PASSION LED US HERE

book one

Jane woke up staring at the empty space by the window, for a long time there was none, beyond the voice of a weak bird singing .she flicked her long braided hair back as she sat on the table in the small room and moved her eyes to the streets where she had played as a child her dark eyes were shrouded, hinting mystery. She wore a faded blue jean and a black T-shirt which blended with her chocolate skin beautifully. She wasn’t erotically beautiful but rather she had a mysterious beauty. When she smiled her lips curved evenly. She smiled now as she watched the children playing in the street

   Mummy welcome—

The woman who walked into the room had skin just like cocoa ,but she was worn out and tired and time as they say wasn’t on her side any more . the plate and cup she was carrying shook in her hands.

Ma!!!! Jane scolded . you should have called me.

“I can still carry a plate dear child “ her mother said with a pleasing sort of smile , the kind that made people believe in the impossible.

I  know but imagine what the neighbors would say ma!!!

As if they have perfect kids her mother scoffed
Ma? ….. jane smiled.

When do you leave for school? her mother asked
This afternoon remember?

Do you have to go away each time? Her mother sighed

“ma” jane said softly the holiday isn’t so far away you could visit me there, and I’m also writing for the university paper this year . I’d also like to introduce you to my friends .

Jane put her arm around her mother. It hadn’t been easy growing up on the streets of lagos, but mama was always proud of her and all she had achieved from such hard beginning.

A trip to Abuja would take almost the whole day , jane’s cousins helped her move her bags to the dusty streets as they waved her good bye behind the bus.

Jane arrived back at campus later than she expected and hurried to class “Damn its like a market in here” she scanned the room for her friend. Jane!!!

Linda’s voice bellowed she sounded close Jane stood on her toes to try to see over the head of the person obstructing her view. He was tall with broad shoulders and he was too well dressed to be a student. His suit alone could cover this months rent and food stuff, she thought. Not tall enough to see over him she tapped him on the shoulder to ask him to let her through.

As he turned to face her she regretted not changing before she came in rushing. His eye, his beautifully defined cheekbones and nose made her think of ADAM. He smiled showing his set of white teeth. 

“may I help you” he asked

Yeah Uuuh….. was all she managed to say.

Jane , haven’t you heard me calling .

Er …..sorry , Lu been trying to reach you. She said apologetically

Its seems you cant help after all ; she smiled, her eyes wondering back to the stranger.

That’s a shame he replied.

Who’s your friend ?  Linda asked

Actually I’m not sure ; Jane said looking up at the man.

He smiled.

My name is David and you lovely ladies are…..?

Jane blushed.

This certainly was a good time to be dark skinned at least no one could see her blush. She thought.

I am Linda , linda extended her hand before jane could say anything.

Nice to meet you; he smiled back.

I’m Jane ; she said

That’s a nice name ; his said

Actually her real name is Jumoke ; Linda added quickly.

“Why is she speaking for me? This man is going to think I am an idiot, Jane agonized

So you’re a student? He asked cautiously
We both are; Linda interjected.

Jane smiled. I don’t think she likes the attention I’m getting,  she thought in amusement.

Okay we’d better go and find out who is replacing professor Peter.

David’s face brightened. Peter? He asked

Yeah Linda replied; The agricultural professor who died a few weeks ago. Jane is doing a story on his replacement.

I guess we should get going.

*************************

So what was all that about. Linda grinned
‘what …..?

Don’t play innocent with me; Linda shook her head. You were flirting with that guy.

No I wasn't Jane smiled.

Yes you were because David was staring at you your brain shut off a bit. Linda laughed.

Oh, stop that. Lets go I have a meeting to attend remember?