CHAPTER 2 – Trouble in Lipstick*
The next morning in Iludun began like a typical village day , goats arguing over nothing, children chasing tires, and the old men settling into their gossip benches early. But today, something was different.
Ayo was on his way to the stream with his radio tied to his bicycle handle when he saw an unusual car,black, shiny, and humming like a city mosquito parked in front of Chief Balogun's compound.
And then she stepped out.
Long braids, sunglasses bigger than her face, red lipstick that didn't fear sunlight. She wore tight jeans, heels (on village sand), and a crop top that made three elderly women scream "Ye! End time is near!"
The girl scanned the compound like she was rating a hotel. Then, in a perfect Lagos accent:
"Ew! What is that smell?!"
Ayo choked on his garri biscuit. He hadn't seen this much drama since Mama Felicia accused a goat of stealing her okro.
The girl turned and saw him.
"You there,yes you, radio boy where can I charge my phone around here?"
Ayo, who had never been reduced to "radio boy" before, blinked. "Your phone needs charging, or you do?"
She ignored the joke. "Name's Amara. And I'll be staying here for two weeks. Try not to bore me, country boy."
Ayo was stunned. "Amara" sounded like trouble written in cursive. And she had just walked into his peaceful Iludun like a hurricane in high heels.
Meanwhile, from across the road, Ifedayo saw it all.
She clutched her water pot tighter and walked away, the calm in her eyes slowly melting into something else.