The man arrived in a plane, as against what had been agreed on. He had made the decision as time was running out for them. He would explain to Eucharia the reason for changing his mind, and came this early. It was for the good of everyone on Earth, that was if the said people knew what was going on. As no one knew, it posed a bigger problem. Theophilus' warnings had been passed to the "PrE", his group. What more could he do? Other than abating what was about to happen, the earlier he acted, the better. Just like he had told Eucharia, "any mistake was lethal". And that was it. He breathed in softly as the plane moved trying to relax. It was important to rest now as this could be the only opportunity to do that, being that lots of dramas were about to unfold. He was prepared, always…
***********
Lily and Jane got the "things" and sat at an ice cream shop. The day had been hectic. Jane bought a bag of clothes, makeup, flowers and so much more. Lily was not happy about this, it wasn't what they had discussed . What fueled her anger was that , her bestie didn't think it wise to let her know about the change of plans. Well … with what happened, there wasn't any change of plans. Lily was sure Jane already knew she would purchase all the goodies. So why didn't she tell her? This made get feel like the "tool" and made her bestie know just how angry she was.
"I'm very sorry Lily. I had to buy all these. The dresses are actually for us both. I do not want to do this alone. So these are your dresses, since you're a bit bigger than I am."
"Are you trying to bribe me? Jane, honestly you should tell me before we do this next time, okay?"
"Okay … but know this, I'm not trying to bribe you or any of the sort. The dresses in the red bag are for you." Lily smiled when she finally calmed down and took the back from Jane.
"Thank you love." She said.
"And thank you too." Jane replied.
"What for? You bought me things here, you know."
"Thanks for shopping with me. I love it." Jane said hugging her.
"You're welcome then. But thank you so much".
They talked about the final exams while eating their ice creams.
"You're so lucky girl, you already have the highest CGPA in class. So this coming exams is no big deal for you." Jane said.
"I wish it was no big deal. Janie?"
"Hmmm?"
"There's something I have to tell you. It's been bothering me." Lily had thought about this and decided to at least, tell someone who could be trusted. She didn't want to die in silence.
"Oh really?"
"Yeah … have you ever felt like drawing and then you came up with something very strange?"
"No … well, not that I can remember. Why?"
"I've been drawing strange images lately."
"Are you always aware when you do it?"
"Yes. I just draw these images as if I'm looking at them from somewhere."
"Wow. Can I see this drawing?"
"Here." Lily said as she handed the phone to Jane. Her bestie just stared at the painting in awe. She was silent. The silence was deafening and it was killing Lily.
"Please say something." Jane just blinked, her mind was elsewhere.
"I think I've seen this painting before, in a book or somewhere."
"Really?" Lily was glad, this confirmed she wasn't strange.
"Yeah. But you don't like drawing girl."
"I thought so too, but study the image. It doesn't look like the artist can't draw."
"Yes Lily, I'm baffled. But are you sure you drew this?
Lily looked at Jane, understanding the reason for her skepticism. It was difficult to believe that someone like her had sketched that, someone who hated artwork.
"I'm just trying to remember where I saw the book with this painting."
"please…"
"I'm trying. Oh no … I do not think it's a book."
"What? You can recall?"
"Hmm … yes. I think I saw it in a scroll. Right? Yeah it's definitely a scroll."
"Okay… and where is this scroll?" If only Jane could think very fast, Lily thought, apprehensively looking at her bestie. There was a short pause.
"This man … again. What's his problem?" Jane muttered. "Don't turn around" She warned when Lily was about to.
"Which man?" Lily asked wishing she could turn around to see the person troubling her friend.
"I think he's been following us around."
"And how do you know that?"
"Please do not say I'm paranoid. He's been watching us from the shopping mall to this ice cream stand. Could be a kidnapper or an assassin." This shook Lily a little and discreetly turned around.
"He is wearing a blue top. Wants to blend in. But I can clearly see through his pretense. That's how you know evil people"
Lily looked around carefully and after a moment, spotted him. He was on blue like Jane had said, his back was to them. He appeared to be talking with someone. She looked at the broad back, willing him to face her. The man was tall and in shape.
"Maybe we should leave, what do you think?"
"I agree with you Jane." They stood to leave. Having paid for their ice cream, they left the stand. Who could this man be? Lily thought. She didn't see his face. Jane seemed in a rush to leave, she was scared, which was normal. But it wouldn't hurt to look at him, one last time, right? So Lily turned to do just that. The man stood watching them leave. Guess he wasn't prepared that she would turn to look at him. Their eyes met. One smiling; the man and the other inquisitive, Lily. She turned right back and walked away quickly, with her friend . The look they just shared had shaken her a little.
Who was he? Handsome and in his late thirties. Lily felt herself blush at the open and friendly look on the man. As she walked with Jane to her car, a thought came to her, or rather a picture. Lily stopped abruptly and faced Jane. Her friend looked at her with concern.
"What is it Lily? Are you okay?" Lily had turned white. She turned back so fast her neck nearly snapped, apparently in search for the man, but couldn't find him. Where was he?
"Baby, you are scaring me. Please what is it?" Jane was almost crying, looking around.
"Its him." Lily whispered.
"Him? Who?" Jane was tearing now.
"The friendly man from my dreams."