C2 Two

The morning sun illuminated the sky, casting a brilliant radiance upon the world below. At Premier Beauty Salon, series of activities went on with enthusiasm. The girls, dressed in their weekend attire of white T-shirts and blue jeans, moved energetically to the rhythm of praise songs, expressing gratitude for the new day. Emily, the salon's senior worker, led them in their customary morning devotion, where one of the girls beseeched the heavens for Emily's success in dealing with their challenging client, Mrs. Adams.

"Oh, dear Lord, You know how difficult Mrs. Adams can be. Nothing seems to satisfy her, and we fear things may get worse when Emily goes to her house. Please, grant our sister Emily Your favor as she embarks on her work at Mrs. Adams' residence this morning," she prayed. The collective "Amen! Amen!" that followed underscored their collective apprehension.

After the prayer, each girl diligently tackled her assigned tasks. Some dusted and cleaned, while others swept, mopped, and meticulously ironed fresh towels. Emily, as the senior member, ensured the salon's preparations flowed seamlessly.

Once satisfied that all assignments had met their standards, Emily examined the contents of her beauty case, packed the night before. She suspected she might not require all the items she had meticulously packed, but she believed it prudent to be well-prepared for any eventuality. After cross-referencing her list with the contents of the case, she snapped it shut and, picking it up from the table, bid farewell to her colleagues.

"See you later, girls!" She waved as she exited the salon's door.

"Jesus is Lord!" Diana, the next in seniority to Emily, waved back, echoing the sentiment of the salon.

Emily didn't have to wait long; within minutes, Mrs. Adams' driver arrived. "Good morning, Mr. Donald," Emily greeted the driver as she settled into the passenger seat beside him.

"Good morning, my good lady," Donald replied, his face adorned with a welcoming smile. "How is my lovely lady this morning?"

"I'm doing fine, thank you," Emily replied. "Where are we headed?"

"We're off to Everton, the official residence of the Minister for Roads and Highways," Donald answered. "As you might already know, Mr. Adams recently assumed office as Minister, so the family had to relocate from North Down, their previous residence, to Everton."

"I see," Emily replied, gaining insight into Mrs. Adams' decision to visit Premier Beauty Salon. "Madam seems to hold you in high regard."

Donald dropped a subtle hint, "She speaks highly of you."

"I appreciate that," Emily responded graciously.

As the white mansion came into view, Emily glanced around, recognizing the location from previous visits. Premier Beauty Salon had several customers in this upscale neighborhood. She stepped out of the car after they passed through the massive metal gates, and Donald pointed to a specific door.

"Madam will receive you in that room," he informed her before driving off.

As Emily approached the door, a nearby dog barked, startling her. A baritone voice reassured her, "Don't be alarmed. Warrior is just welcoming you."

She turned to see a young man restraining a German shepherd on a leash. The dog continued to bark, causing Emily to close her eyes in fear.

"She won't harm you," the young man assured her, moving closer to open the door. As Warrior sniffed at Emily's jeans, she screamed and clung tightly to the young man.

He laughed heartily. "All Warrior does is to bark and not bite," he reassured her, leading her into the room.

Once inside, Emily realized she was in an elegant setting. One part of the room had been transformed into a salon, adorned with top-of-the-line equipment, including a foot bath. Emily couldn't help but wonder why Mrs. Adams chose to visit their salon when her home was so well-equipped.

Without hesitation, Emily proceeded to the sink and thoroughly washed her hands with soap and water. However, as she reached for one of the white towels on the shelf, Mrs. Adams halted her.

"Don't you think it's best to first understand what I expect of you?" Mrs. Adams, with her characteristic cold and stern tone, questioned Emily, who responded with an embarrassed smile.

"I apologize, Madam," Emily muttered sincerely. "You're right; I should have asked for guidance."

Mrs. Adams softened as she observed Emily, who looked radiant in her white salon T-shirt and blue jeans. She couldn't help but notice Emily's flawless skin and figure, aspects she hadn't fully appreciated before.

"Follow me," Mrs. Adams instructed, and Emily obediently complied. They entered what appeared to be the family dining room. Emily felt perplexed, as she had come to work, not to dine. She sensed that Mrs. Adams aimed at disconcerting her, but she was determined not to be daunted by the challenge. From her experience, clients like Mrs. Adams often tried to assert dominance.

The mansion itself was intimidating, with its grand halls, polished surfaces, glittering chandeliers, and antique furnishings. Emily surmised that the smaller dining room, adorned with rich plush curtains and contrasting dark blue walls, was where the minister hosted guests and held banquets.

"You may take a seat," Mrs. Adams offered.

"Thank you, Madam," Emily replied, taking a chair opposite her hostess. Mrs. Adams said grace before beginning her meal.

Emily examined the options and opted for cornflakes, pouring herself warm milk. She noticed an array of bread types but settled for plain cornflakes, eating in silence.

"Would you like some hot chocolate?" Mrs. Adams offered. "It's my favorite."

"Thank you, Madam," Emily replied, selecting a croissant and spreading butter on it. She couldn't help but notice Mrs. Adams observing her every move.

"You continue to surprise me, Emily," Mrs. Adams remarked. "Now, tell me about yourself."

"What would you like to know, Madam?" Emily inquired politely.

Mrs. Adams scrutinized Emily, impressed by her self-confidence. The initial verbal exchange hadn't rattled her at all. Emily smiled, her dimples deepening as she did. Her hair was tied back with a ribbon, and she wore delicate earrings. Her bright and clear eyes exuded innocence, and her relaxed demeanor as she spoke about herself exuding confidence.

Mrs. Adams couldn't fathom how someone with a basic education could possess such refined speech and manners. She was eager to learn more about this young woman.

"I'm Emily Akua Dua, and I reside in Abuakwa with my aunt, her husband, and my cousin," Emily began. "I come from Techiman in the Ashanti region."

"Since you live with your aunt in Accra, I assume your parents, if they're alive, still reside in Techiman. Is that correct?" Mrs. Adams inquired.

"Yes, Madam," Emily confirmed.

"Did you attend primary school in Techiman?" Mrs. Adams asked.

"No, Madam," Emily replied. "I've lived with my aunt since childhood, and I attended school in Accra."

"Are you a primary school graduate?" Mrs. Adams questioned.

"No, Madam," Emily answered. "After completing my primary education, I attended Accra Girls' High School."

Mrs. Adams was taken aback by this revelation. "You attended Accra Girls' High School?" she asked with surprise.

"Yes, Madam," Emily replied. "However, after completing senior high school, my aunt informed me that she couldn't afford to sponsor my tertiary education. So, I decided to learn a trade and save up to further my education on my own when I have enough funds."

Mrs. Adams couldn't hide her bewilderment. "This doesn't make sense," she observed. "If your aunt could sponsor your education at Accra Girls', which is a prestigious school, why couldn't she support your university education?"

"Well, Madam, Auntie Ama, the aunt I live with, didn't sponsor my secondary education," Emily clarified. "My aunt from Germany, Auntie Favor, initially sponsored my education, but she lost her job later, and we couldn't afford to continue funding my university education, even though I had the grades."

Mrs. Adams was rendered speechless. Her heart had warmed to Emily, and she decided she wanted to help this young woman.

"I like you, Emily," Mrs. Adams said sincerely. "We'll talk more."

Afterward, Emily focused on her work, washing and styling Mrs. Adams' hair and tending to her nails. By nine o'clock, her work was complete.

"Stephen, could you give Emily a ride back to her salon?" Mrs. Adams asked as her son entered the room. "Donald is at Mrs. Hope's place and won't return for a while."

"It's my pleasure, Mom," Stephen replied. "Which car should I use from the garage?"

"Take the Toyota," Mrs. Adams suggested. "And please return promptly; I have a ten o'clock appointment."

"Consider it done, Mom," Stephen assured her.

"Thank you, Madam," Emily said as she prepared to leave. "I'll stop by after church service tomorrow as you requested."

As she joined Stephen in the courtyard, she couldn't help but ask about Warrior. Stephen burst into laughter, and Mrs. Adams observed her son with a frown. He opened the car door for Emily, who climbed in, and he firmly closed it behind her before taking his seat behind the wheel. Emily laughed at something Stephen said, and they drove away, leaving Mrs. Adams deep in thought.

For several minutes, she stood rooted to the spot, reflecting on the encounter and the young woman who had surprised her in so many ways.