TO HOLD A ROSE

EPISODE X - HOME (PART 1)

Abel's eyes roamed out the window, as did his mind. Until he snapped back when a female voice announced that, the plane was set to land. He adjusted his posture and set his chin forward.

He looked back outside, on to the tarmac, as the ground drew closer to the wings of the plane. And in a flawless, soundless kiss, its wheels rolled at high speeds through the runway.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport, Canada. Please remain seated until the airplane comes to a total halt," the same voice announced. The instructions continued and Abel listened her with an absent mind. His eyes fixed outside the window as the plane taxied smoothly to the gate.

Toronto Pearson International Airport was different to what Abel had left in Abuja. The announcer had mentioned that the temperature was about twenty-four degrees. It was mild summer afternoon with electric swarms of legs across the terminal lobby. But that came later.

First, there were the large commercial airbuses roaring in preparation to take-off. And smaller jets shimmering in white lines with metal smiles. Luggage boxes glided into the cargo of an airplane from a small yellow truck. Abel could see its pilot in the flight deck, seemingly talking into the mouthpiece of his headset.

The silver-steel frame roofing of the airport terminal elevated along the skylines. And through its glass walls, a display of luggage and cluster of commuters. Soothing and magical. But Abel didn't think so. The elegance of the view was not enough magic to sway him.

Few minutes later, he was waddling through the tiled floors of the terminal. His luggage growled sluggishly by his side, as he made his way through the customs line. Frustration plain on his face.

At the end of the line, George waited in a white shirt and navy blue tie that matched his suit pants. George only dressed in corporate. Except on weekends, when he mostly wore tracksuits and sweat pants. He took Abel's luggage from him and threw one hand around him.

"Welcome brother," he said, a smile glowing bright on his face. "That was one long flight I bet."

"You think?" Abel hesitated. "It was crazy hectic." Abel watched George start the car and he, riding shotgun, pulled his seatbelt across his body. "Thanks for picking me up man."

George nodded with a grin, as if he meant "no problem." Then he said, "Would you like to grab a snack first or straight to the hotel?"

"Hotel bro," Abel answered. "I need to rest man. I'm exhausted."

His face fixed on the road, George nodded again as he started the car.

"Can I use your phone for a quick call man?"

"Sure, no problem." George shot a quick glance to the cup holders between the seats.

Abel picked the phone and dialled a number. A couple dial tones later, he heard a "hello."

"Sam, have you seen her?"

"Not yet," a voice, tiny and distant, echoed out the phone. "I only have an address. Demi thinks it's her aunt. Had to wait for you to confirm if I should go?"

Abel paused, his lips nervous and his eyes frantic. Would it be an intrusion if Sam showed up asking after Rose? Worse, the old woman could turn out to be a non-relative, he thought. He stared into the shining sun and his eyes maintained its glare.

He had to know if Rose was safe and there was no other option. Sam had to locate the address. It was worth a shot, he thought.

"Please go to the address man. As soon as you can."

"Alright bro," the echoing voice said.

"Thank you brother." Abel held on to the phone. He hoped the calmness of the sunset would help through the next few hours. There was Sade's text about Joshua still, but that could wait. First, he needed to check into the hotel, take a hot shower, and get ready for his meetings.