Chapter 3

“You remember when I told you Odell went to his grandparents’ place?” Odell’s mum asked.

My mum nodded, listening intently.

“Well,” she continued, “he’ll be traveling back soon, and I’ll be going with him to take care of a few things over there. Odell is supposed to meet me at the airport. But here’s what I’m thinking, Nicole can come with us.”

My mum blinked, clearly unsure she had heard correctly. “Come with you?”

“Yes,” Odell’s mum said with a warm, reassuring smile. “I’ll sponsor her trip and take care of everything, her passport, documents, preparation. All you need to do is provide the necessary information, and I’ll handle the rest. I have the connections to get it done quickly. She’ll stay with me over there. We’ll take her for the exam, and she’ll return with me. You know you’re like family to me, and Nicole is like my own daughter. It’s really nothing.”

My mum was stunned. She hadn’t expected generosity on this scale, and when she finally found her voice, gratitude poured out of her.

“Thank you… thank you so much.”

Odell’s mum waved it off lightly. “It’s settled then. Don’t worry about anything, just get her ready.”

I stood there in shock, barely able to process what I had just heard. The reality of traveling, of actually leaving, hit me like a wave. My chest swelled with emotion: excitement, gratitude, disbelief.

But beneath all of it was fear.

One sentence kept replaying in my mind.

Odell is supposed to meet me at the airport.

The thought sent a shiver down my spine.

My mind raced. What would he be like now? He must be so grown, so different. Would he recognize me? Would he still care the way he once did? Did he even remember us, those moments I had held onto for so long? Or had he moved on completely, leaving me behind with nothing but memories?

The anticipation was overwhelming. My hands trembled slightly as hope and doubt tangled inside me. I wanted answers so badly, wanted to see him again but I was terrified of what I might find.

When my dad came home that evening, my mum could hardly wait to share the news. She told him everything, her conversation with Odell’s mum, the travel plans, the opportunity being handed to us so unexpectedly.

That week became a whirlwind.

My parents were constantly on the move, helping me prepare for the trip. My mum, especially, was everywhere at once, gathering documents, making calls, coordinating paperwork, ensuring my passport and travel arrangements were handled perfectly. Everything had to be ready.

I, too, stayed busy, packing my things, organizing my thoughts, trying to mentally prepare for what lay ahead.

But through it all, one thought consumed me.

Odell.

Memories of our childhood replayed in my mind like a favorite movie I could never get tired of watching. The anticipation filled me with a kind of joy I hadn’t felt in years. I was happy, almost giddy. I even dreamed about it, imagining our reunion, picturing his face when he saw me.

I couldn’t wait for the day to come.

Yet doubts crept in quietly.

If Odell had returned to town to visit his grandparents, why hadn’t he reached out? Why hadn’t he called or tried to see me? Why hadn’t anyone told me he was back?

The questions threatened to dim my excitement, but I pushed them aside. I chose to believe there was a reason, something I didn’t know yet.

I told myself to be patient.

I would see him soon. He would answer all my questions, and everything would finally make sense. I refused to let doubt steal the joy of knowing I would see him again.

As the days passed, I buried myself in preparation for the scholarship exam. Both families, mine and Odell’s had invested so much in me. Odell’s mum had gone above and beyond, spending her time, resources, and energy to make this possible. My parents believed in me, trusted me to turn this opportunity into something extraordinary.

I couldn’t let them down.

So I studied harder than ever, morning and night, burning the midnight oil. I lived among my books, determined to succeed. The exam would be tough, and I had to be tougher.

This wasn’t just about me anymore. It was about proving their faith in me wasn’t misplaced. About honoring every sacrifice they had made.

Then the day finally arrived.

My bags were packed. My documents were neatly arranged. My heart pounded with anticipation. My parents and I climbed into my dad’s car and headed to the airport to meet Odell’s mum.

When we arrived, we spotted her standing outside, waving at us. She greeted us warmly and asked us to wait briefly while she finalized a few arrangements. Together, we walked toward the ticket counter, where our tickets, passports, and IDs were checked.

As we approached the gate, the weight of the moment settled over me.

I turned to my parents, knowing this would be the last time I’d see them before the journey ahead. I hugged them tightly, tears filling my eyes. My mum sniffed as she whispered prayers for my safety. My dad squeezed my shoulder, telling me how proud he was.

We cried. We exchanged quiet I love yous. Then they turned and walked away.

Watching them leave made my chest ache, but I reminded myself this was all for a greater purpose.

As Odell’s mum and I waited near the gate, my heart beat wildly with anticipation.

And then…

I saw him.