Send Forth
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“I can’t believe I’m actually thinking about this,” I confess to G-Ben, exchanging a knowing glance amidst this organized chaos called an airport. The terminal hums with the vibrant energy of travelers and their loved ones, a bustling microcosm of emotions as people embark on journeys and reunite after separations.
“The studying abroad thing?” G-Ben clarifies.
“Yeah.” I nod, wishing I weren’t as bright-eyed as I imagined, scanning the bustling crowd for a familiar face.. “I’m not sure I’m prepared for it.”
Last night, fueled by cocktails, I spilled my thoughts to some cousins about considering traveling abroad to study. I think they started the conversation about Nigerians studying abroad and mentioned that UK ladies aren’t easy with men.
Special will be there.
All alone.
I need to be by his side.
“No one’s ever truly ready. If it’s what you want, you just… go for it,” G-Ben offers.
“Yeah…”
He peers around. “I think I see them.”
“Where?” I strain to follow his gaze. “I can’t—” Then, I spot him. Special, flanked by two figures. My heart races.
The lady figure I’m presuming to be Alice, Special’s sister, walks ahead of him. Her vibrant smile matches the excitement in her eyes as she notices us. She strides with grace. Beside her, the guy I’m assuming to be Obinna, Special’s older brother, exudes calm confidence, his gaze curious.
Seeing him with his siblings, effortlessly radiating coolness, makes my breath temporarily bottle up in my chest. I lied yesterday—I hope they like me. Becoming friends wouldn’t be so bad. I care about the impression I make; I want to be part of their circle. To share jokes that we all understand.
Alice’s smile widens as we approach, and Obinna’s gaze flickers with amusement, his lips curling up in a teasing grin. I can already sense that he’s the one who will bring joviality and sarcasm to the mix.
“Hey there.” Alice’s voice is as melodic as I imagined it. Her eyes sparkle with curiosity, and her smile is infectious as she greets us affectionately. “You must be Fifi.”
I nod, mirroring her smile. “Yes. It’s lovely to finally meet you, Alice.”
“Likewise! And you,” she gestures to G-Ben, “must be Gbenga, right?”
G-Ben nods, offering his hand. “That’s right. G-Ben for short. Special talks highly of you, all good stuff, I promise.”
“Obviously,” Alice jests, nudging G-Ben playfully. “Special speaks about you too. He didn’t exaggerate your height, though.”
G-Ben chuckles, his tall frame standing even taller in response. “Pleasure meeting you, Alice. And you have quite the sense of humor.”
Is it me or are these two sparking something without realizing it?
Before Alice can reply, Obinna steps forward, extending a hand to G-Ben and then to me, his handshake firm and friendly. “Obinna,” he introduces himself with a knowing smile. Although his expression is relaxed, his tone drips with playful sarcasm. “The famous G-Ben and Fifi. Special’s made quite the fuss about you two.”
G-Ben chuckles. “Is that so? Well, it’s nice to finally see the faces behind the names.”
Alice nudges Obinna, rolling her eyes. “Ignore him. He’s always like this.”
Obinna feigns innocence, raising his hands in mock surrender. “Who, me? I’m just trying to welcome our guests.”
I don’t know when he did it, but Special is beside me, pulling me into a side hug. “I’ve missed you.”
My heart swells, the urge to tell him not to go almost escapes me. “I’ll miss you.”
Although we’re in our own cocoon, I catch bits of Obinna’s reply to G-Ben and Alice, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “…but you know, I’m here to monitor both of them. Can’t have just anyone mingling with the family.”
Um… I’m lost.
I guess Alice understands my deer in headlight expression as she is laughing at whatever Obinna just said. “Don’t mind him,” she tells me. “He’s just trouble,” she adds with a wink, leaving me blushing.
Special excuses himself to check in his luggage, while we chat. Obinna and Alice bring a lightness to the moment, jokes flowing. G-Ben joins, skillfully blending his humor. It feels like we’ve known each other for ages, not mere moments. And… I feel like the party pooper who just wants to absorb the moment and not talk too much.
Occasionally, I catch Special’s eyes; they’re tender watching his siblings interact with us. This moment feels like we’re stitching our worlds together, forming connections beyond just him, my family, and me.
He returns momentarily before the call to board his flight. Alice envelops him in a tight hug, promising to pester him with tales of his adventures abroad, while exchanging smiles that hide the bittersweet taste of farewell.
Obinna and G-Ben hug Special, and G-Ben ends his hug with a friendly clap on the back before offering me a warm smile, as though saying, it’s your turn sis.
My heart’s heavy yet resolute. I know this farewell is significant for everyone. G-Ben steps back, giving Special and me a moment.
Our eyes meet, and in that silent exchange, a world of emotions unfolds—gratitude, hope, and an undeniable sense of longing.
“Hey.” Special’s voice is soft, tender.
“Hey,” I reply, emotions making my voice quiver.
The world fades, and it’s as though time itself has paused to honor this moment before the inevitable goodbye.
“I can’t believe this day is finally here,” I confess, my eyes shimmering with unshed tears.
Special’s brushes the two braids I let frame my face to the side. “I know. It feels surreal, doesn’t it?”
I nod, my heart on my sleeve. “I’m so proud of you. You’re embarking on a new adventure, and I know you’ll conquer it in flying colors.”
His touch against my cheek is comforting. It takes me back to weeks ago, when we were in Mama Gees restaurant.
Oh, how time flies!
He smiles faintly. “Fifi baby... Thank you. Your belief in me means everything.”
A faint, sad but hopeful smile tugs at my lips. “Promise me something?”
“Of course.” Special’s gaze is unwavering, eyes locked onto mine.
My voice is soft yet resolute. “Promise that by this time next year, I’ll be in the UK with you. That we’ll finally have our chance.”
Surprise and warmth flicker in his eyes. He takes a moment to let my words sink in. His brow furrows. “Fifi, I can’t predict anything, but I promise you I’ll be there waiting. If it’s meant to be, we’ll find a way.”
You don’t want to come back?Tears threaten to spill over as my heart swells with the uncertainty of our situation. I should have asked questions beyond admissions, registration, flying out of the country and all that. Is it too late to ask about after-school plans?
If it’s meant to be, we’ll find a way. The only word I can utter is, “Amen.”
Before I can say more, G-Ben’s interrupts, announcing that it’s time for Special to board. The reality of the moment hits me, the weight of separation becoming tangible. My heart pounds like the beat of a thousand drums.
Taking up his personal space, our eyes locked, I cup his cheek. Amidst farewells and the crowd, I lean in. My breath quickens as I boldly brush my lips ever so lightly against his. I gasp when he cups my cheek, and his tongue seeks permission to dance with mine. Though we’re in public, I release my inhibitions. Pressing into him, I let him lead, our hearts in sync with our dancing lips.
Someone clears their throat, breaking our bubble. Smiling, panting, and breathless, I pull back, until only our foreheads touch.
Wow!
Our first kiss.
I want more.
We’re smiling, our fingers intertwined, forging a silent pact.
“We’ll make it through, Fifi,” he whispers, his determination as clear as day is to night.
I nod, tears I’ve long forgotten, shimmering in my eyes. “Yes, together.”
As the reality of our situation sinks in, I gather the courage to voice my worries. “What if things don’t go as planned? What if I get an opportunity to study in the UK but don’t get a job? What happens?”
Special’s gaze is unwavering. “If you don’t, you’ll come back. I’ll support you.”
“What about you?”
“I’ll have a job and will do everything in my power to sort out any challenge you’ll be facing. Pray for me, okay?”
I nod.
“Okay lovebirds,” Obinna announces somewhere beside us, and we break apart.
Pray for me…The weight of his words settles, and I frown as uncertainty creeps in. Why pray for him? What happens to me? Must my life balance on his? Why can’t we have equal footing in our relationship? Isn’t he supposed to assure me we’ll be together no matter what? Or promise me that everything will go without a hitch?
I doubt Special is aware of my racing thoughts because he continues sharing quick banter with everyone.
“Take care of him, Fifi,” Obinna’s voice brings me to our surroundings. His gaze darts from Special to me. “And if he ever gives you trouble, just let me know. I’ll have a chat with him.”
We all share a chuckle, and I nod, touched by his attempt to crack a joke in this situation. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
The goodbye takes on a bittersweet edge.
Special bids his farewells and heads towards the departure gate. Alice, Obinna, G-Ben, and I stand together, watching him until he disappears.
I turn to Alice and Obinna, a forced smile tugging at my lips. “Thank you both for being so welcoming,” I say channeling my heartfelt gratitude through my voice.
Obinna grins, his eyes warm. “No problem, Fifi. Just remember, you’re part of the squad now. Special’s already warned us you’re a force to be reckoned with.”
His statement makes me laugh.
G-Ben tells me our ride has arrived, and we bid them farewell.
Left to my thoughts as I walk beside G-Ben, there’s a heaviness I can’t shake off. The once vibrant airport becomes a blur as my thoughts consume me. In the midst of the bustling crowd, I wrestle with my emotions, the path I’m to choose, and the man who holds a significant place in my heart.
Although the journey home is a quiet one, my thoughts refuse to settle.
As I navigate through the labyrinth of my mind, earlier conversations that at first held no meaning start making sense in a twisted way. If it’s meant to be, we’ll find a way. Did he really say that?