CHAPTER 20

I walked to the main hall to see Leo. He was dressed in a blue jeans and black shirt. He smiled as he saw me. He was holding a bouquet of lilies and a plastic bag.

We exchanged pleasantries and he guided me to a more enclosed space. From afar, I saw the silhouette of a woman whose back was turned to us.

“Mom!” Leo called. The woman turned towards us. It was the beautiful Amelia Sanders. She looked elegant in her black satin gown and her hair was packed in an updo twist.

“Son!” she smiled and pulled him to an embrace, his five feet eleven inches towering her. She turned her attention to me, “Child, come closer.”

Perplexed, I moved closer to her. She stretched forth her hand which I took. I had thought that she wanted a handshake so I was caught off guard when she pulled me in for a hug.

I held my breath in shock, my body stiffened as she encloaked me. She rubbed my back soothingly and I slowly released my breath, my body sagging against her. Leo was quiet as the hug went on for a few longer seconds.

“Baby, you have grown a lot since I last saw you." She muttered into my eyes.

I looked into her eyes, as if searching for answers. She smiled sadly, her eyes brimming with tears.

“I remember now. No wonder you looked familiar. You are Leo’s mum and Ann's colleague who always protected me back then from her devices."

Amelia smiled, “I have missed you, child. I have been so worried about you. I was relieved when I heard that you were here. You must have been through a lot.”

We sat beside Amelia and begin to converse. She was warm, motherly and everything Ann was never. I was envious of Leo at that moment. He had a mother who loved him unconditionally.

“Leo, did you bring what I asked you to?” Amelia inquired. Leo nodded, passing the plastic bag to her.

Amelia took out a small box from the plastic bag. She opened the box to reveal a beautiful crystal brooch. She pinned the brooch on my dress.

“This is yours, Mara”, she sighed. “I know you must have been through so much and nothing can change that but I just... I want to be there for you. If you need anything, let me know, okay?”

She held my hands and kissed them, “I have to excuse myself. Leo has something prepared for you. You kids should go have some fun.”

Amelia stood up and gave us brief hugs before calling her driver. We watched as she entered her car and got driven off.

It was a little awkward for the first few minutes after Amelia left. We were both shy and unsure of what to say.

Leo summoned courage and asked if my schedule was free for the next three hours. I replied affirmatively and he announced that we are going out.

He offered to assist me with my bag. He led me to where his car was parked. It was a beautiful black car, a Camry Toyota. Being the gentleman he was, he opened the door for me to sit, before entering the car. I smiled in appreciation.

Leo switched on the radio and some solemn blues began to play. I enjoyed his company. Conversation flowed between us. He was also very attentive to my mood.

He ushered me into the restaurant. He had booked a more private space for us so that we could dine with less noise.

The waiter attended to us with a warm smile. Leo chose some chicken and shrimps with some yoghurt. I ordered some banana bread and chicken fried steak.

We talked about life, our family, the pageantry competition. We talked about so many things. He was an old soul, a very compassionate person. He was also light, fun and flirty.

After dinner, he took me to an arcade. We played Mortal combat, karaoke, chess, among others. He beat me at pool though. I won a teddy bear for him at one of the games.

We, thereafter, went to a cinema to watch the Nigerian movie ‘Queen Amina’. It was intense and I left the cinema, traumatized.

I enjoyed the movie. We also got some popcorn and drinks. I really wondered how we could get all those into our stomachs.

After a nice time at the cinema, we made a stop at a dessert shop and we got some ice cream, cookies and chocolate. We also bought some grilled meat in a BBQ nearby.

We got back to the Tween pageantry Organization building around nine pm. I did not get out of the car immediately. We sat in silence for a few seconds before we burst into laughter.

I looked at Leo, “Thanks Leo. I really enjoyed today.” I reached forward and kissed his cheek. He blushed and pulled me into a hug.

He handed my things to me and saw me off to my entrance of TPO. He waved me goodbye. I walked into the dormitory in happiness, my heart beating fast in excitement.

My happiness, however, was dampened when I saw Ann with Trixie. Ann smiled at me, “Sugar, I see you’ve met Trixie, my mentee. I hope you two get along.”

She turned to Trixie, “Do not underestimate my daughter. An apple does not fall far from the tree. She would definitely give you a run for your money.”

She turned to me again, “Mara, follow me.” I sighed.

“Chloe. It is Chloe, not Mara.”

She smiled again, creepily, “Okay, Chloe. We have to talk.” I followed her obediently as she led me to a small garden behind the main building.