I was sitting in my room, consumed by depression. The curtains were drawn, casting a gloomy shadow over the space. I felt the chill of the cold wind seeping through, prompting me to zip up my jacket and bury my hands in its pockets. Suddenly, the door swung open, and there stood my Dad, his face beaming with happiness.
"My Angel," he exclaimed, a smile stretching from cheek to cheek. He looked so vibrant and alive. Overwhelmed with joy, I rushed into his embrace, tears already streaming down my face. He held me close, wiping away my tears with a gentle smile.
"Daddy, I'm so sorry," I stammered, my words choked with emotion. "I didn't know, I didn't realize..."
"Hush, it's alright," he comforted, returning my embrace. "If anyone should apologize, it's me for leaving you, my darling. I miss you more than words can express."
"I miss you terribly, Daddy," I confessed, gazing into his eyes.
"My beautiful daughter," he whispered, his voice filled with pride and love. "You are my legacy, my everything. I want you to be happy, my angel. Live a full and joyful life. Though I may not be here physically, always remember that you reside in my heart, just as I reside in yours. I will always watch over you. But it's time to stop sulking. Promise me that you'll find happiness, for me."
"I promise, Daddy," I vowed, squeezing him tighter.
With a final loving look, he spoke again. "Can you leave a message for your mum? Tell her that the enemy is closer than she thinks. She must stay strong and vigilant. It's not over yet."
And with that, he turned towards the door, flashing one last smile before disappearing. I wanted to chase after him, but then a loud noise shattered the moment, causing me to cover my ears.
My alarm blared, jolting me awake at 7 am. It had all been a dream, yet it felt so real. A bittersweet smile touched my lips as I reflected on the visitation from my father. It was comforting, even if only in my subconscious.
"I shrugged as I got out of bed, realizing it had been a while since I woke up this early. Today, I'm heading back to school. I'm not sure how I feel about it. I miss school, my friends-Paula and Janet-and maybe even Jason, but I know I'll be met with pitying looks because of my father's passing.
Standing in front of my mirror, I noticed I looked a bit better, leaner. I took my father's death really hard, neglecting proper eating and sleeping habits. But that's going to change. I've decided to move on and try to enjoy life, to be more friendly. After all, life is fickle; here one moment, gone the next.
Ready for school, I admired my reflection in the mirror. I looked pretty, and I couldn't help but smile at myself. I left, and my Auntie dropped me off at school, casting strange glances my way.
"You're looking bright today, all smiles," she finally remarked.
"Yes, Auntie, why not? I now have the strength to move on," I beamed.
She smiled back, playfully tugging at my cheeks. "Aunty, I want to ask you something," I said seriously.
"What's that?" she asked.
"Do you think our family has an enemy who wants to harm us?"
"Well, I can't say for sure, but you know the world can be wicked. In businesses like ours, there are always people looking for our downfall. Why do you ask?" she inquired.
"Do you think my mum is safe?" I pressed.
"Oh dear, of course she's safe. Your Uncle is also helping to ensure her safety. He's currently in Abuja, making sure your Mum a smooth transition as the new CEO. Don't worry your pretty head, your mum is stronger than you think," she reassured me, her expression tinged with concern.
"Thank you, Auntie," I said, feeling truly grateful for the family's support and care. I don't know how my mum and I would have survived without them.
As Auntie waved and left, I braced myself for the challenges ahead. It's harder than I thought; everyone's eyes seemed to be on me. Then I spotted Folu, Jason's friend. He waved at me and started to approach. I'm not really a fan of his, but he came for my father's burial, he's not so bad after all."
"Tiara, you're back? It's so good to see you again. I'm so sorry about..."
"It's fine, thank you, Folu, for coming to the funeral. I didn't get a chance to say thank you then."
"Come on, let me walk you to your class. Do you need help with your school bag?" he asked.
"Don't be ridiculous, of course not. And when did you become so nice?" I joked.
"I've always been nice; you just never noticed me. You never noticed anyone," he said as we walked to my class. I ignored all the sympathetic looks I was getting.
"I was such a snob, right?" I laughed.
"Yes," he said, and we both laughed. Folu is not bad company at all; I realize I've been missing out on having a great friend by being too snobbish.
Suddenly, someone shouted my name. I looked behind me, and it was Janet. She ran to me and hugged me.
"Tiara, you're back! Why didn't you call me?" she said, clearly excited.
"Hi, senior Folu," she blushed, and I smiled knowingly.
"I told you I was resuming school today. It feels good to be back."
It was break time, and I was well settled in school by now, thanks to Paula, who brought me up to speed. Janet came to my class; she's such a sweet girl.
"New girl, let's go and eat," she said.
"Yeah, I'm famished," I said, realizing that I hadn't even had breakfast. My Auntie had given me some money to get food as soon as I got to school because we rushed out this morning.
"Me too," Paula said, and that was how we all headed to the cafeteria. We settled in a table with Folu, he was treating us for lunch today to welcome me back.
I noticed I've not seen Jason since I came back, he wasn't even at the school assembly this morning.
I was hoping to see him, he sounded quite weird on the phone last night, saying he misses me.
"Where's Jason by thee way, he seems to be absent in school today?" I asked trying not to seem like I was bothered by his absence.
"He went for a school alumni meeting or so" Janet said
"He's actually meeting my Dad, he's the chairman of the Alumni Association, we are planning a reunion/fundraising event in school" Folu added.
"Oh..." Someone tapped me from behind
I looked back, and it was Jason.
"Talking about me?" He asked.
