It was a cool Friday morning, the air was still crispy and one could hear the sounds of birds chirping in the sky. My cousin's wedding made me wake up early today. I was expected to be back home today as I was the chief bridesmaid. However, getting a bus to Delta state from Abia State was almost an impossible mission. It was quite difficult to see a bus going to Delta state in the park, and even if one saw, the multitude of people that usually attack the bus instantly could even throw one off balance. It was a task for the strongest.
I quickly packed my clothes and belongings I would be needing for those few days into my suitcase and zipped it up. I needed to get to the park early if there was a chance of me leaving Abia State today. In no time, I was fully ready to leave. I held my suitcase in one hand, my handbag in the other, locked the door to my apartment and made my way to the park.
In thirty minutes, I stood in the park with other travelers who were going to different states. The park was crowded with lots of market-men and women who were just opening their petty businesses and getting ready to sell. So many empty buses were also parked there waiting for passengers to fill them up. However, the buses that were there weren't going to my destination. I watched as people slowly filled bus after bus, in accordance to their destination. Sets of new buses arrived as the filled-up ones left.
I stood for over two hours waiting for a bus heading to Delta state but none came. The park was getting busier and more noisy. Drivers driving to different destinations kept on shouting and screaming at the top of their voices, each trying to load passengers into their buses, like it was a competition. The ringing of my phone distracted me from my silent observation .
“Hello Mum," I answered.
“Where are you for Christ's sake? "The wedding is tomorrow,“ she said, exasperated.
" What do you mean? "Is it not on Sunday again?” I asked, confused.
" It was never on Sunday. I told you on the 28th, check your calendar on the 28th. "That's a Saturday”, she answered.
“Oh my God! "And here I was thinking it's Sunday" I said.
“Don't tell me you're still in Abia State” she asked, slightly raising her voice.
“Unfortunately, I am. "I’ve been standing in the park since morning and I haven't seen any buses going to Delta state." I explained my dilemma to her.
“Remember you're the chief bridesmaid, and your cousin will kill you if you don't come to her wedding” she answered.
“I know."I’ll try and find a way to get there as soon as I can," I told her.
“Alright, stay safe ” she said before hanging off.
I heaved a sigh. This new information only seemed to add pressure on me. I didn't know what to do. If I didn't see a bus to Delta state today, I would be doomed. My cousin, Kaceia, will probably not speak to me ever again. Kaceia and I were very close. We were more like sisters than cousins. She lived with us for a while back when we were little. So we both went to the same school and did things together. Until she finally went back to her family. My mum was well aware of the bond we both shared. I prayed a silent prayer to God, as I stood there.
Soon enough, just like magic, a bus drove in and parked where I stood. The driver began shouting and calling passengers going to Delta state. I couldn't believe my ears. Does God really answer prayers this fast? I quickly rushed and sat inside with my luggage.
Before I could even blink an eye. The bus was already filled. I guess I was not the only one going to Delta today. Some passengers also going to Delta state that had arrived late stood outside the bus, begging the driver if they could at least hang on to the bus, which the driver strongly refused.
As we drove out of the park and into the road, I couldn't help but look back at those other travelers going to Delta State who were still standing at the park. They probably won't see another bus for a very long while. I thanked God silently in my heart for being a part of those that left.