I stared there, looking at the beautiful piece of art, an artwork missing from a museum. My body was feeling a rush I hadn't felt before; my heartbeat was increasing so fast, as Aku ran his fingers down my face. His chest was so hard and pumped, his abs looked like well-carved chocolates, covered in blood. I adored his body; his body should be the last thing on my mind. The blood that filled his mouth wasn't disgusting me as I bent down for a kiss. People were screaming and making videos; I heard a faint sound of an ambulance siren approaching.
I sat with my bra, my white shirt (which I was using to place pressure on the injury) all soaked in blood. I sat at the center of the highway, crying and begging him to stay with me; his time was almost up, I knew. If I hadn't hated my own people - such lovely people - I have been the fool all this time, but it's too late. A love story I never regretted writing.
I ran my fingers through my black silky hair, as I sat on my royal pink bed. I always thought I would be a Princess; the situation is heavier than I thought. I just couldn't take it; we are losing everything in a flash. I just can't believe it - the company actually burnt down, the amount investors are suing for this is crazy. I can't go on with my friends; I can't come out; it's everywhere. We are losing the house soon; my social life is gone; I'm doomed.
I started feeling dizzy as all these thoughts ran through my head. I took my eyes off the mirror so I don't see what a failure I have become. Am going to lose the pool; the summer holidays won't be with Tyler, Jason, and Abby but total strangers. Tears filled my eyes as I slumped on the bed.
My door gently swung open. "I have been knocking, darling; you ain't answering," it was Mom. She looked very stressed and frustrated; her afro hair was scattered, her tie was loose, she didn't have her jacket on; she was in her suit skirt. Her eyes were screaming, "Am sorry, darling."
"Uhhhhhh, the housekeepers, Rebecca and Janel, will come pack your clothes; you are going to stay with Grandma in Enugu, Nigeria," she gave out a weak smile. "You are not convincing me; it's final; there is nothing I can do," she said, standing on my fur, pure white center rug. She turned immediately and left.
I watched as she left; I shut my eyes as tears rolled freely from my eyes. I sighed and stood angrily as I pulled down my huge mirror, which was shaped like a heart; it came down crashing into pieces. "Bloody disgusting Nigerians," I screamed, as I stormed into the bathroom. Didn't realize I had been cut till I stepped into the tub warm water.
I clutched my legs to my chest as I heard my door open. "Park my bags and get that clean, Janel and Rebecca!" I screamed. "Yes, ma," they replied. "Get my skin cares, my makeup, my soaps; everything packed, my bags, shoes, jewelry - all packed!" I screamed out again.
I took my bath, got changed, and laid on the bed going through my iPhone 16. As I read through the already published article, I mean, it was all I was seeing: "John Newton's EX-wife, Mrs. Mirabel Newton, now known as Mirabel Obianuju, has gone bankrupt after losing her company, Shiraz Beauty Cosmetics, the biggest cosmetic company in New York. She now has a liability of millions and outstandings to banks of millions; seems like she has been making bad investments. Her only daughter, Alexis Newton, has been withdrawn from her school; I wonder how bad it has gotten."
"Fuckkkk!" I screamed and slammed my phone on the sofa. "This goddamn article and blog." My phone vibrated; text from Jason: "At least I got my friends." I opened it and saw a text from Jason: "Look Alexis, we have decided this thing you are in; it's bad for us. We don't need it destroying our image and family being on articles. We have to end our friendship here; we all have decided. Sorry; we have all unfollowed you on socials."
"Fuck you all!" I said and threw my phone to the wall, as I stood and cursed out loud. I slumped on my bed and cried myself to sleep.
Grrrrrrrrr, my alarm went. I immediately got up, took my bath; I was already getting suffocated in this surrounding. I had to move, but not to Nigeria - not just Nigeria. Am actually a black American, but I can't believe I'm racist to my own people; Mom always complained about it, but I don't care. The only thing showing I was black was my afro hair, which I relaxed and kept straightening, so it's difficult to realize my dad is white after all.
I brushed and stretched my hair, wore a white tank top, a black half-jacket, a black boyfriend jean, and black Doc Martens. Alexis' mother called from downstairs, "First time she actually screamed my name," I thought. I always got her messages through the servants. I picked my purse and came down, admiring the house - it's a beautiful mansion decorated in black and gold. I sighed and got into the black GLE.
"What the heck, Rebecca? Just two bags packed? Where are my stuffs?" I shouted angrily. Mom stepped out, giving me a cold look. "You are going with only important things, and your flight is leaving soon
- Enugu, Nigeria, 8:39 AM.I felt a different weather and atmosphere as I stepped out of the airport; the sun was burning so bad. I was at Enugu; I felt like crying. "I can't survive here, Mom," I stammered, almost in tears.
We boarded a taxi to Grandma's house; the ride was smooth. It's been up to 15 years since I was here. I felt a shiver down my spine as I remembered how I was hated by others because I was white and always fell sick. "The traffic jam is crazy, I hate it already, Mom," I said. "So many traffic lights, but a lot of jams."
I sat looking outside; we soon arrived in front of a green duplex. Compared to my house, it is poor. "Ehhhh, oyiborrr," a dark-looking man screamed, saluting my mom. "Arghhhh, madam, she fine o." What sort of English was that, for real? I looked at him; he stretched forth his hands to shake mine. "Chocolate and caramel," he said. I scoffed as I dodged his hands. "Get my bags," I told him coldly. I really didn't want to know who he was.
I stormed in angrily. "He wouldn't have done that," I said angrily, as I crashed into a woman of about 5'3". "Your home, baby," she said, as she squeezed me in. Physical touches weren't my thing; I gave her a gentle push and a fake smile and headed upstairs to find a nice room.The second master bedroom - it was smaller than my room, and it was a wooden wardrobe. I felt like a dethroned princess, remembering I had a room just for my clothes in New York; now everything is gone.
Mom stepped into the room calmly
"I will be going back to settle the lawsuit from the people suing," Mom said, and hugged me gently. Since Dad left, she is all I got. During the period Dad left, we both came to Nigeria; I was 5 years old then. I stayed with Grandma for 3 years before Mom built herself up to a level where she got my visa, and we left back to New York - fifteen years ago. Now, I'm back here; I thought that life was far behind.
We had a housekeeper then in Nigeria, though as little as I was, I was always rude to the woman. Mom faced some financial setbacks, but she always provided for me; I wasn't a girl to lack things. She made sure I never lacked from my needs to my wants.
"I will be traveling back to New York tomorrow," she said, and kissed my forehead and left. I always knew Mom to be a strong woman; she said it is in her genes as a Nigerian woman. I wish I could be as strong as she is.
"Rebecca!" I screamed. "Rebecca isn't here," Mom screamed back. Then it dawned on me: I was in hell. I can't even take care of myself; how will I go about my life right now? I slumped on my bed, but the foam was hard. Nothing fits here.
"Mary," I remembered, and jumped from my bed and ran downstairs. "Granny, please call Mary," I asked.
"Who is Mary?" Granny asked.
"The housekeeper, of course," I replied.
"Ohhhh, you still remember her," Granny said. "You were never nice to her," Mom chimed in.
I muttered something under my breath. I knew how Grandma could be; she once beat me when I was younger, so I didn't want her to hear what I said.
"Okay, Grandma replied and picked up her phone to call. "Please tell her to come arrange my stuff for me," I said, and went to get something from the kitchen.
I got chicken, microwaved it, and took out a bottle of Coke. After finishing my meal, I went to my room and slept off.
Waking up I was very confused to see a strange person in my room what the heck are you doing in my room was I hallucinating,I stood angrily and pushed the stranger as I saw my bikini and underwear he had already folded,I gave him a hot slap
"Who are you?" I demanded.
"Me, Aku," he replied, his eyes locking onto mine.
The boy who'd stolen my first kiss 15 years ago stood before me, now a man with a perfect body.
My heart raced, and butterflies fluttered in my stomach.
Aku's gaze held mine, and I felt the past rush back. Memories of our childhood, our laughter, and our first kiss flooded my mind.
"nnenne," he whispered, his voice low and husky.
My nickname, reserved for those closest to me, rolled off his tongue like a gentle breeze.
"Aku, what are you doing here?" I asked, trying to sound calm despite the turmoil within.
"I've been working for your grandma," he replied, his eyes never leaving mine. "My mom Mrs Mary is sick."
My mind reeled as I processed this information. Aku, the boy who'd once held my heart, now stood before me, a man.
"How long have you been here?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.
"A few months," he said, his smile hinting at secrets.
I took a step back, needing space to clear my head.
"Aku, I..."
"nnenne, don't," he interrupted, his voice laced with emotion. "Don't push me away. Not again."
His words struck a chord, and I felt the walls I'd built around myself begin to crumble.
"Why are you here, Aku?" I asked again, my voice barely above a whisper.
Aku took a step closer, his eyes burning with intensity.
