It was as if the heavens were against me, for the date for my flight came faster than I expected it. It was as if everything wanted me to go to USA, as if I was being gotten rid of from the world that always had me confide in it's four corners, and for the first time I wish, I didn't have to leave my parents, but there's nothing I could do, just as there wasn't anything I could do when my parents were already bent on my leaving . Although, it was obvious that they were missing me already, it was evident from the amount of food , gifts , outings with them, they were careful not to grant me the freedom I thirsted for.
Two nights before my flight, I decided to call a family meeting. I needed answers. I arranged the living room for the meeting, before going to their room to call them down.
Getting down, I greeted them as a well respected child not one that wanted freedom so crazily,at least if I couldn't accomplish my dreams as I wanted, I should be able to get answer to my question.As it was believed by our elders, " gentle words brings the kola nut from the pocket" (oro pele lo yo obi l'apo agba).
I sat in the living room, looking at my parents with a mix of frustration and curiosity. "Mom, Dad, why are you so overprotective of me? Why can't I have any freedom?" I asked, my voice laced with emotion.
My mother looked at me with a gentle smile. "Adeseuwa, you've been a good girl right from the start. We've raised you to be a good girl, and we're proud of you. Just bear with us, okay? You'll find your freedom when you're 21, not 18. Please, just trust us."
I looked at my parents, my eyes searching for more answers. "But why, Mom? Why can't I have any freedom? Why do you have to be so overprotective?" My asked, my voice laced with frustration.
My father sighed and rubbed my mum's shoulder. "Adeseuwa, we're just trying to protect you. The world out there is not safe, and we want to make sure you're okay."
"But I'm not a child anymore, Dad," Adeseuwa said, her voice rising. "I'm 17 soon, and I should be able to make my own decisions. Why can't you trust me?"
My mother looked at me, her eyes filled with love and concern. "We do trust you, Adeseuwa. We just want what's best for you. And what's best for you is to stay safe and protected until you're ready to take care of yourself.
I shook my head, feeling I have been wronged,I wanted to argue more, but I knew it wouldn't change anything. So I nodded and said, "Okay, Mom. I'll try to understand."
My parents smiled and hugged me, relieved that the conversation had ended without too much conflict. But my mind was still racing with questions and doubts. I knew I had to find a way to navigate this situation and assert my independence, but I wasn't sure how yet.
Finally, the long awaited date of flight came, and as planned, my mum was to accompany me to USA, which I would have protested against if my spirit hasn't been dampled on several occasions, but, I just agreed to whatever they said as if I was following a script for a play. That's how pathetic my life has been.
The drive from the house to the airport was a quite one, with everyone lost in their own thoughts, I, particularly decided to give my mum silent treatment all through the journey.
As we arrived at Boston Logan International Airport, my mother tried to engage me in conversation. "Are you excited to start your new life in the US, Adeseuwa?" she asked, but, I just nodded and replied with a soft "Mm-hmm."
My mother continued to chat, but my responses remained brief. "Okay, ma," I said, my voice barely above a hisper. My mother noticed the change in her demeanor and felt a pang of worry. She wondered if I was feeling overwhelmed or homesick already.
As they walked to the gate, I became quieter lost in my own thoughts.My mother attributed it to me being tired from the long flight and decided to let me be. "Maybe she's just missing home," she thought, trying to reassure herself. Which I was grateful for.
When we arrived at the gate, their aunt, who was waiting for them, smiled warmly. My eyes lit up slightly as I spotted my aunt, and I quickly knelt down to greet her. "Aunty," I said softly,my voice filled with respect.
My aunt hugged me tightly. "Adeseuwa, it's so good to se you! I've missed you so much." I smiled slightly, feeling a mix of emotions. I was happy to see my aunt, but I couldn't shake off the feeling of being trapped.
As we made their way to the car, aunt chatted with my mother, catching up on family news. I walked quietly behind them, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. I felt a sense of unease wash over me as I realized I was truly far from home.
As the days went by, I settled into a routine at my aunt's house. She was even more overprotective than my parents, constantly checking in on me and asking about my plans. I felt like I was under a microscope, with no freedom to make my own decisions.
Despite the restrictions, I found solace in my music. I spent most of my time writing songs and practicing on my guitar. It was my escape, my sanctuary. I felt most alive when I was creating music.
My aunt would occasionally join me in the living room, listening to me play and offering words of encouragement. She didn't understand my passion for music, but she supported me nonetheless.
As school resumed, I began attending classes, accompanied by my aunt. She'd drop me off and pick me up, always asking about my day and my classes. I felt like a child, unable to take care of myself.
But despite the lack of freedom, I was determined to make the most of my time in the US. I focused on my studies, determined to excel in law, while also nurturing my passion for music.
As the weeks went by, I found myself growing more and more frustrated with the restrictions placed on me. I longed for freedom, for the ability to make my own decisions and live my own life. But for now, I was stuck in this situation, bound by the rules and expectations of my parents and aunt.
On my first day of class, I was nervous but determined to make a good impression. As I walked through the campus, I noticed people from different parts of the world, all with their own unique stories and experiences. I felt a sense of excitement and curiosity, wondering what I could learn from them.
In my law class, I met Anne, a bright and bubbly American student who took a liking to me. We struck up a conversation, and I was drawn to her carefree spirit and infectious laughter. As we talked, I realized that she was the complete opposite of me - free-spirited, independent, and unapologetically herself.
Anne became my confidante, my partner in crime, and my best friend in the US. We would spend hours talking about our dreams, aspirations, and fears. She was fascinated by my story, and I was equally fascinated by hers.
As I watched Anne live her life with abandon, I couldn't help but feel frustrated. Why couldn't I have the same freedom? Why did my parents and aunt still have to restrict me? It seemed like no matter where I went, I was always bound by their rules and expectations.
Anne noticed my frustration and asked me about it. I opened up to her about my overprotective parents and aunt, and she listened with empathy and understanding. She couldn't believe that I was still being restricted at my age, and she encouraged me to stand up for myself and assert my independence.
But I knew it wouldn't be easy. My parents and aunt had conditioned me to obey them without question, and I wasn't sure if I had the courage to challenge their authority. Anne's words of encouragement gave me hope, but I knew I had a long way to go.
As the semester progressed, Anne and I grew closer, and I found myself drawn to her way of life. I began to wonder if there was more to life than the restrictive rules and expectations that had been imposed on me. Could I find a way to break free and live my own life? Only time would tell.