Chpt.1 The Adventures of Zahina: A Novel

Chapter 1: The Adventures of Zahina

Zahina watched the trucks enter into her village, her eyes full of wonder. She had seen trucks before, but these were not the old broken-down trucks that delivered supplies once a week to the convent; these were shiny, new trucks from the city. Her village being one hundred miles from Lusaka in Zambia meant you didn’t see ‘new’ anything.

They stopped out by the village well and a number of men got out, stretching their legs and looking around.

“Zahina! Get you back inside, this instant!” Sister Margret was always hovering. It was Sister Margret that had cared for her since she was first taken in as an orphan into the convent. It was Sister Margret that made her hide away inside the convent whenever the supply trucks came or more particular when the men driving the supply trucks arrived. Zahina had started to protest lately, but Sister Margret always said the same thing “Time for men when you are older.” Then she would shoo her inside. Zahina, knowing it was useless to argue, went back inside, besides, she had kitchen duties this afternoon and she knew that Sister Margret would be upset if her chores were not done.

Later that evening, after evening prayers, Zahina questioned Sister Margret about the visitors. “I see they are still here Sister. What are they doing? They’re not supply trucks.”

Sister Margret was folding linens and didn’t look up “They are a film crew from America. They are filming a documentary about life in Africa.”

“America” Zahina was surprised “Sister Barbara is from America, isn’t she?” Sister Margret was nodding. “They are filming a docu-docu…what is that word?”

Sister Margret stopped what she was doing to explain. She always had time for Zahina’s questions, she was always so curious. She smiled “My Zahina, a doc-u-ment-ary is a story about something. They are filming a story about life here in Africa; in Zambia. Do you know what film is?” She chuckled at Zahina’s puzzled look “I saw a film once; in Lusaka last summer; when I travelled there last summer, you remember?”

Zahina nodded “Yes, the trip to see The Cathedral of the Holy Cross. I wanted to go so bad.” She looked sad.

“Now Zahina, I told you, when you are older, you can travel to the city. The city is not a place for a young girl.”

“But I’m twenty this month! I’m not young anymore!” she argued.

Sister Margret patted her hand “I know dear, I know.” Sister Margret looked tired “Well, a film is a moving picture. They show the moving picture on a wall; they call them movies. I watched The Sound of Music in the theatre.” Her eyes got misty, “It was beautiful!” After a pause, she started folding again “Anyway, the film crew will be here for a few days and then they will be gone again.” She looked at Zahina and her tone changed “And I want you to stay inside. Keep away from those men!”

The next day, Zahina carried the wash to the line in the rear garden to dry. She was startled by all the equipment near the kutafakari shamba or meditation grove. Mother Catherine was talking to one of the Americans. She hoped Sister Margret wasn’t around; it was all so fascinating. She took her time hanging the laundry watching everything, amazed by it all.

They must have finished, because Mother Catherine got up and walked back into the convent. The American was walking over towards Zahina.

Russ saw her as soon as she entered the garden. Mother Catherine was answering one of his questions, but her answer was lost on him. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing. A young woman had just entered the garden with a basket of laundry. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen! She was about five foot five; light chocolate skin and a gorgeous smile. She was wearing an ankle length, white dresss with a tan short-sleeve top which was just tight enough to show off her humongous breasts. He caught himself staring and turned slightly so she was out of his line of sight. He concentrated on Mother Catherine and finished the interview as quickly as possible.

As soon as it was over and she walked away, Russ got up and headed over to where the beauty was hanging the laundry. As he passed, Gary, one of the crew, smiled knowingly, stealing a glance at the beauty. Russ winked as he walked by.

Russ knew a star when he saw one. He had been in the film business forever. He had gotten his first camcorder as a teenager and had been filming ever since. His passion was filming women; busty women in particular. His means of paying the bills was these damn documentaries. Although, the wheel was turning and his Stag films were becoming quite popular. He was sure if he could recruit ladies like this beauty, then this would be his year.

“Hello, my name is Russ.” She turned her head to look at him; her eyes locked like a deer caught in the headlights. Hmmm...he tried again “Um, I’m Russ Mayer. What’s your name?”

She looked down and then looking slowly at him again “My name Zahina.”

Ah, he should have known that she wouldn’t know much english. Okay, a challenge, he knew some Swahili, but not much. “Hi Zahina. That’s a very lovely name. Do you live here?” She looked puzzled. “umm... Kuishi hapa?”

Her face brightened, “Ndiyo mimi kuishi hapa! Wewe unasema Kiswahili!” She seemed really excited!

He caught parts of it, understanding that she does live there and something about speaking Swahili. For the next ten minutes they laughed and chatted about anything and everything.

Zahina was laughing at the American’s attempts to speak Swahili; he was very funny. She

was having so much fun, she could not figure out why Sister Margret was against her talking to men. Perhaps she shouldn’t have thought about her favorite Sister, because who was making a bee-line across the garden?

“Zahina! You have chores to do! Inside, now!” She was not happy, and Zahina knew it. She had always been firm with her, but never this much. Zahina moved quickly, not looking at the American, making her way back into the convent. Zahina busied herself the rest of the day, doing extra chores. Anything to keep out of Sister Margret’s way. At least until evening prayers.

Sister Margret didn’t look at Zahina as she attended evening prayers. When it was over and everyone was leaving, she could see the hurt in Zahina’s eyes. She called her over, hugged her and asked if she would help put things away. With a teary smile, she nodded.

As they folded the linens, she told Zahina of the meeting she had with Mother Catherine and the American earlier in the afternoon. She was honest, she told her that she had gone to Mother Catherine to complain about the American. The American had already been to see the Mother already; before Sister Margret. He wanted to offer Zahina a job. Zahina’s eye’s had lit up at this.

Sister Margret sighed, she knew she was going to lose her. Not looking at Zahina, but slowly folding she continued “The American says that he is a big time film producer and director. He says he can make you a movie star.” Margret was lost in her thoughts for a moment while Zahina just stared. A movie star; all Margret could picture was Judy Garland in the Sound of Music. Mother Catherine was right; who was she to stop Zahina from going out into the world? This could be a chance of a lifetime; a chance to get out of this village. Sister Margret knew exactly what happened to women like Zahina in Zambia. She would end up in Lusaka doing...doing; well, she didn’t want to think about it. The American would treat her right. She would be a big star.

She smiled at Zahina “Zahina, my dearest, pack your things, you are going to America to become a movie star!”