Wednesday, April 24, 2013

IMPORTANT INFORMATION!!!!

Dear esteemed readers of Dear Future Husband, I would be taking a quick break after today's episode (Episode 10). Please don't shoot me... (Thanks... *wide grin*) This is because i have to prepare for my final year Exams. Please bear me with and follow my twitter accounts for updates and release of the next episode at:

http://twitter.com/IAm_Tomi or search for (@IAm_Tomi)

Also, search and follow @TeamDFH for interactions and other fun stuffs with other readers.

Please wish me the best in my Final Year Project and Examination....

Thanks a lot....

Love....

Tomi Adesina

DEAR FUTURE HUSBAND - EPISODE 10


DEAR FUTURE HUSBAND – EPISODE 10


EPISODE 10
                Mr. Adeoye stared at us expecting Ben to say something. Ben blinked and clenched his fists together. I stared at Mr. Adeoye. “Ben told me that he has never met you before and that he doesn’t remember knowing you at all, but I am surprised to see you acting all lovey-dovey. Enlighten me, Ben!” he said, firmly.
                Ben stuttered. “I am sorry…”
                                “I was the one who said hi to him.” I said, cutting in. “We just met, Sir.” I added quickly.
                Mr. Adeoye stared at us. “Really?”
                                “Yes, sir. I met him here and he was putting me through a few things since we would be working together, and he looked to me like the young brain you referred to earlier.”
                Mr. Adeoye nodded in agreement. “He is a very smart man, anyway, you guys appeared too comfortable for a first meeting.” He said, looking at Ben. “Kimberly, let’s leave for the office, we have to set you up quickly.”
                I nodded. “Yes sir.” and followed him quickly.
                                “This would be your office.” He said, opening a door down the hallway. “It is very spacious and I bet you would have fun working here.” He said, closing the door after me. “I’ll have a roster sent to you for office hours and all, but bear in mind that we resume duties by 8am, and officially, work ends by 5pm. Overtime hours is subject to your duty.”
                We ascended the stairs and left for the top floor. “As you know, we have a board room here. But we haven’t had a logical board meeting in almost five years, that’s how epileptic Millaroca has become, all our stakeholders are pulling out and intend to sell their shares.”
                                “Really? How do you intend to combat that?” I asked, wiping dust off the board room table.
                He sighed. “I am hoping that with the injection of a young and brilliant mind like yours, we can make a rapid sale within the next one month, before this place collapses.” He started, as he helped himself to a chair. “The stakeholders have all decided to sell their shares, and that’s a 50% pull. If the next buyer wishes, he could turn Millaroca into a Casino. I heard that’s his wish, he said this place is a strategic location.”
                I nodded. “Let’s say every staff here is temporary in that case…as the next one month is concerned.”
                                “Correct!”
                I shook my head. “That’s unfair.”
                                “Nothing is unfair in business, my dear. That’s why I need an epic story, I am willing to invest all I have in its production and see how much sale I can pull throughout the country and possibly continent.”
                I took a deep breath. “It’s a lot of work here then.” He nodded in agreement. “I am ready for the task ahead, Sir.”
                He smiled confidently. “Thank you, my dear. The proposed buyer for Millaroca is still anonymous and I am doing my best to find out the person or group, I want to save this place and give back to the society what they once loved in us.”
                I nodded in agreement. “I am glad to be part of this short term project, even if it’s only for a month.”
                He shrugged. “I hope we can restore it to what it used to be.”
                                “I know we can.”
                He smiled. “Please resume duty tomorrow, I want a story that would shake Africa. Your office would be set by then, and I can’t boast about giving you the best salary ever for this one month affair, but I promise that it would be decent. Millaroca is banking on you.”

***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
                Ini flipped her hair backwards. “I just took a wild guess, Moron. I mean reports have it that you have been using that cream for ages what could have possible gone wrong with your cream?”
                                “I don’t know. I’ll leave you to answer that. You were the one who suggested that a cream change occurred, so what did you do to the cream, Ini Obong?”
                Ini sighed. “Shola, I understand the fact that you are obsessed with my success and you see every statement or action of mine as an attack on you, but I can confidently tell you that I know ‘nada’ about your unfortunate accident, I mean, I have more things to do.”
                                “Like jumping in and out of Michael’s bed?”
                Ini burst into a sarcastic laughter. She had swayed Shola off course. “You fool! Michael is too skinny for a man, he has lots of tats and I don’t like that in a man, and to cap it, he got beat by my Marcus, how more weak can a man be?”
                                “Oh really? Just wait till Michael files a complaint against that tout of yours.”
                Ini smiled confidently. It looked as though Shola won’t be revisiting the issue on the cream. “I like your cousin, he looks young, but he’s a real hunk!”
                                “Which of my cousins has your slutty eyes laid itself on? Henry?”
                Ini smiled. “That has to be the cutest of your ape generic group. Yes, it’s Henry I like.”
                                “How ever did you meet him?”
                Ini shrugged. “It’s a small world, sweetheart; your cousin is totally into me. You should ask him, the last time we were together; he said he thinks I am the only Model in this country.”
                                “What did he say about me?”
                Ini rolled her eyes. “He only said ‘Thank God she’s fine, I think she’s sh*t for a model’ Yes, that’s how he put it.”
                                “You Lie! Henry adores me!”
                Ini smiled. “Shola Jones, you are too self absorbed, I think you should concentrate on how you can get yourself out there again, because, this time, the spotlight is on me. Ciao!” she said and walked away, very relieved that she was able to put Shola away from the thought of the cream.
                Ini bumped into Marcus as soon as she exited the clinic. “Marcus…………” she shouted with some excitement and kissed his forehead. “You are the real deal! The Amir Khan!!! You rock! Michael really looks awful.” She shouted dancing around him.
                Marcus smiled. He felt proud inside. “I never meant to hit him.”
                                “Hmmm…. What did he do to provoke my sweet little Marcus?” she asked, pulling his cheek.
                He sighed. “He spoke badly about a person I love.”
                                “Awww….that’s so sweet! So you went all knockers at him, right?” she asked. He shrugged. “I think that’s special. She must be really lucky, can’t believe you still regard Chioma that high.”
                He grinned. “Who said anything about Chioma?” he asked, and started to walk away.
                                “Oh my…! Marcus, you found someone else!!!” she shouted and chased after him.

***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
               
                Wole punched the elevator buttons and allowed Tola in.
                                “I had a nice time.” She confessed as the door closed. He smiled. “Thank you, Wole.”
                He stared at his shirt. “I did too, except for the fact that you smeared Ice cream on my shirt.”
                She rolled her eyes. “But you retaliated. I also have it at the tip of my jacket.” She replied, smiling.
                                “Tip versus the whole shirt? Look at me, I look like some little kid.” He said, trying to tuck in his shirt.
                She smiled. “But you are…” she said and stepped closer to him. He tried to avoid her stare. “Or not…?” she asked, starting to sound sensual as she bit her lip
                He clenched his fists and stepped back. “We are in the elevator, Tola.” He struggled to say.
                She burst into a mocking laugh. “I was just messing with you.” she said, laughing. “You are such a chicken!” she said as they got to her floor and the door opened.
                Wole rubbed his hand against his trouser as he stepped out after her.
                                “Tola, I am sorry.” Tolu said standing up as soon as Tola and Wole approached.
                Wole took a deep breath and turned his face away.
                Kemi bowed apologetically. “I told him not to stay ma, but he refused.”
                                “Couldn’t you have called security?” Tola asked, staring at her. “I mean this is a top firm, no intruder should be allowed.”
                Tolu went on his knees. “Tola, I am sorry, my love. I know I hurt you, I know I made you cry, but I acted stupid and I am sorry. I can’t live without you.”
                Tola nodded. “Of course Tolu, you can’t live without me, because you are out of money and you are in need of some money.”
                He shook his head and tears rolled out. “Take everything from me, life is not the same without you, I want you, I want your love, I want the old us. I want the Tola who never cared about road side cafeterias, I want the Tola who would run across the streets for Roasted plantain and corn, I want my life back.”
                She took a deep breath and blinked. Wole stared at her as he felt her heart break. “Tolu…” she struggled to say.
                He prostrated all out for her. “Just take me back. I’ll never hurt you again, I swear to love you with everything I have and I am. I am begging for one last chance, Tola Matthews. I want to be your man, I want to defend you.” he said. He spoke calmly and in a very remorseful fashion.
                Wole tapped Kemi and walked away with her.
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
                David held Oyinkan’s hand as they crossed the ever busy Broad road. She yanked her hand away as soon as they reached the other side. “Stop babying me!” she said, adjusting her dangling blouse. She had a knack for wearing tops that dropped slightly down her shoulder. David smiled as he looked down and ruffled her hair. “And stop that, David!” she said, stamping her foot.
                He smiled widely revealing his perfect set of teeth. “I love hanging out with you.” he said, cynically. She hissed. “And I like the fact that you are short.”
                                “I am not short! I am close to 6ft.”
                He scoffed. “5ft 5.”
                                “It’s close to 6.” She replied, and walked ahead. He followed her. “Stop embarrassing me.” she forced between her teeth.
                He smiled and shoved her ahead. “I hate the fact that you have to be everywhere around me…why are you always showing your face in the office?” he asked, as they approached the office. “Thanks to you, I didn’t enjoy lunch.” He hissed.
                                “Really David? I didn’t ask you to order what I like.”
                He shrugged and walked in. she chased after him. “Back to the initial matter we discussed over lunch, how do we make a way to see your Mom?”
                He took a deep breath. “I have no idea, Oyinkan. Dad won’t let me, we have to come up with something, although I feel she won’t forgive me.”
                                “Nah…she will. She’s a mother, a mother’s heart always forgives.”
                He hissed. “Where did you pick that stupid line from?”
                She scoffed. “Dude, give me some credit, I am brilliant.”
                                “Hmmm…and you dropped out of college midway.”
                She shrugged. “So? Does that make me any less smart than you? I mean, look at me, I have helped you in this company even without the degree.” She said as she opened the door to his office.
                                “And that’s why you lack the necessary manners to know that I should be the one to open the door.”
                She rolled her eyes and swayed into the office.
                                “Oyinkan, taking David away from his office won’t help us in the business world.” Mr. Coker said, rising to his feet. David opened his mouth to speak but Mr. Coker quickly continued. “I have a spare key.”
                David took a deep breath. “Dad, this is my office. Do I have to change the locks like I did in London?”
                Mr. Coker balanced on his left leg with the aid of his cane. “You have become too casual, son. I don’t like that.” He started, ignoring David’s question. “Running across the streets for lunch, whose son are you?” he asked, raising his voice.
                Oyinkan slid behind David. Whenever Mr. Coker got into ‘those moods’, the next person had better take heed!
                                “I apologize Father, but I think I should be able to decide what I want to eat and wherever I wish.”
                Mr. Coker clenched his teeth furiously. “Stupid boy!” he turned swiftly to Oyinkan. “I suggest you visit your family more often, we have business to do here.”
                                “Dad! I won’t have you threaten Oyinkan. She has no fault here; you don’t want me to eat out, fine!”
                His father nodded and smiled. “To the second matter, I suspended you. You have no right to be here.” David hissed. “Oh yes, you are suspended. Get out of here.”
                                “For how long?”
                Mr. Coker shrugged. “Return next week Monday.”
                David nodded. “By then My Mother…oh, I meant Elizabeth as you love to call her would have been dead, right?” he asked with a cynical grin. “It took you three days of suspending me to kill Bola.”
                                “Watch your tongue, young man. Bola died due to the hospital’s carelessness.”
                David fumed. “I loved that woman!”
                                “Love? The only person you have a right to love is Kimberly, and that is if you think you can love her, else, no one else.” He shouted. “There would be no one else!!!” he shouted.
                David shrugged. “Bola was a good girl, Dad. She didn’t deserve it.”
                Mr. Coker hissed. “She was going to die anyways.”
                                “She had Cancer, she was fighting well. I was going to help her get through it.” David replied.
                He nodded. “Of course! And throw away everything we have built!” he shouted. “Look here son, that lady died because they were careless in the hospital.”
                David shook his head in disagreement. “Dad, you know that’s a lie. You cut the oxygen supply.”
                                “Think whatever you want, it wasn’t proved that I was responsible for her death 7 years ago, and it won’t be proved now.” He concluded and stamped his cane furiously. “Both of you get out here now!”

***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
                                “How are you, Professor Mrs. Bankole?” I asked, taking my seat.
                Mom smiled as she stretched her legs out on the chaise lounge and sipped her fruit juice. “You can still call me ‘Mom’ you know.” She said with a weary smile. Her smile had faded in reality; I wondered how she looked stunning on Magazine covers with Dad. They both wore the smile that made the whole world marvel and say… ‘Aren’t they the perfect parents?’
                I smiled back. “How are you, Mom?”
                She stretched out her hand and hugged me dearly. “Your mother is hanging on fine.”
                We stared at ourselves and chorused with mixed feeling of laughter and tears. “Until her dying day.” I stared at her as tears rolled down her weary eyes. I wiped it off with my finger and she rubbed mine off too. Mom had cultivated the habit of saying… ‘Your mother is hanging on fine until her dying day’ whenever I enquired about her welfare.
                                “Kimberly…” she started. Her voice trembled. Her hand was equally trembling as she ran it through my face. “My baby, I am sorry.” She said. I smiled as tears rolled down my eyes. “I wish I was as tough as you are, I would have fought for a better life.”
                I nodded as I stared at her. “Mom, you are stronger than you know. You’ve worn a smile that has made people believe in a better life.”
                                “I have lied to people, Kim. I am not who they think I am. Look at me, I only have a Professor’s tag, I am worse than a stark illiterate.” She blurted.
                I hugged her. “It’s okay Mom. Don’t beat yourself, you’ll fight back. I know you will, very soon.”
                She took a deep breath and stared at her wristband. “It would soon pass.” She read with a smile. I nodded and nudged her in the waist. She smiled. I then tickled her so hard till she went for the laugh and then the awkward fart and then the silence followed and we laughed again. “It’s been a while since I laughed with a loved one.”
                                “I am always here.” I replied. She kissed my forehead. “Mom, I bring you good news.”
                Her face lit up with excitement. “Okay, are you in love?” I wore a grimace. “Okay, sorry love. I hope I didn’t jinx your news.” I flashed my teeth at her and she closed her eyes awaiting the news.
                                “I AM PREGNANT!” She widened her eyes in shock. They bulged so large that I thought they won’t shut so I immediately quit the drama. “Just Joking Mom.” I squealed and laughed so hard. Her tensed shoulders dropped. “I got a job.”
                She smiled and hugged me tight. “That’s my go-getter!” she said and kissed my forehead. “So, where’s the new place.” 
                                “Millaroca.” I said, excitedly.
                Her smile faded slightly. “Adeoye’s Magazine, right?”
                I stared at her. “Erm…Yes…Is there a problem?”
                She rolled her eyes and sipped her drink. “I don’t think there is, but isn’t that place pretty finished? I mean it’s been long since any civilized person paid much attention to their Mag.”
                                “But Mom, you used to love it.” I teased.
                She nodded. “Until I started reading about chastity week in-week out.”
                                “MOM! What are you preaching to me?!” I asked, laughing.
                She snapped. “Quit the sarcasm, the place is so out of it…but I believe in you.” she said, with a smile.
                                “Thank you Mom.”
                The sound of corporate shoes approached. I turned to see Dad. “Good evening, Dad.” I greeted.
                                “How are you?” he asked.
 Mom and I stole a quick glance at ourselves and replied at once. “Fine.” Mom knew better than to expect another ‘How are you, dear?’  “Why are you here, Kim? Do you need Daddy’s great help now?”
I smiled with so much pride. “I came to tell ‘daddy’ that I now have a job.”
He took a deep breath. “Really? Who employed you?”
                “Millaroca Magazine.”
He nodded with a smile. “Good for you.”
I smiled back. “Thank you, sir.” I replied. He nodded and walked away.
                “Do you want a driver to drop you?” Mom asked.
I shook my head in disagreement. “I’ll take a walk after dinner.”

****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
                Wole leaned against Tola’s door. “Hey.” He called softly.
                She rose her head and smiled. “Hi…”
                He took a deep breath and walked in, closing the door gently. “So how are you?”
                                “I am okay.” She replied, firmly glued to her laptop.
                He cleared his throat slightly. “And how are things with your boyfriend?”
                She stared at him and rolled her eyes. “Tolu is fine.”
                He nodded. “Of course…” he muttered underneath his breath. He stared at her again as she had returned her gaze to the laptop. “Did you guys…erm…did you guys get back together?”
                She rolled her eyes and smiled. “We never broke up.”
                Wole swallowed heavily and let out some air from his mouth. “Okay.” He said, standing up. “Erm…it’s late, I think I should be going home.” He said and clenched his fists. “Good night Tola.”
                                “Good night, Wole.”
                He smiled and approached the door. “Tola, you need a ride?” he asked, wiping some perspiration from his forehead.
                                “I have a car, Wole.”
                He nodded in agreement. “Erm…yah….I know.” He stuttered.
                Tola stood up and walked over to him. “Wole, I am fine.” She said, staring at him.
                                “I know…”
                She smiled and walked round him. “But clearly, you are not fine. And I think you should take a seat.” She said gesturing to a chair.
                He nodded. “Of course…” he said.
                Tola poured him a glass of juice. He collected it and sipped. “Wole, I understand that you are concerned about me.”
                                “Hey…” he said, cutting in. “I love you, Tola.” He said, reassuringly with a smile.
                She smiled back. “Thank you.”
                He drank up. “Tola, I don’t know about your heart and I can’t judge your heart for its feelings, but I can tell you about my feelings, and how my heart feels and clearly I don’t know how long my heart can beat for you, but as long as it beats for you, I’ll always be there.” He said, and kissed her forehead.
                She closed her eyes and held his shirt. “Don’t wait for me, Wole.”
                He freed himself from her grip gently. “I’ll wait.” He said and walked out.

****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
                The breeze blew gently and the birds chirped delightfully as the evening fell. I swayed from left to right as I enjoyed the delightful evening, perfect condition to walk. I could have taken a bus home but I knew several routes to walk home and even though it might take me an enduring 30 minutes trek, I won’t pass on the beautiful evening.
                I plugged my I-pod into my ear and let Dido’s music stream through my head and I nodded to her hit track ‘Life for rent’… “Always thought that I would love to live by the sea…” I sang out as I walked the street…
                                “I have no idea what’s happening to that dream…” a voice replied.
                Urgh!!! I hate it when people join me when I am singing except if we had it planned. I turned round to see my ‘duet partner’. Oh well…it is a woman
                She laughed. “I am sorry, I think I even missed that line…I think it’s ‘to travel the world…blah blah blah…” she said, laughing. “I love Dido…just like my soldier.”
Okay… this is getting freaky… I mean, who stops you in the middle of nowhere and starts to talk about music with you. I smiled and turned to walk on.
                                “Hey!” she called, stopping me in my tracks. “Don’t run away so fast.”                                                                         
                I stared at her from head to toe. She was wearing a grey mackintosh and a black jean with black sneakers. I reached into my wallet and fetched a thousand naira; she looked like she needed help. “Please take this.”
                She laughed hysterically. “Do I need money?!”
                I nodded in agreement. “I think so…”
                She snarled. “Nah…I have never needed money sweetheart, the only thing I have ever been in need of is my soldier.”                             
                                “Your soldier?” I asked, returning my money into the wallet.
                She nodded and sat on the ‘love seat’ nearest to us. “Please join me…” she said
                I took a deep breath as I took the first step forward. ‘Could she be a killer?’ There was no one to call for help….Or is she a witch?!’ ‘Enough of the weird feelings!’ I said in my heart and braved up, taking my seat beside her.
                She reached for a cigarette and a lighter from her jacket. “Smoke?” I shook my head in disagreement. “Okay, sweetheart. Erm…about my soldier…” she started.
                I nodded as I listened to her…an idea struck me that I might just be getting an inspiration for a new story. “Yes, your soldier…”
                She nodded as she continued. “I have been looking for him for over 30 years now…” I stared at her as she continued. “He said to me, ‘My little angel, I’ll be back to marry you.’ but he never came back.” She paused.
                I stared at her as she smiled looking ahead. “I love hiding in this street because it reminds me of him…” she continued. “You see these sunflowers…” she said, looking ahead. I stared at the flowers  dancing in their buds making show stopping statements of beauty and admiration. I nodded in agreement. “He loved them.” She said with a huge smile. “But he never came back for them, or me…” she said, as a tear rolled down her eyes.
                Her words sent shudders down my spine and I felt my heart break for a woman’s hurt. I wiped the tear drop off her face. “It’s okay.”
                                “Yes, it is…but I got my Soldier’s villain, but I still want my soldier, I am waiting for him.”
                I nodded and drew closer to her. I hugged her. “You’ll be fine… I promise…”
                                “Where have you been?!”
                I turned to see an elderly woman approaching us. She stared at my ‘duet partner’ and seized her hand. “We have been looking all over for you, you shouldn’t wander off without permission.”
                She laughed. “It depressing there…and I am already depressed. We are a bad combination.”
                                “We’ll plant more sunflowers at home. Let’s go.” She said.
                My duet partner stood up and curtsied in a French manner. “Thank you…” she said, smiling at me.
                I smiled back. “What’s your name, ma’am?”
                                “Elizabeth…” she said.
                I smiled. “Nice to meet you, Mrs. Elizabeth.”
                She paused and laughed. “Just call me Liz.”

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

DEAR FUTURE HUSBAND - EPISODE 9


DEAR FUTURE HUSBAND – EPISODE 9

 

 

EPISODE 9

                Tola sat upright in her chair and tapped her left hand on the table with the right hand firmly pursed into her face. “What do you think you are doing, Wole Briggs?” she asked.

                He smiled as his baby dimple danced round his left cheek. “Getting a job.” He replied, unnerved.

                                “Have you ever worked for anything all your life?”

                He adjusted his tie. “I want to work for something.”

                                “Love or a Pay slip?”

                He nodded with a reassuring smile. “Both.”

                She hissed. “Wole, I am not tripped by this.” She started, staring at him from his head to his chest. The table had intercepted any view to the leg which she would have done comfortably. “This is an act. And I suggest you throw it away.”

                                “I just want to work.” he replied, keeping a smile on his face.

                She scoffed angrily. “Wole Briggs, you know that if you need a job to do, the Briggs conglomerate is ever welcoming, you could have simply walked in there. Why here?”

                                “I want to learn something different. Please give me a chance.” He paused, took a deep breath and added. “Ma’am.”

                Tola shook her head with a wry smile. “I don’t need that from you, Wole. I am Tola, and I think it should stay that way.” She ran her fingers through her hair. “Since you have chosen to come here and make my life a living hell, we can start by giving you an office downstairs.” She said, standing up.

                                “Mr. Asolo said I could use the one next to you.” he replied, quickly. She raised an eyebrow. He cleared his throat and added. “Proximity.”

                She nodded and shrugged. “Of course, Mr. Asolo is the boss!” she took her seat. “Well, I don’t know why you are here without your jacket, it doesn’t make you any less proud.” She said, staring at his shirt.

                He smiled. “I’ll put it on tomorrow, seems you like it.” He winked.

                                “And your hair, I remember it wasn’t this low the last time I saw you.” she said, turning on her laptop.

                He nodded. “It’s a new job, appearing tidy seemed ideal to me.” he adjusted in his chair. “How come you know so much about the last time you saw me, does this mean that you ‘like’ me?” he asked smiling.

                She took a deep breath and smiled. “Wole, you are in my face. How can I not remember everything about the last time we met?” she asked, starting to type. “Clearly you don’t remember much about me…” she murmured quite inaudibly.

                                “Excuse me?”

                She shrugged with a smile. “Never mind.” She cleared her throat. “We are going to start from Banana Island, we have about fifteen properties up for sale. I would love us to help some clients out this week and all….” She rattled on about other properties up for sale.

                                “Did he hit you?” Wole asked.

                Tola rose her head and feigned a smile. “Excuse me?”

                                “Did that bastard touch you?”

                She blinked. “I don’t know what you are talking about.” She replied.

                He swallowed painfully. “Tola, why did you let him?” he asked, with his voice breaking slightly. Tola sighed and rolled her eyes. “You are worth more than that.”

                She sighed. “OKAY! I get it, I know I am, but I don’t mind. Why are you concerned?” she asked.

                                “I love you, Tola.”

                She hissed. “Save it, Wole!”

                He nodded. “Tola, please… I can’t take it, that guy has no right to do this to you.”

                                “SO WHAT???” She screamed. “You are upsetting me, Wole! He hit me, FINE! We have passed that now.” She shouted as tears rolled down her eyes. “Many women get hit, SO??? Who cares??? No one! What do I care, Nothing!” she shouted, slamming the table.

                Wole rushed to her and hugged her tightly. “I am sorry. Please calm down.” She tried resisting him by hitting him, but in the end his power and warmth subdued her fears and pain and she let him cuddle her tenderly. For the first time in a long time, she felt loved by a man.

 

***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

                I held my bag firmly to my lap as I watched another hour pass. ‘1:00 PM’ I stared at the cute secretary as she struck her fingers with so much finesse against her laptop’s keypad. She smiled at me with her silver braises and blue contact lens. “He’ll be available shortly.” She said. She had been saying the same thing for the past two hours.

                I nodded and fixed my gaze on my Mac Book and went through my article again. The hunt for a job continues…

                My phone rang and I stepped away from the waiting room to take my call. “How may I help you, Henry?” I asked.

                                “It’s a new day, be nice…” he cooed into the phone. “How’s your Job hunt going?”

                I sighed. “I have been waiting for ‘shortly’ for the past two hours.” I replied, staring at my watch. “Ya…two hours!” I affirmed on positive confirmation.

                                “Shortly? Who is shortly?”

                I scoffed. “Are you that ‘not intelligent’, Henry? The secretary has me waiting forever.” I replied, calmly.

 “You are the brilliant one. Anyway, my talk show is going to start in 30 minutes.”

                I smiled. “How’s the crowd over there?”

                                “Erm…this hall sits five hundred and I can say I have about a hundred people registered at the moment.” He replied.

                I smiled. “I wish you the best. I hope they love you.”

                                “They have to!” he replied, sounding stern. “It’s about my project.” He replied, laughing. “The topic is dragging people into this place. I am yet to see my supervisor though; I think that man is against my progress.”

                I nodded with a smile. “He’ll come around.” I replied and flipped my head over my shoulder. The secretary had disappeared from her seat. I guessed she must have gone in to see the boss. “I have to go now, Henry.” I said hurriedly and cut the connection. I returned to my seat and waited.

                She returned to the waiting room with a smile. “A cookie for your trouble?” she asked handing me a plate of cookies and a cup of tea to go with.

                                “Thank you.” I replied, placing the tray gently on the side table. I took a bite of the cookie to ease the hunger and the tea replenished my thirst. Not that I am a huge fan of tea, but in this situation, I would gladly have it.

                I watched the time with some more patience this time, after all, I had some cookies to comfort me. My patience was soon rewarded as the door opened and Mr. Adeoye stepped out of his office. He smiled at me. “Kimberly?”

                I smiled. How did he ever remember me? I thought. “Good day, sir!” I replied.

                                “I am so sorry for the delay. Please I would love you to join me for lunch.”      

                I stared at my plate of cookies. “I just had some refreshments.” I replied.

                                “I insist! We’ll talk about your employment then.”

                Oh well… I smiled and nodded. “Okay sir.”

                                “This way, please…” he said, motioning to the elevator.

                We took our seats in a restaurant. “Thank you for coming here with me.”

                                “It’s not a bother, sir.” I replied.

                He smiled as he signaled to the waiter. “So what would you have?” he asked.

                                “I just had cookies at the office, I won’t be needing anything.” I replied, honestly.

                The waiter greeted courteously and handed us Menu Booklets. Mr. Adeoye ticked his and returned it almost immediately. “Would you at least have a drink?” he asked.

                I smiled and ticked a Chapman. “Thank you.” I replied, and handed the book to the waiter who took his leave immediately. “Thank you sir.” I said to Mr. Adeoye.

                                “Kimberly, I never thought that you would show up at Millaroca again…I mean, we had already said we didn’t need you then.”

                I smiled. “I decided to try again.”

                                “I am glad you did. I was out of options to reach you. I asked everyone in the office, but no one remembered you.” he replied.

                I stared at him and tried to absorb his last statement, I thought Ben knew me.

 

****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

               

                Marcus charged furiously at Michael. “What are you doing, rookie?”

                Michael took off his hat. “I am not a rookie. I am a professional photographer from South Africa.”

                                Ogbeni!” he addressed in Yoruba, a typical Nigerian language that’s meant for a male. “This is Nigeria, this is the Nigerian Modeling Agency and this is my stage.”

                Michael laughed. “You have no stage! You are not a photographer. I am the photographer, I own this stage.” He said, pointing at the stage. “You are just a manager, Ini’s puppet. Stay where you belong, Rookie!”

                Marcus scoffed. “Just because Ini has you take her pictures, you think you are Mr. Worldwide.”

                                “Look here, Marcus. I am not sleeping with Ini!” he said. Marcus’s shoulder appeared to relax. “But I would soon.” He added, spitefully.

                Marcus sent him crashing into the floor. Both Men tossed and rolled as they battled for supremacy on who would get the first decent punch. Marcus did as he smacked Michael’s face with so much venom. “NEVER- EVER- TALK – ABOUT – INI – LIKE- THAT- IN- YOUR–LIFE!” He shouted punching Michael’s face with every word.

                Security men rushed to the scene and pulled Marcus away from Michael. “Let me go!!!” he shouted. “He disrespected Ini.” He shouted at the top of his voice as he was being pulled away.

                                “RACIST!!!” Michael shouted as he was helped up to his feet. He was bleeding profusely from his nose and his eye now had the traditional Red swell.

                Ini stopped the security men as she saw them pulling Marcus. “What’s going on?” she asked.

                                “Ini, Marcus was going to kill Michael.”

                She hissed. “Why are you exaggerating the matter? This fellow can’t even hit anyone.”

                The Security men all burst out in a horrid laugh. “You should see Michael. For now, we have to keep this man away.” They said and took him away.

                She left for the Photo shoot centre. “Where’s Michael?” she asked.

“Michael has been taken to the clinic for a first aid clean up.” An attendant replied.

                She hurried for the clinic which was not too far from the photo shoot centre. “Oh my…” she exclaimed as soon as she saw Michael’s face. “Really?” she squealed with a smile. “Marcus is a real man!”

                Michael turned his face away from her. Ini wore a mean smile and walked out of the room. She bumped into Shola Jones. “Oh no!”

                Shola Jones smiled. “I know you don’t want to see me, but here I am, my dear.”

                                “Shola, how are you?” Ini asked, smiling.

                Shola hissed. “Quit the act! I heard you got my Etilahad deal.” She sneered.

                Ini shrugged. “It was mine before you sold your body to them, apparently after your accident; they deemed it logical to have me back on the team.”

                                “I slept with only one person, not all of them.” She replied, fetching a cigarette.

                Ini smiled. “What difference does that make?” she asked. She picked the cigarette from Shola’s mouth. “You shouldn’t be smoking.” She said and threw it in the nearest bin. Shola smiled. “Ah…yes, I care about you.”

                                “Ini Obong, you know what this business entails, right?” Shola asked. Ini nodded confidently. “I feel something spooky about my cream and all, and I don’t need a soothsayer to tell me that you are behind it. You are naturally evil, Ini.”

                Ini nodded in the affirmative. “Think what you want, Shola. I think I have tried to show my care for you during your low times, but if you have decided in your heart to blame your unfortunate incident on me, then so be it. We’ll see how it goes.” She said, turning away.

                                “Ini Obong, do you really think I would buy that ploy of you coming to see me in the hospital as genuine?”

                Ini turned backward with a smile. “That was the best of me.”

                                “Ya…right! If that was the best of you then I am sure that you are capable of many more evils.” She replied. Ini faced her. “I would be recuperating for the next one month and during that period, I know you might have won the whole of Nigeria with that skanky body of yours, but I promise to be back and better.”  She said, eyeballing Ini.

                Ini scoffed. “It was just a change of cream, why do you need a month?”

                Shola’s jaw dropped. “How did you know that my cream was changed?”

 

****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

                Tola ate her burger as Wole watched. “When last did you have somebody ‘baby’ you?” he asked. She didn’t respond, she stared at him and ate on. “It’s fine. Here’s some Ice cream.” He added, passing a cup of ice cream to her.

                                “Why are you being so nice to me?” she asked.

                He took a deep breath. “Tola, I love you.”

                                “Why?”

                He shrugged. “I don’t know, but I feel I won’t be complete without you.” he replied.

                ‘If only Tolu could love me’ she thought. “Thank you.” she replied. He smiled. “But I don’t need you working at Asolo to prove that to me.”

                He nodded. “I just want to learn and of course be closer to you, I can’t deny that.”

                Tola took a deep breath. “Wole, I love someone else.”

                He nodded. “I know, I’ll wait and see if you can learn to love me, if not, I’ll move on.”

                                “Easier said than done… Would you really leave me alone?”

                He smiled. “Why not?! But not for Tolu! If it’s Tolu, I’ll keep fighting for you. That jerk doesn’t deserve an ounce of your love.”

                She smiled. “There are no reasons that explain love, Wole.”

                                “Well said! That’s how much my heart beats for you, every time I see you, I feel different, Tola.”

                She shook her head and placed her spoon into the Ice cream. “I don’t know what to do with your heart.” She said, as she took a scoop.

                                “Sadly, I have no control over my emotions for you, neither do you, I just want to be with you and I pray that God grants my request.”

                Tola stared at him and wore a faint smile. ‘Amen!’ she said, in her heart.

                Wole took a scoop of his Ice cream. “I love this spot a lot. I come here with my sister often for Ice cream.”

                                “Well, my ‘sisters’ are fun too.”

                He stared at her. “Sisters?”

                                “They are my housemates, Ini and Kimberly. I don’t know if you have met Kim, but you certainly know Ini.” She replied. He nodded with a smile. “She’s a bundle of trouble, but she’s also very sweet.”             

                He nodded. “Maybe we could all hang out sometime, just to know one another better.” He said.

                She nodded. “That would be fine. Erm…Wole, what if I am unable to love you?”

                He shrugged. “I’ll still be your friend then. I admire you a lot, I would want to keep you forever.” He replied.  

                Tola’s face was like it was going to crack out of joy. Wole had said the kindest words to her on this day. She smiled and dug her spoon into the Ice cream, this time she didn’t eat it, she smeared it on his face laughing.

                Wole smiled happily. “You are happy, right?” he asked. She nodded excitedly. “Then that’s all that counts.” He replied and threw his cup at her.

 

****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

                Mr. Adeoye acted the gentle man and opened the car door for me. “Please go in.” he said. Older men and etiquettes!

                                “Thank you sir.” I replied as I took my seat on the comfy leather seats. He turned on the engine. “Thank you for giving me a chance at Millaroca.” I said.

                He shrugged. “You deserve it, and I think you might just be the change that we need over there. So many stoic people like me and I guess it’s time for flexibility.”

                I nodded with some ecstasy. “You are right, Sir.” I replied.

                                “You know, I have some really young brains at Millaroca, but I think they have been overshadowed by the older ones and so we have remained on the same page for a while. Millaroca is drowning right now.”

                I stared at him as he continued talking about a Magazine press that once shook the continent but now was into oblivion. My phone buzzed and a message came up from David. “Hi Kimberly, Please could you find time out of your busy schedule to accompany me to a fund raiser this weekend?

                I smiled and typed back. “Most definitely!”

                                “So, are you into any relationship?” Mr. Adeoye asked.

                My ear itched. I pretended not to have heard him. “Sorry?”

                He smiled. “You are as young as my baby, I just want to know if any man has your tender heart yet?” he honked as he took the next turn. “I am only looking out for a kid, I have a son that’s single.”

                                “I am engaged.” I replied, proudly.

                He nodded. “Really? That’s impressive. Don’t you look too young to be engaged?”

                I smiled. “Not at all, my fiancĂ© is a loving man, that’s all that counts.”

                                “Do you love him, Kimberly?”

                I have never liked that question. Now, I felt like I had to tell a lie to get out of Mr. Adeoye’s questions. “We love each other.”

                                “That’s beautiful! Love is beautiful with the right person. I am still in love with my wife.”

                I nodded as he rattled on about their love which had been on for several decades. He paused. “I don’t really understand your last name, why is it Banks?”

                I smiled. “I like to be called Kim Banks, it would even help us with our audience, they can relate to me better, even on social network.”

                                “But what’s your full name then?” he asked, as he pulled up at the office.

                I cleared my throat. I had never enjoyed telling people that I am Professor Bankole’s daughter, anyway, I didn’t think he would ask, I hadn’t appeared as flashy as an elite’s daughter might to anyone. “I am Kimberly Bankole.”

                                “Nice one. Are you related to Professor Bankole?”

                I smiled. “There are several Bankoles.”

                                “Of  course, there are. Erm…please go ahead, I’ll meet you upstairs, I have to see some friends around here.” He replied.

                I nodded and stepped out of the car and immediately left for the office.

                                “Kim?”

                I turned round to see Boye. “Hi Boye.” I said with a smile.

                                “How are you? What are you doing here?” he asked leaning against the door.

                I smiled. “I came to see Mr. Adeoye and it seems like you would be seeing my face around here more often.”

                                “Really?” he asked with a smile. “He hired you?”

                I nodded with a smile. “Yes, he did!”

                                “Did Ben help you speak with him?”

                I shrugged. “I don’t know, but I figured that I should try to see Mr. Adeoye in person if I really wanted to work.”

                                “I am so happy for you, I have gone through your stuffs and I must say, you are fantastic, it’s going to be a revolution with you here.”

                I smiled. “Thanks for believing in me.”

                                “Nah…I have to! Millaroca is definitely coming up again, we must take over.”

                I blushed faintly and tried to bow my head.

                                “Boye, have you seen those papers?” Ben asked, coming out of his office. I stared at him as I saw him. “Hi Kimberly.”

                I firmed my lips. “Been a while, Ben.”

                                “Of course it has.” He replied.

                Boye smiled at me. “Nice to have you around here.” He said, shaking my hand. He turned towards Ben. “The papers are on my desk, will finish up right now.” He said and tapped him, excusing us.

                Ben stepped forward. “What do you want?”

                                “Ben, why are you making me look like the villain here?” I asked.

                He scoffed. “Apart from the fact that your millionaire of a ‘fiancĂ©’ hit me and threw his money in my face, you never told me about him. How do you want me to regard you?”

                I took a deep breath. “We were never dating, Ben. And you probably never asked me about him.”

                                “LIES! You never said a thing about him, because you wanted to lead me on, is that how all you wealthy people behave?”

                I snarled. “Stop it, Ben! You have to kill this complex you have. What is it about you and wealthy people? You embarrassed me before David, and even if I was going to have any ounce of affection for you, you killed it that day when you made yourself look little.”

                                “Made myself look little? You belittled me!”

                I rose an eyebrow. “You did that to yourself, Ben. I didn’t!” I replied. He bit his lip. “Ben, I am sorry for not saying earlier and we need to sit and talk about all these. There are many things about me you still don’t know.”

                                “You never let me in really much.” He replied, much calmer now.

                                “Really, Ben? I thought you didn’t know Kimberly?” a voice howled behind us.

                We turned round to see Mr. Adeoye. 

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