CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE

Sunday, 28th February 2016.

It was when we arrived in Lagos that I began to worry.

Should I go to my parents’ house, although I hadn’t given any notice?

I knew mom would worry when she saw me with my luggage, straight from the airport. It also occurred to me that, all that I had in these two small bags were most likely what was left of all my belongings.

Or I should go to Lara? That was it!

I was sure Lara would take me in. I was about to dial her number when Mr Jacobs spoke.

“I have gotten you a place to stay.”

Say what now?

“Why do you look surprised? I already told you that I would handle it.”

“I... sir...”

Minutes later, Bode arrived at the airport to pick us up but I was still too stunned to speak.

***

From the calibre of homes, I saw as we drove into the residential area in Lekki Phase 1, I knew it was a rich neighbourhood. In other words, totally out of my financial capacity. We stopped at an apartment building. It had at least seven floors each with a balcony.

"We have arrived, sir," Bode announced as he stopped in front of the building.

I glanced at my boss who was occupied with his iPad. I was tempted to ask if perhaps the building had a boys' quarters for me to stay in. I would be satisfied with that.

“Bode, please bring our luggage upstairs. Put Miss Fayola’s belongings on the 5th floor. I believe it is unoccupied.”

I sat there gobsmacked even as he got out and shut the door.

“S-sir, you mean h-here?” I hurriedly got out of the car.

“I promised to arrange accommodation for you, didn't I? There's more than enough room and other tenants live here so, it's suitable. You would have new neighbours and not be isolated.”

I stared up at the magnificent building in awe. His phone rang and I turned to look at him.

“Excuse me, I need to take this call. Bode, please show Miss Fayola to her apartment.”

Bode gestured for me to follow as he led the way.

“Each apartment has a kitchen, bathroom, living room and two bedrooms,” Bode explained.

“He mentioned that there are other tenants. How can I possibly afford to pay rent for a place like this? I don't even know how much it costs.”

I reared back in surprise when he laughed.

“Our boss owns this building along with several others all in different locations. If he says you can stay here and he didn’t mention payment, then he doesn't expect you to pay him. Otherwise, he would have told you so. He occasionally lives here when he has some work in this area or if he feels like it.”

“Oh,” I mumbled. I felt a bit silly.

“What happened to your former house anyway?”

“There was a fire incident. All my possessions are gone. I don't even know where I'm going to start.”

“Don't worry, God will see you through. You’ll get back on your feet in no time.”

“Amen.” I smiled at his encouragement.

When we got to the 5th floor, Bode unlocked the door, set my luggage by the door and gave me the security code.

“Thank you so much.”

“No problem, I hope you can find your way around easily. The apartment has a good electricity supply, thanks to back-up generators so you don’t need to worry about a power outage. Also, a housekeeper comes twice in month to tidy up so the apartment isn’t abandoned or gathers dust. You should be able to sleep here this night without having to do any cleaning.”

“All I need is a roof over my head and this is already more than enough.”

His phone rang and he informed me it was the boss.

“I have to go now, you take care.”

When he left, I shut the door and leaned against it with my eyes tightly closed. It all felt like a dream. I propelled my body off the door with my elbows and went to take in my new environment.

The rooms were furnished with simple yet sleek furniture. The dark leather sofas complemented the cream coloured walls and the marble tiles on the floor. I sank into one of the sofas, marvelling at how comfortable it was. A huge burden was taken off my shoulders, at least for the time being.

I woke up slightly disoriented the following day. I ran my hand over the bedsheets, it felt softer than anything I had slept on. My stomach rumbled a reminder of my empty stomach and more so my lack of food supply. I said my morning prayers and freshened up.

I dug searched through my handbag for a snack and pulled out a packet of biscuits, munched on it and washed it down with a bottle of water.

One should never underestimate the power of a handbag.

Once I had some energy, I went over to the balcony I saw earlier. I had always loved the idea of having a balcony. My parent's house was a bungalow so we had none, there wasn’t one at my former house.

I leaned against the railings and gazed at the view before me. Somehow, Lagos seemed much better from up here.

A small smile graced my lips.

Finally, I had something to do with that 'thank you' gift I bought Mr Jacobs.

Below, I noticed a tennis court and a swimming pool. The place also had recreational facilities, it was a real package. It wasn't so dark yet and I could see some people moving about. I guessed they were the tenants my boss was talking about. I left the balcony feeling elated. I had just gotten ready for bed, when my phone rang.

It was my boss.

"Hello, sir?"

"Did you settle in alright?" He asked.

A warm, tingly feeling began to spread through my body.

"Yes sir. Everything is just perfect, thank you so much. I don't think I can thank you enough."

"I'm glad it is. Have a good night."

I bid him goodnight and went to sleep with a ridiculous smile on my face.