(Episode 03) Puff & Power Girls: Aisha Frida

Aisha Frida, March 1998

(Episode 02) Puff & Power Girls: Mary Amaka

Aisha Frida stared at the clock on the wall. The time was five minutes past 18:00. The location: my place of residence. We agreed to review the plan every three months, just so everyone remembers it like the back of their palm. I first summoned the ladies via letter writing, with hopes that they could read as much as they could speak. For every month since that first letter I knew that somethings concerning the plan were going to change, if not the entirety of the plan. With every meeting I was eager to find out what changes will be made, and fast.

Something always changes a plan. It could be forseeable: inconvenience of time, transit and transportation issues, all the likes. But it had been nine months and counting since the plan was conceived and everyone still had their heads in the blueprint like they were looking for the first time, I insisted on it.

The plan was first written on a white sheet, common office A4 paper, until all manner of modifications rendered it brown. Time went on, and the plan was laid out on what resembles a construction blue print. It was Ronke who suggested it very casually;

“I think the plan should look like a house plan, blue, so it blends with your work files.”

Time after time, I would look at the blueprint and wonder if it was ready for any change. I quickly discarded my thoughts as soon as I heard Amaka’s voice.

“Okay I’m ready, where is Ronke? She’s usually on time.” Amaka said, standing by a door by the west of Aisha's home office.

“Have a seat, she’s in the restroom.” I quickly replied, standing by the table in the center of the room, where the work station was.

Amaka paused long enough for me to know something was on her mind, it will have to wait until after we go over the blueprint. She shut the door, walked towards the work station, pulled off her shoes and sunk into the sofa by the wall.

As soon as Ronke stepped out, we went over the blueprint, twice. After, we headed into the kitchen, made a meal, and ate. Of all of us, it was usual for me to eat slowest, I had the most risk to bear and I seemed to be having a wonderful time making them go over the blue print, Amaka never failed to remind me. Tonight she was quiet, wearing a long face and refusing to make eye contact with me.

“Mary what’s the problem?” I asked.

“Speaking sincerely? I think we should go on with the plan now.” she said.

“Can I speak?” Ronke said in an almost chorused manner, and then began to speak anyway. “How long have you been thinking about this?”

“If I’m being truthful, since August. But I decided to give it time, see if what you said about giving it a year was true.” I replied.

Amaka spoke looking at my eyeballs from start to finish. She was waiting for my response.

“So you’ve been thinking about ruining your life for the past eight, nine months?” Ronke said. “What if she has a point?” I responded.

Amaka began to tell us her very concern. She said: power is about to change. By the time one year comes a lot will change and the opportunity to act on the plan will be missed. I listened to everything she had to say. And then I began to think: the blueprint is going to change.

To be continued…