Five days. That's how long it's been since I stopped visiting the boys' room. A little drama over my intonation was my reason for acting that way. I hated that every single person in the compound had an intonation that gave anyone listening to us speak an idea of where we come from. It wasn't a big deal to me but Evan kept highlighting mine. Last Thursday, exactly five days ago, he asked where I was headed.
"To the saloon to wash my hair" I responded without looking his way.
"Your Heyyy" he mimicked, causing everyone who was at the balcony to roar in laughter. I was extremely embarrassed so I just walked away.

"Fine girl, it's your turn"
"Me?" I responded tentatively. I've been absent minded, relieving the memories of my embarrassment the other day hence my uncertainty.
"Is there anyone as pretty as you here?"
I smiled, stood up and sat on the swivel chair.
"How do you want your hair?" He enquired, watching me from the mirror in front of me.
"Bra length twists, tiny cutting."
"Alright".

I sat quietly watching Machino as he braided my hair with so much expertise.
I love Machino majorly for the way he teases and cares for his customers. When I first moved to Hilltop, I was worried about who'll take care of my hair as I was new to the environment.
As I walked home from school one evening, I kept staring at his shop. I was intrigued by the sight of a guy plaiting hair. It's not something I see often so I decided to try him. I loved the first hair he made for me - packing gel. Since then I've been a consistent customer.

I shivered as his hands brushed my bare neck.
"O nwanyioma, ndo o?"
Though I don't really understand Igbo language, I knew he was apologizing but I chose not to respond. I just wanted to be done with my hair and get back home before it gets too late.

By 8pm, we were beyond halfway into the hair. I kept peering at the clock at the far end of the wall. The weather had started changing and I was afraid it would rain. The wind was blowing with reckless abandon and I was getting cold. Then it started drizzling.

I moved to California in the summertime… came Nightbirde's voice from my phone. I wondered who was calling.
"Please pass me the phone, it's mine" I said to the girl who was sitting on the waiting couch.
"Hello" I said, barely recognizing my voice.
"Mama, you never finish? You don see this kind rain?" Came Jane's voice, evidently concerned.
"I'm at the saloon by the Hilltop gate. I'll be done soon, let's say in thirty minutes"
"Oya nahh, shaa do fast. Maybe the rain will stop before you're done" she responded.
"Okay, bye."

I let out a sigh as the call came to an end. I was disturbed by the heavy rainfall. I wasn't even well covered and the cold was getting to me but I tried to concentrate on the progress of my hair.

Minutes later, I was awoken by a nudge on my cheek. I dozed off. My hair was done.
"Do you like it?" Machino asked, looking somewhat scared.
"It's beautiful," I smiled and saw relief sweep through his face.
"I have sent you my payment, please check your account balance"
"Don't worry, I'll see it. I know you're an honest person"
I smiled. Machino will always be Machino I said to myself.
"Alright, bye." Standing up, I straightened my skirt, getting ready to leave.
"Are you going in the rain?" He asked, obviously concerned.
"I have no choice, it's getting late."

Without waiting for his response, I dashed out the door into the rain, closing my eyes as lightning flashed. The Headlight of an oncoming motorcycle served as my guiding light for the first few steps I took. I had not gone too far when a figure appeared beside me with an umbrella. I looked up to find attractive grey eyes peering at me.

"Evan?" I whispered as my countenance changed from fear to confusion, then relief and joy.
He showed up for me on a stormy dark night!
"You thought I wouldn't come for you?" He asked, his eyes staring intently into mine, tearing down my defences.
Speechless, I looked down trying to swallow the tears that were threatening to fall from my eyes.

"We aim to please, Sophia" he said, imitating one of my favourite lines from E L James' 50 Shades Trilogy.

"In sunshine and even in the storm" he added, regarding me careful. Transferring the umbrella to his left hand, he took my hands into his.
"Let's get you home and warm", his tone indicating finality.

I smiled genuinely. All my anger towards him vanished. Together we journeyed home in the storm with confidence, peace and comfort, forgetting that we weren't on good terms for the past five days.

The End.

Original Cover Image
Edited by me on Canva.