It was time to go home for the day. Chisom and Chioma stood by the roadside, chatting while waiting for a taxi. After a few minutes, Chisom successfully flagged down a taxi heading towards her home. As Chisom settled into the backseat, the taxi pulling away with a wheeze, she leaned out the window and called, 'Call Segun, remember?' Chisom reminded Chioma to call up her neighbour, who happened to be a taxi driver, her voice barely audible over the receding rumble.
Chioma nodded with a smile, bidding Chisom goodbye and waving as the taxi drove away. Once the taxi disappeared from sight, Chioma took out her phone from her bag and dialled Segun's number. Thankfully, her neighbour picked up the call right away. She had been concerned that Segun might be occupied with his taxi duties and wouldn't be able to answer.
'Segun, I can't find a taxi. Are you home already?' Chioma asked.
Segun's voice crackled through the phone, a hint of concern edging his tone. 'No, Chioma. Where are you?'
'I'm outside Star Restaurant... waiting for a taxi,' Chioma replied, hearing the sounds of car honks in the background, indicating that Segun was still on the road.
'Let me drop off a passenger nearby. I'll come and get you,' Segun offered.
'Thanks,' Chioma expressed her gratitude before ending the call.
Just as she was about to put her phone back into her bag, a low rumble echoed from behind her. Chioma froze, her phone clutched tightly in her hand. The sound grew louder, and she whipped around, heart pounding. A sleek black Lamborghini pulled up in front of her, the engine idling smoothly. The driver's side door swung open, revealing a figure stepping out.
The streetlights cast long shadows, but Chioma recognised him instantly. It was Michael Njemanze, even more captivating in person than the photos that adorned the pages of newspapers, magazines, and social media. His beautiful almond-shaped eyes, framed by long, dark lashes, were a captivating shade of dark brown. They sparkled with an unreadable emotion, both intense and alluring.
'Chioma?' His mesmerising voice sent shivers down her spine. What did he want? Was he here to cause trouble? Did he come to abduct her? Her mind raced with possibilities, none of them comforting.
A harsh honk pierced the sudden silence. 'Chioma, come on!' Segun's voice boomed from across the street, accompanied by the frantic waving of a hand. Relief flooded Chioma. It was like a dam had broken, washing away the fear and confusion that had gripped her moments before.
'Segun!' she cried, sprinting across the road towards the beat-up green taxi, its dented bumper proclaiming its countless battles with Abuja traffic. She threw a panicked glance back at Michael, who was still watching her, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. Sliding into the passenger seat, she blurted, 'Drive!'
As they drove away, Chioma couldn't help but steal glances back at the spot where Michael had stood. His unexpected appearance had left her heart pounding and her mind swirling with questions. Why was he here? What did he want to say? Regret gnawed at her for leaving him standing there without explanation. She hoped he wouldn't be angry, but a strange sense of anticipation bubbled up within her.
Segun shot her a curious glance. 'What was that all about?' he asked, his voice laced with concern. 'I noticed your strange behaviour.'
Chioma offered a tight smile, her gaze flitting back towards the spot where Michael's car had stood. 'It's nothing,' she mumbled, avoiding Segun's eyes. 'Anyway, do you have any water? I'm thirsty.' She turned to look at Segun.
'I don't have water, but I have pineapple juice,' Segun replied, looking at her. 'Would you like some?'
'Yes, please,' she accepted, taking the bottle of juice. She felt an unexpected thirst upon seeing Michael. Chioma gulped down the juice, savouring the delicious pineapple flavour. She felt satisfied, as if her thirst had been quenched. But what about her thirst for Michael, whom she had left standing helplessly by the road? She was perplexed, unsure of what to do. Not giving Michael the chance to speak to her was the only option she could think of in that moment. She regretted her impulsive action and hoped that Michael would understand why she had acted that way instead of being angry.
Meanwhile, Michael kept staring at the spot where Chioma had disappeared until his phone began to ring. Without looking at the caller's identity, he returned to his car and drove away. Was he just rejected by her? He pondered as he drove home. Should he be angry about what she did? No, it seemed that Michael wasn't annoyed. A slow smile stretched across his face. 'Intriguing,' he murmured. In fact, he found Chioma intriguing, sparking an urge within him to pursue her even more. The chase, it seemed, had just begun.