THE EXTERNALS

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Before the time my abusive mouth planned on unleashing the power of insults on Bene, Sukurat came in panting and apologized for the trouble she caused. She also explained the reason for her lateness - She was anxious about the trip so she couldn't sleep all through the night. Nevertheless, she woke up early and made it to her bus park on time. Her trouble started when she started slumbering and was taken beyond her destination. The wicked conductor whose bus she entered didn't bother waking her up since he was only interested in making more money off her.

In less than five minutes after Afusat's arrival, we prayed for the success of our trip and re-assembled ourselves in the rented bus arranged by the school authority to convey us to our destination, which still required us to pay the sum of Two thousand naira. Well, part of it was for the school's caterer to make the snacks we took along with us because we knew our bellies were going to make unpleasant noises if we didn't shut them up with those.

Our destination was on the island so the driver passed through the third mainland bridge which only three among us have through. Don't be surprised that it was my first time being on it. Its beauty and that of the spectacular natural forces around it were captivating. Still, my eyes didn't miss the heap of rubbish that lay on top of the water underneath. Seeing that made me so disgusted that I mistakenly cursed whoever was involved in dumping it there. Moreover, I got the "lapel du vide"(the call of the void) which made me feel the urge to jump off the bridge but I was able to overcome it.

I was also irritated by the prolonged gasping of my juniors caused by the overwhelming beauty of the houses, cars, roads, trees, and every other thing they saw on the island though I knew that was wrong. It wasn't their fault that they didn't have parents who could afford to live in such an environment. Perhaps, if some of their parents wait a little more before having them, or plan on making more money, luxury wouldn't be a new thing to them. I think the problem with most people in my community is that they're too relaxed, too comfortable with the situation they're in. If they hate it, they should be able to make moves that will get them out of it. The only excuse they're supposed to have is things not working for them despite the moves they made. Unfortunately, only one percent of them I think can say that.

"Good morning, miss. How may I help you?" My thought was interrupted by the receptionist who made me realize we'd really arrived at the broadcasting station. Then again, I was distracted by her flawless fair skin.

"Lily, are you alright?" It was Bene's turn to tap my shoulder instead.

"I asked you to come here first because you were the one who brought this whole idea. You shouldn't be wasting my time. I have other important things..", Mr. Yemi said, obviously trying to get the receptionist's attention.

"Please take it easy, sir. It's normal for teens to act that way, especially when they're in a public place", Her smile encouraged me to let unsaid words out of my dark lips.

"We're here because I wrote this organization a letter to allow us to visit and they accepted", I couldn't resist the temptation to fake a British accent. Funnily enough, she responded to us with a Nigerian accent all through.

"Ewo! Allen, who you dey form accent for? You wey never even reach airport before", He made a joke to make her laugh at my expense. Unluckily for him, she didn't find it funny. Even my juniors who were found of laughing hard to even dry jokes kept mute. They didn't want to be seen as rowdy and local kids.

"It's not bad to try out new things", She later fought for me and requested for the acceptance letter sent by the organization.

" Oh, my bad. I should have shown it to you as soon as we got here..", My English was back to normal. Well, I couldn't think straight then. I was scared that I might have forgotten my phone at home or deleted the letter by mistake.