Chapter Five

"Selma"

As she was lost in deep contemplation, her older sibling Gideon's resonant voice interrupted her train of thought. Gideon's luscious dark complexion complemented his curly jet-black hair, which blended seamlessly with his tawny brown skin. His strict exercise regimen and moderate eating habits had led to a well-sculpted physique with strong, well-defined shoulders and muscles. Unlike her, who had a tendency to devour every edible item in their household within minutes, Gideon possessed remarkable self-discipline and control over his appetite.

"Gideon held Selma tightly, his voice soft as he whispered, "I'll miss you so much." Selma's reply was just as tender, "I'll miss you too." The moment was interrupted by Elizabeth who crossed her arms and asked why Gideon was acting as if Selma was leaving forever. She also inquired if he was going to the airport with her. Selma grew embarrassed and pulled away from Gideon's embrace, reprimanding her mother for her intrusion. David, on the other hand, joked with his mother that she'll miss Selma when she's gone. The group chuckled, but Elizabeth couldn't help but feel bothered. She thought to herself, "Those mischievous kids."

Clap

Elizabeth, a caring and organized mother, clapped her hands and spoke up with a sense of urgency, "Come on, guys, let's gather all the bags and put them in the car. We don't want Selma to miss her flight."

Selma's siblings, aware of the importance of the situation, quickly responded in unison, "No, we don't!"

Elizabeth, eager to ensure that everything was under control, opened the car door and instructed her children, "Okay, let's get in the car. Selma, you can sit in the front seat with me, while your siblings settle in the back."

As they embarked on their journey, Elizabeth played some of Selma's favorite music, and they all sang along. The joyful atmosphere created by the music and the family's closeness helped ease Selma's nerves as she prepared for her first-ever flight.

From Selma's perspective, she waved goodbye to her family, knowing that she would miss them terribly. She could see her sisters were starting to cry, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness and nostalgia as she walked toward the plane.

As she entered the aircraft, she was amazed by the sheer number of people from all over the world, who sat in rows and rows of chairs. She marveled at the sight before her, thinking to herself, "Wow, this is beautiful." As she made her way to the window seat, she could feel her heart racing with excitement and anticipation. She secured her seatbelt as the plane prepared for takeoff, eager to embark on a new adventure.

Selma{pov}

As I gazed out of the window, I couldn't help but notice that the world below me was gradually shrinking and eventually disappearing from my sight. As I recalled my time in Nigeria, I felt a sudden, sharp intake of breath.

In an attempt to clear any misconceptions, I voiced out loud that I was not a witch, causing all eyes on the plane to turn toward me. They all stared at me with a look that says "Are you okay". I gave them a feeble smile before covering my face in embarrassment.

"Why did I act like that? People might label me as a witch," I scolded myself sternly. I let out a sigh of relief upon realizing that no one was observing me. "I wonder how my life in America will turn out. Hopefully, it will be an improvement from the life I led in Nigeria," I pondered to myself and exhaled.

Mom told me that my uncle will pick me up at the airport. My father's younger brother, who would be my gracious host during my stay. The prospect of staying with a different family made me feel a bit uneasy since I was accustomed to living with my mother and siblings. I had dozed off on the plane and was roused by a gentle tap on my shoulder. We had reached our destination.

After collecting my luggage, I meticulously examined it for any missing items. Just then, a white Benz pulled up in front of me, and a tall, dark-skinned man with black hair emerged. He was dressed in a pristine white shirt and black trousers, and I immediately recognized him as my Uncle Sam.

Overcome with excitement, I ran up to him and embraced him, taking in his scent. He smiled and asked how my journey had been while patting my head affectionately. I responded with delight that it had been exceptional.

He then informed me that we would be heading home, where his wife would be eagerly awaiting our arrival. I eagerly looked forward to meeting my cousin and his wife for the very first time.

As soon as we got into their car, he started the engine and we took off. The unmistakable aroma of him lingered in the car, filling my senses.

""Selma?"

I turned to face him and replied, "Yes?"

"You've grown up so much. I almost didn't recognize you," he said.

I laughed at his comment and he asked, "How is everything back in Nigeria? How's your family?"

"Everything is alright," She replied.

"How old are you now?" he inquired.

"I'm nineteen, turning twenty this year," I answered.

"Great," he nodded, and we fell into silence for about thirty minutes.

"Is your home far from the airport?" I asked, breaking the silence.

"It's a bit far, but don't worry. We'll get there soon."

I unlatched the car window as I peered at the environment. The view was fascinating. Every inch was well-organized. The contrast between this place and Nigeria was overly conspicuous. Tarred roads, beautiful buildings, and so on were present in the place, unlike in Nigeria. My attention was constantly drawn toward the people who were moving back and forth in front of me, and I couldn't help but keep glancing at them. At that precise moment, my gaze was drawn to a massive black screen that boldly displayed the word "PYCANS" in front of me. If you looked closely, you could see the phrase "color power" underneath it.