not go" suggested her mother with a worried look.
Abrefi reluctantly went to her hut as she heard foot steps. She cried herself to sleep as she thought of many horrible things which will be done to her and her rights. As morning came about quickly, she went to do house chores with her mother outside her hut and prepared her parents favourite food;Ampesi. They ate the food and afterwards they called their daughter back as she was dressed and was about to leave for school. "Abrefi, come, there is something I will like to discuss with you when you get back from school."said Mr Agyemang.
Chapter 3
As always, her best friend Sarah waits for her behind her hut for them to go school each morning. As they walk down the streets to school, Abrefi's mind wandered about thinking of what to do. Until she remembered that Sarah was her best friend and she could help find solutions to the problem. So she mummered and said "I have been worried about something." "I over heard my parents conversation yesterday night and I think anxiety has filled me up." "oh my friend tell me and I will keep it as a secret until we are to talk about it okay?" muttered Sarah.
So Abrefi told her friend what she heard. This made them late at school, so they had to sneak into class paying their classmates to cover up for them with their pocket money.As lessons went on Abrefi could not concentrate properly and therefore was not able to do well in their assessment test. This borders her but when she asked her favourite English facilitator;Miss Aba to take the test again, she refused unwillingly even though Abrefi was her best student.
She wanted to narrate her up coming story to her teacher but rejects the thought as she thinks of the harsh words her teacher will be throwing at her parents;Possibly she was not the person her parents were referring to.
Chapter 4
"Abrefi,wait for me, I want to tell you something" "let us go and sit under our favourite spot under the oak tree near the river" From afar was Sarah's .
"okay that will help clear my head for a while." As they walked further, Sarah told Abrefi about the rumor she heard about the city. This made Abrefi scared and decided to disagree with her parents when they broke the news to her.
"We must get going before sunsets." Uttered Abrefi.
On their way home, they saw a bird which was badly injured due to the hunter's best shot. The helped it and left it on its nest. When they got to the Junction they were to take different paths, Abrefi thanked her friend before she went home. At home, she did chores alone and prepared supper ;plantain with nkontomire stew. After they ate and Abrefi washed the dishes, she went to stand in front of her parents hut and called them out.
As they were coming out of their hut, she took stools to gather her father's rocking chair. Before she was informed her father went inside the hut with her mother and came out of it minutes later.
Chapter 5
So when the couple came out of the hut, they said to their daughter "Abrefi we have something to tell you. This is a tough one but we know you are strong and you will not disappoint us." Abrefi turned to look at her father's face as she wondered where the conversation is going. "We are in need of money to take you to school so you can achieve your dream" said her mother.
"And also you know that now our village is in need of improvement to make this place develop. But there is no one who wants to go to the city because of the rumor they heard, but I know you are capable of so many things." "They said they will further your education if you serve them well"
Abrefi's eyes lit up as she heard what her parents said and decided to agree. But, however, she was thought the families dislikes and likes making her ready to leave for the city.
It was a Friday morning when she barely had a day to go. So when she went to school that day, she told her teacher, Miss Aba about her parents suggestion. Abrefi however expected her teacher to go home with her to beg her parents but was down hearted to hear what her facilitator said next"Abrefi I think your parents love you that is why they made this decision" "All shall be well there. I give you my blessings."
Abrefi went home as fast as possible for she was leaving the next day and it was her birthday. As she was going home and not to inform anyone even Sarah about her leave, Sarah caught up with her and then Abrefi stayed," I will miss you my friend thank you for being such a good friend."
Withthat Abrefi ran leaving Sarah to think about what Abrefi remarked.
Chapter 6
Sarah went home, changed and asked for permission from her parents to excort her best friend Abrefi. Sarah ran to the Osei-Owusu family's compound and help Abrefi pack her belongings and also assisted her with her house chores.
The next day was sunny, as Abrefi went to the city which is popularly known as Accra. She went with her father's friend;Uncle Kofi who brought this news to her parents.
Uncle Kofi seeked an answer for"Are you hungry?"Abrefi was thrilled to have a taste of the city's varieties of food so she replied with"Yes Uncle Kofi." After she ate she dozed off on her uncle's shoulder. She was awaken by uncle alerting her that they were at their destination. Abrefi was startled by the way she was woken up. When they entered alighted, her eyes took a good glance at the beautiful house before them. Uncle Kofi rang the bell as they were welcomed and opened by the security guard;Uncle Michael. And was also led into the house by him.
When they entered the room through the hallway, the panoramic surrounding made her proud at first sight as the family was seated down.
Chapter 7
Uncle greeted them with a smile. They responded with cold faces. As they gave way for them to have a seat, Abrefi wanted to sit and feel the texture of the sofa but refused as it was part of the rules she had to obey to prove her respect. Abrefi thought to herself "so is my aspiration going to be fulfilled?, Am I going to be working here?" until the questions they shoved at she were too much but in all she gave simple but good replies.Making them accept her stay. She soon realized that the family was called the Ankrah family. And her madam was Miriam, the husband of Miriam was Nicholas. They had a son and daughter, their son,Clement was about five years old whiles the daughter Jessica was about Abrefi's age but it seems she was a month older. Before her uncle left, he whispered to Abrefi to do as they say to make everyone proud including herself.
Chapter 8
Abrefi was to start her job the next day but for now, she was to help around the house. Abrefi was mesmerized by the beauty of Jessica because of the makeup she wore on her face. Since Abrefi has no idea of what things in the house were she found everything fascinating and could not get her eyes off Clement as he was soo cute.Abrefi wanted to befriend Jessica but Jessica's point of view was different for she saw Abrefi as a maid who has no class.
Jessica had friends who come to visit. But the one who frequently stops by Jessica's house was Maya. Maya was Jessica's childhood friend who stayed in touch until now. As the next day erupted quickly, Abrefi woke up very early and got the house cleaned in less than two hours. She was asked to cook food for the family when her madam, Mariam instructed in her pajamas"Abrefi prepare breakfast for us to eat because you know my husband and I need to go to work early as usual and Jessica and Clement need to get to school before 8:00am." "Make sure you iron the outfits laid on the ironing board." Aunty Miriam was a teacher and her husband was a Doctor.
When food was ready she served it at the dinning table where they were readily seated at the table.
When she left the dining room to the kitchen, she went to eat her portion of the food. And cleared the table as they rush to go. Aunty Mariam ordered in a haste "Prepare supper for today we will come home early" and then she left banging the door behind her.
Abrefi did as instructed and when they ame home Aunty Mariam was amazed at her work without rest. But still found faults in her work.
Chapter 9
Two months has gone by and the family still do not have trust in Abrefi especially Jessica for she vowed to make Abrefi's stay a miserable one. She tried to make Abrefi's work tedious and tough. In as much as she tried to please the family, they were not pleased. For one day when Maya visited Jessica, Jessica told her to help her plan evil against Abrefi but even though Maya refused she later did it reluctantly when Jessica threatened to make her life miserable and unpleasant in front of her colleagues at school. And since Maya was poor she didn't want to go through that humiliation.
After some time of planning, they implemented the plan In action as they accused Abrefi of stealing money from their parents room when she was cleaning the place. When her parents came back from work early, all the chores were done but the sum of Five hundred million cedis was missing although when each person was asked all gave the same answer"No".
Aunty Miriam called and asked her daughter and other members of the house"Jessica, Abrefi, Clement and Michael. You four were the people at home during our absence to work. So as I ask, I demand an answer, who took the money from our room this morning?"
Jessica protested" I don't know what you are talking about mom and it seems you are accusing me your daughter. For the past years my brother and I have lived with you, have we stolen something from this house"and after saying that she left the room to make her parents think about what she said. They thought of it thoroughly and decided to check everyone's room since they all denied Abrefi was the last person they checked her room. Much to their annoyance it was found in her traveling bag. The family thought of it and drew into conclusion that she knew what she was going to do that was why she asked for permission to visit her hometown. Without another thought Abrefi was thrown outside the big gate and her uncle;Uncle Kofi was called to pick Abrefi up at their gate. Not long did Uncle Kofi arrive with a disappointed smile. He then tried to beg the family for one more chance but instead they refused and gave the month's salary. She screeched as they left the house to the village.
She thought of what her friends and parents will think of her especially the members of the village.
Chapter 10
Not long after they got home the news got all over the village. And the next thing she saw was her best friend, Sarah and her best teacher ;Miss Aba coming to her compound to interrogate her. Abrefi was too shocked to speak. So after a while she spoke telling them her experience but the villagers did not believe what she said. But her parents, friends and teachers believed her because they know Abrefi's personality.
A week later, they received a call from the Ankrah family pleading on their daughter's behalf about the who frame issue. They begged Abrefi to come back to the city to stay with them and made it clear to everyone that Abrefi was the first person who worked with obedience and diligence among the people they have employed.
They told her family about their daughter's unpleasant behavior and have decided to take Abrefi as their own child and cater fo her while she stays with them. Abrefi told all the people of the village that she will be back making them proud and provide the village with some of its needs after she is well educated.
Abrefi's was happy since everyone agreed for her to live and achieve her dreams.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Bella_Ankamah
Bella_Ankamah Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!
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