The pregnant little girl

I saw a little girl yesterday while taking a stroll somewhere on the Island.

I stopped at a kiosk to buy chewing gum when I noticed a little girl sitting on a pavement close to the kiosk. I noticed her because she was staring at me with something that resembled a smile across her. She wasn't well dressed. But her shoes kind of looked new and she had her hands covering the lower part of her body.

I smiled and waved at her but she didn't wave back and her expression didnt change. Normally when you're caught staring, you take your eyes off, but this little girl didn't do so.

Weird I thought. Took my gum, my change, waved at her once more, thought nothing of it and left.

On my way back home from my stroll, about 20 minutes later, I saw this little girl again. Not at the same place I'd spotted her earlier, this time she was sitting on a pavement in front of a nice house a few kilometers from the kiosk.

Like the other time, she was staring at me, with the same look on her face. I waved at her again and as I made to pass, she shifted her position and that was when I noticed the swollen stomach.

This little girl I initially thought couldn't be more than 9/10 years old was heavily pregnant. I hadn't noticed it earlier because of her sitting position but now I stopped in my tracks and stared at her in confusion. Maybe she wasn't 9 or 10 yrs old but she couldn't be more than 12 or 13. So how can a girl this young be pregnant? Who would do this? Who was she? Why was she sitting there by herself? And why was she staring and smiling at me?

What is this I asked myself.

I crossed the road, went to her, smiled gently and asked how she was. No reply.
I asked for her name. No answer
Asked where she lived. No answer
Asked who she was waiting for. No answer.
I stood there talking to her for about 3 minutes but the little girl never uttered a word.

She didn't stop staring or smiling either.

Until I touched her shoulder. She flinched, moved back a bit, finally took her eyes off me, turned around and went into the building she'd been sitting in front of.

I stood there a bit dazed, thinking this is probably the weirdest encounter of my life.

I almost went after her into the building but thought better of it. Instead I went back to the spot where I'd initially seen her, asked the malam there who the little girl was...he had no idea.

I passed that street three more times yesterday, hoping to see her again. I didn't!

Now, I'm back to Surulere, so I'll probably never see that pregnant little girl again.

But I can't get her out of my head.

What was that I saw in her eyes?

Pain? Joy? Or was it a blank, resigned look I mistook for a smile?

Why is she 7/8 months pregnant?
Why had she shifted her position to make her state obvious?
She'd wanted me to see she was pregnant?
Why didn't she say a word to me?
Why did she flinch when I touched her?
Should I have gone in after her?
Who are her parents?
Whose house did she enter?
Who's taking care of her?

What's her story?

Can anyone tell me?


Meanwhile, here's the info on the Naija Bloggers party
Venue: No 10, Saka Tinubu St, VI;
Time: 4pm;
Dress Code: ? You Decide!
Hello All!!!
Well the confirmed venue is No 10. 46 Saka Tinubu Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. It is right next to Intercontinental Bank.
So how do we identify ourselves seeing we're not reserving the place??? Well I was thinking guys drape ties loosely around their necks while girls have scarves or something. Sorry, that's the best I can do for now. Can't really think of much at short notice. Ideas are welcome at this point.
Alternatively, you can call either Tayo or me when you get to the venue or if you need directions on:0803 200 6955 (Tayo); 0803 386 4903 (moi).Time remains 4pm. No particular dress code but you might as well dress like you're gonna end up in a club since you're on the Island on a Saturday evening. You just might end up in one.
See y'all on Saturday by God's grace!
Tope Williams.

I doubt if I will be there. But please have fun!