Chapter three

Koboko is a small district in the Northern region of Uganda. We take the Uganda-DRC boarder road that stretches from Vurra customs in Arua District and believe me, the farthest we go, the more I resent my dad. What are these places? Koboko has one of the poorest roads in the country. How do people trade in this area?

I had woke up to a rumbling whine of a car coming to life, only to realize my backpack was already at the back. I cleaned myself up and descended to the living room finding the king burried in the newspaper. Trying to abstain from his child, I guess. I later climbed into the front of a Double-Cabin, finding my nanny Dalia at the back. So the old man figured I would need her... Trying to be a daddy! Dalia had tried to speak to me but stopped, figured I wasn't in the mood.

Poor Dalia, I never want to be rude to her. She has always been a mother I wished for. After failing over ten nannies, Dalia finally got me at seven. Since then I have loved and treasured her. My fairy godmother cares for me like I'm her own. Forgive me, mother but am really mad at father.

Travelling over 92km from Kampala to Koboko in a quiet car makes Dalia sleep off as the driver's eyes stay glued on the road. By now, my eyes are filled with dust and I can feel my inner layers melt. I wonder what happens when it rains...The bushy narrow road is hard for everyone ,potholes everywhere. The driver tries to dodge the hard rocks as I hit my head hard. The rest of the journey is bumpy. I peep back at my nanny who is amazingly still asleep, how does she do it with this death penalty. I force a nap but can't…I can feel my blood boil because of the heat.

Ashanti has been calling for over an hour now, but I have no signal. Ko-bo-ko what the hell? I reach my Whatsapp where I have over twenty voice notes from Evans. And my dad's text of course,"call me if you need anything. " this statement is common place to him, but no daddy. Not this time. The second you made up your mind to send me to this horrible place, is when you cut me off... Completely. And as for Evans, he can keep texting.... Vanessa don't care!

"We are here, " the driver says as he pulls off to a forestry farm. I had dozed off. I try to peep on the outside...It's awful. I descend out of the car only to see Dalia already socializing the farm workers. Goodness! When did she even leave the car!

"Hello Mrs Mats, welcome to the farm….Am Frank, the forest health specialist" We shake hands. "pleased to have you here." My mind can't help the sarcasm after he speaks..."Thanks for your joy Mr Specialist. You have no idea how pleased I am to be here." According to Emma Chase, a female's mind is a dangerous place to be.…if the short man only knew!

He summons someone I don't bother looking at to take our suit cases, "Come with me please, I would like to show you your apartment here.... And tomorrow we shall take a tour of the farm... First thing in the morning! Your going to love it here" I say nothing to the prophet but watch his wide smile as he directs me.

It's a pilgrimage to the apartment. We stop at some small house. For a moment I think, Mr. Specialist is looking for something until I realise we are at the apartment? Someone tell me this guy is kidding and it's not what I think it is. "We are here, Mrs Mats" he announces?

"Vannessa" I angrily tell him.

"Yes Miss Vanessa, i know it looks small but we really did some good work with it... Come inside" he swings his arms summoning me. I get in.

Remember when Ashanti said my dad hates me? She didn't really have proof, but am now staring at the evidence. You heard Frank when he said it was an apartment? Right? It was what we all heard…but Iooking at it now, I think am officially a rat!

Back in town, I have been living in every girl's dream bedroom...so feminine and huge, my sanctuary. Unlike this freaking tiny room, which I will have to share. Is this a dream? God I can't breathe! "Is everything fine Miss Vanessa" Frank asks as he stares at my pending tears. Dalia has joined us by now and I can't help it when she embraces me. "Nanny my life is over! " I sob.

"No child, " She tries to calm me down but I can't. I hate my life. I hate this room. I hate this place. I hate Frank. I hate...

My signal is back... Someone saved as Daddy is calling...