CHAPTER THIRTY NINE

I listened as Baba Tope explained the fire outbreak.

“It was 2 a. m. when a fire broke out in the house beside yours. The cause was gas leakage, luckily no one was hurt.”

That was the only piece of good news.

The houses were built in such a way that many neighbouring houses were connected. So, if something like a fire occurred in one house, there was a high possibility that it could spread to the next one. Some houses weren’t properly fenced off, so a fire couldn’t be easily contained.

“The fire started in the house next door, it spread to the main house and finally spread to the quarters where you stay.” Baba Tope shook his head sadly. “There was not much anyone could do. Many people were asleep by that time. When the firefighters arrived, the fire had already spread to the next building.”

Mama Tope walked in with a black carrier bag.

“These are the items we could gather.”

“Thank you so much.” I stood to collect the bag.

I clasped it tightly in my hands. That was all that was left. I almost can’t remember how I made it to the apartment in Lekki. The journey was like a blur. Soon, I found myself in the empty, dark apartment. A strong feeling of loneliness overwhelmed me.

I dropped the bag in a corner of the room and went downstairs. I kept walking till I was outside and the cool evening breeze whipped around me. Right beside the apartment complex was a smaller building. The sound of laughter and upbeat music drew me in. I figured it was a hangout spot. I didn’t even care what it was as long as it would help me forget my worries.

“What can I get you?”

“Huh?” I looked up at the lady before me. She wore a white shirt, a black skirt and a black waistcoat.

“You’re a party guest right, what would you like to drink?”

“Um… that.” I pointed to a random glass on her tray and she handed it to me.

“Thanks,” I mumbled and took a sip.

Woah! I didn’t know what it was but it hit me. I took another off her tray.

“You look familiar. Do you live around here?” She asked.

“Yeah, right next door in those apartments.”

“I knew I had seen you somewhere before. I’m Lizzie. My friend lives in the apartment complex too. I’m staying with her for a while since I got this waitressing job.”

“I’m Eniola. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Lizzie! Am I paying you to serve the guests or to chat with them?” A voice yelled nearby.

“Oh shit, I have to go.”

Before she left, I grabbed once more drink off her tray.

“Oh, I think you should slow your pace a bit. Those are quite strong.”

“I’m… fine….”

I nodded absentmindedly and drank the cool liquid then I went in search of more drinks. The room seemed to buzz with peculiar energy that seeped into my body. Next thing I knew I was dancing to the music with a bunch of strangers. When only a few stragglers were left, Lizzie approached me cautiously.

“I’m through with work, can I walk you home?”

I threw my arms around her and most of my weight too.

“Lead the way!”

“Woah there, I told you not to drink too much.”

“It was just a tiny little bit…really.”

“Which floor do you live on? Come on, I’ll take you there.”

I blurted out the number without a second thought. Lizzie led me back outside and into the apartment complex. As we made our way up the stairs, I could tell I was weighing both of us down.

“Ugh, I know who could carry me with ease.”

“Oh yeah, who?” Lizzie panted.

“He’s amazing, really handsome and looks so strong… even in a suit.”

“Sounds wonderful. I hope he’s not imaginary.” Lizzie groaned. “If you could just be quiet for the next few minutes. This wouldn’t be so hard.”

“There he is!” I let go of Lizzie and fell forward.

There was no timely intervention and I fell flat on the ground.

“What’s going on here?” A voice said from above. “Miss Fayola?”

“Mr Jacobs!”

I peeked up from the floor and grinned.

“I told you he was real.”

Two arms picked me up from the ground and held me steady.

“Do you know her?” Lizzie asked him as she quickly came to my side.

“Well, yes I do but...”

“Okay good. I’ll come and check on her tomorrow.”

Lizzie walked us to the door of my apartment and waited till I got inside. Then she walked away massaging her shoulders.

Mr Jacobs led me into the apartment and looked around.

“I guess the layout can’t be that different from his apartment…”

“Huh?” I asked.

“Never mind.”

He quickly found the bedroom and helped me get into bed.

“It’s too… early to sleep.”

“You’re slurring your speech.” He sounded shocked. “Have you been drinking?”

“It’s my first time.” I giggled.

I stared up at him. He seemed flustered. He pulled out his phone and his fingers rapidly flew across the screen. Seconds later, there was a notification.

“Help will arrive soon, hang in there.”

“No, don’t go. Stay here.” I patted the side of the bed.

He stared at it for a second and looked at me.

“I don’t think so, darling.”

“That’s the first time you called me, darling. That’s a huge step in our relationship!” I giggled like a maniac.

When I was all out of giggles, I sighed and looked up at him.

“You’re really handsome. I like your face.”

“Um, thank you. So I have been told.”

“Hmph! Don’t let it get to your head.”

“Right.” He glanced toward the door. “He better get here soon.”

“Who?”

“Don’t worry your pretty head about that.”

“Can I tell you a secret?”

“You’re sure you won’t regret this?”

I shook my head even though it made me a bit dizzy.

“I think I really like you.”

His eyes widened as he stared at me. The bell rang, quickly followed by the sound of someone knocking on the apartment door and he quickly turned to get it.

“You should get some rest.”

I heard muffled voices but paid no attention. I already felt sleepy. Footsteps approached my room and I felt a presence beside me. A warm hand gently stroked my forehead.

“She’s finally asleep.” A voice said.

“I’ll watch her, thank you for telling me.” Another replied.

“Oh and by the way, when she wakes up, I think she has a lot to tell you.”

“What do you mean?”

“Only she can answer that. Good night.”

I let myself drift off into a deep sleep.