Huma was uneasy. The way the car only served to heighten her anxiety as it headed towards an unknown destination. Uche had simply told her to get ready, and now she was quiet, staring outside the window with an inscrutable expression on her lovely face.

Uche's hair was freshly cut, and for some reason her clothes were formal, a high waist, fitted black skirt, white camisol and a long red blazer. Her face had minimal make up; regardless, her fair skin glowed. Briefly, Huma wondered what she'd look like with long hair.

Very beautiful. Huma could only imagine. She shifted in her seat. The denim jean and jacket she wore felt odd. When she'd purchased them they had been looser but now tightened around the arms and thighs. She studied parts of her body. Was she truly putting on weight?

The car suddenly veered to her right, through massive gates and into a premises teeming with people, who seemed like milling ants amid t tall buildings. The car parked, and they climbed out. Glancing around, Huma strove for quietude within herself. Too many people.

Most persons were dressed casually and some formally, like Uche. The parking lot was filled with cars. From her perspective the place was more expansive than it appeared to be.

Her oil. Where was it? The small bottle wasn't in her pockets.

"We won't spend much time." Uche said from beside her. " Do you think you can cope until I'm done?"

Although, uncertain, Huma nodded.

"If it's too much for you, just let me know. We can leave. Anytime you want."

Huma exhaled, nodding again. They made their way towards one of the buildings. Huma ensured she was at Uche's side to avoid bumping into persons. Afraid she'd get lost, Huma slipped her hand into Uche's and linked their fingers. Expecting a protest, she was mildly astonished when Uche held on firmly.

Before they entered the building, Huma caught sight of her reflection in the glass door. Her hair was wrapped up with a red scarf and on her feet were flats. Her parents would freak out if they saw her, but she couldn't bring herself to care now. The outfit was too comfortable.

They soon found themselves in a seminar room, spacious and air conditioned. As they looked for seats with a vantage view, Huma caught several persons glancing their way, men and women alike. Huma blushed. She wasn't the object of interest. Her roommate was an exquisite beauty. Naturally, she would turn heads. Uche seemed not to notice-if she did, she showed no concern. Huma found that amazing.

Seated, someone stepped onto the stage and stood behind a podium: a young looking debanoir in a suit. He introduced himself, greeted everyone and stated the agenda for the day, after which a middle aged qoman woman dressed in a lacey gown, aided by some one replaced him. She had dark shades on and held a walking stick-Huma recognised the meaning of it's all white color. This person was blind.

Then it clicked. She saw some people in crutches. There was a man in the front on wheelchair. Another man, an amputee, sat three rows away. There were several other physically challenged individuas. She also realised the polos some people wore, which had an acronym behind. She recognised it.

Could they be....

The woman behind the podium spoke, and she gasped softly, knowing the voice. "Good day everyone. It's really sunny out there, I just had to put on my shades,"

There was brief laughter.

"We only just delivered the donations to the orphanages yesterday. Those children were beyond happy. We thank you and I'm sure they thank you too. I pray God blesses everyone who made it possible richly, so that we can do more."

Dumbfounded, Huma blinked, still in her seat.

"Our annual scholarship aide is almost here," she continued. "As we know children who would prove themselves outstanding will get a chance at a proper education. Some children will be trained to acquire skills for certain crafts that will serve to put them on the path to financial freedom. Sponsors are always welcomed. Join us, and let's make this one as impactful as the last. It's going to be better this time, I can see that happening.Can we make it happen?"

"Yes, ma," The crowd roared.

It drifted into a series of lectures and presentations by other members on plans for further development. At some point, Uche went out to receive a call and returned. When it was over, they left and headed deeper into the building. On reaching a particular office, Uche knocked and they waited until told to enter.

The scent of fresh paint and polished wood drifted past their noses, mingled with the cold air. The woman was siting behind a mahogany desk with upholstered chairs. A corner of the office had couches around a glass table. Above a plasma television turned to the news droned in the background. On the walls as well were several pictures of notable individuals in the society: the president of the country and governor of the state. The only unfamiliar picture was of a white man quite advanced in age. His eyes were enigmatic and full of purpose despite his stoic expression. Dr. Carlos Rodriguez, Founder/Chief Executive director.

"Two women," The woman smiled as they walked forward. "Interesting. Do sit."

Huma stared at the name plate on the desk. Mrs. Nwachukwu Onyinyechi. She was the one. A short, fair skinned woman with shades.

Uche greeted and went in to introduce herself then Huma.

"Uche....." Oyinyechi mused. "Ibeh, right? I remember you."

Puzzled as to how she knew, Uche frowned, bristling. " How? We've never met, ma."

Oyinyechi grinned now. " You must be surprised, judging by your tone. Through Bella, she often made mention of you. Then there's Nosa who called me. No one is insignificant here, Uche. I've heard of your hardwork. It's quite a shame you quit. I heard about what happened. Obviously there's more to the story here but I apologize for any misconduct. We'd like you back."

"Even though I caused a scene?"

"It's been handled. It's not a problem anymore. Will you consider it? Coming back to us. The children miss you."

"I'll give it some thought,"

" I understand. Whenever you're ready." She sat back in her chair. " So, you wanted to see me."

"Actually, my friend's the one who wanted this meeting. I know you're a very busy woman, and I'm grateful for this time." Turning to Huma, Uche started to speak but faltered at Huma's tears. " What is it? What's wrong?" There was no anger or annoyance in her tone, just concern.

Snivelling, Huma shook her head vehemently.

"What's going on?" Oyinyechi asked.

"Nothing, ma. Please, we'll need a moment." Uche said and lowered her voice. "What's wrong?"

Oyinyechi stood and came around the desk. She didn't use her stick and walked with an accustomed sense of direction. She reached for Huma's tear stained face.

"Huma, right? I'm sorry. I'm not used to Arabic names. You've got something heavy on your mind." She felt her the corner of her eyes, her cheek bones and down to her jaw. " Beautiful. I'm sure your soul is just as beautiful. Can you tell me what's wrong?"

" I'm sorry, ma," Uche chipped in. " She unable to speak."

"Is that so. Rather unfortunate. I sense a story there. But do you want to tell me, Huma?"

Slowly, Huma nodded, glistening eyes glued to the woman still holding her face.

"Uche, would you interpret?"

"Yes, ma." Uche said, staring between the two.

"Or do you want another interpreter?" Onyinyechi suggested, sensing discomfort.

Uche's eyes shot to Huma. "It's all right. It won't take time to get one here." She made to leave but Huma suddenly grabbed her hand where it lay on the chair. The girl shook her head, and Uche sat back down. " Okay."

*******

It wasn't a pretty story to tell. And now, Huma was sure Uche wouldn't look at her the same way ever again. Her intent had been to keep the truth to herself, even though her father had suggested otherwise but she'd gotten tired of hiding, tired of pretending.

They'd kidnapped her, a helpless child, and taken her tongue during captivity. Her only friend who'd meant the world to her, who'd accepted her defect and loved her without prejudice, had died from a brain tumor just months after they'd made contact. Now she had to marry an old man because no one would want someone like her.

The office was silent. Huma felt her body tremble from the turbulent emotions inside her. Regret. She was regretting it. Fear. She was afraid.

" It's a frightening thing for a child to go through." Oyinyechi finally spoke up, seated behind her desk. " The years after must have been tough ones . Then losing someone you love." She held out her hand and Huma placed hers in it. " Shhh, it's all right. It's okay. You're okay."

Her smile was so compassionate that Huma began to relax slowly. The woman had taken her shades off and she could see her sightless eyes stare into space. For some reason, this woman called her, allowed her air this burden she'd lived with for years.

"Life really doesn't spare us, not even the innocent, helpless ones," Oyinyechi said, squeezing Huma's palms briefly. "It leaves you with scars, some too deep to heal. And you ask yourself: what did I ever do to deserve this? So tell me, darling, do you often ask yourself that question."

Did she? Everyday. It was difficult to speak, difficult to eat.

She nodded before realising the woman couldn't see her.

"Uche, are you still here?" Onyinyechi said.

Huma hadn't looked at her roommate since she'd told the story, afraid of what she'd discover. Disgust? Hurt?

When Uche spoke, her voice was quiet."She nodded,"

" Do you want to know something? It's all right to think that way. You're human, and these feelings are necessary for you to heal, for you to survive. Ive been blind for more than fifteen years, Huma. Imagine that. It was beyond despairing when the doctors told me that my case was hopeless. I cried. I cursed God. Why create me to suffer this way?"

"You want to know what I found? I realized that nothing changes. What is done is done, painful as it is. Every man to his own. You learn to leave with it. You learn to redirect your mind to what else is possible. You learn to redirect your life to other things you still have, other passions, other forms of love. For those who can't survive, their life ends."

"It's unfair, I know. The world is a dark place. But it can be beautiful too, when you have purpose and you are surrounded by the people you love and who love you. Don't take these things for granted. It's all you've got now."

"Come to think of it, your name does sound familiar." Releasing Huma's hand, Onyinyechi sat back, musing.

"She attends Francine University. The girl who's on scholarship." Uche supplied.

"Oh, yes. We'd approached the university years ago to aid our cause. They were skeptical at first, thinking no such special individual would cope, the challenges were just too much. But they agreed and decided to try on one person, see where it leads. Huma," Oyinyechi was estatic. " Do you know you're paving a path for others. If you succeed, more schools would be open to give these special ones a chance to try, at least. They won't shut us out completely. I'm curious, how has it been?"

" She's in her final year, ma. Electrical/electronic engineering." Uche informed her.

"Amazing!" The woman gasped, suddenly on her feet. She went to Huma, pulled her up by the arms and engulf her in a hug. " Oh, you sweet child. You have no clue the feat you're about achieving. God is your strength."

*******

Throughout the ride back, Uche didn't speak to her. She showed no sign of hurt or anger;however, Huma worried. At the hostel, she noticed Uche stalled before opening the door. When she put on the light, there were decoration stripes lining the walls in the colours of red and white, balloons hanging at every junction.

On the bed was a birthday cake with an inscription: Happy birthday. It had no candles.

"I heard you guys don't celebrate birthdays. I don't know how true that is," Uche spoke for the first time since the disclosure." Something related to paganism or so. I still think it's ridiculous."

Greatly surprised Huma stared at Uche who came to sit on the bed.

" I had my suspicions but never something that bad. I've always wondered why you had to eat secretly. You know, when I first heard about you. I thought you wouldn't last a day," Uche snorted without humor. " You should be with you 'special' people. But still, I wanted to meet you, to know what gave you the strength to bear with the challenges."

Attentive, Huma slowly sat. She'd never really heard what Uche thought about her.

"And then when I did meet you. I thought you were adorable, small, and so vulnerable. How did this person last five years here? You were scared of me, you burnt my food, your parts of your wardrobe was always messy( now it's so tidy, I almost can't believe it). You are also stingy when it comes to your personal stuff( you usually have this vicious look about you). You blushed when I curse. Always hugging."

Huma winced. Looking back, she'd been so cringey.

"How did this girl survive?" Uche exhaled, shoulders slumping. " Now, I guess I know why you're so afraid of people. Who wouldn't be?" She held her stomach, Huma saw the glassy look in her eyes. Then Uche blinked and it was gone." Here," she produced a small bottle from her pocket, and handed it over. Her lavender oil. "This calms you. I see you inhale it when you think I'm not looking. I didn't want you to rely on it today."

"I'm sure you're wondering how I knew it was your birthday." Uche picked up the cake. " Your father told me, so I had time to prepare. The cake was my idea." A rueful smile came into her face. "But you can't eat."

There was a knife stuck in the cake. Huma cut out a tiny piece and put it inside her mouth, masticating until she could swallow comfortably. "I can, " she signed. " It just takes time."

"Can you taste it?" Uche asked out of curiosity.

Huma merely smiled. A sad one.

"What do we do with the rest. I'm not a cake person."

"I'm not, either."

They stared at the cake.

"I'll share it at school."

"Great idea," Uche said replacing it on the bed. "There's some juice in the fridge. You could take some anytime---"

"Thank you," Huma held on to Uche's hands briefly. Her eyes glistened with tears. "This means a lot to me. You must have pulled strings to fix the meeting and spent a lot for this surprise."

Uche smirked." Well your father spent the most. I have something for you." she brought out something from her bag. The device looked like a small phone. "It's a text to speech device. I thought it could help you communicate better with people who don't know the sign language. You just type what you want to say and it speaks. You can select the voice you want."

Huma studied it skeptically. She typed something. "I'm not so sure I can use this." The voice was hoarse and seductive. Uche suppressed a smile. Huma tightened her lips. "There's no way I'm using this."

"You just need to find the voice you like."

She had her doubts but Huma couldn't turn down a gift. She kept it aside.

"What about when we communicate?"

Uche smiled."Sign language. All the way."

Huma began to smile when a knock sounded. They stared at the door.

"Birthday surprise number three." Uche said and went to open the door. Kazeem greeted then waved at Huma who stared at him in astonishment. Uche stood aside and angled her head for her to go. "Have fun,"

About leaving, Huma flung herself at Uche, crying openly, and Uche put her arms around her small frame. " It doesn't matter what anyone says, you're special either way."