Adaobi 2

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I didn't see Ada again for over two days and in between those times, i was tempted to go out looking for her at her house but thought twice about it when i remembered what she told me about her parents.

On 24th night, my father decided we would be going for the night vigil in my village church. We were Catholics.

At the church, i made sure i sat alone and far from other members of my family. I took a seat in the last pew at the far end of the church where i would be able to observe everything happening within the church. The church service started by 10pm and everything went slowly like it always did at Christmas night vigils. I was always on the lookout for Ada or anything that looked like her. It wasn't until during the offering time that i saw her. She was on a white fitted gown and had a black hooded sweater over it. Her hair was covered by a head warmer. I followed her around with my eyes and made sure i found out where she sat. I focused my attention on her right until service was over. Service was dismissed at a little after 1am and everywhere was already rowdy with the sounds from people, noises and flashes from fireworks. I got up from my seat and went after Ada as she was heading towards the exit door along with the crowd trooping out of the church. As i was struggling hard to wade through the crowd, i lost sight of her, she had disappeared into the sea of people. I walked out of the church building feeling very disappointed. I scanned the whole place with my eyes and couldn't make her out, dejectedly i walked to where our car was parked and everybody was there except my dad. We all wished each other a merry xmas. I leaned at the boot of the car and started searching around for my father. I found him standing with the Rev Father who had officiated the midnight service and at their far right was Ada. She walked down to where i was and passed, she probably didn't know i was there.
"you guys should go without me, i'm coming " i said to my people and ran after her before they could ask where i was going.

" Why do you keep disappearing and reappearing?" i asked as I caught up with her. She turned to me and smiled
"Merry xmas" she sang out.
"Wish you the best, where have you been since" i asked
"Nowhere,  why do you ask? "
"Nothing, just that I've been looking for you for a long time now"
"Hmmm, where and where did you look for me "
" Everywhere " i said and we both laughed. I held her hand as we walked home. We took a lonely path, we needed no distraction. It was obvious we were into each other but i didn't want to tell it straight to her that i liked her, i just wanted to let things play out by itself. I walked her to her house and we stood by their thatched fence and talked for some while. It was obvious we didn't want leave each other's company. Eventually i had to let go. She turned reluctantly to walk inside, i stood and watched her with love in my eyes. I called her back and hugged her. She pecked me on my cheek and we both left for our various destinations.