Ami

I woke up around 6:00 in the morning in order to get ready for school. Efe wasn't in the bed, so I thought maybe she was having breakfast or something. I deemed it fit as her school was further than mine and opened earlier too.

I walked to the bathroom, turned on the heater and brushed my teeth in wait for the heater to turn up. I then had my bath, came out and dressed up for school. I checked the time.

7:05am

I had a few minutes to get to school. I was about to walk out the room when I saw a paper lying on my table. I was about to read it but because of time I just folded it into my bag and ran out of my room.

I got to the the dining. No sign of Efe either. Maybe she had left for school already.

"Mom, Dad! I'm going to school!"

I yelled. They didn't reply. I guess they were asleep. I left the compound and ran to school. It was 7:52 by the time I got there. The head girl was standing there giving the students a stern look as they ran heftily to the assembly. I ran also. Even though I was a senior, that's not an excuse for special treatment.

"Amanda, why are you late?"
My Biology teacher, Mr. Romeo asked me.

"I woke up late sir." I said bluntly.

He smiled and chucked. The young man patted my head and walked away.

What was that all about?

____________-___________-__________
Hours later I jumped on my bed and let all the tension I've been holding ease off. Then there was something lingering in my mind.

The paper!

And Efe's hadn't come back from school either. I was getting really worried. I called her phone but she didn't answer. I felt horrible.

Suddenly I just picked up the paper and tears almost threatened to fall out as I read it's contents

Dear Ami.
By the time you see this letter, I'm gone. Calm down I'm still alive. I had to go to find my dad. Even with all the risks and consequences I may face if this doesn't work. I still have to try. I didn't want to worry you with all my problems anymore. Thank you for taking me in all this while. I love your mom so much and I appreciate your dad. And I love you too especially.

P.S - I don't know when I'll be back. I'll miss you. Please don't tell anyone. But if you can't hide it go your parents, I understand. Love you.
XOXO

I folded the paper in utter shock. This was too much to bear. Where on earth did she go? And what am I going to tell mom and dad? I was so confused. I didn't know what to do.

Should I tell them the truth?

Would they accept her back?

Would she find her dad?

What is all this?

I was very worried. But I knew she entrusted me with this and I can't let her down. I prayed silently in my heart for her safety.

"Abifoluwa! Where is Efe?" I heard my mum calling.

I had to do this for Efe. Even though the risks are very high. I just had to.

"Mummy, she's not here o."

I swear to God the speed my mom used to run up to my room was faster than the speed of light.

"Are you mad? What do you mean she's not here?" She looked all over the room.

"Come out Efe, don't be playing prank on me these children!" She screamed.

I shook my head. Tears already flowing.
My mom raised an alarm.

"Help oooo! My daughter is missing o!" She ran out of the house and started screaming. Different neighbours came out. Even the ones I had never seen before. They all gathered towards my mom. Especially the women.

I ran after her too. Mama Great saw me and said; "Mama Amanda, no be Amanda be that?"

My mom shook her head in tears. She couldn't reply. Before I could someone already beat me to it.

"Na Efe she de talk about na! That girl wet he mama die which day, na dwm Amanda nai he de stay with since." The person concluded making Mama Great to nod in understanding.

God will bless that person.

A car pull up at the front of our compound. It was dad's car, he jumped out of the car and ran towards mother who was wailing in the floor. It was a terrible sight.

"What is this rumor that I'm hearing that Efe is missing?" But that was a rhetorical question as no one has a plausible answer.

Mom who was screaming all this while, looked at him and without them talking, I knew they were communicating.

He took out his phone and called someone. Minutes later, a siren was heard and some officers were seen running out of their vehicle into our compound.

"My neighbour's daughter is missing. Efe Naborhi." He hyperventilated.

"Sir, Please calm down." The skinny police man said.

"When did you notice her absence?" All heads turned to my direction.

That question was pointed to me.

"Today sir, at about 3pm."

He nodded and he and my father had a talk. I walked into the house and watched from afar.

Where ever you are Efe,

I hope you come home soon.