CHAPTER 3

I envied the people around me, for the kind of life they have. I just couldn't help it. At times, I question God.

Why me? Is my accident a fate or a blessing? I always ask myself.

Will this fate of mine bring me glad tidings or I am bound to live a miserable life till eternity? If I was still in Nigeria, what would have become of me by now? Would I still be alive and happily living with my biological parents? Or I would already be 6ft deep with my skeletons being the remnant and only reminder of my existence?

No matter how much I used to think of the whole issue, I couldn't place my finger on a particular purpose for my existence, and circumstances.

I couldn't remember the last time I allowed myself to wallow in self-pity, despite everything that had happened. But at that moment, I couldn't help it. The last time I cried was when my adopted father died, which was the previous year.

After what happened between Davis and me, I was indoors for two days. I was unable to get over what happened. I couldn't even comprehend the reason behind Davis' actions and anger towards me.

Amy and I almost quarreled too, because she wasn't happy with the way I was letting her brother's actions get to me. I hated inconveniences and I hated it when I am a burden to other people.

I've got to plan my life, I muttered to myself.

It was a Saturday and Amy succeeded in dragging me out of the room.

We went to the museum close to the University and did some sightseeing. I told Amy I was exhausted and she asked me to sit down. There was a bench on the other side of the street, so I left Amy and went across the street to sit down. She stayed back to buy me a cup of ice cream.

I was incredibly excited about going sightseeing with Amy since I got to Boston. Surprisingly, I found it boring.

My mood swings were at work since Thursday. The day I barged into Davis when he was fucking masturbating.

"Gross!"

Amy had been trying to cheer me up, all day, all to no avail. I wanted to be cheered up but my emotional sensitivity wouldn't allow it.

I saw a guy earlier on, trying to persuade me to purchase a ticket from him. A ticket I had no idea what it was meant for. I was about to tell him to back off, aggressively when I noticed the urgency in his actions. He pushed the ticket back into the trot bag over his head and hurried away, without waiting to hear a response from me. I turned around and I saw the reason for his actions.

The police were in the vicinity.

Poor guy! I thought with sympathy. He was probably trying to sell a fake movie ticket just to get something to eat.

I used to think everyone outside Nigeria was damn rich and they live a very comfortable life. But I guess I was wrong. Poverty is in every part of the world.

'I ought to be thankful for my life then. All thanks to Amy', I almost voiced out my thought.

Then, I thought of Davis.

I wish I could see him at that moment and tell him to fuck off, for all I care. I was damn mad at him!

I needed to strategize and plan my life, I told myself again.

I think it's high time I got a job. I was gradually running out of cash. I had less than 200 dollars in my account. If I could get a job, I would be able to save up for college. But first thing first, I needed to get an apartment. Where do I start from?

I reckon I'd have to go to Nichole's cafe to see if he needed a spare hand and if possible employ me as one of his sales reps.

"Hullo, pretty girl" I jerked back into reality. Beside me was a young good-looking guy. He had thick lashes and green eyes, which I found attractive.

Seeing how lost I was, he waved his hands in my face.

"Pretty girl," He said, again.

"Hi" I replied with a smile.

"You were lost in thought a while ago. Wanna share your thoughts with me?" He inquired, with a smile.

"Nah!" I replied and laughed.

"I'm so glad to have brought you back to life" He chuckled. "I am Mason. What's the pretty girl's name?" He stretched his hand for a shake.

I took it and answered, "The pretty girl's name is Zara" I grinned mischievously.

"Zara?" He screwed his brows.

"Yes. Zara."

"That's a strange name. Are you a half-cast? He asked.

"Nope. Guess" I told him.

"Hmmm," He thought for a while, touching his mustache which I found lovely.

"Are you from France?" He demanded.

"Nope," I grinned.

"Are you an Indian?" He asked again.

I shrieked in laughter. "Indian? Far from it."

"The name sounds like a Northern name."

"I am an African," I confessed.

"Damn it! Why didn't I think of that? You do not look like one though."

I laughed again. I know what he meant by that statement and I found it hilarious. "Not all Africans are black. I am a Nigerian to be precise."

"Wao! I've heard a lot about Nigeria, the giant of Africa. My father used to tell me about the countless beautiful babes over there. Who would have thought I would meet one of their pretty species here in Boston, of all places."

"I'm truly honored to meet you, pretty" He bowed dramatically and I chuckled.

What a clown! I thought.

Then, I realized what I was doing. I was laughing at a stranger's joke. Amy had been doing all she could all day to see me laugh like this.

I wiped off the grin on my face.

But, I couldn't deny the fact that he was damn handsome with his pointed nose and adorable mustache.

"Zara, you won't believe your favorite flavor...." Amy came back intruding.

Meanwhile, I was lost in thoughts again while Mason was staring at me.

"Sorry to interrupt," Amy said again, stretching the cup of ice cream at me which I took from her and began to dig into instantly. Amy offered Mason hers which he declined, politely

"I'm Mason" He stretched his hands towards her for a handshake just like he did to me earlier.

"I'm Amy" She grinned widely and shook hands with him.

"Nice to meet you, girls." He uttered and gazed at me again. Then he demanded after a moment of hesitation, "Can I have your contact?"

"Of course," I said sharply and took his phone. He saved my number and stood up to go.

Amy was busy winking at me. Badass!

"I hope to see you soon, Zara. I've got to go."

"Sure." I smiled. I was really enjoying his company before Amy interrupted and I was a little sad he was already leaving.

"I'll give you a call," he remarked with a wink.

"Alright," I beamed

"Bye Zara and Amy," he declared and turned to go.

"Bye" Amy and I chorused and waved at his retreating handsome figure.

"Oh My God! He's damn cute. How did you know him?" Amy asked, scooping the last bit of ice cream into her mouth.

"I met him here." I dropped the empty cup of ice cream and stood up. "Let's go home. I need to take a nap."

"I could see the way he was staring at you like he would eat you up. I had to interrupt before he would swallow you because if he does, I doubt if I'd have another best friend like you."

"You are crazy" I began to walk back the way we came and she followed behind.

That was the first time I liked a man, instantly.

I don't think I've ever had a boyfriend, even in the past. Amy doesn't have a boyfriend either and that makes us perfect, I thought.

I used to wonder why she doesn't have a boyfriend. Though, she has a crush on someone who doesn't even know she exists. She is so obsessed with the guy and I wonder when she will get over it. Maybe that is why she doesn't have a boyfriend.

Even though I barely know Mason, I already liked him.

He is a fun piece! I smiled.

Amy was still ranting as we walked.

"This girl is a bitch" I almost screamed.

".....and I was..."

My statement made her stop. "What girl?" She questioned with a confused look.

"The girl's name is Amy" I responded.

I laughed when I saw the deadly look on her face and ran while she followed. "She's a crazy bitch indeed. She's gonna tear me apart if I allow her to get a hold of me."

I ran past two streets and I swirled round to see Amy far behind. I laughed and stopped running when my phone rang. I placed my hand on my chest to control my racing heart as I picked the call without looking at the name that appeared on my screen.

"Hello," I said into the phone.

"Zahara."

Zahara? There was only one person in the world who calls me that.

"Mom?"

"Yes, it's me, Zahara. Your brother and I miss you a lot" She announced.

I was quiet. Amy ran to my side, breathing heavily. "Must you always show your fucking running skills everywhere we go?" She yelled.

"Zahara, are you there?" Mom asked.

"Yes," I replied.

Amy became curious seeing my contorted face.

"I'm sorry for the yelling. I was only trying to train you up in the right way. Your father won't be happy wherever he is if he knows you ran away from home. This is your home, so please come back."

"Come back? So you can continue with the nagging and yelling? I loved you but you've always made it known to me that you didn't birth me. Have you ever yelled at David?"

"That was my way of showing you how much I love you" She replied.

I found it hard to accept.

"Love you say? Mom, please don't patronize me."

"I'm sorry. I truly miss you. Your brother misses you too."

"I....."

"Zahara, this is your home. Just give me a second chance. I will stop yelling, I promise."

I remained quiet.

"If you don't have enough money with you, I can send you some. When should I be expecting you?"

"I'll think about it."

"I'll give you a reply by tomorrow," I said.

"Love you."

I hung up. Amy raised her brows, waiting for an explanation from me.

Then I dropped the bombshell. "Mom wants me to come back home."

"What the hell!"