The journey was an interesting yet tiring one for Emmanuella. It was her first time traveling from Awka to Lagos on road. Awka is the capital of Anambra State in the Eastern part of Nigeria. That was where Emmanuella and her family lived before her parents passed away. She had only travelled to Lagos twice with her late parents and they had used flight. So she hasn't experienced going to Lagos by road.
They had entered the big long buses usually known as luxurious buses. This was what most people including her Aunt preferred when embarking on long road journeys. This was because it was spacious and more comfortable, has convince rooms and passengers get to watch TV while they travel. This makes one relax and enjoy the journey more when though the luxurious buses are cancelled very slow compared to smaller buses and cars.
For Emmanuella is was fun, her Aunt had bought her some snacks and drinks, they chatted and laughed with other passengers as they get entertained with the music and movies on TV. Her Aunty didn't allow he sit by the window side so she was not able to view the outside much as they moved.
It took approximately 9 hours before they reached Lagos. Everything was different and amazing to Emmanuella. From the many number and movements of people and vehicles to the big, tall and beautiful buildings scattered everywhere. It was nothing like what she was used to back at Awka. Everyone minded their businesses, It looked like everyone was in a hurry also as they all moved swiftly. The road side sellers and hawkers were busy shouting and running after customers. Bus drivers and their conductors also added to the noise and shoutings as they kept chanting different places in a bid to find Passengers. She could see people running after buses and taxis as they came by.
Aunty Augusta had stopped one taxi and they jumped in almost immediately they stepped out of the motor park where the bus had stopped them. The taxi was to take only two of them straight to where aunty Augusta lived.
When they reached no one was at home as Aunty Augusta's husband Mr Chukwuka Ugwo was not yet home from work. Their son Obinna is in the boarding school. He is a 15year old in senior secondary class 5.
Emmanuella took her time to observe the compound, it had just 3 buildings of which each was a 3 bedroom flat.
Aunty Augusta immediately went to the place where they usually keep the keys to their flat and opened the door and they went in to settle. Emmanuella was to stay with her in her room.
"Ella here we are finally, fell free because this will be your new home, if their is anything you need always tell me and I will see to it" Aunty Augusta tried to explain to her.
" Thank you Aunty" she only managed to say out
"Why don't try calling me Mummy, yes I know am not your biological mother but am your mother's sister and old enough to be your mother as well, besides am now going to resume the responsibilities of a mother towards you" she pointed out to her hoping she will understand
"okay Mummy" Emmanuella answered without hesitation giving her a smile
Aunty Augusta hugged her and promised her that she will do her best to give her a good life. She had no daughter of her own so she hopped Emmanuella would be the daughter she never had.