Caught In the Storm- Chapter One

25th September, 2018

Lekki, Lagos state.

Sonia’s body twisted and turned under the thick sheets. Her head darted sharply to the right as her soul struggled to get out of the deadly apparition; the very same abysmal nightmare that had plagued her for over a decade. With a sudden high-pitched cry, she jolted up from her bed panting heavily, the vivid image of a blood-stained corpse on a kitchen floor still in high definition. Drenched in cold sweat, her widened eyes scanned the pitch dark room in sheer panic, her body adjusting restlessly on the large bed. Her heart rammed frantically against her chest as the feelings of terror plagued her weary soul.

Slowly, reality began to chase away the effects of the nightmare. Her rapid breathing began to slow down to soft breaths. Shutting her eyes, she let out a tired sigh, her heart rate finally slowing down to normal.

Swallowing softly, she glanced at the glowing numbers on her alarm clock; It was 3:35am. She laid back on her bed, struggling to remain calm. The feelings of fear and loneliness took turns in gnawing at her soul as she lay still in the blackness. For the past decade, this was her experience almost every night. And the worst part of it all, was that there was no one that would rush into her room when she had such episodes. There was no one that would offer to stay by her side and stroke her hair until she fell asleep again. As always, she was alone in the large luxurious apartment, just her and the darkness that plagued her.

She lay there on the bed, thinking of nothing, anxiously waiting for the break of dawn. But time moved like wet gravel on a slope, with every minute seeming like an eternity.

Dawn showed hesitation in breaking forth, allowing the blanket of darkness to tarry a little longer. But after what felt like an eternity, the sky finally softened to a blue, forcing the darkness to surrender its grip on the scenery. The clouds began to blush like ripe fruit, being serenaded by the golden rays of the rising sun. Finally, the mighty morning star took its place, igniting the blue and spreading her gold in every direction.

Sonia watched the golden rays sift through her window blinds, caressing everything in the large bedroom. She had longed for the break of dawn, hoping it would chase away the leftover effects of the nightmare. Her head ached badly, her eyes clearly devoid of adequate sleep.

Raising herself up again, she drew her knees to her chest, resting her head on her knees. The ache in her chest was still there, and so was the gaping void in her soul. They’d been her companions for years, waxing and waning throughout every single day of her life. Glancing at the clock again, she let out a soft sigh, realizing that she to get out of bed. It was already 8am and she had a lot of work to do. Plus, her personal hair stylist was going to be there by noon. She was also expecting a visit from her friend, Monique.

Taking a deep breath, she dragged herself out of bed and moved towards the window. Pulling open the blinds, she shut her eyes, allowing the warm sun engulf her in its brightness. Squinting, she took in the scenery of the tranquil neighborhood. Everywhere was quiet as usual, except the few people jogging around. Saturday was often a lazy day at the luxurious estate.

Royal Gardens Estate was a vast property, comprising of tens of apartment units ranging from modest but elegant maisonettes to extravagantly luxurious detached houses. All the houses were adorned in signature neutral colours, each capped by dark coloured slate roofing and fenced in by half brick walls.

Relocating from a foreign land, Sonia had sought for residential areas that would make her feel as comfortable as she was back in the States. Fortunately, Royal Gardens provided everything she needed; from high detailed security, to the constant power supply, to the good water supply. They even took it up a notch by providing fast wi-fi peculiar to each luxurious unit. But what she loved the most, was the tranquility of the area. She couldn’t imagine living in a place where there was so much noise.

She currently lived in one of the classy detached apartments. Her house was furnished with the most exquisite of furniture, depicting her peculiar taste. She was mostly alone in the large apartment, except for when the professional help that she had hired came around, and the occasional visits from her close friends.

Easing unto a desk by the window, she glanced at her Macbook, Journal and Bible. Shutting her eyes, she took a deep breath, willing herself to say a prayer. No words came, neither from her mouth nor her mind. Sighing at the utter futility of her attempt, she drew out a chair and sat down.

Opening the big brown bible that once belonged to her mum, she flipped to the same scripture she read everytime. She had to read it every morning. Her mum had always said that God spoke through the bible only if it was read consistently. Aunt Helen had also said the same thing when she moved in with her. It hadn’t worked for fourteen years, but for what it was worth, she read the scripture again. It was highlighted in blue;

Isaiah 26:3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

Shutting her eyes, she waited for the ominous loud voice that she was told would speak to her. But nothing came, just like every other time she had tried.

Exasperated, she grumpily closed the book and went to pick up her bathrobe. Why did she even bother? It never worked, and it probably never would. Her blue bathrobe on, she made her way to the bathroom.

Standing in front of the bathroom mirror, she stared deeply at her reflection. The woman that stared back at her looked broken, beautiful but broken. She had her mother’s charming brown eyes. Letting out a deflating sigh, she ran her fingers through her unkempt kinky hair that looked like an untamed jungle, the dark curls holding unto them like wild forest vines that came to life. Her fingers moved to her cheeks, tugging at them to reveal the dark circles under her sleep deprived eyes. Letting out a bitter sigh, she turned on the sink tap, cupped water to her face and proceeded to brush her teeth.

Turning to face the tub, she let the bathrobe slip off her body, the mirror reflecting the nasty scars on her back that told gory tales of a deadly whipping.

Her toes flinched as they made contact with the cold cream ceramic bathtub, the hot steam filling the room as she turned on the shower. The water poured down softly, taming the wild vines on her head and dripping down to her sides. Her mind faded into dullness, all her depressing thoughts becoming a foggy illusion. She welcomed the blankness, seeking rest from it. She was actively running from her own thoughts, scared of what her mind would whip up again. Her mind was her worst enemy, constantly ambushing and forcing her to relive the tragedies of her past every chance it got. She allowed the steamy sensation of the water calm her, willing her mind to remain a silent place.

But the image of her mother remained in her mind. Subtly, her soul suddenly began to fill up with bittersweet memories of her parents. Her mind was doing it again. In minutes, her soul was sucked into a memory that she ran away from constantly. She inhaled sharply as her mind was snatched into sudden blackness, watching how her misery began again through the glass of memory.

It was night again. Ferocious drops were falling from an ominously loud sky, crashing heavily against the windshield of the grey Cadillac her dad drove, far away from their home at Pine Meadow in Hartford, Connecticut. They drove on an ill lit road that was flanked on each side with thick vegetation masquerading in the dark. The only source of illumination were the flickering streetlights, the occasional flashes of lightening and headlights of the few cars on the road.

Her parents were in yet another argument. It had grown from nothing into a furnace of heated words. The storm outside seemed to compete with the one raging in the car. Their harsh words flew faster than the raindrops, sounding fiercer than the rolling thunder.

Little Sonia held her brown teddy bear close, silently sobbing in the midst of the confusion. She wanted to run to her safe spot again, craving the comfort of silence the closet gave her and the warmth her blanket offered. But she was far from home, trapped in a dilemma no seven year old should witness.

Susan turned to see her daughter sobbing.

“Now look what you’ve done, Sonia’s crying again! Even if you can’t be a faithful husband, at least try not to be a useless Father!” She screamed in annoyance, then muttered a curse in igbo.

“I’m done with your baseless accusations! Now listen…” Richard Jackson retorted, clearly irritated by an insult he didn’t understand. His eyes were now off the road, focusing on his livid wife.

“No! I’m done listening to you! God, you’re impossible to deal with!” Susan interjected.

“That’s the problem with you! You never listen…”

“Daddy! The road!” Sonia screamed, pointing to the blinding headlights speedily approaching them.

As soon as Richard got his eyes back on the road, the fury in them was replaced with grave panic. Too quick for Richard’s reflexes, the speeding car rammed into the Cadillac, ricocheting wildly to the other side of the road.

The Cadillac swiveled around the dark road in a frenzy, filled with the screams and prayers of the trio. Air bags out and broken pieces of glass littered all over, the car screeched to a halt, parking itself diagonally across the road. Head on steering wheel and blood trickling down his face, Richard was out cold. Susan was barely conscious, with the inflated air bags pinning her to her seat.

Sonia was just coming to when the deafening wails of another monster drew her attention. Her eyes widened in horror as they locked on to the blinding headlights of the huge truck closing in on her side with full speed. It’s banshee-like horns cried out seeming apologies for the coming disaster. Sonia sat frozen like a deer in headlights, unable to look away.

The impact sent seismic waves through her mind, knocking her soul out of the memory and back into reality. Her eyes flew open, trying to reassure herself of her surrounding. Her senses stuttered, trying desperately to grasp reality.

Staggering, she turned off the hot shower and leaned against the wall adjacent to the bathtub, hyperventilating. Tears rolled down effortlessly without sobs accompanying them.

Renewed grief surged through her with every expelled breath, as the memory opened the wound time had refused to heal. She lowered herself into the bath tub, overcome by her emotions. A hint of anger swept through her, ignited by the thought that God didn’t save her. She was a child, and He let it happen. Breaking into silent sobs, she swore never to read that scripture again, or any other scripture. She resolved never to pray ever again, because there was no use speaking to a God who never responded.

---

10:00am

Pulling his luggage off the side walk towards his new home, David was nothing but thankful. He let his eyes take in the beautiful four bedroom structure and shook his head in amazement. He truly believed in miracles and the favour of God. How else could he explain this drastic turn of events? Muttering words of Thanksgiving to God, he shut his eyes, reminiscing the events of the last few days.

Two weeks ago, he was living with his mum and siblings in a small apartment all the way in mainland. It was all his mum could afford, considering she was just a pensioner, coupled with losing her husband over a decade ago. She became a business woman, struggling to make ends meet with the little profit she made. It was a decent apartment, but it in no way compared to what stood before him. He had been unemployed for months, daily searching for Job vacancies until that fateful day.

Whilst loitering the streets of Lagos, he bumped into an old secondary school classmate near an ATM. His face lit up like a Christmas tree when he saw Tony Adekunle. They had been the closest of friends back in school. They had studied, prayed, and shared dreams of all they had wanted to become in those times. But after smashing the WAEC exams, life took them on different paths. Whilst David struggled to get into Unilag to study computer science, Tony was flown abroad by his father, the Founder and Chairman of a then fast growing fintech company in Lagos to study Architecture. Few years along the line, David’s father passed away.

They had settled at a nearby restaurant to catch up. As they ate, David brought Tony up to speed with everything going on in his life. How he had become a software engineer/developer for the past six years, doing part-time jobs for different clients once in a while and getting paid just enough to support his mum and siblings. But for the past couple of months he had gotten no deals.

Whilst David narrated his ordeal, Tony never heard any hint of frustration behind his voice. He sensed fatigue, but not bitterness. He listened to how his old friend kept making references to God’s help in the midst of what looked like misfortune. David hadn’t changed a bit, except for the nicely toned muscular body he now carried around. He used to be so skinny at the time. He was happy David was still the same hardworking, determined and focused believer he remembered.

Tony’s phone had buzzed, interrupting their conversation.

“Um, I have to go right away. But I’ll tell you what, I’ll give you a phone call in the next couple of days. Get your papers ready. It’s good to see you again, bro.” Tony had said whilst giving him a hug. He didn’t wait to observe David’s stunned reaction.

Few days later, David found himself in an interview at Mr. Adekunle’s office. The old man seemed impressed with David’s answers. He had glanced through some of the projects David had worked on and his eyes had glinted with interest. Few more questions and a hand was extended in good faith.

“Congratulations, you start in a week. Your job description will be sent via email. We’ll start you off at seven hundred grand. You could work remotely if you want, but I’d like you to show up here at least once a week.” The boss had said, shaking his hand.

David was so stunned, he didn’t even realize that he had been shaking the man’s hand for an awkward amount of time.

Tony was right outside the office, waiting with a bottle of champagne to celebrate. David clung to his friend, fighting the tears of joy.

“You’ll need to relocate to the Island now, my Dad and I took the liberty of getting you an apartment so you wouldn’t be far from your place of work.” Tony had said, laughing in good cheer.

David let the tears roll down. Life really could change like day and night.

The sound of a feminine voice pulled David out of his beatific thoughts. He turned to see a lady, hand placed on wide hips, waving at him. She was average height and light-skinned, with her braided hair held bound by a scarf. She wore a red tank top with black leggings that hugged her frame enough to reveal the curvy edges. Her feet were adorned with a pair of black Reebok sneakers. She was absolutely stunning.

He pulled out of his involuntary assessment just in time to notice the quick once-over her eyes did.

“Sorry, I hope I didn’t interrupt anything, you seemed kinda busy there,” she said politely, still letting her eyes dance over his frame, though less obviously.

David returned the smile. “Uh, it’s fine. Just…its fine.”

“Oh, alright. You must be new here, haven’t seen you around the estate before.” She said, easing into the conversation.

“Yeah I am. I’ve been here to check it out before but I’m just officially moving in. It’s a great place. Uh, how’s the workout going?” He asked, noticing the little beads of sweat on her forehead, the air-pods and the cellphone holder on her arm.

“Oh, well you know, we’re pushing it.” She said giggling. “You don’t look bad yourself. So, what’s your work out routine like besides carrying good looks around?”

David fought the rush of heat to his cheeks. The shot was unexpected. Standing at 6 ft 3 with clear brown skin, smoldering brown eyes, neatly carved beards and an athletic build, he was basically seen as eye candy. This wasn’t the first time, but he never got used to it. He responded quickly with a warm smile.

“So um, got a name, handsome?” Monique asked, slowly reducing the distance between them.

“My name’s David,” He replied politely. “And who do I have the pleasure of meeting?”

“Just a very friendly neighbour. My close friends call me Monique. And I’m hoping you would too,” she replied, smirking.

Raising an eyebrow, he nodded. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Oh, the feeling’s mutual. I guess I’ll be seeing you around, David.” she said, drawing his name out a little. With a smirk, she jogged off.

David stood transfixed for a moment. There was no way all the girls on the Island were this friendly. She really brought her A-game. Deciding to let it slide, he turned his attention back to his new home.

---

The door to Sonia’s bedroom swung open, with Monique striking a pose at the entrance.

“Guess who’s here?!” She announced excitedly, spreading her arms wide.

Sonia looked up from the desk she was working on and a smile broke out on her face.

“The help let me in by the way.”

Sonia rushed towards her friend and pulled her into a bear hug, squeezing her gleefully.

“I know you missed me babe, but you’re crushing me now,” Monique said jokingly with a choked voice.

Sonia broke her hold and smiled, then feigned an angry look. “You’re late, you said you’d be here by morning. Its 1pm”

“Ah ahn, madam calm down, shebi I’m staying here all week. If you must know, I was a little distracted by something… or someone,” she said with a small smile, failing to keep her excitement contained.

Sonia rolled her eyes. Everyday Monique met someone. It was always the same story. She slowly made her way back to her work desk, fixing her eyes on her laptop.

“You’re actually rude sha. Aren’t you gonna ask me who it was?” Monique asked, furrowing her brows.

“Oh please tell me, I’m dying to know,” Sonia replied, sarcasm dripping off every syllable. Her eyes were still glued to the laptop screen.

“With your head like stick sweet, abeg get out,” she replied amusingly. Sonia laughed, gently closing the Mac-book.

“Didn’t sleep again?” Monique asked, noticing how weak her friend was.

Sonia just nodded, weakly rubbing her temples.

“Yeah, had to work till late. Gotta secure the bag, you know.” She lied with a smirk.

“Abeg which other bag are you securing because I’m not understanding? Abi you no dey see your house ni? Abi person don thief your Benz?” Monique asked with a confused look.

Sonia let out a soft giggle, bending her head low. Monique was right, she had secured the bag, or bags. As the head analyst of the company she worked with, she was earning quite a lot of money. Not to mention the huge investments she had made over the years that had paid off tremendously. She was basically living the dream, right in the middle of her nightmare.

Rising from the desk, she pulled off her scarf, revealing her messy hair and slumped onto the bed.

“Wow, your hair looks really great. Is this the hairstyle evil spirits are doing now?” Monique joked, jumping on the large bed.

Sonia let out a laugh. “Monique, please I don’t have any energy, the stylist is on her way over. I still don’t know what I wanna do with my hair though. Sometimes I just feel like shaving off the whole damn thing.”

“Perish that idea. You see that thought? Perish it.”

“One day, you’ll just come over and see me with my fresh bald head.” Sonia joked.

“And I’ll help you rub groundnut oil on-top of it, since we all want to be mad. Who even told you it will be fresh?”

Sonia sat up, laughing hard. She loved having Monique around. She loved her circle of friends; Monique, Angela and Sade. Being someone that never kept too many friends, these ones were just enough for her. Their presence often made her forget everything she had to face on her own. She often longed for the times they saw each other, having girls night out whenever work allowed them. Her friends weren’t exactly the moral role models of the year, but they were perfect company.

Sonia’s phone rang. Looking at at the caller ID and her expression fell.

“Let me guess, it’s Dayo again.” Monique said, her expression exuding distaste.

“He’s been calling me all week, it’s driving me nuts. Although, I did promise to go out with him sometime. He seems promising.” She replied, contemplating whether to answer the call.

Sonia heard her friend make gagging sounds and rolled her eyes.

“And why exactly are you making those sounds?” She asked, raising a curious eyebrow.

“Ah, nothing o! I was just checking if my gag reflex was still working,” Monique replied sarcastically. Sonia picked up a pillow and smacked her with it, causing Monique to squirm away giggling mischievously.

Staring at the phone, she decided to let it go to voicemail.

“You’re not gonna talk to him?” Monique asked.

“I’ll call him later. I’m not in the mood for his cheesy lines at the moment. I mean he’s alright I guess, but I’m still a bit skeptical about him.” she explained.

“Well, I hate him. He doesn’t feel right. Moving on, would you like to hear about the guy I met now?” Monique asked, eager to share her excitement.

Sonia groaned and collapsed back on the bed, mocking exasperation. Monique wouldn’t let this go until she agreed.

“Alright fine, but why are you so eager to talk about this one?” Sonia asked.

Monique got up and walked towards the window, thinking of an answer.

“I don’t know. He just, feels different,” She said blushing.

TO BE CONTINUED…

DISCLAIMER: This series is purely fictional. Unless otherwise indicated, all names, characters, events, businesses, places and incidents are either a product of the writer’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

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