48

IVORY

When we got into the house, Jide's mother sat me on a sofa and said something to Jide in Igbo before disappearing into an adjoining door. Jide sat beside me with a heavy sigh and a warm smile.

"What did she say?" I asked him.

"She is preparing a meal for us," he said.

"What did you tell her about me? She was excited to see me," I asked.

"Told her you were a friend. People here really like whites. That is why you garner a lot of stares," he explained and I blushed.

"I would really love to have a bath right now. I am all sweaty...