While my father was feeling enthusiastic about his only daughter working as an intern in the prominent Marina Museum, my mother was bothered about me being alone in the city of Calabar.
"Mummy, I won't go anywhere at night". I assured her with a groan. "And the hotel is close to Museum anyways, I'll be safe".
She opened her mouth to offer another reason why I should come back home with them but luckily for me, my dad beat her to it. He wrapped his arms around his wife and beamed at me. "You know how women act when theyaare pregnant. Its just the hormones, don't mind her". That statement earned my father a scowl and playful smack on his head. I laughed at the sight.
"I promise, mummy. I'll be safe". I repeated and to my utmost relief, she dropped it. Maybe it was because I sounded more convincing this time.
My father gave the five star hotel I would be spending the last three months in, one final glance before he handed over my luggage to me. "We will be leaving now. Don't forget what you came to Calabar to do, by the way". He said, patting my braids. He always did that whenever he was advising me.
"I worked very hard to get this internship, Dad. That's the last thing I'll ever do".
"And don't forget to eat please". My mother added still wrapped in my father's arms. "They said they're giving free food, please eat". She turned to my father and I rolled my eyes knowing exactly what was coming next. I told she'd dropped it. "Honey why don't we just stay here for a week? I'm tired of Lagos, by the way".
"Mummy". I warned and my mum to me with a pair of worried eyes. "Can't you just trust me this once? Bisola traveled to London last year to stay with her grandmother all by herself. We're both eighteen".
My mum sighed in defeat and then pulled me into a tight hug. "I love you. Don't forget to call whenever you need us".
"I will". I promised. She separated from me, giving me a chance to hug my dad. I waited till they entered the taxi, waving them bye countless number of times before I strolled into the hotel with my luggage.
A receptionist smiled and gestured for me to come to her immediately she caught sight of me. I made my way over to her.
"Hey, beautiful. Are you here to book a room?" She asked with a wide smile which exposed her white flawless teeth.
"Good evening, ma'am. No, I'm not here to book a room. I was offered free accommodation from the Marina Museum".
"Oh!. The Internship right?". She lifted a giant book from beside her desk as I nodded in reply. "What's your name?"
"Belema Isaac". I told her, watching her thin manicured fingers trace the list of names on a page in the book. It finally stopped at a name which I assumed that was mine.
"Found it". She turned the book over to my direction. "I'll just need you to sign here and here".
I took the pen she offered and did as he ordered before I turned the book back to her direction.
"Okay, I believe that's all. You room is room 059 and here are your keys". She handed them over to me. "Enjoy your stay and Congratulations!".
"Thanks". I told her with a genuine smile. I don't know why but I felt that a nice receptionist was a good sign that this holiday was going to be the best one yet.
********
The room was nothing like mine back at home. This one had a living room, a dining and the bed in the bedroom could contain I, my mum, dad and maybe Bisola too. Everything in this room screamed money!
I collapsed on the bed with a loud sigh, "Who said dreams don't come true?". I still couldn't believe I was here. It felt too surreal. I could still remember six months ago when I applied for this internship. I never thought that I would get picked because they were more than two thousand applicants from across the country. I guess Paulo Coelho was right. Indeed when we need something, the universe collides to help us achieve it.
It wasn't till I heard the sound of a phone ringing that I realized that I had fallen sleep. I was really exhausted after the long drive from my house to the airport, hours in the plane and another long drive from the airport to his hotel. Strolling over to where the telephone was on the bedroom counter, I answered the call.
"Hello, Belema". A feminine voice flooded my ears immediately the call connected. "This is Aminat, the supervisor".
My eyes widened to the size of giant meatballs and I swallowed hard. This was the person that would determine my future as a curator. Her review would either do wonders or great damage to my career.
"Oh wow, good evening, ma'am. I…I...I'm Belema"
She already knows, she just called you by your name and why the hell are you stammering, stupid! – My subconscious screamed at me but I ignored her.
"I already know that". She chuckled.
At least, she found it funny and not annoying.
"Sorry, ma'am".
"No, there's no need to apologize. I called to inform you that they will be a meet and greet thirty minutes from now at the hotel's restaurant and I expect to see you there".
"Okay, I will be there ma'am".
"We sent you the map of the hotel earlier this afternoon. Did you receive it?"
"Yes, ma'am"
"Okay, that's nice to hear. See you in thirty minutes time, Miss Belema".
'Bye, ma'am".
It wasn't till she hung up that I realized that I'd been holding my breath. I released it and clapped by hands in determination. Okay, Belema. Let's do this!
******
By exactly, twenty minutes to the meet and greet, I was good and ready to go.
Number one rule to impressing your supervisor according to Belema's rule to success; always arrive before time.
I stopped in front of the mirror to give my reflection one last inspection before I leave. Despite the fact that I looked nervous, my looks were on fleek. I had chosen a long sleeved ankara infinity wrap blouse, a mini jean skirt and a pair of black sandals. My knotless braids which I styled into a tight ponytail accentuated my glossy lips and perfectly lined eyelids.
As I stared at myself, I felt confidence replace my anxiousness. I mean it's just a bunch of people and why the hell do I look nervous when I looked this good. Flashing my reflection a satisfied smile, I sashayed out of the room. My cheerful mood was short lived though because just as I locked my door, my key fell from my hand and slid through the small space under to the door back into the room.
"Oh my God!" I shouted in a whisper. It's almost time for the meet and greet. I don't have time for this!
After trying for two minutes and being unable to reach the key, I decided to go with the only option available and one I hated; seek help from my neighbor. My eyes trailed over to the watch on my wrist and I whimpered after seeing what time it was. I have only ten minutes left. I can't be late. That's the last thing I wanted to be right now.
With frustration taking over me, I marched to the door opposite mine and banged on it like a madwoman.
"Hey, it's your neighbor and I need your help". I banged on the door again after getting no reply. "Please, it's a matter of life and death!".
Just as I was about to bang on the door again, the door flew open and I felt the earth shift from beneath from the feet as my brain tried processing the sight before my eyes.