Near Miss

ONE

The plane carrying Seyi from the united state of America touched down at the airport in Lagos Nigeria within the last few minutes of day light on Sunday night largely to Datare’s excitement. She was waiting with Seyi’s uncle to receive him.

A few weeks after graduation, Seyi travelled to the USA to spend some time with his parents who live abroad. It was difficult to leave Datare behind, but he was excited to see his parents after almost a year.

Datare had her eyes glued to arrival terminal of the airport, so it was no surprise when she was the first to notice Seyi walk in. She bolted towards him and hit him with such force that it took all his resolve not to lose his balance. For a few minutes there were no words just emotions; Joy, relief, excitement and lots more. Seyi’s Uncle joined them after a while and the joyful trio walked slowly to the car park.

‘I Thought My brother was coming with you this time.’ Uncle said.

‘They promised to join me after a week. They had business  to run in Europe.’

‘Did you find the design i described to you?’ Datare asked.

‘Yes got it last minute.’ Seyi tactfully responded to Uncle and Datare without neglecting anyone.

Seyi chose to make a detour with Datare at a restaurant while uncle proceeded on home. They wanted to have some much needed alone time before going home.

‘So lay it on me.’ Seyi said to Datare crossing his fingers.

‘Oyo, you were posted to Oyo state.’ She said.

He felt relief then another surge of anxiety.’ You did not tell me where you were posted.

‘Jos.’ She said with disappointment in her voice.

‘All the way?’ Seyi shared the feeling. ‘I had hoped that we will be together on camp.’

‘For three weeks we will have to communicate on phone again.’ Datare complained

‘When do we report to camp?’

‘Next week Monday’

‘At least i have one whole week to spend with you.’ He tried to lighten the mood.

That did not seem to help. Then Seyi reached into his pocket and brought out a tiny box wrapped in turquoise blue paper and silver ribbon. He placed the box before her.

‘Open it.’ He said.

The stars came back into her eyes as she gently reached to pick the box up. Is this what I think? Can i dare to think that this is a...  No; it is too soon. What can it be?

‘Open it.’ He said again. She did and uncovered to most beautifully slender studded ring. Okay so it is really a ring what...

‘Marry me.’  Seyi said answering her unasked question.

‘Wow, ‘Sey’ how long have you been nursing this?’

‘Datare you know you have a very special way of evading point blank questions.’

‘Oh of course i will marry you but are you sure you want to do this now?’

‘I will do it right here right now; so long as it’s with you.’ Datare smiled. ‘Don’t worry i have a plan.’

When it became obvious that Seyi did not intent to share his plan, Datare had to ask.

‘The plan?’ Seyi looked blank ‘What is the plan’. Datare nudged Seyi gently.

Seyi Laughed. ‘One would think that you would bring out the ring from the box and try it on; then salute my judgment in picking your finger size, you know and be happy?’

Datare slipped on the ring but remained serious. ‘Really Sey, what do you have in mind.

‘Ok, ok. After our youth service program i intend to ask your parent’s permission to take you abroad with me for your masters program. If all goes well as they should, I will begin work at my parent’s company while we plan the wedding. How’s that for a plan.’ He joked.

Datare considered for a moment. The whole thing sounds ok.

‘It may not take that long, but we can wait till you finish your masters before we get married.’

‘Wow this is huge.’ Said Datare excited.

They left the restaurant; Seyi’s arm around Datare’s waist. They strolled for a while than hailed a taxi that went first to datare’s home where they parted for the night reluctantly to reunite the next day. The taxi took Seyi to his family home in Lagos where his uncle lives.

Seyi could not wait to remove his jacket as the taxi driver zoomed off well paid. The humid night air settled around him as he strolled to the gate. After just the first knock the security guard opened the gate. He was expecting Seyi to come home after his uncle.

After he settled in his well prepared room, he showered and dressed up to join the rest of the family for dinner. Uncle was already in his position at the table with his wife, two daughters and a young son. The aroma of stock fish, cray fish and vegetables welcomed him into the dining area. This aroma is so uniquely Nigerian. It is one that says welcome home even when you are far from home. Before long dinner was over and the ladies packed up and cleaned while Seyi and uncle with their desserts in hand walked to the balcony to discuss.

‘Egbon (Yoruba word for elder one) said your first position will be at the US office; why not here?’ Uncle asked

‘Dad thought that the head office will afford me the most experience about operations.’

‘Our operations here in Nigeria have grown beyond the point my brother imagines.’

‘I am sure that is why he and mum made out time to come to Nigeria to assess the growth.’

They caught up on business and family issues and other things; for example uncle tried to get into the seriousness of Seyi and Datare but Seyi did not encourage him. Before long he excused himself and retired to his room. Pure excitement and joy fuelled him all evening; now all he wants to do is rest.

The next couple of days were just fun. Seyi and Datare made the world all about them. They went to the beach, cinemas, shows; they went shopping and experienced various types of restaurants.  Before long the week was far spent and the next day Seyi expects his parents to arrive in the country. Their plane was scheduled to arrive on Sunday morning.  Seyi prepared early to pick Datare on the way to the airport. At the Airport the plane delayed for over two hours. In the third hour there was pandemonium and confusion as people demanded information about the location of the plane. Uncle tactfully tried to get Seyi and Datare to go home and wait, but Seyi was not having that. He was anxious just like everyone to find out that exactly is going on. Before long, rumors started flying about of a plane crash. At that point people started getting frantic and even violent about their quest for information. The airline operators present fled the chaos. The speculation was confirmed after a while by television stations reporting a plane crash that happened less than two hours ago.

The screams and cries from loved ones at the airport who heard the news was drowned out by his thought. Mom, Dad are they alright. You can’t die. No. He had no more control over limps; he sank to the ground. He saw Datare bent over him yelling. He could not make out what she said but she looked really scared. Even she became a blur very soon. Mom, Dad no, no!

Grief is what is left,

Misery that snatches away,

Joy, hope and plans

for how long.