Peruvian V. Brazilian - Battle of the Weaves

Today was a little slow. I hoped to go out this evening but was a little disappointed when I called a few of my regulars and they gave me one excuse or the other. Esther says it is weekend and many of them were with their families. I am not surprised by this, but I cannot help feeling a little annoyed. My mother called me today to ask if I was coming home for the weekend. I don't feel like going. The house has become smaller ever since my father's unmarried sister moved into the house. I cannot think of anything worse than staying under the same roof with my auntie. She complains about everything and she has this knack of waking up at midnight to cast and bind demons. I'd rather stay back in school.

So today around five in the evening, I am on my bed, trying to read a novel I found on Patricia's reading table. It is one of those suspense novels and I am finding it quite interesting.There is a knock on the door. I am practically the only one in the room. Evelyn had left to visit her boyfriend in one of the male student halls some two hours ago.

"Who is it?" I ask, dropping the novel I am reading and walking towards the door.

"It is me." An unknown voice says at the other end of the door. I think this answer is stupid, but I open the door anyway. A very pretty young woman was standing at the door with a big plastic bag that said "Debenhams"

"Hi." I greet, looking at the bag she is holding in interest. I know she is one of those women who bring things to sell in the hostel but she is dressed so stylishly and can pass for a student. Her silky wavy hair falls across her face even as she tries to flick it back every now and then. Of course, the hair is not her hair. Not even a half caste woman would spot something so silky. She is dressed smartly in blue jeans trouser and red wrap around shirt.

"Hello," She greets, looking past me into the room. "I am selling nice weavon." She bats her lashes at me as if I am a man. This feels weird, but I open the door to let her in anyway. I could do for some company.

"You are alone." She notes with disappointment on her face. I smile at her.

"Yes, I am alone."

She introduces herself as Ann, I tell her that it is nice to meet her. She opens the bag and pulls out several plastic bags. She says she is selling Peruvian and Brazilian weavon. I am interested. The ultimatum Esther gave me will soon expire. Two weeks ago, she expressed her concern about my hair full of darling Yaki hair extension. Cheap, she had said, turning her nose scornfully. If you don't buy Brazilian hair in two weeks, I will not take you to the big party I told you about.


So, here I am thinking this woman couldn't have chosen a more opportune moment to visit my room. There is no way I want to miss the party Esther is talking about. According to her, girls collect as much as one hundred thousand for just attending such parties. She said, it is a governor's party. So I must prepare. I collect the wraps of plastic from the seller and open them. She collects them back with a smile and tells me not to mix them.

"Some are Peruvian," She says, separating the plastic wraps and lining them on my bed where we sat. "Some are Brazilian."

Soon I am opening the plastic bags and pulling out unbelievably soft hair. I bunch the hair in my hand. I think is too small. I tell her this. She smiles at me and tells me that this is normal as the hair is light. I ask what type of weavon I am holding and she says it is Peruvian and so I take note. I move to the other bags and repeat the exercise. Now these ones are Brazilian. I can't tell any difference between the two types of weaves. Just as I am wondering about this, Evelyn walks into the room. She greets Ann the weavon seller and immediately pounces on the weaves lying on my bed.

"I think Peruvian is better than Brazilian." She says almost immediately, throwing down the weave in her hand and picking up another. Now that is my room mate for you. Tact is not something she understands. I smile at the seller in embarrassment. She looks at Evelyn's head and seems to appreciate her hair style. Well, Evelyn does know a thing or two about these weaves. In fact she has one on her head. "I wear Peruvian." She confirms, running her hand down her hair.

The seller seems interested in what Evelyn has to say. "Why do you say so?"

"Brazilian is too silky," Evelyn tells her with flourish. "Looks too fake and then dries out more than Peruvian or Indian weaves."

I look on, getting interested.

"Peruvian weave on is more natural and fits black people better."

The seller doesn't agree. So a Brazilian - Peruvian war starts millions of miles away from the countries concerned. Evelyn and the seller argue for twenty minutes. Evelyn is Peruvian and Ann the weave on seller is Brazilian. When I get tired of the arguing, I tap Ann the weave on seller and ask her..

"How much is your Peruvian weave on?"

"Twenty five thousand." She declares with a solemn look, almost as if the words are too heavy to pronounce. Twenty five thousand Naira? I think to myself in horror. I manage to slip out of the room with an excuse of visiting the toilet. Evelyn and Ann are too busy to pay me any attention. I don't go back to the room till an hour later. Emmm....I know what you are thinking. Yes,, Peruvian weave on is expensive for me. I will stick with Darling Yaki for now. Maybe after the governors' party. Who knows. Time to leave the cafe now. See you tomorrow.


Love,
Runsbabe