Chapter 6

Bang!

I heard a loud bang and immediately everyone started running here and there, I jolt up from the chair I was sitting on and ran out of the restaurant.

Everyone looked like they were in panic but what exactly is causing the panic? That I don't know.

Everyone was heading in a particular direction and I wasn't sure if I should follow suit or not because I know enough not to let my fear lead the way, it could take me to where the danger actually is.

A man was running towards me and I tried to flag him down but he didn’t see, like he would stop to answer me seeing as he almost ran me over, if not that I had moved out of the way.

I would be nursing a migraine and a pained butt by now. Then I saw a woman running with her two kids. She was carrying one and holding the other by the hand.

When she went past me I managed to hold her arm and she drew back a bit almost missing her foot but thankfully I could steady her, she tried to run again when I stopped her again and asked.

“What’s going on ma’am? Why is everyone running helter-skelter?” I stayed in her way, she wanted to cross me but I kept staying on her path. 

She looked up at me with an annoyed look lacing her features and spoke harshly in Yoruba before pushing me aside and running with her kids.

I frowned a bit not knowing what to say, I wasn’t that fluent in Yoruba but what I could pick were ‘man’, 'attack’, ‘leave the way’.

Who is attacking? I was curious to know… and where is the attack coming from? I wanted to know.

So instead of going in the direction, everyone was heading, I began heading in the opposite direction, waving at people who were going to bump into me.

This was absurd, she said something about man and attack… if this town is under attack, could it be a man behind it? And even if it’s a man, how can a man put this many people in disarray? Bring fear on them that they start running away.

I continued my way to find out the reason for the panic. It was like I was in a movie and I was the female lead that would save everyone from whatever attack came their way.

Then it hit me, I didn’t see my family at all and that made me halt in my step.

I touched my pocket in search of my phone and thankfully it was there. I pressed the power button and it came up. I placed my finger on the fingerprint sensor and it unlocks showing my home screen.

I tapped the phone icon and saw 17 missed calls from Daniel, 12 from Danielle, and oh my GOD… 40 missed calls from Mum.

How in the world did I not know it was ringing? How? 

I immediately tapped on Mum’s contact and placed the phone on my ear. It rang for a while and went to voicemail, I frowned and dialed it again and it was still the same. I tried Daniel and Danielle’s numbers and it was the same.

I placed one of my hands on my hips wondering how I didn't hear it ring. Then I checked and saw that it was silent. Stupid me now isn’t the time to put it on mute. Giving up, I put it back in my pocket and looked around but people weren't running as much as before.

How come? Did I stay on the phone that I didn't realize until now? Mum had told me that I was always distracted whenever I was doing something on my phone. I shrugged and continued in the direction I was heading.

It was getting to evening time and I could see the sun setting and still I couldn’t find what exactly put everyone in a panic. So I decided to turn around and head in the direction everyone was heading to.

I stopped abruptly almost causing someone to ram into me but I steady myself and moved out of the way.

I turned and looked at the building I saw something go past and started moving closer to it.

As I moved closer to it, my heart raced even faster than ever and I knew it wouldn't be good if I get any closer to the building so I stopped to think for a while.

I was curious to go in and find out what passed by that building.

‘Look Daniella this isn’t some kind of heroine case where she saves people, it happens only in movies, don’t get yourself killed.’ My inner thought said but my curiosity got the best of me and I ignored the voice in my head telling me to back out and proceed into the building.

You can't even handle being chased by that man in all black, how sure are you that you can handle whatever is it you are looking for? I stopped at that knowing it was true, maybe I should head back and try to call Mum and my siblings again.

Letting out a sigh I began to turn around when I heard light footsteps from behind me which made me freeze and stay rooted in the spot I was in. I could feel a familiar kind of fear creeping its way from inside and spreading across my entire being.

‘It possibly couldn’t be him right? You can’t mention him and I will see him right?’ I asked

I slowly turned around and noticed the sky had gone dark and wondered how that happened. I brought my eyes to the figure that was standing meters away from me… but what was in front of me made my entire system freeze and my eyes opened wide with fear.

“Daniella” I felt someone shake me and I jolted up almost hitting the person in the face but luckily the person dodged.

I saw Leo sitting by my side on the bed I was laying on.

I looked around and saw that I was in my room then my brows formed a furrow as I wondered how I got here.

I did remember him saying he would bring me home and I followed him, then… I guessed I slept off and he must have carried me up here.

I am a heavy sleeper when I am so exhausted.

He must have thought I was fat or had so much weight… Dad said I weigh a lot and it's like every time I eat I add up weight. That's why sometimes I avoid eating too much but most times I can't help but eat as I want to.

Those girls in school said it too. He must think I am so heavy so I felt my cheeks go warm from the little embarrassment I was feeling.

I tore my eyes away from him and sat up properly, resting my back on the headboard and closing my eyes.

“How long was I out?” I asked then felt some movement before a body settled beside me.

I opened my eyes to see him seated beside me and scooting closer. I scooted away from him but he scooted closer before adjusting his large frame beside me and putting his hand over my shoulder.

“2 hours max, are you hungry?” he asked, looking at me intently.

I must say if not for the fact that I am trying to avoid any kind of romantic relationship, especially with him it would be nice to have a boyfriend like him.

He is so attentive, caring, friendly, has a great sense of humor and fit, and all… his bubbly acts can bring you out of sadness to fits of laughter.

I nod and he smiled before turning to his side and opening a mini microwave I remember not seeing in our home… except Mum went shopping.

“Where did you see this microwave from?”

“Oh, it’s mine,” he brought out a microwavable takeaway that contains ‘asa ro’.

“Each time I am so lazy to warm up food in the kitchen I do it in my room and sometimes use it to cook” he shrugged and handed it over to me with a spoon. “It's slightly hot, so that would do” he closed the microwave and faced me.

“Thank you,” I said shyly and opened the plate which allowed the inviting aroma of the food to fill the room.

I inhaled a bit and let it out with “Hmm… my favorite, did you buy it?” I asked as I took my first spoon with my tongue savoring the lovely taste of the porridge.

“No, your Mum cooked it and told me to let you eat it when you wake up,'' he replied. “I didn't know it was your favorite, now I know” he gave me a toothy grin.

“Okay, thank you,” I said leaning on his shoulder as I continue eating my food

“Do you want to watch a movie?” he asked me, picking up his phone to search for the latest movies to watch.

“Yes, I do and since it’s Friday, we can sleep in late” I shrugged

“We?” He looked down at me.

I stopped eating to look into his eyes and swallowed the portion of food in my mouth.

“Well, I meant, if your parents don’t mind though, you can stay over… I will just tell my Mum when she gets back from work” I told him.

He smiled and continued searching

“Now, that’s a great idea, have you watched ‘Bad’s Boy For Life?’” He showed me his phone where he downloaded the trailer.

My eyes bulged and I almost choked but he handed me a bottle of water and told me to be careful. 

“Martin Lawrence and Will Smith are in the movie? Hell yes, I am watching this movie… I am a huge fan of both of them” I jumped on my seat and he grinned.

I have heard about the movie from people in school but didn’t know they were in the movie. I love those guys.

Leonard downloaded the movie on his laptop and went to bring blankets and wrapped it on me, then he slid next to me placing a pillow on his lap and the laptop on top.

“Better?” he asked

“Yes, thanks”

“Nah, don't thank me” he pressed play and the movie started.

When we were almost in the middle of the movie I had finished my food and was so into the movie.

“Daniella,” Leo called.

“Hmm?”

“Er… I want to ask you something but you don’t have to answer okay,” he began and I paused the movie to look at him so that he can have my full attention.

“In the classroom, what dream did you have that scared you so much… I have seen you scared when you wake up but earlier today at school, the fear was so evident in your eyes and although you have told me about some of these things…” he said and I looked down at my finger.

“But I haven't seen such great fear display on your face like that… is… is it that bad?” he asked with a little furrow on his brow.

I nod not able to meet his eyes as I felt tears prick my eyes to gather.

“It’s nothing actually, just some basic dream you know haha'' I tried to laugh it off and looked at him with a smile that didn’t reach my eyes but he didn't look convinced at all.

“Okay, if you say so but remember you can always talk to me, okay?” he said with a kind smile and I nod with a smile, and this time it was genuine.

“Good, now let's continue,” he said and pressed play so the movie could continue.

I really hope these dreams go away soon.

I hope so