Chapter2
1063 Words
The Departure
The departure date was getting closer, and Jennifer and Terry’s mum were to take him to the airport. Jennifer got matching outfits for both of them.
A day before he left, Jennifer traveled from her state to the state from which Terry was to fly. The plan was to be in the same hotel as Terry and his mum.
The morning Terry was set to leave, Jennifer woke up before the first c**k crowed. She had her bath quickly and said her prayers. Her mind restless, her chest heavy. That day, her world was changing.
She dressed slowly, smoothed her hair, and sat quietly on the edge of the bed, while looking at Terry. Everything felt normal, yet nothing was.
Terry had his bath, got dressed, and went outside with Jennifer to have a private time and also give his mum some time to get ready.
“We should head to the airport,” Terry’s mother’s voice broke through their conversation. “Jennifer, you should eat.”
“I have no appetite, Mum, " Jennifer murmured.
Jennifer’s mother called on their way to the airport to wish Terry well. She had watched her daughter give her heart completely to Terry. Though she worried, she dared not speak against it. Love, she knew, was a stubborn thing.
By the time they got to the airport, it was sunny. Cars honked impatiently, people were trooping in with their loved ones, travelers loaded their boxes, and the air smelled of tension and emotions.
Jennifer stood still for a moment. It was becoming a reality. She held herself together and started taking pictures with Terry. Terry’s mum was beginning to furrow her face; she was against her son wearing the matching outfit Jennifer made. “Terry, I don’t think you should wear this, it's too light, I think you should change the outfit,” she said to him before they left the hotel, but Terry refused.
Inside the airport, there were different airlines and attendants directing their customers. Terry took his bags to the desk and presented his passport and ticket. He was checked in, and it was time to leave.
Terry reached out for Jennifer’s hand, his palm warm against her trembling fingers. “Wherever you go, carry me with you”.
His throat tightened. Words gathered on his lips but refused to fall. Instead, he pulled her into his arms, holding her so tightly she could feel his heartbeat pounding against her chest.
“No matter how long it takes, no matter what happens, I will make sure you join me soon, and when you do, we will get married, and I will give you the life you deserve.”
Tears stung her eyes, but she blinked them away, determined not to let him see her weakness. “I believe you, Terry. Even if the whole world laughs at me, I will wait.”
Reluctantly, Terry pulled back. “Don't give up on us, Jennifer.”
“Never," she whispered.
Terry turned, said goodbye to his mum, and walked to the boarding room. Jennifer waved until her arm ached, until he became nothing more than a blur in the distance. And then he was gone.
She stood there for a long time, until Terry’s mum tapped her. “Let's go back to the hotel,” she whispered to herself. He promised, and I trust him.
But promises are fragile things.
The struggle begins
Terry arrived safely, went straight to the house he had booked from home. He met with the homeowner of the property, who was nice to him. In no time, he was settled. He called his love,” I cannot wait for you to join me, it's so peaceful here.”
He wasted no time in resuming his school, and next was to look for a job so he could also earn some money and add to what his parents sent to him. Also, he had plans to assist Jennifer with some of her fees.
Reality came quickly. Jobs were not paying as much as he thought, especially as he was a student. He didn't want to do menial work like washing dishes because his pride wouldn't let him.
The Visa Dream
Jennifer was struggling so hard to get money for her fees. Her mum was also meeting some family members to help out. She took up a teaching job that paid very little. And she was also doing some business and saving up. She was determined to apply for her visa and join Terry.
Weeks turned into months, and the two lovebirds were communicating well and making plans for their future.
After months of working hard and saving, Jennifer finally got the complete money for her fees,
“My love, my fees are complete,” Jennifer shouted in excitement when talking to Terry one evening, “I will join you soon. The agent asked me to pay, and after that, I could apply for my visa.” Terry was so happy. Finally, he would reunite with his love. She had really helped him drop so many old and bad habits, and he was grateful for her impact on his life.
Terry encourages her, filling her with renewed hope. She imagines the reunion, sees herself walking in a strange land hand in hand with him.
Jennifer paid her fees and went ahead to apply for her visas. She waited and prayed to receive positive feedback from the embassy.
One day, while at work, she got an email from the embassy.
We regret to inform you.
Jennifer's vision blurred. Her hands tremble as she reads it. Her dreams collapse in silence. Unfortunately, she had a rejection.
This tore Terry apart. “I was already hoping I would see you soon. I don't function well without you,” Jennifer cried for days, but Terry tried to console her and assured her they were going to try again.
She tried to retrieve the fees from the school so she could start plans to reapply. But the school only gave her 50% of what she paid, which meant that she had to look for more money.
Jennifer didn't know that the storm was only beginning.
- Writer
