To The Beautiful You, London

 

 

To The Beautiful You, London

                                                                                                  29^th October, 2022.

                          

Dear London,        

I am Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu, the Nigerian brown-skinned young woman that is always overwhelmed with happiness at the mention of your name. I never really believed that I could fall in love with a city by just reading about it. I thought it was just something that people exaggerated in stories, but the first time I read about the Great Fire of London, I knew that you were the best city for me. At that moment, I felt that you were just like gold in the fire; refined and purified to be admired by everyone. It is true that I have never visited you before, but I feel happy just by reading books about you. Whenever I read books about you, London, I feel like I am being transported to my favourite foreign city, as well as immersing me in all of the lush details of your perfect spot.

How lovely of you to be the capital and largest city of England and the United Kingdom. You impeccably stand on the glimmering River Thames in South-east England at the head of a 50-mile (80 km) estuary down to the North Sea, and have been a major settlement for two millennia.

You’re culturally rich and such a diverse city as you, with centuries of history flowing within every alleyway and mews makes me to always want to know more about you.

I could imagine how glorious it would be to watch the sunset from Waterloo Bridge, and looking ahead at the beautiful Eye of London which sits right in your heart. I read that the London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames in London, and that it is a beautiful, modern structure that represents a modern and successful London. I feel so happy about you, my sweet great London.         

London, you are a major city of about 9 million people and you undoubtedly house so many beautiful places like St. Paul Cathedral which offers an awe-inspiring walk through history, and featuring some of the most beautiful art mosaic and architecture. What about Syon Park which was built in the 1760s? I enjoy browsing with my phone just to admire the 200-acre park and its grand house with superb interior. I also enjoy reading the London Bridge which glows magnificently at night as well as the Canary Riverside, the markets which are constantly buzzing from Old Spitalfields in East London to the multi-storey operation in Camden Market, the numerous walking trails, the Tower of London, the Royal Botanic Gardens, the coffee shops, hips of bars and restaurants, high-end schools, museums, courts, beautiful buildings, lovely people with beautiful souls and hearts. In fact, I don’t need to be there before knowing that every corner of you has its own distinct charm, waiting for me to come over and discover them myself. Your attractions draw in millions of people to you.

Yes, many of the top cities of the world have their own attractions which have received awards and have left huge tourist trails just like you. However, no one would dispute the fact that people of all nationalities, cultures, and ethnolinguistic backgrounds see you as the place where they can freely live, work, school, build their future and have fun. 

I genuinely want to simply wander around you and get lost in all the neighbourhoods you have created. I want to enjoy your lovely weather and the delicious meals which you offer generously. I read that the people living in you are as beautiful and amazing as you. Though you might be expensive for most people to live in, but then, I still believe that you somehow have room for all. There is no city without challenges but your ability to overcome whatever challenge that is thrown at you makes you the hero of the entire city in the world. Do you know why I call you the hero of cities? Despite experiencing devastation and destruction during the Great Fire of London in 1666 which brought an end to the ravaging plague, to the aftermath of two World Wars, you gloriously rose like a phoenix from the ashes, and today you stand tall, stronger and even beautiful! You survived the Great Fire, and became a glittering gold.

In you, many people have built great future for themselves. You have produced the world’s number one royal family; you have equally produced great men and women that are ruling the world today. You give everyone great opportunities. For your attractions and the good things you offer, many families have today migrated to you, and many more are everyday queuing the line all because of how amazing you are.

It is impossible not to fall in love with you my great London. You’re rich in history, adventures, food, art, and culture. Tell me, why can’t I fall in love with you over and over again? You might be surprised as to why someone that hasn’t seen you before could truly fall in love with you, right? Sometimes, people fall in love with people, places or things even before meeting them in real life. I am among the one percent of people that do not need to see you before falling in love with you. You deserve to be loved and cherished. There might be biases from people. But to me, I sincerely want to tell you that you’re the number one city on my travel calendar.

People say that falling in love is magical; I think I felt it with you. Always remain you, and take care of everyone as you have always done. I believe in you. I believe in the greater and beautiful future that still awaits you.

Yours sincerely,                                 

Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu.   

My Mother, My Everything

 My Mother, My Everything

By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

 

All my life, I have realised that being a mother is the only job without monthly salary. No retirement, no day off, no shift, no leave, no resign, no retreat and no surrender. But, it is a job of 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. It is work for life.

I have discovered that no one hides pain better than a mother who is trying to survive for her children.

Whenever I look at my mum’s beautiful face I can’t help but smile and thank GOD for the gift of her. I can’t help but hug her and never let her go.

My mother has always been my inspiration. She has always been my source of strength.

As I lay on the couch in my living room one Friday morning, I recall my mother telling me about my journey into this world.

She told me that it took GOD nine months to create me. Throughout the nine months, I was in her womb swimming like little fat worm and fish. I had caused her pain but she was glad she had me in her womb. I had kicked her while in the womb, but she never got mad, instead, she smiled and rubbed her belly gently blessing me in her womb.

She told me about her cries in the labour room, about her contractions and about how I finally landed. She held me in her hands, kissed my pink cheek as tears of joy streamed down her face. She was glad because I became her Joy of Motherhood.

During my school days, my mother became an early bird. She will wake up so early in the morning depriving herself of her beautiful sleep just to get me ready for school.

She never told me this but I knew that most times my mother went hungry for my sake. She went out very early to work and came home late looking very tired and hungry. Instead of grabbing a bite, she will feed me. Instead of taking a rest, she will bath and put me to sleep. She would walk in the rains, and in the hot scorching sun for my sake.

I might not wear luxury dresses but you never fail to clothe me. You might not have brought me to high-end restaurants but you always feed me with your best home cooked food.

I might not live in a palace, but you gave me a home filled with happiness and peace.

You saved your hard earned money for my school so I would become a better someone in the future.

Mum, I might be too many things-stubborn, naughty and even silly, but I will never risk loving you. I will never trade my love for you for anything in the world.

You are my gold and diamond. Mum, I want to say thank you for loving me unconditionally, thank you for carrying me in your womb for nine months, thank you for given me sunshine and peace, thank you for holding my hands and leading me to the right track. Thank you for being my weapon shield, thank you for feeding me always, thank you for being my mother.

I love you mum-I always love you and will never grow tired of loving you. I love your warm embrace which gives me strength. I enjoy your lovely kisses and will always want it.

I pray you grow old and become a healthy grandmother of my grandchildren.

Mum, always know that no matter how old I become you’ll forever remain my mother and I will forever remain your little cute baby. I love you my precious jewel. You are my best gift and my everything.

You are a blessing that no one can replace. I pray you eat the fruit of your labour.      

The moment I met you (Chapter 33)

By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

Chioma had changed into a set of clothes after taking her bath. So, she went to the kitchen to cook noodles.

When the food was ready, her mobile phone began to ring. Seeing that the call was from an unknown caller, she didn’t bother to pick up. Perhaps, Chioma was afraid it was that man of her dreams. She didn’t want to speak to him, because she was afraid of what to say. In fact, Chioma was tired and in no mood to receive calls, especially from a random caller.                                                                                                

Just then, her brother Andrew walked inside as she began to eat her noodles; seeing Andrew, Chioma was surprised. She looked up at the clock hanging on the wall. It was almost two in the afternoon.                    

But then, knowing that her adoring brother was right here with her made her smile. She knew that he must have come back home just to check on her. Feeling loved, she greeted him sweetly.                                       

Andrew nooded at her then pulled out a chair and sat down.    Chioma rose to bring food for Andrew but, he gestured for her to sit back. Placing the snack he had bought for Chioma on the table, he looked at her with a serious gaze.                                                                       

‘Why didn’t you tell me about your accident? You rejected my calls because you were afraid to say something about it, right?’ Andrew scolded with a faint smile.                                                                                               

Chioma almost spat out the noodles in her mouth when she heard what Andrew said. How did he know about it? Who could have told him? Did he just come home this early to give me a dressing- down? Chioma wondered. She was speechless, unable to answer Andrew’s questions.               

        

‘What? You are dumb and can’t speak? Or maybe you’re confused as to how I got hold of the information? Don’t worry I didn’t pull out the surveillance clips. You know that I don’t know anything about hacking skills. If I know about hacking, I will be invincible.’                             

‘Of course my big brother Andrew is highly gifted,’ Chioma said with a smile, trying to change the subject. But Andrew was smart.               

The moment I met you (Chapter 32)

 By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

Michael strolled towards his desk as though no one has spoken to him. Even though it was just a short stroll, he was still able to captivate everyone’s attention.                                                                                                 

The partnership contract signing with George enterprise was to begin any moment and would be broadcast live as well as officially announced to the public.                                                                                                

Michael had made the contract signing low-key. He didn’t bother with walking down the red carpet in front of reporters as most contracts are done. Even though there were reporters around, it was still low-key.                                                                                                             

At Moon Corporation, Robert sat in the office watching the live broadcast. On the screen, he could sense Michael was bothered with something which was obviously related to the girl he was investigating about. But despite that, Michael was very handsome and pleasing to behold. He was the kind that was hard to ignore.                                                           

After signing the contracts, Michael turned to the CEO of George enterprise and held out his hands.                                                                     

The man kept a bright smile on his face as he shook hands with Michael. Shaking hands with this   god-like man was like walking through heaven’s gateways.                                                                                                       

‘The contracts could be withdrawn any moment,’ Michael said expressionlessly. ‘The sky could turn dark; it would be your best interest to work well.’ His words carried layers of meaning which was understood by all.                                                                                                         

Anyone could tell that though the contracts had been signed, there seemed to be rough seas ahead.                                                               

Michael wrapped up the contract signing by having lunch with the CEO of George enterprise which was a plus to his reputation. Eating with Michael was like eating with Angels from heaven. 

The moment I met you (Chapter 31)

 By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

Reaching for the wine rack, Michael selected a wine. After pouring a glass of Amorone della Valpolicella wine, he made his way to the leather seat by the window, before sipping on the wine. His mind seemed to be occupied with something. It was obvious it wasn’t about the partnership contracts he was about signing with George enterprise but rather about Chioma Chima.           

Just then his phone vibrated, Michael glanced at his phone to look at the number before picking the call. Coldly, he said, ‘don’t make me wait else I will cancel this contract.’ He was speaking to the CEO of George enterprise.                                          

          

‘Almost there, sir,’ the person at the other end of the line said.                   

‘Lazy morons,’ Michael cursed. ‘I shouldn’t have accepted to partner with incompetent trash like George enterprise! You are more like pigs!’                                                                                                                        

Michael ended the call as soon as he finished speaking. He looked furious as he stared outside the window. He murmured, ‘you bring nothing but bad luck. I had brushed against the only woman I had ever loved just to sign a stupid contract. You better behave else I will crumple your company with my hands!’ then, he gulped down the red wine.           

      

Michael had a cold and aloof personality that made it difficult for others to get close. His authority in the business world further instilled fear in others, forcing them to behave carefully around him. So when the CEO of George enterprise walked inside the suite he was careful not to offend this god-like man. Though, clad in a Versace gorgeous navy blue suit which no doubt looked very expensive, classy and high-end, the CEO of George enterprise was nothing but a mice when he stood before Michael.                                                                                                                  

‘Sir Michael is indeed a legend of the business world,’ the man said, trying to curry favour. ‘He is not just a legend; he is an unbelievable miracle…’                                                                                      

The moment I met you (Chapter 30)

 By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

Arriving at Paradise Hotel, one of the properties under Moon Corporation, his assistant Robert rang him. Without giving Robert an opportunity to speak, Michael said, ‘What’s it?’                                                   

Robert could sense Michael’s foul mood. Anxiously, he stuttered, ‘Do I need to come to Paradise Hotel?’                                                                           

‘Get all the information you know about Chioma Chima, that’s all’. After that the line went dead.                                                                                 

While Michael stood in the elevator, his mind raced towards the accident scene. He wondered how she was doing. Was she still in pain? What if she decides not to talk to him again because of the accident? Would she hate him forever? Should he visit her and apologise again? But if I don’t ask for forgiveness again, would she not accept me?  Will he run into her again?                                                                                                  

Michael sighed deeply as possible scenarios played out in his head. When he finally reached the top floor, he glanced around before exiting the elevator with the documents and headed elegantly to the presidential suite.                                                                                                      

The contract signing was scheduled to be by 10:00 am but Michael had arrived at 9:40 am. He was right in time despite the little delay caused by the accident. Michael had selected to arrive earlier because he was a man that believed in punctuality.  He never believed in African time.                                                                                                      

          

Reaching the magnificent door, the guards at the entrance bowed in greeting before Michael placed his graceful palm against the bio-metric palm scanner and unlocked the door. The presidential suite door could only be unlocked by his palm.                                                             

This was the only presidential suite here in Paradise Hotel. It was the most glamorous room belonging only to Michael.                                         

Michael walked into the luxurious suite glowing with confidence. A refreshing morning breeze was blowing from the bay window, with sunlight streaming in. from time to time, the gentle morning breeze lifted the gold curtains fluttering and flipping.

The Moment I met you (Chapter 29)

 By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

After Chioma left the scene and started homeward, her phone began to ring. It was from her brother Andrew. Chioma wondered why her brother was calling. Could it be that Andrew already knew she had an accident? Or perhaps he had a premonition about what had already happened to her?  Whatever it was that could be Andrew’s reason for calling her at this moment, Chioma wasn’t in the mood to know. She didn’t want to pick up because she had nothing yet to say to her brother. She didn’t want him to worry about her.     

This was something she could handle, she thought. Maybe she would tell him later about the accident in the evening. Right now her mind was scattered as if she had lost the ability to think.                                                                  

When she managed to arrive home, she opened the door and walked inside. Her mother was at the market selling fruits, and her brother at the garage. Tears stole into her eyes at the poor life her family led. She had wanted to find a job to give her family a comfortable life, only to be involved in an accident. Was there still hope for her? Even though hope was among the words she hated, she still needs to hope that someday she would achieve all her dreams.                      

Her mother Louisa rented this small apartment after Magnus died. Since it was close to the market and a bit close to the garage where Andrew works, there was no need to take a taxi and they could save some money to pay their bills. The environment though a cheap area, it was pleasant and also within their budget.                                               

Chioma took a quick hot bath, changed into a set of clothes, and went to the bedroom to rest. Just then, her phone began to ring again. She thought it was her brother but when she looked at the screen, she saw it was an unfamiliar number.    She reached for the phone, glancing at it for a few seconds before picking up.                                                              

‘Hello?’ Chioma said but the other person remained silent. ‘Hello? Who’s this? I’m hanging up the phone if you’re not going to say anything!' Chioma felt a bit annoyed. She thought that maybe the caller dialed the wrong number, and then hung up.                                                         

At this moment, Michael tightened his grip on the steering wheel as he drove. ‘She hung up on me?’ He was clearly annoyed.