The Wheelbarrow Pusher Episode Eight
Sararfina knew that it was just a matter of time before her father will catch her and the wheelbarrow pusher. The man was not giving up in his quest to find his daughter and Sarafina too did not want him to find her. It was not just because of her that she was hiding. She was hiding because of the wheelbarrow pusher. She knew the man would be in trouble if her find finds them. She cannot forgive herself if anything happens to the wheelbarrow pusher. That was why she was prepared to go to any length to make sure they leave Nigeria to USA.
On the day of the wedding, it became clear to everyone that Sarafina was not going to be around. Announcement was made to cancel the wedding. Invited guests were informed that there was not going to be any wedding. Everyone was told not to come to the wedding venue. All the money that was spent became a waste. Sarafina’s father was so livid with anger. There was nothing he could. He knew his daughter was still alive. He could feel it. He knew Sarafina did not want to marry Kunle. He knew the very reason she was running away. He has given up because he was aware one day his daughter will come back home on her own.
He was wrong, because Sarafina was not ready to go home anytime soon. She wants to disappear to a more far country. She wants to leave Nigeria and move to the USA where she is also a citizen. The only thing holding her was the wheelbarrow pusher’s passport. She woke up the day that was supposed to be her wedding and placed a call to the immigration boss who had promised to help get the passport done as quickly as possible. The man said the passport was ready.
“The passport is ready. Where should we bring it for you?” The man asked over the phone.
“I’m in a village. You promised to send your boys to bring it to me, can you still help? If I come out from this village, I could be arrested. Please, I’m ready to pay any amount if you can help me bring it to this village. I and my boyfriend are waiting so that we can use it to leave Nigeria as soon as possible. Please, help me. I need all the help I can get right now. I will show you appreciation if you help me.” Sarafina said. The immigration boss was really ready to help. He promised that his boys were already on their way driving to the village Sarafina described for him.
Immediately Sarafina confirmed that the passport was coming, she and the wheelbarrow pusher started packing their things in readiness to move out of Nigeria. It took them up to one hour before they finished packing the few things they had. They did not have too many bags. They just took a few clothes and other basic items they would need. The other things would remain in the village in case they decide to come back. When they were done, they sat outside the thatched house to wait for the immigration officers. Soon, they saw a van driving into the compound.
“I think they are here. Let’s go babe.” Sarafina said to her boyfriend. They were so happy that they hugged each other in presence of the immigration men.
“Our oga said we should drive you to Seme Border. He said from there, you people can cross to Benin Republic. He said once you people cross to Benin Republic, your journey would become easier.” One of the immigration men said. He handed the passport to Sarafina who opened it and gave it to the wheelbarrow pusher. It was the first time in his life that he was obtaining a passport. He was so happy.
“Thank you so much for this opportunity. I mean, you are all I have. Without you, I would not be able to get a passport. I so much love you and I promise never to disappoint you. You have chosen to stay with me, I will also stay with you. You are my beginning and my end. You are my last bus stop in terms of relationship. I will never have any other woman in my life.” The wheelbarrow pusher said to Sarafina. The boarded the van and they started leaving the compound.
No security agency disturbed them on the road until they crossed the Seme Border. They crossed successfully into Benin Republic and they were so happy. Sarafina gave the immigration officers $10,000. It was from Benin Republic that they flew to Kenya. They were happy to be in Nairobi.
“From here, we will go to USA. It is very easy to get US visa here. Tomorrow, we will start the application process. I don’t need the visa. You are the one who needs it. But I’m sure you will get the visa very quickly.” Sarafina said. They were in a beautiful hotel in Nairobi. They felt free for the first time in many days. At least, they knew that no one would come to the hotel to arrest them.
“At least, no one is going to come here for us. We are now very much free. I’m so happy.” Sarafina said.
“I’m also very happy. This is the first time I’m leaving Nigeria. I have never travelled out of Nigeria since I was born. Poverty is a very bad thing. I’m so happy that I met someone like you. You are now dragging me out of poverty. Thank you so much.” The wheelbarrow pusher said.
“We have not even reached USA, and you are this happy? When we get to USA, what are you going to do? Do you know that I have a house in USA? My father bought me a house there the very month I was born. That is where we are going to stay. I have been there several times and I know the place.” Sarafina said happily.
That night, their sleep was more peaceful than it used to be. They also enjoyed bedroom action.
“There is something I have noticed. I have not seen my monthly visitor since three days ago. You know we have been sleeping together. Tomorrow, I will test myself to see if I’m pregnant.” Sarafina said as they slept off.
Watch out for episode 9
