The Stranger

Photo by Artur Tumasjan on Unsplash

‘Let me help you out.’

I hear the voice call. 

I look up to see the brightest smile I have ever seen on a human. Her face is elegant, shiny, and well-structured. She must have seen me struggling with my one too many bags. I love the gesture, so lovely and pure. Genuine and selfless. She has just one box with her and a small bag slung across her chest. She looks happy. I wonder why.

‘You look like you have a lot going on’, she continues.

‘I really do’, I reply with genuine happiness and laughter. ‘Thank you very much,’ I continue in gratitude as I hand over my largest box to her. She looks willing to help, her hand is already stretched out to help.

Her offer to help warms my heart. Not often do you meet someone who genuinely wants to help you out with your bags at the airport. At least not here. I rarely get help as much as I get looks and compliments from strangers.

The best I can think of is getting a ride, not getting help with my bags at the airport where people go about their business without caring for the person sitting next to them. Everyone in this part of the continent minds their business.

‘I was totally not expecting that.’ I say with a smile as we proceed into the airport.

She laughs, her locs fall softly on her face, and her nose piercing sparkles under the lights of the terminal. I take a moment to not only notice her beauty but appreciate it. 

‘Well, it’s great to lend a hand when you can.’ She responds with the same glee and bright smile. Her teeth are pearly white, and I notice she has a tooth gem. 

‘You know how it is. People rarely help out with your luggage at the airport.’ 

We are now at the entrance, waiting to go through security into the terminal. 

As soon as we get our bags, she continues. 

‘Well, you can’t entirely blame anybody. Your beauty drew me to you, and here I am.’

I stand transfixed and hold my breath for a moment. I realize this is the first time a woman would hit on me.

‘What airline?’ she casually says, when I did not move or respond.

‘Flint,’ I manage to say, still in shock.

‘Great, we are on the same flight.’ She announces with the same excitement.

She holds her smile and catches me staring at her, as we now approach the queue at the Flint airlines desk. 

‘Still in shock?’

‘You’re quite a confident one.’ 

‘Confidence gets anything and anyone sold.’

‘That’s a first. I’ve never heard that before.’

‘Well, now you have.’ We both smile.

‘Your IDs please,’ the attendant's voice comes from over the counter.

We check-in, and proceed to the waiting lounge. 

‘So, what are you doing in Port Harcourt?’ She asks as soon as we sit.

‘I came to see a friend, spend some time with her. You?’

‘I’m here on business.’

‘That’s interesting. What kind of business do you do?’

‘Hmm, I buy and sell stuff.’ She responds with air quotes.

‘What kind of stuff?’ I ask with air quotes too, my curiosity getting the best of me.

‘Personal stuff.’

‘What sort of personal stuff?’

‘Aren’t you a curious one?’ We both laugh. ‘Curiosity killed the cat, remember?’

‘But I’m not a cat, remember?’ And we laugh again. 

‘I’m going to get some snacks, want some?’

Yes, please. I’d like some. Thank you.’

‘Great, I’ll be right back.’

She looks around, then leaves.

I look at her as she leaves, and she also looks back at me.

We exchange a smile.

Two middle-aged men approach her, and they start talking.

She looks back at where we sat, but I am long gone.

She begins to plead, almost in tears, as two other men appear. 

She looks confused, but I rather stay hidden.

The men lead her away.

I look at the box she held from the stall where I stand.

‘It’s done.’ I quietly say into the phone in my hand.