EXOUSIA Book One

CONFUSION

Confusion

Morenike wondered what was going through Ann's head while she watched her enter the car of a total stranger. Ann and Morenike had been friends all their lives. They met at the nursery school and have remained friends ever since.

Being only children, the two girls had been more than friends. They shared a sisterly bond. Although Morenike was an heiress and Ann an average girl, they never let the financial status and class of their families affect their bond. In fact, Ann's father had benefited financially from their friendship. Morenike's father awarded him several contracts of which he executed successfully.

Unlike Ann, Morenike's mother was late so her father was all she had and they were close.

Morenike was worried about her friend that day. Ann had never behaved strangely before, and Morenike had no clue who the stranger was. The two girls were so close, that they knew everyone in their lives.

Morenike had gone from wondering mode to panic mode when she called Ann and had not gotten any response. She had dialed her friend the second time and found the number switched off.

Mr. Fashaun worked mainly from home so he was always around for his daughter to speak to. Morenike did not waste any time telling her father what had happened at the bus stop. Although he was worried too, he had assured his daughter that Ann would get in touch. He had calmed her down by pointing out the fact that her phone battery might have run down hence why it was switched off.

Ann had disappeared. Morenike knew this because it was unlike her friend not to get in touch. It had been two weeks now since the incident at the bus stop and no one knew where Ann's parents were. Her father had explained their absence by suggesting they might have traveled to a place where there was no phone network. Morenike knew in her soul something wasn't right.

"She would have called to tell me they were traveling." She argued with her father.

"Maybe it was a last-minute thing." Mr. Fashaun explained to his daughter.

He believed Ann was all right and his daughter needed to calm down. He believed there was no cause for alarm. If the girl's parents were home and the girl wasn't, then he could believe that she was missing. But the entire family had disappeared. The only rational explanation he had, was that they had a last-minute emergency call from their village and had to go immediately.

"She still would have called before they left." Morenike Insisted.

Mr. Fashaun took a deep breath. He was tired. "Maybe something serious had happened and it had shocked her to the point of forgetting to call you." Morenike

was about to speak when he cut her and continued, "Mind you, the cell reception in most of our villages are not good. Even if she had decided to call you when they got there, she wouldn't have been able to. I suggest you wait it out." He concluded but Morenike wasn't buying his explanation and she made no effort hiding that fact.

"You know what? Follow me to London tomorrow. After all your visa is still valid. I have a business meeting there but I am sure you can find something interesting to do there. It will help you get your mind off this. Besides, who knows? Your friend could have returned by the time we do and you will realise all of this was unnecessary." He patted her on the head.

Going to London wasn't going to solve the problem. It would only make things worse. She never went on holiday without her friend. Going to London alone with her father was going to make her feel worse and her mind won't be at rest. She knew if she traveled with her dad, she won't be herself because she would continue to wonder what was going on with Ann. Travelling wasn't a great option for her.

"I don't think I want to go. I'd rather not." She told her father and she meant it. She would rather stay back and search for her friend. If her father was right, she wanted to be around when Ann returns so she could give her, a piece of her mind.

"What?" Mr. Fashaun was surprised at his daughter's decision. "Why? If you don't come with me, you will be home alone. Don't you think that would be too much for you?" he asked with concern.

"Dad I am eighteen. However you would want to see it, I am no longer a child. Besides, I will soon be going to university. I will be alone eventually. It's inevitable. It's best I start now." She explained. "Why don't you go for your meeting while I remain here? I promise I'll be fine." She said with a smile.

Mr. Fashaun did not like his daughter's decision but, he knew deep down she was right, and sooner or later he would have to accept the fact that his baby was now a woman. He smiled reluctantly and nodded "Alright. But I will check in every day to make sure you are ok." She was about to protest when he shook his head "No. You can't have it all. If you want to be here alone, then it's only fair you let me check on you every day, or else I will be the one worrying."

Morenike knew his mind was made up. So she agreed he would call her on the phone every evening.

Meanwhile, she would spend her time trying to figure out what was up with Ann. She knew something was wrong but she just didn't know what it was and the scene at the bus stop the other day had made things worse.