Into The Dark

5.

Children were playing nearby on the uneven road while Selassi quietly walked to the town, taking in the sunny weather that seemed to have everyone in a relaxed mood.

Theo had been on her mind lately and given the way she left things, there was uncertainty about the direction of their relationship. She made sure to tell him when she was going away for a while and he was shocked but didn't press on any further.

His last text read:

Theo: Have a safe trip, babe x

She wanted to tell him so badly but she wasn't sure how he would take it, it was a heavy subject and their relationship was still so new that she was afraid to lose it so quickly.

She knew her grief was affecting her deeply and it seemed to seep into how she was dealing with her relationship. She reached a small stall with a young woman selling AirtelTigo calling cards and spoke in Ga, asking for a Gh ₵ 20 card.

Despite growing up in London, she spent a lot of time holidaying in the town of Weija in the Greater Accra Region which was where the Brown Family house was built. Picking up Ga at an early age, she spoke it as fluently as she spoke English.

She continued into the town which was bustling with people selling things on the side of the road as well as people boarding a Tro Tro (a minibus or local bus) nearby.

Reaching the junction, she crossed the road, ignoring the flirtatious jeers from a bunch of men waiting at the traffic light, in a van. She only had to laugh because this was nothing new and carried on to the West Hills Mall.

The cool air of the AC hit Selassi's face as she entered the shopping centre, heading straight to SHOPRITE and proceeded to do her grocery shopping.

She walked around, picking up her Club Muscatella drinks as a pack and some other things that she needed. All the while, she hadn't noticed a young man watching and following her around.

She seemed caught up in her shopping to realise his presence. He continued to follow her, admiring the way that her curves appeared each time she took a step, the way her shorts accentuated her bum so well. Still, in a trance, he knows he had a mission to fulfil and there was no room for error.

As she turned into the next aisle, he decided to do the same and their trollies collided with each other. Forming a charming smile, he looked at the warm chestnut beauty who seemed frustrated by his action but he didn't mind, he knew how to soothe her instantly.

"Can't you see where you going? " She asked in an annoyed voice. Her almond-shaped eyes flicked in an irritated manner.

Still holding his smile, he went full charm with his approach.

" My mistake, sweetheart. I didn't mean bump into such a beautiful woman like you" He said, emphasising last part of his words but that didn't seem to change her attitude.

" Watching where you're going next time," She said in a serious tone, carrying on her shopping journey. But the young man didn't mind, he knew they would meet again.

Turning back, she saw the young man had miraculously vanished, something about the encounter didn't really sit well with her but she decided to forget about it.

Paying her stuff, she decided to grab a taxi. Getting in, she looked out the window as the breeze caressed her face, the taxi driver didn't seem like he wasn't interested in conversing and to be honest, neither was she.

Approaching her road, the driver stopped abruptly.

" I can't go any further" he uttered, looking down the road nervously.