.......My first feel of traveling. My first feel of Eko. And surely my first feel of what is to come
"Captain my brother, how far?" My big brother turned and greeted a man
with gleeful handshake, a knuckle and a hug. I looked closely to
identify the young man but couldn’t. They must have met in Lagos. I have
heard from the too many stories about Eko that Igbos in Lagos see
themselves more like brothers than friends. Away from home and one
identifies someone he shares the same culture and language with, he feels brotherhood, "nwanne di na mba".
When they got the tickets my brother introduced his friend to me: "This is Ekene my friend, we served the same Oga in Lagos and we now stay
in the same market". Ekene brought out his hands for a handshake and I
received the kind gesture with my two hands, the left palm grasping the
right wrist. "You look exactly like Captain your brother. Just that you
are more innocent". I didn't know exactly how to react to such
compliments. But I just smiled while I watched 'captain' my brother
defend his innocence. I have never heard anyone call my big brother
Emeka, Captain. Lagos seemed to change everything. Maybe my brother also
plays for a football team in Lagos. And maybe he plays so well, he is
now the captain. Maybe his Super Eagle call-up is just within reach.
We got into the luxurious and it was as luxurious as was described; two
narrow sides occupied by two adjustable seats per row and a central
aisle for easy passage. In front and at the center top were television
sets mounted for our viewing pleasure. Captain led the way checking our
seat numbers against the underside of the compartments where smaller
luggage were kept. We inserted our bag into the compartment just above
our seat numbers. I was elated. I was just smiling. I was glad. I was in
a luxurious bus for the first time in my life. I wished my sister would
see me now, I wished all my secondary school classmates would see me.
For myself I was proud. In myself I was happy. Sitting down was not just
right. I would sit with my two hands placed perfectly on my knees like
mass servers on the altar. Then I folded my arms. Again it doesn't seem
right. I rested both arms on the armrest I felt too proud. I removed
them and then I clasped the two palms together and placed them between
my thighs and I felt innocent, new and yearning to discover.
Before the journey started, big brother Captain bought gala, some soft
drinks and #200 mtn credit. He would later go on to call papa that we
were about leaving Onitsha. Mama asked to speak with me. We did, she
blessed me and reminded me to say my rosary "The journey is far nwa m.
Kpee chaplet gi ofuma" she said.
photo credit: thesheet.com
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