CHAPTER THREE

After his father's death, life became even more difficult for Jason, his mother and his sister. His father's brothers only wasted a couple of weeks before coming and taking away his father's only source of livelihood. Uncle George, whose mother had gone to beg for money, came with other men and drove the bus away.

Mrs. William begged them on her knees.

"I have children to feed, how will I feed them? Please have some mercy", she cried. They didn't listen; they simply pushed her aside and drove the bus away.

Jason's mother was heartbroken. It was like moving from frying to fire. Without his father's contribution, his mother could barely feed all three of them, not to mention other things like paying for school fees and the house rent.

They were soon thrown out of the house because they were unable to pay the rent. They had to live in a one room apartment in a dirty compound.

"I don't like this place", Sarah cried. "I miss daddy", she sobbed.

Jason tried to console his sister to no avail. They continued to struggle to survive until Jason gained admission into senior high. His mother felt overburdened. She had worked beyond herself to help pay his fees and provide for his and his sister's needs but at the moment she felt she could do no more.

That evening, she called Jason outside the compound and they sat on a wooden bench.

"My son, God knows I am doing the best I can. Your father's dream was to see that you and your sister completed your education to the highest level, but he died and God knows I can do no more than I am currently doing. If I exert myself, even more, I could die and there would be no one to care for you and your sister. Please, I think you need to stop school now and join me completely I working. We will try to train Sarah together. You are the firstborn and the only one that can make this sacrifice. Please understand my son" she pleaded with tears in her eyes.

Jason tried really hard not to cry. His eyes were filled with tears. He was very sad and did not want to stop going to school. He would miss the chance to become somebody in life. He nodded and agreed with his mother. However, in his heart, he vowed to do all he could to raise the money to train himself to the highest level. He was determined to go to school no matter what.

He worked very hard and took odd jobs. He also joined his mother in hawking her wares. However, the money he earned was barely enough. He still could not afford to pay his tuition fee. He tried to convince himself that perhaps it was better to learn a trade. He was sitting outside thinking of this when three of his former classmates came to him. Their names were Kevin, Jude and Kingsley.

"Jason, it has been a while we saw you in school, what's wrong? Kevin asked after they had exchanged greetings.

Jason explained his plight to them. They felt very sorry for him. They were silent for a while before Kingsley blurred out.

"I have a way you can raise the money for your school fees", he said.

Jason's eyes widened." How?" he asked eagerly.

Kingsley then explained that the three of them planned to steal from a rich man who lived in the next street.

Jason's face fell. He knew stealing was bad and he did not want to be involved in such.

"Jason, why do you look that way? It's for a good course!

You are not stealing for anything bad. We will come to you tomorrow and find out what you think. Think about it" Jude said.

Jason was in a dilemma. He wanted to raise the money for his school fees but he did not want to steal. He was confused about what to do.

Thanks to everyone for rating and giving feedback on my novel improvement,still new to the whole writing experience..... celebration my birthday on the 12th of August,so will be posting one more chapter on that day. Hope you all are excited and cheering for me.