Chapter 54
Edna
The prevalent emotion in my heart was disappointment.
The era I grew up in shaped my world views and opinions. I became a pessimist.
I wanted Joanna to prove me wrong. It was tiring to constantly doubt the people around me. I wanted Joanna to prove to me that my approach to people and life wasn't the right one. Now, she had proved that my world views were the right ones. I can't imagine what would happen if I trusted her completely. Her betrayal would have dealt a big blow me.
I continued listening.
"Why are you guys even going this hard on Edna? When everyone joined, things weren't this tense?" A new voice said in a low tone.
"If she had cooperated with the game Madeline wanted to play, things wouldn't be this tense. Alas, she thinks she is the only wise lady among us. Edna thinks she is smart." Jade sneered.
"You have also seen how Madam Tayo treated her yesterday. She took Edna's side during her verdict. What if Madam Tayo gives her more resources, more attention and other things? We will be left in the wild. We would be stuck licking the mud under her shoes." The first lady that spoke spat.
I wanted to laugh but I curbed the urge.
These people were fighting with an imaginary enemy. I didn't even want to stay here for an extra second. Why would they think I want to compete for Madam Tayo's favor and resources with them?
I know these ladies were not mind readers and they don't know my plans to leave this place at any given time. Still, each person would have their peak. There was no need to fight like dogs and cats. "Now, most of us if not all-wants to teach Edna her place." Another lady chipped in.
'Wow.'
I rolled my eyes. I didn't know I was so popular.
I was the very embodiment of the words, 'living in a den of lions and snakes'.
"If she behaves herself very well, I would go easy on her. It is up to her. She can choose the hard mode if she doesn't want to bow her head." Joanna said.
The words coming out of Joanna's mouth wasn't something I imagined she would say.
Her ugly words went against her warm and kind persona.
"Enough about Edna. Joanna, I heard you have been getting cozy with Mr Douglas lately. Is your time of freedom getting close? I can't wait to see you get redeemed. I pray Mr Douglas becomes the key to your freedom." Jade sighed.
Joanna laughed, "I know you are praying for me to be redeemed so I won't be here to share resources with you. Anyways, thank you for your kind words. I think I am getting somewhere with Mr Douglas. I hope my efforts bear fruits, I can't wait to leave."
I wasn't interested in their small talk.
My legs moved backwards soundlessly.
When I put enough distance between me and the gossiping ladies, I stopped.
A few seconds flew by.
I walked towards them again.
This time, I made sure my foot made audible noises.
I was hungry and trying to wait for this bunch of evil-minded demonesses to finish their gossip was torture. I wasn't about to torture myself for the ungrateful people before me.
The sounds of discussion died down as I approached Joanna and the other ladies.
Finally, only silence remained when I stepped into the open space.
"Hello Edna." Joanna greeted with an annoying smile on her face.
The smile I would call warm a few minutes ago had lost its charm totally.
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The smile was hypocritical and annoying.
I didn't act on my urge to tear the mask on her face away. That will be an agenda for future Edna.
I am not going to confront Joanna with the things I heard. It wasn't worth it.
It was better to wait for her to set the trap she planned for me and then, I will turn the trap on her head.
She would be able to eat the fruits of her labor soon.
Confronting her now would make her wary. I don't want her to do something I didn't plan for.
It was better to watch Joanna jump around like a clown.
I wanted her to keep the mentality that I was still under her control. She would make blunders that way.
The women around Joanna scanned me from head to toe. Their emotions were hidden under expressionless faces.
Nobody aside Joanna made a move to say anything to me.
"Joanna, good evening to you. I am famished and I would love it if you took me to where we will be having dinner." I said.
I put my hand on my stomach for good measure.
"Oh," Joanna put one hand on her forehead as she sighed, "I had forgotten about that. I am sorry for that. Let's make our way there now."
I joined their group.
Everybody followed Joanna. She was at the forefront.
A few minutes flew by and we got to where dinner will be served.
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We didn't leave the building all of us were living in. The building we would have our food was connected to our residential quarters.
Joanna pushed the door before everyone filed in. The new place we walked into was bright and the ventilation was topnotch. The color of the walls was a very light blue.
This building looked similar to the cafeteria I had seen in the books from Earth's ancient days of prosperity.
There was a large counter connected to the wall opposite the entrance. Two women were behind the counter. A large spread of metal trays was on the counter itself.
The trash can beside the entrance caught my eye. It was filled to the brim with wasted food. The food wasn't spoiled. Ok the contrary, it looked very fresh.
Somehow, I felt like the food in the trash can was just discarded.
I looked away.
"Hey! Joanna and Jade, I helped you guys get your food when I dished mine. Come and get it. I am tired of watching over your meals." A lady with flaming red hair said. She waved her right arm frantically. "Thank you." Joanna smiled.
She made her way to the lady's position.
The other ladies in the cafeteria called their friends and the group I was with, dwindled one by one.
Having their friends get food was a great show of power and their unity.
I was the only one left.
I walked to the counter. There was a section filled with unused plates. I took one plate and moved forward.
After I took a step, I paused.
The numerous deep trays on the counter didn't contain overflowing food like I imagined. It contained scraps and leftovers.