Hubert and I-Episode Eleven

No sooner had we bonded, when Don Mateo arrived at our table and in his hand was a tray which he placed gently on our table. “Breakfast is served sir!” he alerted. Jerry gave first priority to Hubert who insisted that Jerry should go ahead and serve himself. Jerry obliged and while I observed his well mannered character, he sat across the table smiling. As the two friends ate their breakfast and updated each other on office matters, sports and current affairs, I was running my day to day event in my head. Jerry had come to the island to drop me back home and Hubert was to proceed with his long awaited journey to China. The two gentlemen, laughed, teased and joked, in one or two occasion I would contribute to their conversation. However, I was more pleased watching them and listening and it didn’t matter that most of the time I didn’t get what they were saying.

It was about five o’clock in the evening when Guillermo came by the suite to inform Hubert that the

boat was ready to take off to Shimoni. “We are right behind you Guillermo,” he responded as he went straight for my luggage. Barefooted, he walked me through the footpath that led us to the hotel lounge. Jerry had been waiting at the lounge and when he saw us coming he quickly came and took the bags away from Hubert’s hands. “You didn’t have to trouble yourself Jerry I was fine, really.’ Jerry who acted like those words were not meant for him, went ahead and took  the luggage to the boat. “Talk to me when you get home Hanna’, said he as he escorted me to my ride. “My flight will take off at 2300hrs I should believe,” he then shouted to Jerry to confirm departure time, which Jerry confirmed to be the same. As the warm sand caressed our feet as we walked past the white beach sand to the bridge that led to where the boat had docked, all that was felt was the sadness of parting ways. Guillermo had ignited the engine ready for takeoff and as he stood there by the wheel in his well tied pony tail, unbuttoned shirt that revealed his white, clean vest and his khaki shorts, Jerry was making himself comfortable. “Come here, let me see you for the last time before you go,” said Hubert enthusiastically. Smiling I went right to his arms. “When I shall return I will look for you and I will find you” added he with confidence. “You are the government” I responded and we both laughed. Smiling, I held on to his embrace.

Going through my digital photo album a week later, I could pick so much from the images as photographs do have a way of telling a story and most often than not they give a true representation of what is happening. I couldn’t fail to notice the genuine happiness that was in his eyes from the images where he smiled. Those that he posed with a silly face made him look younger and free spirited. In almost all the images taken his hands were on me. Just when I was perusing through the digital album, the phone rang and when I answered it took a while before I heard a voice. “Hi” he greeted. “Hi back.” ‘What time is it there?” “The right time,” I responded as I could hear him laughing from the other end. There was a long pause before he spoke again. “The meetings have been going on well, though they take so much of my time and by the time I retire to my room, I am exhausted and I still have to work.” He lamented and as I sat there listening I could tell from the sound of his voice that he was very tired. I could tell that he was forcing a smile and laugh from his fatigued body. However, I felt so good to hear his voice from the other end of the line. “How are you?” he then remembered to ask as we both laughed again and I could tell that he had started cheering up. “I have missed you” I responded. He paused for a while before responding and I could hear him sigh heavily. ‘I have missed you too Hanna” said he and paused again. There was a moment of silence and none of us said a word. As I held on to the handset I realized that we didn’t have to say anything because our souls connected in a deeper and special way. “I have to go Hanna; I have a conference call, thank you for being there.” I could not bring myself to say a word hence I sat there in silence and as he listened for a few seconds he then hanged up. I could feel the weight he was carrying in his voice and as much as he wanted to appear strong he was only human. I tried so hard to fight back the tear that was already half way down my cheek with no success.

The landline to my office extension rang once then twice and peeping from the handset screen, it read gate security. Answering to the security gate call, I was informed that there was a hand delivery package that was addressed to me and that I was required to receive and sign. In a twinkle of an eye, the delivery man was up at my desk. ‘Ma’am I have a package for Hanna.” “That will be me” I responded as he handed over the package and requested for my signature. Puzzled, I walked back to my desk and curiously opened the package that was said to have been mine. Unsealing the package delivery, I came across a brown A 4 size envelope with my name boldly written on it. The envelope was rather weighty and I could tell from its presentation that the content in it was confidential. I took a sit and slowly pulled out the contents from the envelope. Hardly had I known who sent the package, when his name appeared at the bottom of the first document. The second document was a map giving direction as to where I should go and the contacts of the person I should call for guidance. A third document was a letter and in it, it was written “If life gave me a second chance to do it all over again I would know what I want.” I sat there speechless for a while before I picked the hand receiver and dialed the number that was in the map. There was a ring back tone before a voice answered. It was a male voice. “Hello Lantana Homes, Eric speaking,” I paused for a moment then responded “Helo this Hanna”….and before I could give him details he asked if I had received a package. I hesitantly responded with a yes. Eric sounded very enthusiastic and he had a Spanish accent in his tone. “How free are you today Hanna? You have got to see this for yourself” ‘Hmmm I leave work at four, I guess from four thirty I should be free” “Great!” he exclaimed and asked that I ring him as soon as I left work so that we could meet.

Driving past Nyali police toward coral drive entrance, Eric who had picked me from work was narrating to me how the Lantana homes real estate project started.  His real estate business had built houses for sale in Nairobi and Mombasa for over ten years. I was still trying to figure out why Hubert had wanted me to meet Eric. What was it that he had wanted me to do for him with this guy? As the unanswered questions kept piling in my head so did Eric’s enthusiasm about his real estate business. Soon we approached the entrance to the Lantana Coral Drive villas and as we drove past few houses we approached one to which Eric parked and ushered me out of his car. Walking right behind him, Eric led me past the patio to the main entrance door. “Welcome, Madam Hanna”, “Aaaaw thank you very much Eric but what is this place?” “He didn’t tell you?” “Who? and what was I to be told?” Smiling Eric went on to show me the other section of the villa. “Well if he didn’t tell you then allow me to do my part and he will do his part” Agreeing to his plea I walked right behind him as he gave me a tour in the villa. The coral lantana villa had been built with very fine and exquisite material. The finishing was out of this world. The titled flooring had been done with a lot of accuracy that none appeared crooked. I did not fail to notice that the house was furnished and Eric had mentioned that he had shipped the furniture from Italy. What caught my eye was the water fountain that had been built inside the house. The Swahili touch that was given to the villas gave them a unique blend. It was a magnificent sight. As I sat on one of the sofas confused I heard Eric speak out “Don’t worry Hanna he will explain everything to you when he returns.”

Hubert and I-Episode Ten

Hubert gently handed back the guitar to Guillermo who nodded with enthusiasm as Don Mateo applauded him and gave him a big hug and kissed his cheek like he would his own son. Cheerfully, like a small boy Hubert took his sit opposite mine with a huge grin on his face. “That was beautiful Hubert, very beautiful.” I complimented. Happily, Hubert began to translate the words of the lyrics of the song he had sung for me in English as the gentlemen walked back to the hotel lounge.  “I'm on my knees begging you, moon don't leave, Light up the night, and this heart, disappointed at times mistreated, Crazy to kiss your lips without nothing left inside of me, telling you everything.” The words drew cold shivers down my spine. They awoke feelings that had been buried for years inside me and as we sat next to the beach, surrounded by lantern lamps and the full moon brightly facing us, with the beach sand sparkling in the dark, nothing else mattered. Suddenly, it felt as though everything else had shut and it was just the two of us in the entire stage called universe.

As the night went by, the only sound that could be heard on that quiet island was Hubert’s voice, my hearty laughter and the soft Latin music that played in the background.  One of Don Mateo’s staff came by to clear the table and being so consumed in our conversation we hardly noticed him. It was evident that the wine had got the best of us from the way we laughed and joked around. Hubert had danced several times to the Latin tunes and to some songs he had pulled me up to dance with him. We drank, danced, talked, laughed and drank some more until the skies were no longer pitch dark but now grayish. The morning sun was looking for its way out of the clouds when we decided that we needed to go sleep. We staggered along the footpath as we tried to trace our way to the suite. Hubert would remind me on several occasions to lower my voice but his gesture would make more noise that would cause us to laugh out the most. Finally, we managed to get to my suite after a long struggle to maintain balance. Hubert opened the door to let me in and as I tried to detach myself from his support, I fell right back in his arms. Supporting himself on a pillar, Hubert held me as we both laughed and reminded each other to be quiet.  He gently supported me into the suite as we staggered and struggled and finally with a thud we fell on the six by six bed that had been neatly spread.

I woke up a few hours later with the urge to go to the bathroom when I found myself wrapped in Hubert’s arms. He was very much asleep and as I lifted his weighty arms from me, he rolled over and went back to sleep. Carefully, not to make any sound I found my way to the bathroom. Walking back from the bathroom, I met Hubert leaning on the glass partition that separated the hallway from the bedroom. “Hi, where had you disappeared to?” “Hi” I greeted then paused. He walked toward me and gently placed his hands around my waist as he drew me closer to him. Desire burned in his eyes and there was fire in his gaze as he looked deep into mine. As if studying my mouth, he ran his eyes down to my lips staring at them for a moment. Slowly and calculatedly, he studied my entire face before he slowly moved his head down and gently rubbed his lips on the corner of my mouth. Impatiently, I moved closer, my lips eagerly seeking his. He then kissed me passionately expressing all that he had as I powerlessly reciprocated. Swiftly, he lifted me off the ground into his arms and carried me to the bed. Gently, he laid me down as he kissed me tenderly on my lips and progressively moved to my neck then to my ears. “Don’t you ever disappear from me again” He whispered as he slipped his fingers under my dress and reached for my body, with his hands skimming over my hips and letting his fingers run through the curves. He lifted my body into a seating position and placed it on his lap, securing it, caressing it and teasing it, tossing me back and forth as His lips eagerly seeking mine. I flipped his shirt open revealing his bare chest and pressed myself on it. As my whole body became weak in his embrace, he loved me with his entire might making our bodies sweat profusely.

The touch on the front door woke me up from a deep slumber only to find myself alone and covered in white duvet. Covering myself with the duvet, I stepped down from the bed and tried to find my white linen dress. I was yet to fully wake up and realize where I was and what had happened. In confusion I walked to the front door only to meet with Hubert who was trying to balance a tray filled with delicacies while trying to get the door. “Sorry I woke you up; I guess I will have to work on my skills of being a waiter” “I will get that for you” I responded as I went for the door. “You shouldn’t have gone through all that trouble Hubert’, “Trouble? No way, I was so hungry, I think trouble went through me” he replied laughing as he placed the tray on the coffee table. It was around four o’clock in the evening and indeed my stomach had started making noises.

Don Mateo had set up a born fire that evening and along with other few international guests we had sat on logs along the bonfire. There was buffet table which had been set on one side containing Spanish   food, cheese, grapes, olives, nuts and meat. A barrel serving as a cooler box containing beer had been placed next to the fire place for self-serving. Don Mateo played his acoustic guitar as he sung and narrated beautiful Spanish love stories. One of Conchita and Diego’s got my attention a bitter sweet love affair which had a happy ending. We were a gathering of about fifteen people, mostly were couples in their mid-fifties or about early sixties. One or two couples had come along with their children the rest I observed were alone. Hubert, sitting close beside me holding his beer on one hand and the other hand resting on my thigh had been quiet the entire evening though his soul communicated with mine on a much deeper level. He had served a meal that we both shared as we were still filled up from the tray he had brought in earlier that evening. The buffet table was being cleared as more beer was being filled in the cooler barrel. Some of the attendants came by carrying a white and black portable dance floor and mounted it on the beach sand. They brought in two large speakers and a system for playing music and assembled them closer to where we were seated. In no time the music was playing and the floor was already filled up with couples who were hungry for music and a dance. “Dance with me Hubert, today I want you to dance with me”, I urged as I took him by the hand and led him to the dance floor, his beer bottle clasped in one hand.  Still unsure what to do, he stood on the platform right in front of me sipping his beer and staring at me with a smile on his face. As I moved my body to the rhythm of the song I called out to him “Dance with me Hubert, Dance with me” He paused for about thirty seconds just staring at me before he downed  the rest of the beer and threw the bottle on to the beach sand. Fixing his eyes to mine he turned elegantly, swaying and moving his body, in tune with the slow music yet there was some kind of harshness in eyes more like telling me I shouldn’t underestimate him. I was up for the challenge and I didn’t seem to care at that moment as I teased him the more with my body. The closer we got to each other the more the warmth built up between us. Our dance was perfect, our heart beat, and our feet movement was flowing in the same rhythm. By the end of the dance my breath was taken away and I understood why. Laughing he pulled me close and held me in his embrace as the group of men and women surrounding us applauded.

It was a warm and quiet Sunday morning when Jerry arrived at the Funzi Island having been picked by Guillermo. Jerry had a duty to brief Hubert on the current issues and the plan for the week ahead. He was also my ride back home. Hubert woke up beside me to answer his cellphone and signaled that Jerry had already arrived. He quickly wore his shorts and slipped into his t-shirt and flip-flops and dashed to meet Jerry. The two had a lot of catching up to do which gave me enough time to get ready. I packed my luggage and got myself ready and went to the hotel lobby to check if I could have some breakfast.  I met Don Mateo attending to some of his guests and when he saw me he excitedly came towards me his arms stretched wide.  “Buenos dias mi querido” greeted Don Mateo. “Buenos dias Don Mateo, cómo estás?” I greeted as I hugged him back. Don Mateo walked me to an available table and called out to his staff to attend to me. “Breakfast is a la carte today, so you order what you want and it will be served, okay” spoke Don Mateo in a Spanish accent. I nodded with a smile as I gave my order to the staff attendant.  The other guests, who had occupied several tables around mine, were receiving their orders too. In fifteen minutes time, my English breakfast was ready and served.  The tray contained a pot of coffee, two sausages, bacon, Spanish omelet and baked beans. Along came watermelon juice, two slices of pawpaw with a bowl of green grapes. “Can I join you said a voice from behind me”, as I turned to check who it was I saw Jerry standing alongside Hubert. Jerry was now very casual, warm, and friendly toward me. “Sure why not” I answered as the two gentlemen pulled seats right next to mine. As we waited for the attendant to take Jerry’s and Hubert’s order, the two gentlemen fed from my tray while we conversed and bonded.   

Hubert and I- Episode Nine

It was about five o’clock in the evening when I arrived at my apartment.  It was a warm, quiet, Sunday evening and the silence was too loud.  I went and fixed myself a sandwich, grabbed a cup of coffee and proceeded with unpacking my luggage. Reminiscing about the weekend and the events that had unfolded I laid on my bed all smiles. I woke up the following morning feeling more refreshed, energized and ready to face the week ahead.  Arriving at my work station that Monday morning, I found my desk loaded with files and documentation that needed to be sorted. The holiday had given me a new spirit to handle any tasks that would impend. I sat down cleared my work station and arranged my day’s activity. Hardly, had I done much when I noticed how  time had flown as I worked from one document to another.

Amazingly, the week flew faster than I expected. Seated at my workstation, I received a call from my landline. The security guard informed me that there was a gentleman who was requesting to see me. I asked the guard to allow the gentleman to come up to the office. As I was attending to one of my fellow colleagues, I saw that she was staring at the entrance door trying to signal that there was someone. I looked up from where I was seated and I saw Jerry. “Hello Jerry!” I greeted with enthusiasm as I offered him a seat. Jerry responded with a smile as he sat on the visitors chair. I tried as fast as i knew how to delegate what had been left pending. Earlier during the week, I had requested in advance for an afternoon off as I expected that  Jerry would pick me on time. Jerry sat opposite my desk holding the car keys in his hands. He had worn white short sleeved pilot shirt with a pair of khaki pants and brown loafers. His finger nails were well manicured and his beard neatly shaved. Jerry's cologne had filled the entire room. As he waited for me to finish, he sat there fidgeting with his car keys and assessing the office from one corner to the other. In twenty minutes time I was done, picked up my handbag, luggage and followed Jerry to the parking lot. Jerry led me to his four wheeled black well-polished car. Stepping into the passenger seat next to Jerry, I buckled up and off we drove away. On the way, I was tempted to ask Jerry for information but he was busy concentrating on the road hence I decided to lay back in silence and enjoy the ride.

Arriving at the Likoni ferry, Jerry drove down to the car waiting area to wait for the next in coming ferry. I could tell we were headed for the South Coast but I wasn’t sure where in particular. After crossing the ferry we drove past Ukunda to a place called Shimoni. Jerry parked his car and asked me to take whatever I needed as we had to cross the ocean to the other side. Being a gentleman, Jerry carried my luggage and walked me to the sea shore. From a distance I spotted a white yacht docked at the seashore. We had to remove our shoes and walk few meters into the water to board the yacht. In my white Capri pants, navy blue shirt and white sandals, I followed Jerry's lead to the yacht.  Jerry was kind enough to assist me into the yacht which was being driven by an old Spanish man, who had brought along his seventeen year old son. They were very friendly and chatty. The boat ride was quite interesting as the old man gave me a brief history of his family and business.  Hardly, had I laid back to enjoy the conversation when I was told that we had arrived. The old man’s youngest son Guillermo, about 6foot 2 tall, athletic body, unshaven look and long hair tied in a pony, carried my luggage and led me to the hotel lounge. Walking through the lounge on the far end I spotted a man seated on a high seat at the bar counter. The man was wearing a lime green flowered shirt, a pair of jungle green shots and brown flip-flops. He was chatting the bar tender who was busy trying to mix some drinks. “Hola! We are here” shouted Guillermo to the men at the bar. The man seated on the high chair jumped from his high seat and as he turned I noticed that it was Hubert.  Hubert was very good at disguising himself and playing around with his looks. That was one of the things that made me grow very fond of him. He was very creative and playful. The world was like his acting stage where he could perform different roles. He sure knew how to live life rather than exist.  

Walking towards Guillermo and me, he smiled and as he approached me, his arms went wide open ready to receive me. I was touched by his sincere affection and his cheerful warm welcome. Hubert hugged and pecked me on the left side of my cheek. “Welcome to Funzi Island Hannah.” He said. Hubert led me to the bar area as Guillermo proceeded to take the luggage to where he had been asked to drop. The bar tender passed a cocktail glass to Hubert who in turn passed it over to me. As I sipped my cocktail I couldn’t help but notice that Hubert was staring at me in admiration. He had this childish smile on. He was observing every move I made, from sipping the cocktail to swallowing it, to a point he caused me to blush. Excitedly, he asked if he could give me a tour around the island, to have a glimpse of how the place looked like which I obliged. With the cocktails in our hands we strolled out toured the Island. ‘Don Mateo has been a friend of my family for a very long time, he and his son Guillermo have always made me feel at home here” said he. Hubert went on to narrate how he met Don Mateo and how he came to Funzi Island the first time. There was a spark in his eyes as he narrated about his first encounter at Funzi Island. We walked past the white beach sand struggling to lift our feet from sinking in the sand. Hubert led me to a path that had very long pine trees. Barefooted we walked along the rough tiled foot path. The whistling palms, the shaking leaves and the sound of the bird chapping in this secluded Island made the tour more refreshing than any I had had before. 

The sun had started shying away and hiding in the thick clouds as it slowly went down to meet the horizon.  Hubert received a call from Don Mateo and he excitedly told him that he would be right there in a few minutes. We had approached the scene of the cottages, the tents and the suites and Hubert asked me to go freshen up and join him for dinner. He took me to the door step of the suite that had my luggage and left to meet Don Mateo. I walked in to the front door of the suite that was supposedly mine for the time I was staying at Funzi Island. In awe my eyes moved from one direction to the other appreciating the Spanish design that had been done in that suite. The furniture, the flooring, the walls, the wall paint, the bed, the side tables and bed lamps were all exquisite. A glass partitioning separated the bedroom from where the Jacuzzi was placed. There was another entry door that led to a clock room which led to the washroom. I managed to find my luggage unpacked and chose something free to wear for the night. I picked a white, simple, cotton gypsy dress and a pair of white sandals. I felt this would be good for an evening by the beach. 

Following the demarcation and the directions, I found my way back to the lounge, where I met Guillermo who happily escorted me to where Hubert and Don Mateo were. As I approached closely I saw Hubert in a chef’s hat and a white apron. As soon as he saw Guillermo and I, he picked a wooden spoon, scooped the content he was making and walked over to meet us. His left hand on my chin and his right holding the wooden spoon he placed it on my lips so I could taste whatever it is that he had prepared. The look on my face brought a huge smile on his. “Mmmmm!! Whatever that is, it tastes really nice!” I complemented. He took me by the hand and led me to a table he had set for the two of us. The table had white linen cover, lantern lamp, silver cutleries, white matching crockeries, wine glasses and a bottle of wine that was being chilled in a silver chiller bucket. Hubert pulled a sit for me and went over the kitchenette to finish up his cooking with Don Mateo. “Did you know that I love to cook Hanna?” He shouted from the kitchenette as he and Don Mateo threw in ingredients into the meal they were preparing. It was an amazing sight to see. Here I was with the most powerful man in my country and he was cooking a meal for us, and enjoying it. I could see the passion in his eyes as he prepared the meal and arranged the content on the plates.  Holding two plates in his hands Hubert walked back to our table placed my food first then his and sat right across from me. He stretched his hands towards mine, held them in his and  said a prayer. He then invited me to eat. “Bon Appetit Madame Hannah” said he as he waited for me to take my first bite. “Go on take a bite, am not going to eat until you take your first bite” he confessed. Shyly, I picked up my cutlery and took my first bite. It was delicious. I had never tasted good food like that in many years. You could appreciate every spice that was used, every ingredient was just perfect. “It is called the Paella, it is a Spanish traditional meal” said he as if he read the question that was in my mind.  He poured me a glass of wine, unfolded his linen napkin placed it on his shirt, selectively picked his cutlery and began to enjoy his meal. “I love the Spaniards because they value their traditions and culture.” He went on “They have some similarities with the Africans, they have values that guide them” As he spoke I could tell that Don Mateo had done a very good job in influencing Hubert to the Spanish culture. He knew almost everything about them. Hubert was very chatty on this particular evening, more relaxed with a childish truthfulness. 

Don Mateo walked by our table to check on us. He was a man in his mid-seventies, grey haired, deep brown penetrating eyes and his body was still firm. He walked upright in his navy blue short, white T-shirt revealing his white vest. Guillermo joined his dad and handed a guitar to Hubert. Smiling, Hubert stood, took the guitar from Guillermo signaled Don Mateo and strummed gently as if to pick the right key. The two gentlemen positioned themselves slightly behind Hubert waiting for his lead. “Te pido de rodillas, Luna no te vayas, Alumbrale la noche, A ese corazón, Desilusionado, A veces maltratado….. “Loco, Por besar tus labios, Sin que quede nada por dentro de mí, Diciéndotelo todo” I didn’t understand one word in Spanish but the emotions expressed by the three gentlemen as they sang the song Loco by Enrique Iglesias featuring Romeo Santos brought tears to my eyes. As his eyes met mine I felt that he needed me as much as I needed him.

Hubert and I - Episode Eight

The early morning sun peeped through the curtain that had blinded the balcony door while caressing the right hand side of my cheeks. Hubert lied on the coach with his head on my lap and while he faced the ceiling, he energetically narrated to me about his life experience living abroad.  Hubert had spent part of his life abroad, however; he was deeply rooted to his roots and culture. “I just love Kenya, don’t you?” he had said. I sat there smiling and thinking about how much he had loved life and appreciated every single bit.

Suddenly, there was a beep on his pager, a ring on his phone and I anticipated that the room would be invaded in no time. The phone had not stopped ringing until finally he answered and from the other end I could hear a male voice urging him to head back. Handing him his over coat, Hubert stood from the coach and as he wore his over coat, I walked him to the main door.  “You had said 2pm right? The time you are traveling back home.” Said he as he opened the main door that led to the corridor, we were met with his body guard who had stood right at the main entrance door waiting for him. Hubert turned towards me and before I could speak he had put his arms around me and whispered something in my ear making sure his body guard did not get a word. He then gently kissed the left hand side of my cheek and walked away followed by his body guard.

I watched him walk away and I realized how fond I had become of him. He was so simple and very easy to get along with that it felt like dealing with an ordinary citizen as opposed to dealing with one in power. He made me forget who he really was whenever I was with him. Walking back into my room, I heard Sam’s voice calling out my name. “Hanna! Hanna! Hanna! ‘I paused, then stepped back out again. Sam who was half running and half walking, appeared like she had seen a ghost. “Hanna! Guess who I just met walking down the corridor?” “Hubert” I said. “Yeah!, how did you know?” “Well, he was here.”  “Here! In your room!”  Surprised, Sam walked into my room and pleaded for details her face had this queer look. Closing the entrance door I walked in right behind her as I tried to fill her in on the previous night events. She was cutting me on every word I spoke making it very difficult for me to narrate the saga that had unfolded.  Shocked by the details, Sam picked the receiver and dialed Alana’s room and in no time Alana and Alex were tramping into my room giggling and all smiles. “Ladies, believe me nothing happened, we were consumed in our talks that we hardly realized it was getting late in to the night and finally it dawned” “Oh really!” teased Alex as they all giggled and laughed. It took several hours of narrating and re narrating as they all interrogated to check whether my story conformed to what I had said previously. “I actually heard commotions last night but I was too tired so I just slept “Actually it all started when I had assumed that it was you Sam knocking on my door, I didn’t know that I was letting Hubert in.” The sight of my friends smiling and giggling made me realize that trying to convince them that nothing happened was a waste of time.  

The cab driver arrived fifteen minutes earlier than the proposed time . We packed our stuff in a rush to avoid keeping him waiting. Lost in conversations, we had hardly checked the time. The drive to the airport took longer than normal as the traffic jam was heavier than usual. We arrived at the airport half an hour to departure. Successfully, we checked in, made through the waiting lounge and with sighs of relief we took to seat.  A lady’s voice could be heard projecting from the speakers announcing departure time, delayed flights and airport announcements. The normal busy announcements that goes on at the airport followed by people walking to board the plane or disappointed faces of those who had  delayed flights and from the glass view, were  those who had just landed walking in to the baggage area.

Suddenly, came the announcement we were waiting for, it was our time to board the flight. It was finally time to go back home to our normal routine. Carrying our luggage, we walked into the plane, placed our luggage in the compartments, buckled up and we were ready to go. Alex and I had occupied the same row seats while Sam was seated with Alana few rows behind us.  I felt a sudden feeling of sadness overcome me realizing that I was traveling away from the town that had held lovely memories.  Looking outside the window, I prepared myself for take-off. I had always feared the take-off and the landing part of the plane. I suddenly realized how much I had missed home and that gladdened my heart. 

Unexpectedly, there was an announcement and all were informed that there would be a slight delay. Agitated passengers were murmuring their disappointments and their discontentment in the airline service. Sounds of grumbling and clicking had filled the atmosphere. “Kenyans really love to complain” I said to Alex and with a smile I slide down on my seat and comfortably closed my eyes. Gently, five men dressed in casual wear walked in the plane, checked the baggage compartments, under the seat areas, the washrooms and walked away. They had gone round the plane inspecting and checking for what we all could not figure out. Everyone watched in fear not knowing what to expect next. Had someone boarded the plane with a bomb? Was it drugs? Everyone in the plane questioned. The flight attendants who had been summoned outside walked back in and came by each passenger to assure each one that all was well and that it was just one of those random called for inspections. Passengers were asked to settle down and buckle up. The announcement came on again and the voice apologized for the delay and that we would be taking off in five minutes time. The flight attendants gave the regular safety instructions for traveling and walked back to their cabin however, one approached our seat and spoke softly and gently to Alex. She then whispered something to the passenger who had occupied the seat adjacent to Alex. The two had walked as meek as lambs following the flight attendant. “Alex!” I called, when she signaled that all was well. Two airplane pilots walked in smartly dressed in their black pilot suit, pilot black hat and sliver reflecting sunglasses.  As everyone watched one took Alex’s seat and the other one took the seat adjacent to Alex.  Confused and rather irritated I was not able to understand why the flight attendant picked on my friend’s seat to give it to some strange pilot.  

Speeding through the runway ready for take-off , the plane wobbled due to the roughness of the terrain,    I could feel my heart sinking down to my stomach. I quickly closed my eyes and clasped my hands tightly together.  Where was Alex when I needed her to hold my hands? I had thought. “Don’t be scared, I got you!” whispered a male voice. The sound of the male voice made me feel at ease.  I felt a masculine hand gently placed onto my clasped hands as we suddenly went up horizontally then vertically to a stable position. Opening my eyes, I saw him leaning very close to me smiling. “At least now I know one of the things that terrify you,” he said smiling as he looked at me from the top part of his sun glasses Hubert had disguised himself as a pilot. I was filled with mixed emotions not knowing whether to be excited or frightened. “How do I look?” he teased. He asked that I should act composed and converse normally as not to attract attention. “You know that what you are doing is dangerous.” I said. He winked from the top part of his sunglasses picked a magazine from the seat pocket and began perusing through. I was very uncomfortable and I kept looking back and forth just to ascertain that nobody had noticed his presence. I was surprised to observe everyone busy with their own stuff.  “How did you manage to get in disguised? Do you want to tell me they all don’t know who you are?’ I asked in a low tone almost whispering. “Just the pilot and the head flight attendant know, the rest were told that I am a VIP pilot traveling in from South Africa” He said looking back at his magazine. It felt like he was enjoying torturing me. He was really feeling good in his disguised look to a point that he had assumed the role of a pilot. 

“Hanna, I would like to see you again but not this way, disguised and all” he had said. “Am traveling to China next week for a business trip and before I do I would like to see you” “Are you asking me out on a date?” I jokingly whispered back as I concentrated on the small screen that was ahead of me. “Uuum, if you call it so then yes, yes I am asking” He was leaning towards me adjusting his sunglasses to have a better look at me. I reminded him that he was traveling as a VIP pilot who did not know me. Smiling, because of the effect I had on him I agreed to see him again. Like a warrior who had worn a battle he reclined back to his seat wearing a victorious smile. There was an announcement that the flight would be landing in the next fifteen minutes. The flight had started descending causing my tummy to make knots on the inside. My heart started racing as I quickly shut my eyes and clasped my hands together. Hubert took my left hand in his and held it firmly as he rubbed it with the other hand. The plane tires hit the ground with a strong thud wheeling through the terrain to a sudden halt. “You are home” he said. 

Hubert had urged me to stay behind. I had sent a text message to Alex earlier and she was to make sure that Sam and Alana would not sell out Hubert’s disguise. The girls were better actors than I had thought.  Soon the plane had only three people in it. The other pilot Hubert and I. “Hanna, I will be flying back with Jerry, he is my trusted friend and bodyguard.”  Jerry had now become a familiar face. I could tell from the look on his face that Jerry did not like the risks that Hubert was taking.  I could now understand clearly why Jerry had been harsh and unfriendly.  Jerry had a big task of protecting Hubert in that if anything were to happen to him he would be held liable. “The plane will be traveling back with just the two of you?” I asked. “Yes that is what Jerry proposed he says he can’t guarantee my safety if we have to carry another lot of passengers” He said as he smiled. “It will cost you?’ I said to him and acting like it wasn’t a big deal he removed his hat and his sun glasses placed them on the adjacent seat. “The coast is clear I can now be myself” he said studying my face from my hairline down to my neck.  “Come let me see you off am sure your friends would be wondering where you are?” he joked as he led me by the hand to exit door with my luggage on his other hand. “Hanna, Jerry will look for you and bring you to where I will be on Friday 10am.” Without thinking clearly I had accepted his invite. “Sir, No going out of the plane.” Said Jerry as a reminder to his boss not to get carried away by being a gentleman. We both smiled and whispered to each other how strict we thought Jerry was. I took my trolley luggage from Hubert, hugged him and walked down the staircase.  “Hanna, don’t be scared I got you!” said he and I looked back up to face him as he waved.