MISSING- Episode Two

The sound of laughter greeted Ike as he stepped onto the corridor of his house, his wide shoulders slumped under the weight of his bag and fatigue. He’d spent two hours on his trip from work because of a political rally that had blocked all major routes.

‘If only I’d taken Fatima’s advice to wait a while for the traffic to abate, I wouldn’t have gone through this stress.’

His first shot of regret had come after twenty minutes of sitting in a traffic gridlock. He’d shrugged it off until an hour later when he couldn’t take it anymore. He’d then joined the people who’d taken to walking and trekked the remaining distance to his house for another 40 minutes.

He opened the door of the house, stepped into the living room and let out a long whistle. The room looked like a crèche at noon. His friends Kabir and Eunice wrestled playfully on the carpeted floor, completely oblivious to his entrance. There were pieces of Ludo game scattered on the floor, and the 3-seater chair which usually rested on the wall, was now close to the center of the room. Eunice was sprawled on the floor with her back on the ground, and her knees raised poking Kabir’s chest. She was laughing uncontrollably and shrieking loudly.

Ike dropped his bag and watched the duo in tired amusement. He’d met Kabir and Eunice three months earlier at their first clearance and they’d struck up a friendship that had grown since then. In that brief period, he’d come to think of them as family. He didn’t have much of one except for his grandmother who’d raised him in Abia, his home state. He’d lost his father at barely two years old, and his mother had remarried to a man who never wanted to see him.

Eunice screamed again, so he walked to the couch, grabbed a pillow and threw at the duo. It bounced off Kabir’s back, who looked up briefly but made no effort to get up. Ike kicked the Ludo board at his foot gently to one side, walked up to them, and pulled Kabir up from his awkward sitting position, easing Eunice's elbow from the deadlock it was in. Kabir straightened up, standing a head taller than Ike. He laughed and dusted himself before giving Ike a playful handshake. Eunice sat up on the floor and greeted Ike with a grin.

‘Sweetheart, how are you?’

‘I’m fine,’ he said, bending to pull her cheek tenderly.

Eunice laughed in response, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

‘Can you guys stop already. Kabir interrupted their banter rolling his eyes.

‘Why are you hating bro? Can’t I spend a few moments with a lady without you getting jealous.

You’ve had her to yourself so far.’

‘Okay o, continue with that crooked mouth of yours and sweet words.

‘Kabir!’ Eunice stood and punched him in the shoulder.

Ike smiled. It was public knowledge that he had a soft spot for Eunice, and he didn’t try to hide it. He’d gone so far to ask her out, but she’d turned him down pleasantly. He’d then told Kabir who’d made it his duty since then to tease him about it at opportune moments.

He sat on the displaced couch and Kabir followed suit.

‘How was work? And how many errands did you run for your office secretary today?’ Kabir continued his teasing.

‘Bros, make you just dey your lane o.”

‘My brother,’ Kabir replied with mock seriousness, ‘I’m only concerned about your well-being, which is why I’m asking. In addition, it’s nothing to be ashamed about. The woman looked at you from head to toe, and summarized that your B.Sc. degree qualified you for appointment as her personal minister for food, drinks, and miscellaneous duties. It's a thing of great pride in case you didn't know."

Ike took a playful swing at him, but he ducked in time.

Eunice smirked, glanced at her watch and announced.

Guys, I’m leaving.’

‘Haba, why so soon? Kabir protested.

‘I still must get to Tola’s place to pick up stuff that my mom sent through her and its past 7’o clock already.’

‘I understand. Let’s see you off.’ Kabir stood, walked to Eunice and flung an arm over her shoulder. He motioned for Ike to get up.

Ike reluctantly stood and spoke with concern evident in his voice.

‘Eunice, you shouldn’t have stayed this late, especially with the recent tension surrounding the upcoming election. I think you should go home directly, and see Tola tomorrow.

He watched as Eunice shrugged, picked her bag that lay on the floor and brushed her hair into place.

‘It’s not so late. There’s nothing to worry about, I’ll be home in good time.’

Ike twitched his lips but didn’t object. Instead, he opened the door and they all walked out, teasing till they got to the end of the street where they hailed a cab for Eunice.

He watched as the cab pulled away, but he couldn’t shake off the feeling of unrest that had suddenly gripped him.

#fiction #thriller #politics #election #NYSC