3 Angels Without Wings

To make ends meet, I taught phonetics and phonology in some private schools. Sometimes too, I taught private students whose parents could spear extra money for extra knowledge. It was on one of these occasions, some few weeks later, that I saw her again. I had finished with my students in one of the schools and was waiting for a taxi, but hoping that the school bus would come around when I noticed that brisk walk. She got out of a black land cruiser and was headed to the administrative block but turned back to her SUV, I guess she must have forgotten something. That was when I saw her face again. I admired once more, with delightful convenience, the face of the angel without wings. Her skinny navy blue jeans and sparkling white fitted T-shirt revealed a tormenting figure for me to marvel at.

Just then, the school bus arrived and I took my seat by the window thus get a better view when the bus gets closer to her. As it did, the holy devil made her look up; our eyes met and I froze. Some animals are really more equal than others! She was gone again, but as the wind, she was always there. I saw her in all did, on the walls of my room and most especially, in my dreams. I wanted to see her again even if briefly.

Four days later, I went for an interview in Umuahia, Abia state. After the interview, I was tired of life, tired of death and tired of doing what I do that I don't deserve. Tired of being in a corrupt system and tired of being part of counterfeit interviews. I was almost out of the reception area when I heard someone inquiring of Kepso-Tech Ltd. I turned, certain that I have heard that voice before; it was unmistakable, though I couldn't place it. There she was - the angel without wings. The last time I saw her, she was in blue jeans and a white t-shirt. I was wearing the same thing, but mine was faded blue jeans. Now, I wore a grey trouser, a white starched shirt, and my black shoe. She was also in grey trousers, a white shirt and a high-heeled sandal. I caught up with her as she made for the staircase.

"Hey," I said as a confident but friendly smile slide into my face. She stopped on the first marbled step; her left hand on the rail, and her face radiating innocence and sparkling beauty, "you always wear the colours I wear." She frowned, looked at herself, and a smile gradually lit up her face "maybe it's just this once."