I like your hair

I was standing at a queue at the airport, waiting to go through immigration. I was travelling solo and the line was moving slow but I did not mind. I stood there drinking in the details of the hall and reading every advertising poster like I usually do. I wanted to remove my phone and scroll through Instagram but I had been on my laptop all through the flight so I decided to have some non-screen time while waiting.

"I like your hair",
came a voice behind me. I was not sure it was addressed to me so I kept on as if I had not heard.

"I like your hair". This time it sounded stronger and I was certain it was to me the compliment was addressed.

"Excuse me. What was that?" I turned and asked the tall dark bloke standing behind me. Wait, he was not the one who was supposed to be behind me. Where was that elderly guy who try to cut in front of me earlier and I told him to calm down and respect the queue because that's what civilized people do? Anyway, what was this one now up to and what was so special about my hair? Is that supposed to be a pick-up line or what? I should act tough and uninterested because that is so lame - this is 2019 for Chrissakes. Women and thinking - these thoughts flashed through my head in microseconds.

"I like your hair. The white highlights are really nice", he added while leaning in towards me a little bit.

And that was when I burst into hysterical laughter. It was ironic because my boyfriend had teased me over the white highlights.

"Thanks", I managed to reply over the laughter.

"What are you here for", he asked?

"I’m here for work", I replied.

«How long are you staying? I will be returning on Monday".

«I am here just for 4 days, so I am returning on Friday".

«So what do you do"

«I work with XYZ"

"That’s interesting. I am into finance management and control myself"

"Ok, well..." By this time, we had moved and it was my turn to go to the window to get my passport stamped so I moved on. And I was smiling like a fish, do they smile? Maybe.

Anyway, once my passport was stamped, I moved onward, not looking back. I found the person who came to pick me up and we zoomed off.

“He sounded interesting”, a part of me said. “You should have given him your phone number.”

“Stop it, what phone number, for what exactly? Don't forget you have a boyfriend”, another part said.

“Yes indeed, but there is nothing wrong with making friends”, the first part fired back.

I stared outside the window of the car, taking in the view of the city as our car moved slowly through the evening rush hour traffic.

“Well, it's all good - people can be civil without any ulterior thoughts, what's this even about?” the first part says.

“Get a hold of yourself and stop acting so irresponsibility.”

“But I didn't do anything wrong?”

“Really, you were flirting with the guy.”

“No I wasn't.”

“What do you call "that laughter"? What was even funny about what he said?”

“Ok, I don't know, but that's it. What's all this debate about, I will never see the guy again. Besides, I didn't even look at his face and I do not know what he looks like.”

My subconscious is at peace once again. By the time I got to the hotel, it was at the back of my mind and I forgot about the incident.

Until 4 days later on Friday...

I got off the taxi at the airport and as I made my way to the door, I saw a guy walking towards me and smiling.

"Hello", he said

He must have seen the confusion on my face because he said, "Please don't tell me you don't remember me".

"Are you the guy from Monday at the queue", I ask feeling embarrassed. "What are you doing here? I thought you mentioned you would be leaving on Monday."

"Yes, that's me. You left so fast, I tried following you but I got outside the airport and could not find you".

«Yeah, there was someone to pick me up and I had no reason to wait".

"Well, I couldn't get your number that day, so I came today. I have been waiting all morning here for you".

I stared at him in utter disbelief. "But this is serious. Why would you do that? I mean, don't you have work today?"

"I have work, but I needed to see you and get your number".

I felt like I was in a movie, to be honest. Never in my life had I imagine such a thing.

"By the way, my name is Michel'. He gives me his card. It has CEO on it and the address of the company is in Douala.

«I thought I saw you with a maroon passport. Your names sound Cameroonian", I say

«I am a Belgian and also a Cameroonian". I live between the two countries", he replies

"Ok, well. I have to go check in". I start working into the airport. I'm seriously wondering how to let the guy off gently because well, I have a boyfriend and I'm not about to play this kind of game. He follows me inside.

"Can I have your number?"

Well my name is Ijang ABCD, you can connect with me on LinkedIn, I really have to go now, and you have to return to work.

"OK, thank you. I'll get in touch".

I move on and then I hear someone say "ABCD!"

“Oh, no, not again”, I sigh

However, it's the guy who picked me up from the airport. I am relieved.