TITLE: The Web EPISODE: 4 AUTHOR: Candy Dr Adeola ushered her into her tastefully decorated private livingroom and rang the intercom to summon her maid. One look at her friends face and she knew all was not well. She had been too busy to attend to her the previous day due to an accident victim that was rushed in about the time Mrs Seriki drove in. Today, she was determined to lend her friend a listening hear, even at the cost of her patients. The two women were born and raised in poverty but shared a determination to make it big in life and this had brought them even closer. They had both attended a teachers college and while Mrs Seriki had gone ahead to pick up a teaching job, Dr Adeola had proceeded to the university to study medicine. In their different chosen professions,both had achieved a great feat. Both had also married into reasonable affluence. Between them, they shared the good, bad and ugly. It was not a surprise when they both cajoled, encouraged and almost forced Tobi and Amber, Dr Smarts saucy daughter into a relationship despite their differences. Her maid came in with tray laden with a pack of pineapple juice and two glass cups. Juice they both knew will not be opened. With the maid and every other person out of earshot, it was time to let it all out and Mrs Seriki didnt waste any time. She narrated her chance meeting with Bolu the new corper and her reaction. They say ones shadow does not fight one, but mine seems to be fighting me said Mrs Seriki. How can you say that Helen? Dr Adeola knelt beside her friend who sat dejectedly on the sofa. That corper is a split image of Bimpe, you remember Bimpe now? She asked. Yes, yes, how can I ever forget her? Dr Adeola asked. Patrick assured me she died in the accident Dr Adeola continued, though not sounding too sure anymore. Patrick was getting sloppy and she knew it. Yes, but even if she died, I dont think the girl died! She paused to sip from her glass of orange juice before she continued. The lady I saw yesterday unnerved me. Even if she is the daughter, why are you so worried? Her friend asked and immediately regretted asking. Casting her a long dirty look to show her surprise at the question her friend just asked, Mrs Helen cleared her throat and said: That would make her too close for comfort, I dont need any drama in my life now I just pray she is not the girl, Dr Adeola said, almost inaudible. Do you see my predicament now? Mrs Helen managed to speak as her friend continued to shake her legs in agitation. First, we find out if shes really Bimpes daughter and we confirm if her mother is dead or alive Who will do that? Mrs Seriki asked, looking at her friend for answers. What if Amber gets close to her? No, Amber is not patient enough to be friends with people she doesnt fancy, she said. Ok, she works with you, you can ask the corpers to fill a form showing all the information you need and youll send one of the boys after them, suggested Dr Adeola. They deliberated for sometime and both agreed having Bolu around was too dangerous. Both women had their different fears. Fears even their friendship will not let them share. Fears they had to face separately. ********************* Her recurrent dream was starting to disrupt her waking life and she was concerned. The grip of her dream on her emotions suggests to her that it was more than just a dream; it may be a warning of an impending doom. Something that has to do with her daughter. What bothered Madam TY beyond the reality of the dream was the usual presence of two children in the dream. But who is this second child had been a question on her mind. Thankfully, she has not had the dream in three nights now. She found sleep time more refreshing. She was arranging the pineapples she just bought from Oje, setting aside the already ripe ones shell cut and tie in nylon bags later. She had the luxury of doing this outside before;now shed been forced to do it in the room. Mama, alhajis wife had become more confrontational and any mistake from madam TY will make them homeless. Maami! Bolu shouted excitedly from the street door. Boluwatife her mother called her name excitedly. She quickly left waht she was doing and ran outside to meet her daughter. Maami, e ku ojo meta she said, half hugging her. Mother and daughter were so happy to see eachother. Since the two weeks following orientation camp, Bolu hasnt been home. They had communicated on phone. Determined to spend as little money on transportation as possible, Bolu had stayed with Temi at the new place she rented, very close to her office. All she wanted was to save enough money to get them out of this hole. Why are your fruits not displayed on the table outside? She asked her mum, concern written on her face. Alhaja will not let me o! She answered, unless I pay N700 for the space every month. Now, she is mean! Bolu said with irritation in her sweet voice. Well, I have a surprise for you What is it, Bolu?, you finally found a boy good enough for you? She asked, smiling. For six months now, relationship and marriage issue had found its way into their every conversation. Unfortunately, she was yet to find that one, thereby making her mum happy. She hoped to soon, but knew she wasnt going to rush it. No, mum, I found us a house, a better place than Alhaji and Alhaja had ever lived in, they both laughed at that. So, how can we afford such a place? Madam TY asked dejectedly. Temi gave me N40,000. N30,000 as loan, I will repay from my salary, she continued,she gave me N10,000 free, the place I got is N60,000, self contain. Madam TY glared at her daughter. You know we dont need that kind of luxury ... ...maami, government will pay me N19,000 a month, my place of primary assignment will pay N10,000. Returning her attention to the fruit basket, madam TY sighed and shrugged her shoulders. I have N16,000, I was hoping to make it 18 so we can get somewhere like this Well, I have N13,000. All together, we have N69, 000, she drew her stool closer to her mum who was already peeling the pineapples. She collected the knife and tray, and started the peeling. How will you ever pay Temi back for all her kindness to you?, madam TY asked, expecting no answer. Bolu and Temi met and became best friends in their 100L days in ABU. They both studied sociology and both hailed from Osun state. Temis parents were timber merchants at the popular bodija market in Ibadan and she had on several occasions helped Bolu pay part or all of her tuition. Life for Bolu and her mother had always been tough, but theyve never had it that rough before. The Kaduna riot had forced them back home the previous year and they had fled the city leaving their few belongings behind. Coming down south without anything or even anyone to lean on was a tough decision. The Yoruba community they belonged to had arranged a bus to take those willing back home and of course, only small handbags were allowed due to the limited space. Bolu and her mum had gone straight to Osogbo, her mums place, to stay with her grandparents and they had only recently relocated to Ibadan on the invitation of Baba Ibadan, her maternal uncle. The room they managed now was one of the three rooms baba ibadan rented with his family before he moved to his own house at Olodo. He was magnanimous enough to pay for one year upfront for one of the rooms till they could settle down well. Later that evening, they had gone to check the new apartment. Satisfied that her mother liked it, they paid and cleaned it the following day and on sunday, they moved. She smiled as usual. From her chair she had a fine view of the new express road through the transparent glass that made up most part of the office wall. This morning, the road looked so busy okada riders could barely meander in between cars as usual. A line of frustrated motorcyclists formed on one side. Her office looked small, but tastefully decorated. She had never owned space this elegant in her life. Her purse was at her feet, a small imitation LV purse. She had on a red shirt and a pleated black skirt. Her hair was made into lovely tiny braids, packed neatly with a band. She looked really beautiful and she knew it. Good morning Bolu, Tobi greeted as he strolled into the office. Em, good morning sir, hope you had a fun-filled weekend. Bolu quickly stood up to collect her boss laptop bag. Never mind. Ive told you to cut the sir out, I thought we were friends. Tobi said and winked playfully. Bolu and Tobi had become really close over the past few weeks since she resumed work as his acting secretary, to the annoyance of Mrs Seriki and Amber Smart, Tobis girlfriend. Ok, how was your weekend? She asked Ill tell you about it over lunch, if you dont mind. Lets see...here. She handed him his appointment cards and phone messages in a company booklet. They chatted some more and he left for his office. Bolu sighed and faced the road again. This time however, the stretch of the express that overlooked her office was clear. The traffic build up cleared, the angry motorcyclists all gone and she smiled again. It looked like a beautiful week ahead. She checked her watch, 8:15am. clients didnt start coming till around 9:30am unless on appointment. She switched on her PC and logged on to nairaland for news updates. Just as she was about to relax and read the first news on the front page, Amber entered the office, looking furious. Good morning ma, Bolu stood up to greet her boss girlfriend. She didnt know why she was so scared of Amber, but she was really scared of her. Whats good about the morning, Bolu? Silence. Answer me, you slut. Bolu quickly searched her frail mind for what she had done again to deserve this, but nothing came to mind. She decided to apologize all the same. Meekly, without raising her eyes or voice, she said a quiet sorry ma and continued starring at her slippered feet. Just steer clear of Tobi, he is not in your class she hissed and entered Tobis office. Just then, her phone rang. She checked the caller Id, it was Temi. She smiled and her mood brighted up again. Hello ore she greeted her friend. Ok she said again into the mouthpiece and ended the call. Temi was at the gate, just checking to see if she was in the office. Hmmm, you look georgeous, Bolu! Teemi screamed on seing her friend. Thanks, you are looking fine yourself So, when are you moving to the new place? Temi asked. Oh, you were busy with your man this weeked, I didnt want to bother you-we moved on sunday You no well Temi said jokingly.You should have called me to help you. Ha ha ha, what did we have there to move? She asked, laughing. Infact, we only carried a few things You should still have called, Joseph wouldve helped you with his van Thanks sha. We filled this personal data form on friday, now that Ive changed address over the weekend, do I notify them? She sought Temis counsel. Tomi considered the options briefly. No jor, sey bi you are just a corper. When they retain you, you can give full detail, even your Oshogbo address and both girls laughed. They were chatting when the intercom rang, showing Tobis line and bolu picked it with shaky hands. She knew it was her arch-enemy, Amber. She squeezed her face and said a quiet hello then dropped the line. Her royal majesty will like me to get her bag from her car What of the messenger? Apparently, Im a glorified messenger Hm, shes lucky you are the one shes doing this to, Bolu Temi said in annoyance. I trust you Bolu said and dashed out to the management car park. Watchout for episode 5 Target: 10 likes
Posted on: Sat, 17 Jan 2015 11:57:43 +0000
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