Chapter Twenty-five

At exactly 2 PM, Adira Omowumi was outside Winona Oakson's Academy, waiting to pick up her daughter. She had been standing there for about 45 minutes, with the guard repeatedly telling her to be patient as the school would be closing soon.

Under immense pressure from her mother, Rukky Omowumi, who had threatened to harm herself if Sharon wasn't brought back to the family today, Adira had to cancel her baking meeting to arrive on time.

Leaning against her silver GLE 350, Adira, murmuring in frustration, glanced at her watch, which read almost 2:30 PM. Just then, the bell rang, offering her a sigh of relief. Parents began arriving to pick up their children, and Adira spotted Sharon among the group.

Adira rushed towards the gate, expecting Sharon to come out, but when she saw her sitting alone in the school corridor, she went in to meet her.

Seeing her mother for the first time in five years, Sharon stared in shock, unable to speak. Both stood stunned, as if they had seen a ghost. Tears began to fall from Adira's eyes as she knelt to her daughter's level. Sharon, initially silent, stared blankly at her mother, who had abandoned her years ago.

"Sharon," Adira hesitated, torn between touching her daughter's face or remaining there in guilt. She wiped away the tears on her face, regretting her absence over the past seven years with no check-ins, calls, or messages.

Adira wished she could turn back time to make amends. However, something stopped her from crying further: Sharon's gentle touch as she wiped Adira's tears. Adira looked up to see Sharon crying tears of joy.

Before long, Sharon embraced her mother tightly. Adira held her close, kissing her cheeks, forehead, neck, and ears, whispering, "I miss you so much, my darling."

Sharon looked into her eyes and asked, "Mommy, why did you go? Why did you leave Dad, me, and Grandma and Grandpa?"

Adira shook her head vigorously, "It's a very long story, baby. I wish I could explain everything now, but I need to get you out of here first." She stood up, grabbing Sharon's lunch kit.

Sharon quickly grabbed her wrist, "Wait, Mom, are you taking me away?" Before Adira could answer, she added, "But I was waiting for Dad. He'll be upset if I leave without his permission."

Adira paused, then squatted back down, "Okay, dear, how about I call Daddy to let him know you're coming home with me? Sounds good?" She smiled.

Sharon shrugged, "Okay, but please do it quickly. He gets annoyed easily."

**********

Meanwhile, Darin, the only sibling available, had heard about his niece's disappearance and rushed to his brother Dayo's mansion.

"What did I hear you say over the phone, Bro?" Darin burst in, finding Dayo talking to some policemen.

Dayo left his conversation with the police officer and went to Darin, "We passed each other at the fuel station today. You saw her this morning in her uniform, right?" Dayo was clearly frustrated.

Darin shook his head, equally confused and frustrated. "Of course. I even promised to help her with her assignments tonight and play video games."

"Then where the hell is my daughter? Where is Sharon now?" Dayo shouted, his face red and eyes blazing. His love for Sharon was unwavering, and he would do anything for her.

One of the officers approached, seeing Darin's frustration. "Mr. Ayomide," he said, placing a hand on Darin's shoulder, "I assure you that your daughter will be found within 48 hours. I already have my men on it. Do you have any idea who she might be with? Any friends or acquaintances?"

"Officer Coker," Darin interrupted, his anger boiling over. "Sharon is only twelve. She doesn't have a boyfriend, and she doesn't keep friends or associates. She's—"

"Yes, officer, I think I know who my daughter might be with," Dayo suddenly announced, and the room fell silent.