Rewritten scars

Chapter 2

I sealed the last box, and looked around my almost empty apartment. My eleven days are already over. These past few days passed in a blur with partying, drinking and trying to have the best time of my life with everybody that is close to me around here.

Leaving Nigeria is a decision that has been made since I was ten but I was able to drag it out for 12 more years and I know I can't escape it now. As an halfcast my appearance was more white than black. My black thick hair might be the only thing I inherited from my dad, from my white skin that looks a bit darker compared to my mother's, to the aristocratic nose, to my almost blue eyes, and my build which is very Identical to my mother's. I hate that I looked like her so much but for once I am grateful because I will need to fit in when I arrive and I am sure I will not have any issue. I had my already practiced posh English accent. Mother wouldn't let me do any other thing if I didn't learn my accent properly. I carried the last of my box outside to the van, Different men were already moving the numerous boxes in to the van. Only my clothes and personal belongings are going with me to the UK. Every other things including furniture and what not, will either be donated or sold. I gave the apartment to my friend when she asked for it.

I slipped into the back seat of the car after my suitcases have been loaded to the booth. The ride to the airport was peaceful. I saw myself to the lobby after I collected my flight tickets. I knew the drill already, wait for your flight to be announced, get your bag weighed, go in and wait for your flight to take off. Immediately you alight, see yourself to the lobby and wait for the driver's call. I remember mother's voice when ever I had to come to the UK by myself. The first time, I was fifteen. I slept through the flight until one attendant jerked me awake that it was time to leave. "Thank you".

I said embarrassed that I embarrassed myself like that. I was the last to alight from the plane and I walked towards the lobby where I knew a driver must have been waiting. He had called several times. I breathe in fresh air as I came out from the airport, Williams, mother's driver was already waiting. Williams is a man in his late forties, he looks young for his age. I ran into his embrace and hugged him, I haven't seen him for 5 years." Williams". "Oh Harriet, How are you doing?, you're so big now" I laughed and set my things into the booth and sat in the passenger seat and he started driving. "So how long are you staying for this time?", he asked looking at me for a moment before looking back to the road."That depends on your boss, this might be the short vacation, depends on how she behaves". I answered and he chuckled. Williams and I see eye to eye on a lot of things but my mother. He thinks she's just trying to be caring in her own way but I think she doesn't give a fuck about me as long as I don't disgrace her name. He drove me to the mansion and I tried my best to enjoy the view. I have missed the city of London. "Ah! home sweet home ". We arrived at the mansion and I dismissed Williams so he can have the rest of the day off. I entered the house and came to a lobby like space with two spiral like staircase on either side of the room. One staircase leads to other parts of the house like the living room, kitchen, dining space and numerous rooms. The other staircase leads to a game room, in house theater, her study, more rooms and to the back, where there is a pool and a garden. I carried my suitcases up the stairs one after the other cursing myself for refusing Williams help. I opened the door to my room and a feeling of nostalgia hit me, I had no idea how much I missed this room. To her credit the room is so neat.

I took a shower and changed my clothes, then went out to a bar I have always been eyeing, but I couldn't get in because I was underage.

I swirled the amber liquid in my glass, watching the way the dim light fractured through it. The bar was alive—music pulsed, laughter wove through the hum of conversation—but I kept to myself, sipping slowly. Different men wanted to dance but I didn't come here for that. Someone was staring, but I can't see who it is.

I felt it again. That pull. A gaze pressing against my skin, lingering, studying.

I exhaled sharply, setting my glass down with a quiet clink. "If you're going to stare all night," I murmured, not bothering to turn around, "you might as well buy me a drink."

Silence. Then, a voice—smooth, amused, and entirely too close.

"Who says I'm staring?"

I finally looked up, my pulse kicking up a notch as I met dark eyes glinting with something unreadable.

"Call it a guess."

"Good guess." The stranger smirked. "Another drink, then?"

I hesitated. Something about him felt… familiar.

And dangerous.

I am a light weight and I knew it was a bad idea to come to a bar without someone with me but I don't care. I know him, but I don't know where. "Do I know you?" I asked looking at him trying to see if I can recognize him