Hidden identity

preparation to travel

Mom suggested we stay with my grandparents for sometime before finally leaving Nigeria. She took me there, while she stayed back to sort somethings out. It took more than two weeks before mom took me back to our house. I had fun in grand pa's house. Mom came to pick me up, I was a bit worried she came without the driver. She opened the big gate herself and drove into the house. No nanny, no driver, the gatekeeper was no longer at home. Mom where is everyone? I asked her while looking straight into my eyes. She placed her hands on my shoulders, I dismissed all of them darling she replied back. I was dumbfounded and sad. She noticed the sadness in my eyes and she went further to explain the reasons for her actions. Beauty we are relocating permanently to London and we wouldn't be coming back anytime soon. I had to dismiss them because their services will no longer be needed, she explained. I was really sad because I didn't get the opportunity to bid them farewell. I will miss all of them. I couldn't control the tears that flowed like a river. Mom hugged me with the assurance that I was going to meet with them again. We went inside and the loneliness gained momentum, and mom too felt emotional. They had become part of the family, and their absence left a deep hole in our hearts.

Mom informed me that we were going to travel the following week, she had moved her business to London inorder to make things much more easier. My passport and visa was ready. Mom needed me to explore Nigeria before we relocate. We went to various tourist centers, had fun, I learned alot. Mom got me a new mask this time it was different from the other one, it covered my scar well and it will be extremely hard for someone to figure out I was on mask except the person comes closer enough.

The day is finally here. I looked into my mom's eyes and I could see she was stressed out from the daily routine of trying to get things done. Mom you look tired, are you ok?. I said to her, she exhaled and looked into my little eyes. I am fine angel, mama is just tired, but she will be fine soon. She replied back. We drove to the airport and mom instructed uncle Mark her distant cousin to assist her in taking the car home. Our luggages were checked and we did the proper screening and necessary things. I sat down on a chair, while feeding my eyes with alot that was happening in the airport. After about 30 minutes, mom came to where I was and told me it was time. It wasn't my first time boarding a plane so the anxiety wasn't there. I got my favourite seat, which was beside the window. We were instructed to use our seat belt and mom assisted me with it. I had mixed feelings, I was sad that we were leaving Nigeria, leaving grand ma and grand pa. I missed my nanny, our driver and gate keeper. But I was also Very excited because I am finally leaving the world of ridicule, going into a new world and entering a new life. Although I was scared about the new life I was going into, what if the bully doesn't stop. I said to myself. what if the hate and sassy words doesn't stop. But I kept hoping for something better. I admire nature through the window, we were going into the clouds. I saw birds flying freely, enjoying the gift of nature. I wished I was like them. Life was so unfair to me, but I couldn't blame anyone for the accident. My mom always say to me 'everything happens for a reason. Whether good or bad, our creator has predestined it to happen. We shouldn't place blames or lament, but hope that one day things will change for the better. We will smile again' I never forgot those words because it gave me hope. Grandpa will always say 'Ti nkan ba sele, je ki a ma dupe' ( if anything happens, we should always be grateful). I have the assurance that God will never let any evil befall me, and one day my tears will be wiped and I will be happy again.

The flight was a long but smooth one. The plane we boarded landed well. We received our luggages and mom boarded a taxi, this wasn't the first time because I was given birth to here, but I only stayed here for the first 2 years of my life. And it's being over 10 years now. I was marveled at the sight I was viewing. This place is beautiful mom I shouted. Mom laughed and I giggled. Yeah it is. But our new house will be beyond your expectations. She said. Woah really. I can't wait mom. The driver looked at us and smiled. I hope you enjoy your stay here pretty. he said to me in a kind manner. Thank you sir. I replied back.

When we got to our house, I couldn't close my lips, as I admired its beauty. Mom this place is beautiful, I said to her happily. I knew you will like it, mom has been working really hard and thanks to grand pa he made all these things happen, she said. Wowww I love you both. You are the best mom ever. I hugged her.

We entered into the house and my mom showed me the way to my room. I noticed there was no worker, and mom told me she wanted to take care of me herself. When I got into my room, I was really excited. It was more beautiful than the previous one. The bed was massive, the room was designed with orange and yellow, those were my favourite colours. I assisted mom in putting things in order, we arranged my clothes and kept it inside my big wardrobe. Mom prepared dinner and after eating, we slept together in my room. I prayed a silent prayer and I hope my new life will be better than the previous.