Crimson Mists

06. An Argument or An Apology.

"Emotions Before Reason. In an uncertain world, those who survived always had their emotional radar-call it instinct, if you will-turned on," How Hardwired Is Human Behavior?
by Nigel Nicholson

Chikamharida's POV.

Loose rocks and dust rolled out from underneath my boots as I walked. My limbs ached but I guess it's me getting used to the boots. I had not submitted the contract so for now, I'd remain a security guard who was stuck with heavy boots. Who knew that I'd be looking forward to becoming a nanny?

The irony!

According to the analog time on the screen of my phone, it was nine thirty pm. I decided on coming early to sweep over the environment in case of potential traps and plots. Maybe it's Mr Bolaji trying to test if I was enough as a security guard for his daughter or maybe it was Henry trying to convince me once again not to get the job.

Henry...

I hadn't realized how much I'd been seeking his validation. Me, the most closeted person in Nigeria, or possibly the whole of Critea, opening up to him and he was taking it for granted? I just hoped this wasn't a ploy to make me lose my job. I guess I'd have to be extra wary.

The note was in my hand. The message on it ringing loud and clear. I'd have been operating my phone, reading novels on Wattpad like I normally did do, but then, a plan is a plan.

Remember Harida, security sweep! I chastised myself, closing the app and putting the phone in my side pocket.

The bridge was wooden and was located at some distance near the cassava farm. It was anchored by the stem of six palm trees that had been cut, and ran over a stream that went deeper, dividing the farm into halves. Around me were those leaves, needle like and a bunch of families. No visible fruits were in sight if not I'd have taken a bite; and the nearest view of tall trees were a horizon of shaking shadows at a far distance from where I stood.

I'd done a sweep of the environment and since there was nothing, I'd decided to just stand by, relaxing on the wooden rail and overseeing the motion of water running over.

The streetlight couldn't be more bright.

It didn't take long for me to hear it, though. The long awaited sound of footsteps. They were coming from the right, the direction of the mansion.

The figure approaching me was of average size and walked in a familiar way like she was counting her steps or she was always on mission. I'd met her before but I couldn't recall where. However, I knew she was a female because of her braids in a ponytail where you could visibly see how she purposefully swung it as if to match an inaudible rythm. She was dressed like me, in boots and overall and very soon she was beside me, close enough for me to see the wear in her uniform.

Then I saw her, the silhouette of her face. She had a heart shaped face, cat eyes and lips on a sinister smile. The smile was familiar.

As if I'd known.

"Oh, you came," she said. "I thought you'd be feeling guilty and be a no show."

"First," I said walking two steps to her so I was at her face. "What are you trying to achieve by sticking a note under my door? Are you trying to intimidate me? Secondly, I can't feel guilty if I have committed no crime."

"Ooh, don't play oblivious girl," she said, still smiling. "The commander thinks it's you who did it and there's no way... you can prove her wrong." Her laugh grated on my euchastian tube.

"Maybe she wouldn't have thought that in the first place if you hadn't lied. I hate liars and I don't even know why I'd bothered showing up," I said, pausing and lowering my tone. "You disgust me."