A Ride Between Two Worlds
305 Words
Chapter 6: The Ride Between Two Worlds
The campus was almost empty when Zayn unlocked his car.
Aisha hesitated before getting in. The car smelled expensive — leather, clean air, something subtle and refined. It felt like stepping into a different universe.
“You don’t have to sit like you’re about to jump out,” Zayn said as he started the engine.
“I’m fine,” she replied, holding her bag tightly on her lap.
They drove in silence at first. Outside the window, Lagos moved loudly — street vendors shouting, buses honking, life happening everywhere.
Zayn glanced at her. She wasn’t staring at the car interior like most people would. She was looking outside.
“You’re quiet,” he said.
“I’m thinking.”
“About?”
“Whether this is a mistake.”
His grip tightened slightly on the steering wheel. “Being my partner?”
“Being seen with you.”
That answer surprised him.
“Most girls would beg for that.”
“I’m not most girls.”
There it was again. That calm confidence. Not arrogance. Not pride. Just self-awareness.
When they reached Surulere, the environment changed. The roads were narrower. The houses smaller. Children played barefoot near the gate of her building.
Zayn slowed down.
“This is where you live?” he asked quietly.
“Yes.”
She opened the door but paused.
“Thank you… for the ride.”
Before she stepped out, he spoke again.
“Aisha.”
She turned.
“You don’t have to feel small around me.”
Her chest tightened slightly.
“I don’t,” she replied softly. “But the world might try to make me.”
Then she closed the door.
Zayn stayed there longer than necessary, staring at the building.
For the first time in his life…
Luxury felt empty.
- Writer
