-epue-

She whirled to face him, ready to lash out, but her words caught in her throat as he leaned in and kissed her. The world seemed to tilt, her breath stolen by the unexpected intensity. His lips were warm, urgent, and for a moment, she forgot everything—Jide, her anger, her confusion. The kiss wasn’t awkward or hesitant like her first with Jide. It felt natural, consuming, like a long-held secret finally revealed.
-----
Christine stepped forward, her voice trembling but determined. “Jide, stop. This isn’t what you think.”
“Isn’t it?” Jide’s voice carried an edge she hadn’t heard before. He gestured between her and Sean. “I come in here, and you two look like you’re… like there’s something going on.”
“There’s nothing going on,” Christine insisted, her voice rising in frustration. But even as she said it, the taste of Sean’s kiss lingered, a betrayal she couldn’t ignore.
Sean let out a harsh laugh, shaking his head. “Nothing going on? Really? You felt nothing, Christine? That’s what you’re going to say?”
“Sean, stop!” Christine snapped, her voice sharp. She turned to Jide, her heart aching at the hurt in his eyes. “Jide, please. This isn’t fair. Sean just—he’s frustrated. He’s saying things out of emotion.”

CHRISEAN

The air in Nairobi was cooler than Christine expected. As she stepped out of the terminal, the wind brushed gently against her cheeks, carrying with it the unfamiliar scent of eucalyptus and something floral she couldn’t quite place. The sky stretched open above her in hues of soft gray and lilac, the sun hanging low like a lamp dimmed on purpose. 


A tall man in a crisp navy uniform stood near the terminal’s edge, holding a placard that read Christine Momoh. She offered him a small nod and walked over, pulling her Louis Vuitton underarm bag closer against her side. 


“Karibu,” he said with a slight bow. “Welcome to Kenya. I’ll be taking you to the school.” 


Christine responded with a polite smile. “Thank you.” 


He took her carry-on and led her to a sleek black sedan with tinted windows and spotless interiors. It smelled like new leather and lemongrass. Christine sank into the back seat as the driver shut the door quietly and moved to the front. 


PINK LUGGAGE, NEW AIR