Chapter Two

The route to Joyce's place was lengthy and I was hungry, tired and unhappy. I had assumed that the moment I walked out of my home, I would have been cheerful but that wasn't the case. Everything I was feeling was making my emotions get the better of me. To aggravate my present mood was my slippers which were starting to make my ankle throb with every step I took, it was a weird feeling but it was my reality. My spine ached from walking so long. The whole of my body was in throes of pain. I liked walking but this wasn't it. If only mom would have taken me.

In as much as I had walked through the winding road using shortcuts to hasten my arrival to Joyce's home, it looked like I haven't made an ounce of improvement for close to forty-five minutes. The closer it seemed I got to the house, the further away it was. I could liken it to searching for a pin in a satchel but maybe I was exaggerating a bit.

On the street where I presently was, there were few signs of life; a child playing with a ball, a couple of miscreants parading the street who caused me to lower my head to avoid undue attention to myself, some barbers and hairdressers and a few people heading somewhere in a hurry. I honestly couldn't wait to turn the corner that will pull me into the guarded estate of Joyce but my leg slowed me down and the road was equally bad.

"Take it easy o." Someone said.

I didn't want to know who was speaking and I kept walking but soon enough, the person held my hand. I was taken aback by the gesture which stalled me in motion. My first instinct was to panic but when I looked up, it was my mother's friend, Mr Chetachukwu, a prominent photographer.

"Good evening sir." I greeted.

His hands were still on my arm which I tried as politely as possible to extract. He seemed to get the message and removed his arm, resting it by his side. I discreetly checked his outfit. He was wearing his signature polo shirt on khaki pants. I welcomed the conversation to rest a little and because I felt that I was a little safe with him, anyway.

My hands were drawing my bag close to me by its straps and I was subconsciously stretching my toes.

"Ada, where are you going? This street is too dangerous o." He asked in a concerned voice.

I smiled, trying to dilute the situation. "Olabisi estate. It's not too far from here."

"I know where it is but you're trekking from your home to this place or did you take a bus or bike that stopped you halfway? Why didn't your mom escort you?" He bombarded me with questions.

His eyes seemed to bore into me like I might tell a lie and he would detect it immediately. I couldn't blame him though, I shouldn't have walked alone but not every parent cared about those little things. At least, not mine. Though, I had to be careful with my words to avoid implicating myself.

"I miscalculated the distance back home," I said simply. No need to say more or he would surely figure out I was lying.

"I take it this is your first time being here." He pulled me aside abruptly as a bike zoomed past.

"Not really." I caught myself having a panic attack due to the force he'd exerted.

He blinked rapidly as he stroked his chin. "I'd take it up with your mom. I don't like the idea of you roaming around the streets, claiming you miscalculated the distance to your destination." His voice dripped with disapproval.

"There's no need for that." I countered. "I should be going, it's getting late," I said quickly.

What was it with this man? Must he always intrude? He would only end up making things worse for me. He seemed thoroughly displeased by my choice of words but I couldn't continue this conversation anymore.

"I beg to differ. There's a need for me to talk to your mom. I'm not completely unaware of how she treats you. I know you're covering up for her but I won't accept any more injustice to be meted out to you." He stamped his right foot on the muddy ground causing some of the particles to bounce to the tip of his trousers, then he paused his lip in a thin line seemingly oblivious to the stain he'd succeeded in creating.

I frowned in as much as I was stunned that he'd been that observant. I couldn't let him talk to my mom though, It would simply aggravate the situation.

"You're wrong. No form of injustice has been meted on me. Please don't tell my mom anything. I have to go. Bye." This time, I walked away.

I imagined he was shaking his head and muttering under his breath. I ignored the urge to turn back to find out if my assumptions were indeed correct. There's no need for that. I was mildly annoyed at the way he offered to talk to my mom like I had complained to him. Anyway, some people were just weird. I didn't care if his intentions were borne out of the need to protect and help me out, it was a bad omen for me.

My mom would practically make my life worse than I had it and will go about telling people that I was slandering her name. I felt the sharp sting of a mosquito bite below my left knee causing me to use my right toe to itch the offending spot. I almost fell before I righted myself, having bumped my feet on a stone at that same time. I didn't bother slowing down though, I moved as nothing happened.

I quickened my steps a bit, careful not to rest on my ankles. Soon enough, I found myself looking at the black gate that barred non-residents from entering the estate. I was grateful I didn't come in contact with more of my family friends. I didn't want more interrogations, all I wanted more than ever was to flop down on Joyce mattress.

I could see three security men manning the gate from their security block. One was already looking at me curiously, I guess he was wondering if I was a threat or not. Well, I wasn't. I pushed myself forward, stopping at the spot.

"Good evening," I mumbled.

Three sets of brown eyes looked at me. The one that had been looking at me and the other two, whom I recognized instantly. The latter's eyes lit up in recognition. All were cleanly shaven and neat, considering the time.

"Ada Ada...The finest girl in the world." The two familiar security men hailed me.

I blushed a bit like I always do. I instantly knew that I made the right decision to come over to this place. I smiled softly, acknowledging their praises. The observing officer looked at the three of us in slow motion. I concluded the guy was too uptight for my liking.

"Thank you but I doubt that. Is Joyce at home?" I queried.

They always knew who was home or not due to the card that was stacked on the wall, which prompted one to sign and also the CCTV hooked discretely by the gate. It was all for security reasons but Joyce swore it's like living in prison.

"Yes. She informed me this morning that you were going to come around and I should let you in pronto." Officer Adeoti informed me.

I shook my head slightly as a smile graced my lips.

"Are you sure this girl is being expected?" The observing officer spoke in a rather condescending manner like I was a riff-raff or something.

"I'm sure. You can enter now." Officer Adeoti said firmly.

I was vaguely aware that an officer who was standing at the other side of the gate, opened the gate for me due to my interest in the spectacle I witnessed. It wasn't on the high side but there was a slight display of power there. I ticked it in my brain as something I'd ask Joyce about.

I signed on the card as was expected of me and stepped into the most beautiful estate I've ever seen, not that I have seen too many estates. I know I'm going to exaggerate here but it's like the pain momentarily vanished leaving in its wake, anticipation.

I took my time looking around the estate. I always do this every time I came to visit Joyce. It was too spectacular, not to take a minute or two to admire the arena. I noticed they'd planted more species of botanical shrubs at both sides of the estate. This served to build an aura around the area, an aura of beautiful colours that were kept in their top-notch condition. No matter how you strain to catch a sight of weed, none was in sight.

Behind the vast scenery, were different types of buildings sitting firmly on the interlock road. Each building had its gate, serving as a form of privacy to other neighbours. These buildings were a bit old but kept in great condition adding to the exotic appeal of the place.

"I'm going to get a house like this one day." My voice came out in a dreamy whisper.

I pulled out of the way for a Toyota Camry that was moving at a full speed by stepping onto the pedestal. Crazy drivers everywhere. Three words that I knew were true. No matter how influential you may be, I have come to realize that everyone was always in a hurry, going somewhere. Cliché but true.

I kept my pace light but firm, taking time breathing in the air of the place. The weather here seemed different - clean and clear. My ankle still throbbed but I fancied I would be fine with a shower over at Joyce place.

No one was outside right now. Maybe, they weren't back from their respective place of work. The only thing that made the estate look inhabited was a little gateman's shack at the left-hand side of the place.

Joyce had confided to me that she oftentimes sat there to beat the boredom at bay if she wasn't allowed to go out of the estate. It annoyed her that she resulted in that but seeing that she has no choice, she had to take what she can get.

Joyce always seemed to me as an ungrateful person. I doubt she'd still think that way if we happen to swap places. I didn't tell her that though, there was no need.

I finally stood at the black gate that protected Joyce and her family. I was here now, at no 14. I stretched my body, then bent down with my butt facing up. I could hear the sounds of muscles crying in relief and smiled. I stood upright after feeling another muscular whine around my waist and tried to peer through the gate. As usual, I couldn't see the house from here thanks to the gate, I was super tiny right now. Why can't I be a bit tall, eh? Well, this wasn't the time to mop about my height.

I let my left hand fall from the strap that I've been holding tightly and pressed the doorbell attached to the wall. I could hear the shrill sound as it sounded. Two more tries and footsteps echoed from the other side.

"Who dey press the bell?" Hamza's voice sounded strained as he stuttered out pidgin English.

Hamza is the new gateman that was employed three months ago and always seemed to fail in keeping in Joyce. I know I should stop calling him new since it's been three months but I'm used to it and it was my inside joke.

"Adanna." I offered simply.

"Adanna." My name sounded off when he called it.

"Yes." I agreed again.

The sounds of muffled steps and clicking bolts greeted my eardrums. I shifted a bit so he wouldn't collide with me when he opened the door. I know it's weird but Hamza had a degree in clumsiness and I didn't want to injure myself further.

Just on cue, the gate was thrown wide open and Hamza stumbled forward. He would have hurt himself if he hadn't held on to the pillar. His signature smile grazed his face despite this. That was Hamza, nothing could beat his cheerful demeanour or the constant smile that seemed to be stamped on his face.

"Na you. Eh, long time o. You no dey come to our side again? You just forget your friend. E no good o." He complained on behalf of Joyce.

I shook my head, smiling a bit. "I've been busy Hamza but now I'm here to spend some time with you all. Let me enter." I added for effect.

I could stand here for hours with Hamza bombarding me with questions and thrilling me with stories if I didn't tell him I was in dire need to enter into the house. I watched with anxiety as he walked back into the compound, hitting his leg on the gate in the process.

"Please, take it easy o," I said softly.

"No worry o. My leg go put me in trouble one day. E no dey do wetin I want make e do." He whined cheerfully.

I stepped into the compound carefully. "Don't talk like that. You're making negative proclamations to yourself. You just need to be more careful, that's all." I admonished him.

He threw his head back and laughed like I said a joke. "Prokamation...You no go kill person with all these English. Shey you know say I no go school." He laughed again.

I couldn't help smiling a bit. "You didn't go to school." I teased.

"My papa no rich like una." He said cheerfully.

"It's well. What I meant before was that you should stop saying negative words to yourself." I explained calmly.

"Na wetin be prokamation?)...I don learn something today o. Adanna go come dey teach me for here every day o." His voice showed his excitement.

Not wanting to damper his mood by replying in the negative, I changed the topic. "Joyce is inside, right?"

"Yes." He said simply.

He went back to the business of locking the gate while I walked further into the compound.

They kept the custom of gardening that I saw outside in this place. The flowers were fingering the vast plot of land as it fell from the sky while at the far end of each wall was a perfectly kept garden that stood tall and firm...they comprised of mostly roses and lilies.

It's not like I'm seeing all these for the first time but it always succeeds every time in taking my breath away. It was beyond beautiful. Back home, we had a modest home that wasn't maintained or decorated to fit the modern-day design. So, you can imagine how thrilling it is for me to come to a place such as this. It was like inhaling a glass of juice from a distance...completely addicting.

I let my eyes skim through the house itself. Now that I was in, nothing was obstructing my view of the building. It was a duplex and it also had an old air to it but it was still beautiful. Old is gold is very true for this building. The building was painted a light brown but somehow you could see some cracks in between the walls. It wasn't that bad but it served as a reminder of its age. When you ignore that, it's a charm. The porch was spacious providing a sort of sophistication to the black bannister. There was just something about spaces.

I resumed my movements again, for my ankle hurt a lot. The porch seemed to be the answer to all my needs and I had to get there quickly. I finally did, not without hearing some laughter inside that resounded through those walls. What would they be doing and who was the new laughing bubbling human that didn't know when to stop. Well, the only way to find out was to enter that house.

Stepping onto the porch, I tried to catch my breath but the door swung unexpectedly open. My left palm flew to my chest in an attempt to stop my frightened self from dropping dead on the floor.

"You look like a frightened rabbit right now." Joyce teased in between her laughing spree.

I swallowed hard, struggling to keep my breathing at a comfortable pace. It was like my body has turned to jelly all of a sudden. I hated being frightened, and Joyce had succeeded in doing just that.

Joyce kept laughing at me. "You need to stop being such a baby sometimes." She giggled.

"Shut up." My voice came out raspy.

She continued laughing despite my visible irritation on the subject. "You do know no demons are lurking around the shadows trying to get you, right?"

I pretended to turn towards the gate. "I'm leaving." I waved her off.

My breathing had become regulated by now but I was still a bit shaken. I felt her soft palm come in contact with my arm, stalling me. I could see she was still battling her laughter. At least, she was trying but I wouldn't tolerate her mocking me any longer.

"Don't try playing such jokes o." She said softly.

"Don't try mocking me either." I countered.

"I will try." She promised.

Both of us knew that was claptrap. Joyce loved teasing me most of the time. I liked it too but sometimes I wanted to stuff her mouth with glue or maybe dye would be more appropriate.

"I almost didn't come," I told her for added effect. I turned to face her, her expression was priceless.

She glared at me. It looked comical on her half-hearted painted face. She was a bad makeup artist, actually but she would never let up.

"Ada, I'm glad you're saying that as a joke because if you'd carried it out, your ass is going to get busted by me." Her voice went low for added effect.

"I wish there was a mirror here. You'd find that you're looking like a clown." I laughed softly.

She rolled her eyes as she smacked me playfully on the arm. "It's not that bad and doesn't even try to change the subject."

"I know you're too soft to do any of that." I teased as I flicked her hand off my arm.

"Try me." She placed her hands on her hips for effect.

I laughed. "Come on. Let's go inside. My legs are on fire." I whined smoothly as I tried to get a hold of her left arm.

She quickly retracted it from my reach, folding her arms across her chest. "Not so fast missy. You just told me you don't want to be here. You aren't going through that door until I hear you say otherwise."

I rolled my eyes. Trust Joyce to tune up the drama even when it was unnecessary. To be on the safe side, I had to add my drama to the mix. We were crazy like that.

"I really can't believe you ate all that up. You know, if I couldn't be here, I would be in that stuffy house being a depressed housemate." I pointed out.

"Bitch, with me, you can't be depressed, ever!" She grounded out.

She pulled me to a hug in that same breathe. I hugged her back, smiling cheekily. Joyce was just the best friend money can't buy.

"Yes, ma'am."

She laughed. "I'm just so glad you're here, girl."

"Same, same," I admitted.

She unwound herself from me, only for her to place her hands across my shoulder blade as she cajoled me into her majestic house. Oh, sorry, mansion.

"Girl, I am glad you're now on the same page with me. I've always harped to you that, that place isn't a home but a house. I wouldn't be able to stay there for a day! If they hadn't let you out, I would've come to show them a bit of their own medicine." She boasted.

I laughed so hard. Joyce was all talk and no action. I loved her though, she made everything feel lighter and better. She looked at me like I'd offended her and it only made me turn into hysterics.

She smacked my hands and said she was serious. I tried so hard to stop laughing, I honestly did. If it worked, I didn't know because a teenager and two kids came out from the parlour to meet us in the corridor.

They looked expectantly at us. I guess waiting for us to say something. Joyce smiled at each of us.

She cleared her throat dramatically. "I guess it's time for you to meet my cousins and it's also time for you guys to meet my best friend. The girl I've been chattering about since you got here."

I blushed. I don't know why but that seemed to make my adrenaline get heightened. I was not the type that liked to be placed on the spot. I was a low-key kind of girl.

She pulled me closer to her, grinning with pride. Did I tell you Joyce was dramatic? Well, now you know.

"Now, you meet her in flesh." She looked at me with a smile. "Ok, ok, she is none other than Adanna. I mean that's her name. It fits her, don't you think?" She asked her cousins.

Grinning, they nodded.

She released me and swept her hands towards the three. "These annoying triangles are my notorious cousins." She smirked.

They returned it with a glare. I placed my right palm on my mouth to tamp down the bubble of laughter that seemed to tickle through my loins. As expected, I didn't succeed. It all came out in a sing-song way.

"Joyce, you're not one to talk, you know?" The adolescent shot back in a sickly sweet voice.

She waved him off. "Anyway, that big boy is called Emeka and these two little devils go by the names, Precious and Onyinye."

"We aren't little devils but princesses please." Onyinye contradicted.

We all laughed.

"Princesses, my foot." Joyce taunted.

"Don't be like this friend. They are both cute pumpkins." I cooed. I resisted the urge to pinch their cheeks.

They smiled at me. I smiled back, feeling happy.

"You're better than Sister Joyce," Precious added.

"I sure am." I conceded.

We all laughed once again. I felt Joyce tug on my arms in between fits of laughter, which was code for time to go.

"Joy told us a lot about you," Emeka informed me with a lopsided smile grating his face.

I smiled shyly. I wasn't so used to chatting with boys. They always seemed to bring off some type of vibe that gives me second-hand anxiety. I mean the males back home, were as uptight as can be and the ones in school were a complete mess. Always, trying to prank unsuspecting people.

"Come on honey." Joy grabbed my hands. "Let's get you comfortable."

I was a tad grateful she said that. I needed to sit down as soon as possible. My ankle and spine were badgering my brain for some sort of release. We walked towards the stairs as Joyce led me upstairs while she sang a pop song. I wanted to stuff some cotton in my ears. She was the worst vocalist ever, she sang like tissue paper.

We walked through a couple of closed doors that hid the rooms from curious eyes until we got to a black door at the far end of the wall. She unlocked the door with a key that was tucked inside her jean skirt pocket.

"Come on in." She invited.

I smiled at her, then focused my attention on the room.

It was so minimalist and so beautiful. It had a bed, an office desk, and two reclining chairs. The wardrobe was movably creating an artistic appeal. What impressed me was the colour, a baby blue. I was truly in love with it at that moment. I love appreciating things. I feel like if you appreciate things you don't have, you see the beauty in things you never thought of.

I dumped my bag on the floor, then flung myself on the bed. I felt my breath come out in a whoosh. I closed my eyes in relief. I proceeded to raise my legs and did a swirl. Perfect. I enjoyed every moment of my muscles loosening up.

"This is heaven." I breathed out.

"I knew you were dying to sit down, literally." Joyce teased softly.

I sat up rapidly, smiling at her. "You can say that again. Your house is too far."

"It's just a couple of miles, lazy bone. What am I even saying? I mean kilometres. We live in the same vicinity. How is that too far? You make it seem like I live at Lekki." She teased me with an eye roll.

"Why don't you trek from your place to my place to measure the distance. I..." I sassed back.

"Girl, do you want me dead? How could anyone even try that? That's like suicide. Nope, can't happen." Her voice rose in dismay.

I pulled my bag towards me with renewed energy. I already had a plan that will tackle arranging my clothes in order. This rich girl standing in front of me needs to sweat a bit.

I smiled as I said my next words. Oh, she would be so shocked. "I'm that kind of person."

She flailed her hand in front of her, then pointed at me. "You?"

"Yes, me," I affirmed.

"You're joking, right? I mean, you can't mean that? No one can pull that off." She said in disbelief.

"Now, who is the lazy bone?" I laughed heartily. "You," I stressed.

"Whatever." She waved her index finger at me. "I still don't believe you."

"Whatever makes you sleep at night." I shrugged.

She stuck her tongue at me. I rolled my eyes at her, sticking my tongue out in the process.

"Come and help me unpack these clothes. I'd toss them to you and you would arrange them neatly in the wardrobe." I instructed.

"Yes, ma'am." She jumped to her feet excitedly.

"Umm...Before I forget, this room is gorgeous." I squealed.

"I know right. We got it remodelled. You came here the last time when it had a disco theme." Her voice glowed with pride.

I threw her my gown and she caught it like a pro. "Oh yes. I remember that day. We had so much fun with your mom wasted downstairs."

Joyce laughed softly. "She was so drunk and it was just two shots of Vodka. I can't wait for the opportunity to arise, to tease her about it."

I laughed heartily. "Oh, she's going to bury you alive if you ever try that."

"Oh, my God. I'm so going to do it now." She said excitedly.

"I must be there when that happens."

"You wish." She snorted.

We went quiet shortly afterwards, focusing on throwing, catching and arranging the clothes in a hue pyramid just like an expert basketball player will do to his assortment of balls.

Finally, we were done. Joyce flopped down on the bed like a bag of beans. I couldn't help laughing. She was lazy.

"I'm so exhausted." She said breathlessly.

I wiped the sweat that coated her brow softly with my palm. "Just that meagre tasks and you're so exhausted." I teased.

"Go away." She moaned.

I chuckled softly. "Ok, sorry." I hugged her softly.

"You're annoying." She complained.

"I won't tease you anymore." I lied.

Hugging me back, she said, "I'm counting on that."

"Uhum...thanks for having me here," I said quietly.

"You're my bestie. Where else would you be?"

"Here," I whispered.

My heart warmed at her words. I always felt cared for when I was with Joyce. Like I was wanted and not a burden. I'm so glad I came.