CHAPTER SIXTEEN

-Your ability to form harmonious, right relationships with the right people at each stage of your life will be critical determinant of your success and achievement--- Richard Carswell

(3 MONTHS LATER NIGERIA, LAGOS STATE)

Helen looked at the pictures on her phone as she tried to locate her uncle and aunt who had come to pick her from the airport. She searched frantically looking here and there, clutching her bags for safety.

She wished someone older came with her but Aunty Eva said it was high time she learnt how to be independent. She sighed and looked up and in a moment saw the flowery skirt of someone who resembled Aunty Mara.

" Aunty Mara!"

Mara turned to look at the person "I have seen her!" She exclaimed and ran to hug Helen excitedly.

"Oh Helen! You have grown" She said looking at her up and down, smiles plastered to her face.

Helen saw a tall man who walked across to meet them.

"I am Uncle Paul" He said on reaching them. She looked up at him and returned the warm smile he gave.

"Let's take you home" Aunty Mara said excitedly as she helped to carry her bag.

"Is this all you came with?" She asked.

"Yes ma" Helen replied her.

The drive home seemed to be endless but Helen was fascinated by the tall buildings and everything she saw on the way. The endless stream of black people, some were hawking oranges, bread, while others moved with cassettes, speaking through the loud speakers they held.

"It's a bit different from South Africa" She muttered.

"What did you say darling?" Aunty Mara asked from the front seat.

"I was just commenting on the people" Helen replied and Aunty Mara gave one hearty laughter

"Welcome to Nigeria" Uncle Paul replied still driving.

As they entered the compound, Helen noticed four children who stood at the entrance to the house, holding placards

"WELCOME HOME, HELEN" It said.

"WELCOME!" They chorused at the same time waving the cards.

Helen was touched. She smiled at them.

"Hi" The eldest of them said.

"What's your name?" Helen asked as they entered the house.

"I am Chiamaka"

"Come in and have your bath, so you can join us for lunch" Aunty Mara voice rang out. Helen followed her immediately. She was shown to her room. She showered, wore a new dress and came out to meet the family.

They started eating after a short prayer was said, thanking God for the food and the safe journey.

Helen looked at the food. She didn't know it at all.

"What's the name?"

"Onugbu Soup" Chima, one of Paul sons replied.

"How is it prepared?" Helen asked further. She wanted to know everything.

"It's prepared with bitter leaves and cocoyam dear, I will take you to the market, when next I am going so that you will be used to the soups we cook here" Aunty Mara said to her smiling.

"Thank you ma" Helen smiled back.

The children were just looking at her. She looked different and clean, she spoke with an accent that was a bit different, she had a very long hair and to top it all, she was beautiful.

As Helen retired for the night, she thought of Aunty Eva and the streets of Capetown, she wondered what she might be doing, probably spending her night in a club or chatting away with friends idly. She shook her head in the darkness and smiled. She thought of Mr Ben and was surprised at the way the relationship blossomed between him and her aunt. She hoped it would last long. Aunty Eva had a way of changing boyfriends.

"Helen" Aunty Mara said cocking her head out from the open door.

"Yes ma" Helen replied turning to look at her as she came in.

"Are you representing your school in a competition?"

"Yes ma for Day of Words"

"Exactly! You were just announced on the TV"

Helen jumped out of the bed excitedly and ran to the sitting room with Aunty Mara laughing at her heels.

They watched as the reporter reeled out the names of all the countries coming for the finals. There was one name that Helen didn't forget.

"Benedicta Martins from Brazil"

Nigeria also qualified as a young boy from Edo State will be representing them.

"I want my country to win but I am two sided now. I also need to support Helen" Chike, another of Paul sons said.

"You have no choice than to support" Ijeoma the youngest of them all said.

Helen smiled. This was all the more interesting. She returned to her room with a rising determination to win!