MINE

POV of Zoey

After an 18 hours flight from Nigeria to Canada, Toronto all that was in my mind was to halt and cab and go to the campus grounds but NO, nature had other plans for me. I was under a shelter with tons of bags and luggages with no one to help me out because I decided to be a lone wolf all my life.

Waiting for the uber I have ordered 30 mins ago when the rain just started, I began to think was this a sign? Will this be new life in Toronto be good? I had so many questions on my mind when I heard the sounds of a car honking, it was the uber driver.

I entered the car and slammed the door shut, I was angry. I was definitely going to leave a bad review. I really hoped this won’t be how my semester will be because I planned out since I was in Nigeria, no boy drama, no friends group, no social activities and staying away from attention.

This was my goal till I leave university and forget all the souls in it. I carried all my luggage and went to the front desk and was greeted by the warm smile of the receptionist. Her smile instantly elevated my mood. I checked in and was given the key the room and was told that I would share it with someone, maybe we could be friends?

Being an introvert all my life would be sad, making one friend here wouldn’t hurt right? I settled in my room and oh my the view from my window was pretty, my room was located at the top floor and we had a very big window which meant I could look at the view anytime I want. I looked around and there was no trace of my roomie, oh well guess she hadn’t come yet. I quickly put my luggage on the best bed indicating that it was mine.

As the saying goes in Nigeria, “first come, first serve” I giggled as I thought of all my memories there. I quickly arranged my bed and all my clothes into the closet and took a shower to freshen up. Shortly after I took a long deserving nap. I woke up two hours later, and I am currently standing outside the school dorms waiting for that God forsaken uber. I better learn how the bus works here or I am going to end wasting my allowance on uber who don’t even come early and to think I haven’t started working yet.

*30 mins later*

AT THE MALL

I walked into the mall, wearing a black hoodie and a black sweatpants. The first place I went to was a shop that selled desingner clothes. I picked up a dress and suddenly a shop attendant snatched it away from me. “Excuse me, these are branded clothes and nothing you can afford!” Everyone in the store turned to look at me. I was embarrassed, standing in the middle of them, I could hear their murmurs.

This was just my first day in Toronto but I am being treated this way? Was this racism or what? “I picked it up so I think I will be able to afford it” “Black people sure have no sense, do you think you can afford it, even with my one year salary, I can’t!” “Well unlike you, I have the money, now if you excuse me let me go purchase the item”

I pushed her and pushed through the crowd and went to pay for the dress. “I’m sure she stole the money!” “You are just find reasons to pick on me and I won’t allow that! You are just racist! I could buy this whole store if I wanted to, I hate people like you! And you all are just watching her, don’t you have anything to say! Imagine if your child or friend or anyone you knew was in my shoes! What would you do? Just stand there and watch! You guys are just as bad as her!” I kept on ranting and saw that the crowd was murmuring.

But this time, it was in my favour.

POV OF MANO

“Who is that girl?” “I don’t know, she is not a regular customer of our store sir” “Oh I see, help me do a background check. She seems interesting and also fire that attendant. We don’t need anyone ruing our business” “Yes sir”

She seemed interesting. She was cute, she was short with blue eyes and flawless skin. She was black and she was such a gorgeous sight. “Omg, this is the first time I have seen my cold and ruthless brother stare at a girl for so long. Is this love?” “Love? Lucia do you know the meaning of that?” “Whatever, but she sparks my interest too, I will go talk to her”

“Maybe some other time, we need to go” “(frowns) heartless jerk!” “Whatever you say”