NEVER LET THE HAIR DOWN🌸🌸🌸 Chapter Two

Inspired by a lovely girl named Holy

The night before my journey to the den, I was so restless I couldn't sleep. I was still tossing and turning after midnight when Wanida came and laid beside me. I was so grateful. I fell asleep dreaming of my childhood in Thailand.

A few hours later, I was at a Lagos park telling my father and sister goodbye.

"Remember whose child you are and make me proud, Marahadum," my father said and drew me to his arms. I guess I should have thanked him for finding time from his busy schedule to see me off but I didn't feel grateful. Just sad.

I teared up when Wanida stroke my yellow scarf. I quickly hid my face in her bosom and blinked rapidly. I didn't want to be so pathetic especially before the people I was going to travel with.

I made several efforts to release Wanida but the tears laid waste to all of them. I was still struggling when Wanida whispered into my ear, "Come home soon, Chanok. Let's run away to Thailand together."

I smiled. She had spoken in Thai. The thought of running away cheered me up and I bravely entered the bus and took a window seat. Wanida stayed and smiled at me until father called her to her bus. Then she gave my hand a squeeze and left.

I kept a sturdy countenance and thought it unwise to cry beside a girl that was obviously a student too. I said my prayers and spent the rest of the journey watching videos of my mum on her tour guide job. She always sent one each week. Wanida also called, like 13 times, to check up on me. My dad called too.

The video and calls helped me pass the time, and before I knew it, I was in a shuttle on my way to UNN. I must confess, the school was beautiful but it was nothing compared to my dream university in Thailand.

I signed into Okeke hostel and dragged my luggage to my room on the second floor. It was hard work but I pulled through. Oh, yeah. Someone helped.

With that done, there was one more danger to face. Meeting my roommates.

Behind the metal door of room 214, TikTok sound tracks played quietly. I was hesitant to knock but after five girls from different rooms came out and gave me curious stares as they passed, I braced up and knocked.

The door opened before my knuckles reached the door and a dark skinny girl slightly taller than me stared at me in surprise.

"I knew someone was at the door." Her voice was high pitched, kind of like a chipmunk. Her big eyes studied my black trousers, yellow top and yellow scarf. There was an awkward moment of silence as I thought of what to say. It was difficult with my head screaming, why does she have to have big eyes?

"Is this your room?" she asked at last.

"Yes," I said in a small voice and cleared my throat.

"Let me see your receipt."

As I fumbled to get it, someone inside shouted, "Chy, clear road let someone enter inside first. Police woman. My dear, please come in."

I obeyed and entered the room. Chy helped me with my bag while the other girl got off the lower left bunk. She was tall like Wanida and extremely fair. She stretched, gave me a broad smile and said, "Hello! I'm Eniola. Department of civil engineering. 300 level. Welcome to room 214. What's your name?"

"Marahadum," I said nervously.

"What did she say?" Chy shouted over the noise of the bag she pulled laboriously.

"University," Eniola replied to my surprise.

"Mahadum," Chy replied and shrugged before pulling the last bag into the room and shutting the door.

"Aren't you Yoruba?" I asked.

"Yeah," Eniola said simply. She continued, "Sorry this okuko was interrogating you. Someone tried to steal corner A."

I smiled. If you're wondering, I knew what okuko meant.

"Hey," Chy retorted. To me, she said, "Marahadum, welcome to marahadum. I'm Chy. Department of food science 200 level. I'm guessing you're a fresher."

"Yeah. Mmh. Department of history," I said quickly, nearly switching department with faculty.

"What's your corner?" Eniola asked.

"C."

"Great. We're bunk mates. You don't mind going up, do you?" Eniola said.

"It's okay. I like the top bunk."

"And I like you. That's our wardrobe. We have to share. Only the finalist in corner A gets a single wardrobe but she and one other person hasn't shown up. My things are up so you can put yours down. One more thing. Are you Nigerian?"

I had been expecting that question because she was staring at me like Chy. I smiled and answered, "Mostly."

Eniola nodded and said, "So cool. I always dreamt of being a halfie."

"Are you sure you're not one? Your skin..." My attempt at a compliment was happily received by Eniola who made a stifled cry of delight and blew me a kiss before sticking her tongue out at Chy who hissed. I laughed.

"I love this girl already!"

"Abeg!" Chy snapped and I laughed. "So, Marahadum," Chy called the name slowly and stylishly, "Indian?"

"No. Thailand."

"That's great. Hope you brought me rice," she said.

I laughed and my tension relaxed. Thank God. For a start, they were actually cool. I hoped they would remain so when I pulled off my scarf.

By nightfall, I was done with putting my corner in order. After a bath and some outside food, I climbed my bed and gave my tired limbs a break. Next thing to do; call my sis. Coincidentally, Wanida called.

"Sup, sis."

"So damn tired. I'm not even done unpacking. My room's great, though. That's my consolation. What about you? You look settled." Wanida peered at me through the screen.

"Bathed, fed and ready for bed," I bragged.

"Awwwn. Be making sis proud," Wanida squeaked and made a face. I laughed.

"I'm glad everything went well. Now, get some sleep. You have a big day ahead of you tomorrow, and the day after, and the day after the day after that. Before you know it, we'll be home for the holiday, and mum will be there too."

I slept with Wanida's words in my head and had a happy dream of Wanida and me with my mum in Thailand.

To be continued 🧣