SHEILA'S AWAKENING ( A Nigeria Story)

Home sweet home?

Sheila was nervous, not only about seeing her family but also boarding a plane for the first time. Ahmed booked the flight to Enugu, and from there, they would take a cab to Kogi State. Sheila held Ahmed's hand, her eyes closed throughout the journey. Ahmed's eyes were fixed on her, his heart filled with a strange feeling - he never wanted to lose her.

As they arrived in her neighborhood, Sheila felt embarrassed about Ahmed seeing where she lived. She had never mentioned her poverty to him before, nor had she claimed to be rich. She glanced at his face as they walked down the street, but there was no sign of surprise.

When they arrived at her house, they were met with a mix of emotions from her family. Her father looked guilty and nervous, her brothers seemed uncomfortable, and her mother's absence was palpable. Sheila had called her father earlier to announce her visit.

They sat in the living room, Ahmed standing behind Sheila like a guard dog ready to defend her. Sheila took a deep breath and began to speak, her voice firm but shaking with emotion. "I know the truth. You all lied to me about my mother's passing. I want to know why!"

Her father hesitated, then explained, "I didn't mean to hurt you, Sheila. I thought it would be better if you didn't know the truth. Your mother was in a bad car accident a few weeks ago and died at the scene from excessive bleeding." He paused, then continued, "The money I collected from you was to pay off some debt I owed. You know I have no source of income, and your mother was my only hope. When she left us, there was nothing I could do to survive."

Sheila's anger and sadness boiled over. "Better for who?" she demanded. "Better for you or better for me? Oh God, father, you are so selfish - the most selfish man I've ever known, not only selfish but wicked!"

Ahmed put a supportive arm around her shoulders, and Sheila continued, "I deserve a break from all this. I'm never coming back here again. All the three of you ever did was make my mother's and my life miserable. And did I hear you say you have no source of income? That's because you are lazy; you were never willing to work hard for this household once. You all killed my mother!"

Before her family could respond, Sheila stormed out of the house, Ahmed rushing after her. "What time is our flight, please?" Sheila asked Ahmed, tears streaming down her face. "2:00 pm," Ahmed replied, pulling her closer and placing her head on his chest.
The journey back to Abuja more silent than the one to Enugu. When they arrived, Ahmed ordered a cab but didn't head to the campus. Instead, they went to their favorite ice cream spot, where they had celebrated last semester. Sheila was lost in thought, unaware of their destination until they arrived.

"I'm not dressed properly, Ahmed; you didn't tell me we were coming here," Sheila said, pouting.

Ahmed smiled. "There were two options - either I kidnap you or we get ice cream."

Sheila raised an eyebrow, her arm crossed. "Kidnap me?"

Ahmed chuckled. "You were lost in your head, Sheila. If I had taken you to space, you wouldn't have noticed."

Sheila couldn't help but laugh at his joke. Ahmed's eyes never left her face, determined to help her heal. "Sheila, I know it's hard, but you're a strong and capable young woman. You deserve better than what your family has given you. You deserve love, support, and happiness. I know I haven't been the most honest and caring person to you these past weeks, but I promise to always be here for you."

Sheila's eyes welled up with tears. "Thank you so  much Ahmed"
As they finished their ice cream, Ahmed glanced at his watch. "Hey, Sheila, I have an idea. Want to take a walk with me?"

Sheila nodded, and they strolled out of the parlor, hand in hand. The evening sun cast a warm glow over the streets, and the fresh air was a welcome change from the heavy emotions of the day.

As they walked, Ahmed pointed out the beauty around them - the blooming flowers, the birds singing in the trees, the smile of a passing stranger. Sheila's heart swelled with appreciation for Ahmed's ability to find joy in the little things.

They walked to a nearby park, where Ahmed led her to a quiet spot overlooking a small pond. "Sheila, from the moment I met you, I knew you were special," Ahmed said, his eyes shining with sincerity. "You light up my world in ways I never thought possible."

Sheila's heart skipped a beat as Ahmed took her hand, his fingers intertwining with hers. "I want to be your rock, your safe haven, your partner in every sense of the word," he continued. "Will you be my girlfriend, Sheila?"