It had appeared strange and tasking but I had to do it. That evening she had returned exhausted though I had no idea what she was occupied with and I decided not to ask. She took a quick shower and reclined against a sofa.
While she did that, I was at another end reading a book she had bought me. I had a striking passion for books. And she had come to be aware of that.
" baby girl, come over here." I yielded." sit" she instructed.
" I got you a job." she fildled with her eyebrows. I stared at her questioningly." but it's actually a heinous one. Though I know you worth the task." she continued.
" Aunt Melissa…" l began. Then she turned to me. I could see a lot in her eyes. Disappointment. Anxiousness. Regret. Sympathy.
" please." she cut me short." don't ask me why I'm doing this. Don't ask me the reason for my actions. And… don't hate me for what I'm doing. Please don't."
I was no longer seeing the rugged lady who smoked as a lifestyle. Who dished violence regardless of whom. I was face to face with a lady who deep inwards had a tender heart. A lady who desired to love and be loved.
" promise me, baby girl."
" I promise."
She smiled evidently revealing her single sided dimples.
" Now here's a breakdown of the new job." she reached for her laptop. " let's see…" her fingers moved swiftly over the keyboard. "yes. HSS" she pronounced in aura. " It's a security service. Harold security service, that's the meaning of the abbreviation I mentioned earlier. Though it is owned by an influential politician who will be running for the position of presidency in the next few months. Mr Harold Jordan."
" So,he named the organization after himself."
" Exactly. He has the power, authority, influence and money. He has friends or I'd rather say, colleagues who are presidents of other nations. That aside. Let's dig into facts about the organization. HSS is highly known for extreme training,low tolerance for weakness and lack of vigilance. The pay is really good too. They are currently recruiting employees due to the upcoming election and the security would require tightening. For you dear, you're going to learn how to use a gun. Different types. You're going to learn how to fight like a warrior. A powerful one at that." she waited patiently for me to absorb her words.
" I'm really uncertain if this will work out. It sounds dangerous."
" Most times things are not the way you expect. Nothing good comes easy you know." I remained mute. " Here's the part that will shock you."
Everywhere was strangely silent as though the whole environment were curious too.
" The job is restricted only to the males."
Oh God. I was nearly agitated. How could she make me go through all this only to let me know it wasn't going to work out.
" then why…"
" hush, baby girl. I'm not done yet." she paused. " I knew that would be an issue. That was why I came up with a solution." She took out something from her bag. It was a passport. " l made efforts to produce a fake passport though it has been authenticated. You don't have to worry about it. And as for yourself… you will have to become a male."
She was confusing me. " A male? How? I don't understand."
" Be a man in appearance. That's what I mean." she exhaled. " I know it's not going to be easy, baby girl. But that's what I can do for you. Remember our promise."
" Alright. What do I have to do?"
" First,,we have to expunge or minimize the girly features. Your hair…"
I stood hesitantly before the full sized mirror running a pair of scissors through my hair. I shortened it to the length just at the back of my neck. My look was starting to transform already. Then I gently wrapped a piece of cloth around my chest to hold it in and look a bit bulky too.
" in order to keep this a secret, it will require you wearing clothes that aren't your fitting exactly. You have a slender frame and perhaps wearing free or loose clothes will aid concealing much." Aunt Melissa advised. I barely nodded.
Though there were little traces of feminism. I knew I could be accepted as a man now. My voice was deep alto. That was a plus too. If I would be careful,no one would ever know the truth.
" baby girl…"
Our eyes met. I saw she was worried. I saw she was sad. For me. But I didn't want to disappoint her. So, I took confidence. I took courage.
" I will do it. I will be a security agent. If you trust me this much, I am capable. That's what it insinuates."
The few months that had gone past had actually established a special relationship between us. I was coming to love her despite her shortcomings. I was coming to love her irrespective of other things. Hence, I wanted to do this for her sake. Whatever reason she had for doing this, I didn't care anymore. I was willing to take the risk come what may. She reached for my hands,hers were very warm.
" thank you so much baby girl for believing in mev. Thank you." it was heartfelt. It was obviously.