Yesterday's Future 2✔️

25. The other side of the door.

10:33am,
Ibadan Airport Terminal,
Nigeria

The familiar air that welcomed Adam as they stepped out of the plane with a duffel bag in one hand and Yara by his side was breezy, and sunny that morning. Filled with a heart-pounding sense of being back home from New York the second time, he cleared his throat and moved along.

Relocating to the States a little over ten years ago, it wasn't up to a year when he first returned home, on a two week vacation from work to visit his family. Coming back then had been more than he prepared for, and coming back this time, now that his baby sister was getting married, well...he was prepared enough.

As for Yara, she was experiencing Nigeria for first time, and was beaming with overwhelming excitement. Her eyes were wide with wonder as she took in the sights of this new and unfamiliar place, looking up and about at the uniformed staffs, signs from the ceiling and a parent telling his daughters to keep up; her hands clenched tightly on the strap of her backpack as they walked with other passengers and airplane crew out of the arrival tunnel of the airport. They picked up the rest of their baggage, got clearance at the security and in no time, they were on their way out of the crowded airport. The young security personnel at the automatic door smiled at Yara as he led them out and she beamed back at him, wheeling her other bag behind her.

"Adam! Over here!" Adam looked to his left and saw his long time friend Bode, smiling, waving and calling up to them. His elation grew as they immediately approached him where he leaned on the bonnet of his red convertible Solara car, dark shades on his light skinned sun-kissed face which sparkled the more they got closer. Bode straightened up, looking as suave as ever in his corporate casual look— a fitted blue button down shirt on top of a pair of khaki pants and white shoes.

"My man! Look at you!" The two friends shook hands and hugged tightly, slapping each other's back. "Meet Yara, my friend and plus one, all the way from New York City. Yara, this is my childhood friend, Bode."

"Nice to meet you Yara. Welcome to the largest city in West Africa." They hugged too. Yara couldn't stop grinning at him, at Adam, at everyone and everything.

"It's my pleasure. I can't believe I'm—I'm actually here. Still feels like I'm in a dream! Adam!" Yara unexpected squeaked, gaining the attention of passersby.

With her sandy frizzy hair, cerise pink turtle neck crop top, low waist green cargo pants, brown leather ankle boots and a high pitch voice, she easily stood out. Her skin, with its warm olive tone, contrasted beautifully against the vibrant colors of the Nigerian landscape and her features, although distinctively Latina, reflected a sense of curiosity and openness as she took in the new culture around her. Anyone could tell she was a foreigner, a first timer for that matter, but she didn't care. Mixed feelings of excitement and nervousness were coursing through her.

"Whoa, don't get your hopes up now. It's a jungle down here. You didn't warn her?" Bode faced Adam.

"That's all I've been telling her, but I don't want to be a buzzkill."

"You guys already are. But too bad, you can't kill my buzz. This is Nigeria!"

Bode offered a small chuckle. "I like you already. Please keep that spirit up." He winked at her, took her bags and he and Adam put their things inside the trunk. They entered into the car and with no delay, Bode drove to the Coker's Estate, Adam's house.

It was a quiet drive, more than you'd expect for people who just flew across continents. No doubt, Adam and Yara had a lot of thoughts tumbling through their different minds, the way the both of them gazed out of the window.

Adam was feeling a sense of nostalgia as they passed familiar landmarks and drove through the bustling streets of Ibadan. Yara was obviously captivated by the views and sounds of Ibadan, taking in the vibrant colors. Bode silently hummed to the tune he played on the stereo as he sped up and let them revel in their feelings, not saying anything except for when they spoke to him. He too was more than happy to have his longest time friend back and he knew they'd have much time to catch up. So many things have changed since they were just little boys.