Revolt

8. Prejudice

“The air is the only place free from prejudice.” – Bessie Coleman.

•••

Anjola returned to consciousness, the moment the vehicle skidded over a pothole and hopped back into steady motion. It all came back to her, as her eyes took in the atmosphere and scenery. She was riding shotgun in her car, with Adaure driving and Ehize seated behind in the passenger’s seat. They were heading to a park resort, exclusive for picnics and other outdoor events and soirees for Sigma’s HQ annual workers retreat picnic. They were following and also, trailed by a train of vehicles occupied and driven by scores of Sigma’s staffers.

Currently, they were driving through a garden-like terrain, with huge, towering trees that soared high into the clouds, forming canopies and umbrella-like shades, with branches that overlapped to cast backdrop shadows of abstract figures on the moving vehicles. Fresh, invigorating air diffused from the trees that were alive, as indicated by their mildly, quivering branches caressed by the air.

Fallen leaves and shrubs littered the rocky, gilded path that wasn’t tarred and so, put the vehicles in a constant, galloping motion. The sight was illuminated simply by the sheer light of the sun, and it didn’t bring with it its prickling heat, because of the multiple layers of canopies that sheathed the grounds from direct contact with the clouds. It was all enchanting and magical.

“Did you even hear a word, of what I’ve been saying all day?” Adaure’s infuriated sigh, brought her focus back into the car. She couldn’t quite read her friend’s facial expression, since it was mostly concealed by several strands of curly black hair, but her monotone indicated she was indeed pissed, upon finding out that her words had gone on deaf ears, since her supposed addressee had zoned out into slumber, sometime during the ride. Anjola stole a look at Ehize, at the back in a desperate plea for help, but he seemed engrossed in his phone and looked so aloof, she knew he was practically in another dimension. He definitely hadn’t heard a word, Adaure had uttered all day.

“Um, yeah. Of course I did. I just sorta, you know…information was too much to process at once, I had to hit pause in my head and like, take a breather or something. If you could recap, I’d definitely get it all once again, since I grasped most of it.” She began to blabber, unsure of her destination and her inevitable punishment, but when Adaure spared her a glance, she realized her friend had nothing but an amused look on. It would seem the topic was of an inconsequential nature then, since Adaure didn’t look irritated by the fact that she’d have to repeat her speech.

“Jesus, Anjola. You’re the worst liar, I know in this world.” Adaure tittered, her attention on the road ahead not waning. Anjola could infer from an estimate length of distance travelled, that the garden was near. ‘The garden’ was used to refer to the main space used for the camping or picnic activity, whatever the situation called for and it was of course, where they were pitching their tents for the day.

“And that coming from a person, who moves with a large crowd—means a heck lot. For the past few minutes, I’ve basically said nothing since you zoned out. I’m straight and all, but it’s still a very beautiful, rewarding sight to watch you sleep.” Adaure added.

“Hey, if that’s the case, I could sleep for you all you want.” Anjola replied, just as the car surged, again after climbing another bump. “You could resign from Sigma, and employ me to come over and sleep for you, in your house. Surely, you wouldn’t need their salary again since watching me sleep is very rewarding for you. I wouldn’t mind if you’re a ruthless boss, and you make me work round the clock for every hour of the day. Anything for your service, my dear.”