Chasing Greatness :A Journey Of Hope

chapter24: miracle

The bus finally pulled into Idanre Hills, and the sight before us was breathtaking. Massive hills stretched into the sky, crowned with greenery, and the famous 682 steps snaked their way up like a giant ladder to the heavens.

As soon as we stepped out, I spotted Godsent walking briskly toward Kyla. I smiled to myself. It seemed they’d made up. That was good—I liked Godsent. He was the kind of boyfriend who treated Kyla well, and I always rooted for them.

“ah, the steps are so much!” Ruth gasped, wide-eyed.

“682 steps, my dear,” Laura replied. “We’re climbing it all!”

Ruth groaned dramatically. “Who send me message? I should have stayed at home.”

“You’re not chickening out,” Gift said, elbowing her. “We came here for adventure. Let’s give it all we’ve got!”

We laughed as we made our way to the small motel where we dropped off our bags and changed into comfortable jeans and sneakers. The buzz of excitement in the air was contagious, and I could feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins.

“I heard there’s a waterfall at the top,” Laura said as we linked arms and began the climb.

“And maybe a haunted house!” Gift added with a mischievous grin.

“Haunted house?” Ruth’s voice trembled a little, but her curiosity was undeniable.

“Don’t worry, Ruth. If ghosts show up, I’ll protect you,” I teased, making her laugh nervously.

The climb was tough. After 100 steps, we stopped to catch our breath at the first resting area. “Afar,” Ruth muttered, collapsing onto a rock, “this is not for the faint-hearted.”

“Drink water,” Gift said, handing her a bottle. “We still have over 500 steps to go.”

“Who came up with 682 steps? Why not stop at 200?” Ruth whined, making all of us burst into laughter.

As we climbed higher, the views became more stunning. The hills unfolded like a painting, and the sound of birds echoed around us. We paused occasionally to rest, joke, and laugh, taking pictures along the way.

At one point, we spotted Blessing and her crew ahead, sitting on a rock and giggling loudly. They had a flask, and it didn’t take a genius to guess what was in it. “These ones,” Laura whispered to me, “won’t make it to the top. They’re here for vibes, not adventure.”

Despite the difficulty, we pushed through, determined to see everything the top of the hill had to offer. Some students gave up along the way, but my friends and some people and I,finally reached the top.

The view from the top was magical. The town below looked like a toy model, and the breeze was cool against our sweaty faces. We headed to the waterfall first. Though small and simple, its serenity captivated us. We took turns splashing our faces and snapping pictures.

Next, we explored the so-called haunted house. It was an old, abandoned structure with peeling walls and eerie silence. We pretended to be ghost hunters, creeping through the rooms and laughing at our own silly antics.

“We should write our names here,” Gift suggested. We each picked a spot on the wall, leaving our marks for future visitors to find.

After a while, we began our descent. Going down was much easier, and the energy in the group was lively. We chatted, joked, and recounted the funniest moments of the climb.

Back at the motel, we had refreshments and listened to a guide share stories about Idanre Hills. As the sun dipped low in the sky, painting everything in hues of orange and gold, it was time to leave.

“I wish we were staying overnight,” I said wistfully.

“Me too,” Laura agreed. “It would’ve been so much fun to see the hills under the moonlight.”

The bus ride back started uneventfully, with everyone tired but content. I noticed Kyla sitting with Godsent at the front. When I walked up to her, she smiled.

“You guys have settled?” I asked.

“Yes,” she said, laughing. “But I’m avoiding the back. Blessing and her crew are too much.”

“You made the right choice,” I said. “I’ll tell you everything that happens.”

“Please do!” she said, grinning.

Back at my seat, at the back Blessing and her gang were playing Truth or Dare. They invited us to join, but we declined, though we couldn’t help but eavesdrop. Their dares grew wilder—kisses, touches, and more alcohol.

“These ones don’t fear anything,” Gift whispered.

“I’m curious about Monday,” I said. “What if someone snitches?”

“Not our problem,” Laura replied. “Thank God we didn’t sit with them.”

Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted. Cars ahead of us were turning around, speeding back in the opposite direction.

“What’s happening?” I asked, alarmed.

Gift stood up, peering ahead. Before she could say a word, a loud voice shouted from outside, “Thief dey front! Make una go back!”

Chaos erupted.

Our driver slammed the brakes, his face tense. One of the teachers leaned forward, whispering something to him. The bus reversed so quickly that I lost my balance and fell back into my seat.

“Thieves?!” someone cried.

“Yes!” another voice confirmed. “They’re robbing people on the road ahead!”

Students were screaming, clutching their belongings, and praying aloud. Even Blessing and her bold crew fell silent. The bus driver sped back toward Owo with a determination that kept us glued to our seats, fear etched on every face.

“afar, what if they chase us?” Ruth whispered, trembling.

“Don’t say that!” Laura snapped, trying to stay calm but failing.

I clutched my seat tightly, my heart pounding like a drum. The once lively bus was now filled with whispers of prayer and the occasional sob.

As we sped through the darkening road, every shadow outside felt like a threat. Were the thieves chasing us? Were they lying in wait somewhere else? My mind raced with questions, and my body tensed with fear.

When the driver finally slowed down, no one dared to speak.

The suspense was thick, and I realized that this trip to Idanre Hills wasn’t one I’d forget in a hurry.