CHAPTER TWENTY NINE

Sunday, 21st February 2016.

The Murtala Mohammed Airport was full of travellers that day. When we got through luggage check and had gotten our boarding pass, I waited anxiously for the time to board the plane.

“Attention please, this is the last call for all passengers headed to Abuja, please proceed to the gate.”

I perked up after the announcement. Throughout the previous week, I admit I felt a small thrill of excitement for the journey ahead.

“Shall we?” Mr Jacobs said.

I nodded and picked up the small hand luggage I had with me. The rest of the luggage had already gone through customs and was on the plane. Our seats were in the First Class section of the plane and soon, we prepared for take-off. A strange sensation spread through me, sort of like my stomach dropped away from my body as the plane took to the skies.

Was that even normal?

I discreetly glanced at my boss to see his reaction but he seemed alright and was busy reading a newspaper. In all my years on this earth, it was my first time travelling by air. A while later, a flight attendant offered snacks and drinks which I gladly accepted while Mr Jacobs only took a few sips of water.

Hm, did I seem like a glutton?

He spoke for the first time since we got on the plane.

“Is everything alright?” He asked.

I was in the middle of another bite of a delicious pastry but quickly swallowed.

“Absolutely, sir.”

“I can see that.” He glanced at my half-eaten snack with a small smile.

It always amazed me how his smile had such a stunning effect. I looked away and focused my gaze outside the window.

“You didn’t look well earlier.”

“Oh, it’s my first time on a plane.”

He blinked and focused his attention fully on me.

“You’ve never been on a plane, not even when you were younger?”

I shook my head.

“Well, Miss Fayola, prepare for many more flights in the future.”

My attention was soon captured by the view before me. I had never seen anything like it. It was still morning so the glare of the sun wasn’t blinding. The view up there certainly gave me a new perspective on things.

It was a short flight of only a few hours, but they were the most intriguing I had in a long time. I already looked forward to the experience I would have in Abuja. When we arrived, we checked into our respective rooms at the hotel.

“Do have a pleasant stay,” the receptionist said as we were led down the hallway.

Just before we parted ways, Mr Jacobs stopped me.

“You can take the rest of the day off. I won't be receiving messages or phone calls from anyone today. Meet me downstairs for breakfast tomorrow at 8 a. m. I need to discuss the schedule for the week with you.”

“Yes, sir.”

Once I was alone in the room, I finally let the beauty of the place sink in. I felt giddy with excitement, never mind the fact that I was also exhausted. I had never seen such luxury in my life.

However, Mr Jacobs wasn't fazed by anything. Sure, I read about men and women in high society, the kind of life they lived, the mind-blowing amounts of money they spent but it all seemed so distant like it was in another world entirely.

The past few months working for Mr Jacobs had helped me see life from a different perspective. The lifestyle of the rich and famous was very real but only a few people experienced it and it was a huge contrast to my life.

I ran my hands over the smooth, silky bed sheets and sighed happily. I was glad we arrived safely. The thought of plane crashes scared me most times. With the rest of the day to myself, I took a shower, changed into comfortable clothes and lounged around in the bedroom till I was tired enough to sleep.

“Room service!”

I yawned and sat up in bed, confused. I didn't make any phone call and why was the room so dark already? A glance at the clock revealed that it was a few minutes past 7 p. m. I slept the whole day away.

“Um, hi.” I stood with the door ajar as I stared at the hotel staff on the other side of the door.

“Good evening madam.” A young man held a trolley laden with food. “I'm here to deliver your dinner.”

“I think you’re making a mistake. I didn’t order anything.”

I stepped back to let him in though. He set the trolley in a near the table.

“This is also for you.” He gave me a folded piece of paper. “Have a good evening, ma’am.”

I smiled as I shut the door. I could get used to this kind of life. But who was I kidding? It would all be over in a few days, as soon as my boss was done with his project. I opened the note and read its content.

Enjoy your dinner, Miss Fayola. I assumed you fell asleep when you did not pick up your calls, so I had it sent to your room.

Have a good night,

Daniel Jacobs.

Well, would you look at that! He seemed to be full of surprises. Just then, my stomach rumbled with hunger. Apparently, he had good timing too.