HOPE

Chapter 2

{Lagos, Nigeria. Present day}

The dazzling sun sat in the sky and shone relentlessly on the earth dwellers. It was mid-day and a new batch of arrivals had just landed in the esteemed fatherland.

The airport was a cocoon of glass, the walls in an horizontal shape elegantly stood and wrapping around to create inner space. The rays of the sun pushed through the glass walls, adding beauty to the scenery. And the air conditioner system were positioned in different angles, providing cold air and creating a room climate comfortable for humans.

People moved like chaotic rainbows. Some flowed from the check-in desks to the cafe's and through the gates, each one of them heading for a destination of their own making. On the other hand, the arrivals were warmly welcomed by their loved ones. There was a continuous hum of happy chatter and cellphones rang from different directions.

At the same time, the airport was as tranquil as it ever was. Quiet rivers of humanity freshly roused from their slumber. The floors were clean and white, reflecting the golden rays of the sun and the manmade light that stood above them. But suddenly, aircraft engines drowned out the sounds of excitement and tranquility lost its power to physical noise.

A young lady who seemed to be in her teen, walked slowly through the streams of the arriving and departing passengers with her luggage wheels softly rolling across the floor. She wore; a black hooded sweatshirt and on its chest boldly stood the Fila design, a black jean which looked new exposing her knee in a fashionable way and a white sneakers with the same design as the sweatshirt.

She had a sun tanned skin and a golden hazel eyes that glittered in the sun. Her long chestnut-coloured hair settled gently behind her, covering the top access of her bag and the black headphone that was hung around her neck. She paused for a moment and removed the nose mask that covered half of her face.

'Oh my home.' She uttered and sighed with her face beaming with a smile. She looked around and seemed to be expecting someone. Seeing no one, her hope of expectation wore off. She saw the exit door that stood just a few steps from her and walked towards it. The glass door stared at her as she walked closer and in no time opened by itself. After she walked out, it closed and voiced out anonymously 'Goodbye'. She smiled in response.

The afternoon sun shone brightly and this time directed to where she stood outside the airport. It was accompanied by the cool, dry, harmattan wind that blew from the north east. She raised her face, directing it to the sun with her eyes closed. She could feel the cool breeze sweeping across her face. She released herself unto nature and fell in love with the moment. 'The Christmas breeze' she would always call it. The annual festival was just a stone's throw and one of her reasons for returning home was to celebrate the season with her family. It had been long since she last celebrated Christmas with her family as a whole.

She was only ten years old when her parents flew her out of the country to live with her aunt. There, she started a new life with people who were of different race. Some times, she was regarded as a stranger and sometimes she was treated as one of them. Whenever things were tough for her to deal with, her aunt was worth what it meant to be a parent. Even though she longed to see her mom, dad and siblings. She was now 19 years old and would turn 20 in few weeks. Coming home to celebrate both would be a good idea.

'They will be happy to see me I guess.' She soliloquized with her eyes closed, still enjoying the moment.

'How does it feel to be back home, friend?' A voice emerged from upfront, snapping her out of her thoughts.

She opened her eyes and opposite her stood a black Toyota Highlander. It had a remote keyless entry, a painted accents aluminum wheels and heated mirrors. A young, light skinned guy who was in a black T-shirt and sky blue jean sat in the car smiling.

'Thought you wouldn't show up.' She said with a cold look but was quite impressed.

'I wouldn't miss this for the world. He uttered and alighted from his car. He walked close to her, this time exposing the black sneakers he was wearing and attempted to hug her but was stopped.

'You know, you are still the man you used to be.' She said still giving him the cold look.

He sighed and removed his sun glasses. Waiting for her to finish what she had in store.

'For the record, I hate you.' She said.

The air was still for a while and silence swept between them. He decided to break the silence with his response.

'And for the record, I missed you Hope.'

They both smiled and cuddled each other tightly, letting out a fabjrous laughter.

'I've missed you too Mark.' Still cuddling each other.

'Now, Let's get you home princess or we might get burned by the sun'. He joked and helped her with her luggage to the car's boot.

'You don't know how much I've missed the Nigeria sun. It's always cold over there.' She resorted with a smile.

'Well, Welcome to Nigeria.' He teased.

They both slipped into the car seat, slammed the door, buckled their seatbelts and zoomed off down the road.

The roads shimmered in the heat of the mid-day sun. The sunlit skycrapers pierced the hot, blue sky. The afternoon sun bathed the buildings in its warm light. But the view was quite fascinating to Hope. It mesmerized her completely that she couldn't take her eyes off the buildings.

'A lot has changed since I left.' Hope said breaking the silence.

'Well, the country is not what it used to be. Even though there are still some problems left unsolved. Mark replied.

'But, in terms of music, Nigeria currently has taken over the world. Afrobeat to be precise.'

He finalized.

Hope nodded in agreement and returned her gaze back to the road.

She sat comfortable in the front sit with her hand sitting on the edge of the car's door. She wound down the car window completely and enjoyed the clear air and the sunlit view over the city. The tall buildings and the open market was a perfect view for a long gone citizen. The open market was bustling with activities. Sellers were among the crowds and were trying to entice the buyers to buy their products. Some ignored the sellers while some were caught by their advertising spell.

'So, are your parents aware of your return?' Mark asked breaking the silence this time.

She nodded her head sideways in response. She took her eyes off the outside scene and sighed.

'Well, I think it would have been better if you told them. I'm sure they will be shocked to see you'. He continued.

'I want to make it a surprise I guess. I don't know how they will feel though. I just miss them.' Hope said in a calm but sad tone.

She had always wondered why her parents never wanted her to return to Nigeria again. She knew they had their reasons. But which parents wouldn't want their child around them? They must be hiding something. Something they didn't want her to know of. She had a lot to discuss with them. Maybe their little secret had a connection with the crazy nightmare she's been having all the time. Her mind was filled with a lot but she knew celebration wasn't the main reason she came home, she returned to escalate the concealed truth.

'I see you got the car of your dreams.' Hope said changing the subject.

'Well, I got it as a present from my dad. My birthday gift actually.' He replied with a smiley face.

'I'm happy you have it now.' She said.

'Or, you're happy that troubling you with my wishes have finally come to an end.'

Hope looked at him with surprise and smiled. He smiled and they continued to exchange pleasantries.

Mark was not of the same age as Hope, he was two years older than her. Despite the age difference, they were best of friends. He came from a rich and powerful line. His father was one of the famous and richest political leaders in the country. But his mother was a business woman who sold goods of standard qualities to other trading companies. He was the first born while his sister Ella, was the second and last child of the family. Even though they were rich, they never let wealth drown out their humility and humanity.

The first time Hope met him was few years back. She had just been shown the green light into one of the most prestigious universities in the State. But Mark was in his third year at that time. It was a cold night and she was heading home from her part time job. She was suddenly attacked by robbers and her bag was eloped with. Mark, who was just passing by witnessed the whole drama and went after them. He fought them and helped her retrieve her bag. Fortunately, the incident contributed to their solid friendship.

They spent a lot of time together and often do their homework together.

Mark's feelings toward her began to grow, but he decided to keep it to himself to avoid jeopardy of their friendship. After he graduated, he decided to return home and work in one of his father's company as the Managing Director.

'Oh God! Not today.' Mark said with an exhausted look. The stream of afternoon traffic flowed from their upfront in a great length. This was a regular thing in the city but to be caught in it wasn't anyone's prayer.

'God! I thought we wouldn't be caught up in this damn traffic.'

'Is there any other route we can take?' Hope asked.

'Yes there is.' Mark said turning around to see if he could still make a U-turn but oceans of cars flowed behind them piercing the air with loud honk.

'No there isn't.' He said with a disappointing look.

'I guess it's inevitable.' Hope said

'But it's really annoying you know.' Mark said looking disappointed.

The noise of cars and taxis hooting became deafening. Hope immediately rolled up the car window.

'I think I will take a short nap. It will be over soon. Wake me up when we get home'. Hope said, plugging her headphone in her ears.

'In your dreams girl. We're gonna be here till late afternoon. That's the way it is.' He said looking at his wristwatch.

He looked at Hope and got no response. She might have slept he guessed. He looked up at the blazing sun and looked down the stream that flowed ahead of them. He suddenly found something strange. The cars began to move quickly as if something was pushing them to make way for their car. And within 10 minutes, he was out of the traffic. He was elated but at the same time surprised. He looked at Hope in dismay.

'Maybe today is my lucky day I guess.' He soliloquized still wearing a bemused expression on his face as he drove.

It took them about one hour, thirty minutes to get to their destination. A large billboard stared at them as they they moved closer. It had a inscription that disseminated their current location. 'Welcome to Love And Peace Estate' was boldly written on the board.

'We're home.' Mark said making his way into the distinguished estate. It was actually one of the best in the city. The road had a terrazzo floor and tall buildings with fascinating and alluring colours.

'Wakey, wakey. Time's up Hope, we're home.' Mark said hitting the car's brake softly.

Hope opened her eyes lazily and

stretched her body. 'Did you fly?' She asked jokingly.

'No, I teleported. Abeg comot my car and go your papa house'. He replied in pidgin, laughing.

'Didn't know it will be so fast.' She said.

'Well, the traffic didn't last long like I thought it would.' He said helping her with her luggage and still wearing a confused look.

'Don't underestimate me boy, I can make your wish come true.' She said and winked.

'Wow! You truely are something.' He said shaking his head. Should I follow you inside? This may be the perfect time to meet my in-laws.' He joked.

'What?' Hope asked in Surprise.

'Just kidding.' Mark replied laughing and heading to his car.

'Will see you around!' She said.

'See ya.' He said and zoomed off, outside the estate. She waved with a smile until he was out of sight and the only thing she could see was "Road 3, Avenue 2" inscribed in a sign board that stood afar. One of the strange things she discovered about herself lately was supernatural vision. She could see things others could not see from a far distance. This first happened on her 18th birthday.

She was walking home from school and suddenly saw from afar, a car whose driver had lost control running with a great speed towards an old man who was attempting to cross to the other side of the road. She ran towards the man and tried to stop him from crossing but the man thought she was crazy and pushed her away. In a trice , the uncontrollable car showed up and hit the old man. At the spot, he gave up the ghost. It was that moment she felt something strange and new in her. Something she couldn't explain.

When she turned 19, it was a different thing. She started having psychic visions whenever she touched other people. It was as if the visions were planted in her head. She was getting confused and wondered who she really was sometimes. Could she be from a powerful lineage or so? A witch maybe? She knew she couldn't answer these questions by herself. Her parents were the only ones who could answer them. Even though they wouldn't be happy to see her return, it was too late to turn back now.

She sighed deeply and held her bag tightly making her way towards the gate.