1 Chapter One

«»

The airport was crowded as I got my bags down from the carriage.

This is my first time on a plane and U.S soil and it was exhilarating.

I descended the steps to the tarmac below, my dark brown eyes already searching for my godmother, not that I expected her to look familiar.

After all, the years would no doubt change in her just as they had in me, but I confidently expected to recognize her at a glance.

Just as I approached the doorway, at the entrance of the airport stood my godmother.

Aunt Basile is my mother's best friend, though they hadn't seen each other in a while they kept in touch.

Ah, she hasn't changed one bit; I thought scrutinizing Aunt Basile's physique. She was tall,light-skinned, with soft attractive features, her eyes were gray with incredibly thick lashes.

"Glory," she called out, the corner of her eyes crinkled with her smile.

"Aunt Basile, I'm so happy to see you." I beamed, hugging her.

"Me too my child", Aunt Basile replied, squeezing my midriff so tight I wheezed.

Why don't we put your bag in the car, I am sure you had a long day. She said as we stopped in the parking lot.

"It was exhausting."

I got into the car as she ployed me with questions.

"So Glory how are your parents, are they still working out the divorce terms?"

"Yeah." I mused.

"The divorce was so terrible, as far as I know, it's all my fault."

"Don't crack yourself about it, they are adults so they are at fault," Aunt Basile said as she switched lanes.

You are so going to love your new home, the neighborhood is calm, parks everywhere and once you get settled in I'll introduce you to my neighbors, they are nice you might even like them," she continued.

I shrugged, rolling my eyes to make a point. "Or I don't have to meet them."

Aunt Basile smiled in response.

I knew that smile just as I know she won't take no for an answer.

"Sure, I look forward to meeting them," she said, defeated before the battle.

I closed my eyes and sighed, thoughts of the situation back home drifting to my mind.

Well, no longer home.

17-year-old me had lived in Nigeria all my life. My parents getting divorced, decided to ship me to my godmother in California, perfect right?

"I was dumped on someone else, where is the love?"

"I now have to start over again with a new school, friends," I sighed again, this time glancing outside the car window.

I heard a lot about California, but nothing prepared me for the amazing scene, it is a gorgeous city with cool beaches and sightseeing. I made a mental note to check it out later.

I knew that face, she was furious for me.

"It's Sad, she's going through so much pain, I hope she finds happiness here," I heard her murmur, her hands clenching the steering wheel.

Her kindness and care warm my heart.

"Glory?"

"Yes," I squinted my tired eyes at her.

"You know I love you, don't you?"

"Love you too," I muttered.

It's the only thing I trust.

"Good, we are here," Basile said as she brought the car to a halt.

I came out of the car, standing there like a deer caught in a headlight. "Wow, is this your place? it is so big."

"Is it? I rarely stay so it's usually empty except for the maids, housekeeper, gardener & butler."

A middle-aged man putting on a tailored black suit came out to meet them.

Welcome back, madame.

"Frederick, this is Glory, my goddaughter, Glory meet Frederick, my butler," Basile said introducing the two.

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance miss".

"And you Frederick", I greeted back.

"Now Frederick, help Glory with her bags, will you?" Basile said strutting away, leaving me behind.

"Do me a favor and direct her to the prepared room, and also call me when dinner is ready." She stopped halfway and turned back to continue her catwalk.

Alright, madame.

Thirty minutes later, I came down to the dining room, freshly showered.

"There you are," Basile called out.

Did you find everything to your liking?

"Yes, everything is fabulous", I replied, settling down as a maid sets the table.

Oh my!

"Egusi soup and fufu," I cried out, staring at the meal displayed.

"I figured that an African meal would make you feel at home." Basile smiled. "Thanks," I said, helping myself to a serving with gusto.

We have appointments tomorrow, to prepare for your permanent stay.

Sure, I nodded, expecting more explanation.

It didn't come.

Once I was done, I lagged back unsure of what to do; should I clean up the table?

It was easier at home, we had no helps and the house was smaller.

Basile's lips twitched up amusingly. "Don't worry, the maids will take care of it, just go to your room.".

The tension in my shoulders eased. "Oh ok, I'm going up now,"

Nothing seems to get past that woman.

Getting to my room, I threw myself on the bed, the jetlag had finally caught up to me.

A yawn escaped my lips and I drifted off to sleep as soon as my head hits the pillows.

Tomorrow is another adventure.