Ellen was the pride and joy of her mother. She was exceptionally beautiful and brilliant. She came second to none in school. Despite her mentioned qualities, anyone in her shoes would have been proud, but she wasn't. She hailed from a humble home with a poor background. She had her priorities straight. She had no time for love and its aftermath. Most of the village guys had fallen prey to her rejection…
"Kofi, why don't you join me to learn instead of thinking about such a trifle? At our age, we can't have such things, we're only thirteen, and besides, we have the upcoming promotional exam to form three." She replied to her classmate who expressed his feelings for her. ''Oh, come on, Ellen, we will surely pass. You've been first since kindergarten. No one can take that championship title from you. What do you mean you won't ever fall in love? Give studies a break and take a look at the bright side of life.' Kofi retorted, and Ellen rolled her eyes. Okay, that's absurd, Kofi. I will when the time comes. For now, I have to study, so if you will permit me, I've got more important things to do.' She rebutted, turning her head towards the page she was reading. Kofi sighed and went away. The people in class were shocked because, compared to Ellen, Kofi was from a well-to-do home. He could have taken care of her at least. Ellen had no friends because they were a "distraction". School closed, and Ellen went home to meet her mother, back from hawking. ''Oh, Ama, you're back.
I just came back from the market." ''Good afternoon, Mom. How was business today?" Ellen asked in anticipation. '' Well, it was okay. Have you eaten yet? Go get changed while I prepare something for us to eat, okay." Esinam was her mother's name. Elena was her real name, but no one knew about it, not even her only daughter. Ellen thought about their situation, especially with how hard her mother had to work to make ends meet. These thoughts encouraged her more to study and take her mother out of poverty. Everything else could wait..