The Moment I Met You (Chapter 438)

By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu 

 It was Saturday, the following day, also the day when both Chioma and Chisom had their day off. After Chisom’s chores for the day, she went over to Chioma’s house, wearing the white dress Chioma bought for her while returning from Lagos.

 Chioma wore a casual beige sweater with a pair of light-coloured jeans which fitted her well. She put her dark hair down behind her head. She only had lip gloss, and was good to go.

 Then, set out for a lovely day together. The girls had their day off all planned. First, they went window shopping, stopping at a barbecue stand to grab a bite, and having ice cream from a street vendor. It was exciting to be in Abuja with all the crowds doing their Saturday shopping.

Chioma pointed at a couple on a motorbike. They seemed to be going for a Saturday date. Chioma liked the way the motorbike sped along the wind sweeping the girl’s hair into a tangle. ‘I love motorbikes,’ she said excitedly to Chisom.                                                                              

‘It will only end up messing up your hair which you have spent so long arranging. I don’t like it.’                                                            

Chioma chuckled. ‘It’s so nice to be in the fresh air.’ She was exhilarated by the speed of the motorbike.                                                        

 ‘Then I am sure you wouldn’t mind your hair looking like a haystack,’ Chisom laughed.                                                                                                

They past fine big houses and flower-filled gardens, elegant dress shops, restaurants, florist shops, and talked gleefully at how beautiful the Saturday was.

The women here were very sophisticated; they had high-end dresses, elegant high-heels. Chioma couldn’t help but laugh at the way most of them had penciled their eyebrows, applied lipstick and had manicured nails. She was indeed admiring the beauty of the rich women that past them. Even the mothers pushing their prams with a couple of smaller children following behind made Chioma even more excited were as well attractive. She laughed as she took pictures here and there with her phone camera.

‘Abuja is one of Africa’s fastest growing cities and property is a hot commodity…there are so many high-rise buildings, shopping complexes and residential estates…’                                                   

‘Yet Abuja has one of the stinking slums in Africa.’                           

‘Chisom, is there any city without a slum?’Chioma glanced at Chisom and asked.                                                                                            

‘I haven’t been to all the cities but I know of Abuja city, which Kpaduma is an example. The streets on Asokoro have electricity supply everyday, while power supply to Kpaduma is rationed three days on and three days off but even on the days you people are expected to have electricity, it is so-help-me-God. It is usually epileptic. I don’t like that some people are suffering while some are enjoying everything alone.’

Chioma laughed. ‘Oh Chisom, you are too funny.’

‘Yes, I am speaking the truth. You people do not have pipe borne water. You rely on private boreholes and wells. A gallon of water costs 40 to 50 naira…I know that GOD will bless Andrew. He will have enough money to buy or build a mansion of his own. So that Aunt Louisa, will have a better life. She has suffered too much.’                                               

Chioma was touched by the words of Chisom. Tears stole into her eyes but she quickly wiped it off, replacing the tears with sweet smile.                                          

They wanted to explore the city of Abuja today, have fun as best friends and enjoy a small picnic at the park after which they would head back home.                                                                                                                 

On their way to the park, they bought bacon sandwich, pineapple smoothie, roasted cashew nuts, juice and ice cream. They sat on one of the benches, watching the ducks on the pond, and Chisom asked Chioma about Jessica.                                                                              

‘Jessica seems quiet these days, I’m afraid she might be planning something. But I am not an ant that she can step on.’                        

Chisom nodded, taking bites of her ice cream.                                    

After the food was finished, Chisom stood up, playfully dragging Chioma up. As they walked, they stopped to watch the birds flying over the small river as the sun began to set.                                        

Chioma glanced at Chisom. ‘Everything looks peaceful.’                          

Chisom nodded. ‘I wish it remains like that,’ she breathed.            

They finally turned back, heading homeward. They were both tired and happy at the same time.                                                          

 

Daniel was standing by the living room window drinking a glass of warm milk when Chisom returned home. He seemed to have just returned from his shop, for he still had his white shirt and black jeans he wore this morning.                                                                              

Chisom entered the house, carrying the fruits and vegetables she had bought with Chioma on their way home. Beatrice was at their small backyard, picking vegetables.                                                                                

 ‘Big brother,’ Chisom greeted and Daniel nodded as he drank a mouthful of his milk.                                                                                  

Chisom placed the bags in the kitchen counter before going to the backyard, crossing her arms across her chest as she admired her mother who was picking vegetables while humming a song.                                   

‘Mum, you are off tune,’ Chisom giggled.                                             

Beatrice raised her head and saw Chisom, she then said, ‘Are you tired of living?’                                                                                                        

‘I haven’t lived my life yet, how can I wish to die?’ Chisom pouted. She walked over and helped her mother pick the vegetables. ‘Mum, I want to eat fried rice with chicken,’ Chisom said coyly and didn’t care if her mother would refuse her request. She just wanted to eat fried rice and chicken.                                                                                  

‘I was thinking you could have wanted pizza and Shawarma,’ Beatrice teased her.                                                                                                 

  Chisom laughed poking her mother’s nose tenderly. After picking and washing the vegetables, Chisom and Beatrice went inside, with their hands still wet from washing vegetables.                                               

‘Dad, mum is going to cook one of my favourites,’ Chisom laughed as she told Leonard who just arrived home.                                        

Leonard turned to her. ‘I bought Pizza.’ He held up the box and Chisom giggled excitedly. She ran to him and took the box of pizza.                         

Daniel lovingly touched Chisom’s head. ‘You are no longer a baby, right?’                                                                                                            

‘I am the baby of the house,’ she giggled.                                                          

‘She will remain my baby even if she is always as stubborn as a cow,’ Leonard laughed.                                                                                           

Chisom made a face. Then, she turned to the kitchen to help Beatrice cook dinner. Of course, it was going to be fried rice with chicken.