CYRON (Completed)

Chapter 1 -S.

Chidum was driving along the Enugu-Anambra highway. It was an Innoson Coupe convertible. He was not smiling. He almost never smiled. Always the serious guy. He had to deal with memories. Memories he didn't even know where were coming from.

The car slowed down and turned into the parking lot of a Kouzzina. It was a popular fast food chain across Africa.

"Perhaps a little something to eat," Chidum spoke.

He raised the roof of the vehicle, then got out of it. He was a specimen of a man. Young, tall, 6ft with a slim fit body and broad shoulders. His face was smooth, with an elfin chin and a slightly pointed nose, though a little broad at the base. His skin was more of dark brown in color. He wasn't your usual African black. What stood out the most about Chidum was his long, straight, black, glossy hair. His hair was unnatural for Africans, but Chidum wasn't exactly African.

He adjusted the designer glasses on his face as he walked into the fast food restaurant. All eyes fell on him once he stepped inside the place, such was always the case with him. His appearance and carriage drew attention to him all the time. He smiled because he was a proud person. Not too proud, but just proud enough.

He got to the counter. The female behind it gave him a smile, biting the corner of her lower lip as she did so. Chidum smiled.

"I shall have something simple," he spoke.

"Maybe some white meat with a little salad?" The lady offered.

"I will accept the salad, but not the meat," Chidum replied. "Add some rice and gravy to that. Though nothing meat-based. I want no part of any animal."

"Ah, a vegetarian," the lady said. "That's sexy. I'll be right back with your order."

The lady walked to the window in the wall through which special orders were made. She swayed her hips more than usual. Chidum noticed this and smiled. He would look away, but she might be disappointed if she turned and didn't find him staring. He had to be a gentleman. It was the way of...

"Nice hair, man," said a voice from beside Chidum.

He turned to look at the speaker. It was an Arab guy. At least, he had the Arab look. He was 5ft 10," with a clean shaven face, curly hair, a slightly hooked nose, and a big smile. He had a backpack and a camera hung around his neck.

"Thank you for the compliment," Chidum told the guy. "You are definitely not of this part of the world. Turkish perhaps?"

"Exactly!" The Arab-looking guy exclaimed. "I'm Turkish. How'd you guess that?"

"Twas naught else but chance of happening," Chidum replied. "A pure coincidence."

"Well, I'm Gokan," said the Turk, offering his right hand to Chidum. "I'm here in Biafra on vacation. This is a wonderful African nation. Highly advanced. I spent most of my life in America. Just began travelling the world as a photographer, after I turned seventeen two years ago."

"I am called Chidum," Chidum introduced himself, shaking Gokan's outstretched hand. "I hail from this nation and appreciate your comments. Tis said my ancestors were quite the innovators, thus the state of the nation you see today."

"I love your hair, man," Gokan spoke. "Can I touch it?"

"I apologize, but I must say no." Chidum replied.

"Can I get a picture of you?" Gokan asked next. "I'm here for the unveiling of this grand artifact at the Bianca memorial museum at the Great state the day after tomorrow. They say they found the item in eastern South Sudan some days ago, and it was brought down here. Until the unveiling, I just wanna have fun, get some pics of other stuff."

"Well you may take a photograph of me," Chidum replied with a smile. "Once I am done with my order of course."

"Sure," Gokan told him. "I was gonna order too, but I just want this picture now. Folks will love it once I post it on my page. I can post it on my page, right?"

"Do as you wish, friend," Chidum replied.

"And here is your vegetarian order," said the lady as she returned with a plastic bag.

"Thank you," Chidum said, collecting the bag and handing the lady some money from the breast pocket of the black jacket he had on. "Keep the change," he told the lady with a smile.

"And this is for you," she replied, handing him a piece of paper.

He looked at it. There was phone number written under the name, Nnenna. He looked at the woman and she mouthed the words, CALL ME.

"Thank you," Chidum told the woman, smiling.

He turned around and walked towards the door. Gokan followed him. The door was opened by a doorman, and the duo emerged from the building.

"Dude, you were so cool with your silence and stuff and you're like, what, eighteen?" Gokan said. "Yet that chick who's at least in her early twenties just gave you her number. That was so smooth, man."

"I barely make any effort," Chidum stated. "I walk and they all wish to follow. It is never my intention to be with them."

"Man, the way you talk," Gokan spoke. "What's with it?"

"Another thing I just find myself doing," was Chidum's reply.

They were at his car now. He unlocked it.

"Perhaps you should get your picture now," Chidum told the Turk.

"Yeah," Gokan agreed, backing away from the vehicle and raising his camera. "You just pose against the car."

Chidum struck a pose, crossing one leg over the other, and Gokan took the picture.

"Nice," said the Turk.

"This is where we say goodbye, friend." Chidum spoke.

"Could you like, drop me off at the Noon Star hotel?" Gokan asked. "Only if it won't be a bother though."

"You have been friendly to me," Chidum replied. "I will gladly return the favor. Join me."

"Sweet," Gokan said, rushing around to the other side of the vehicle.

Both guys got into the car and Chidum dropped the roof again.

"A convertible," Gokan said. "Cool ride you got here, man."

"Thank you," Chidum said with an honest smile as he put his bag of food at the back of the car. "Tell me more about the artifact." He told Gokan, starting the engine.

* * *

Chidum's car drove into the compound of the Noon star hotel. It was a magnificent place. Five star establishment. The car got to the portico covered entrance of the hotel.

"So, like I said, I don't know anything about the look of the artifact yet," Gokan said as he opened his door. "But I have an extra pass in case you decide to change your mind and join me at the museum for the unveiling."

"I doubt I will change my mind," Chidum told him with a smile. "Twas a wonderful meeting you. I have your number and you have mine. Perhaps we shall meet again some day."

Gokan got out of the car, shut the door and pointed a finger at Chidum.

"Man, I'll call you cuz we gotta meet up some other time before I leave this beautiful country of yours." He told the Biafran.

"I look forward to it," Chidum replied with his signature smile.

"Okay, bye and thanks for the ride," Gokan told his new friend as Chidum drove off. "Nice guy," the Turk said as he turned and walked towards the front door of the hotel.