HER CINDERELLA STORY

She remembered it just like yesterday, when roses seemed redder and violets seemed more violet. With her head in the clouds, she gave her heart away to just a single smile and the sound of his voice. It was love at first sight!  His deep baritone voice was so captivating, she didn't realize then that she had been staring at him. He introduced himself as Richard. Richard Da silver, The billionaire whose account she would be handling. She had heard of him but she was thrown off balance when she met him in person. He was very young, too young to be in his kind of business. He had a telecommunications empire. She was on an official assignment to handle the final documentation of the transactions he had with her bank. She had made sure she dressed to the ninnies. She was glad she did because after they said their introductions that fateful day and with just a handshake,  thus began their whirlwind romance.

That was then but now; she was basking in the sun in Miami. Lying on a beach chair with her legs stretched out before her. Sunshades on and a fab body in a skimpy bikini, what more could she ask for? She had quit her job in the second month of their relationship and she had no regrets! Her bank account was a testimony to that. Richard spared no expenses to make her feel and look like a queen. She honed her thoughts back to the present. It was time to prepare for her dinner date with Richard. He was supposed to pick her up from the hotel where they were staying.

After two hours of primping and prepping she was ready. She looked absolutely divine in her Vera Wang burgundy dress and she knew it.  She was hoping that he would propose this night even though they have been dating for six months. Her phone was ringing.

‘hi boo’

‘Mon Cherie’

‘Are you ready?’

‘Yes love’

‘I am downstairs in the lobby’

‘Kay boo. See you in a bit’

She sighted Richard immediately she walked into the lobby. Tall, dark and handsome .when he saw her his eyes lighted up. He approached he and kissed her unexpectedly then handed the bouquet of roses he had been hiding behind his back. Tonight is definitely the night she thought as she took his outstretched arm.

‘You look divine Cherie’

‘Thank you boo. The roses are beautiful So where are we going?’

 ‘But not as beautiful as you. where we are going is  a surprise to mark our last night together in Miami’

They went to a five star restaurant and their table for two was fabulous. Everything smelled romance and surprises. He did propose that night. He went down on one knee in the middle of their dinner and asked to marry him. And she all but screamed yes with tears in her eyes.  The rock on her engagement ring was an attention grabber. They took the next flight home the next day.

They arrived mid-morning in Abuja. A chauffeur was already waiting to take them home. He dropped her off first at her apartment before making his way home. She lived with her best friend somewhere in Maitama . Bunmi was excited to see her of course. She showed Bunmi her ring.

‘wow! that is a rock! omo this guy means business o!'

'yesso! this ring na die!'

'so re-gist me babes. Hearing the gist face to face is better than phone calls. How did he propose to you? What did you wear?  In fact lets open your box let me see the Vera Wang Dress'.

‘Bunmi slow down joor! I need to rest before we start opening any box. I know you are using style to make sure you get your own share first before any other person comes’

‘caught in the act! I surrender!’ She playfully raises her hands up to emphasize the gesture

‘good’

‘But still tell me how he did it. Who would have thought that Richard Da Silver would be my best-friend in-law? They both laughed.

They sorted through the things in her box amidst ‘ooos’, ‘aaahs’, ‘O mys’ and ‘it’s beautiful’.  Bunmi got her share of the goodies and ‘the proposal gist’ as they sipped wine admist giggles, tears and talking about their past relationships.

The next two months were a flurry of fun and activities. He took her to meet his parents. They didn't say much because they didn't stay long. They were nice enough. When she took him home, Everybody was impressed. They said they were a match made in heaven maybe because his generosity had left them speechless. She really didn't care. She was marrying the man of her dreams and that was all that mattered.  Her father was another kettle of fish entirely. What did he know anyways?  That night after they returned from their parents’ house that night, she couldn't help but recall what her father had asked her. He wanted to know if she was sure she knew what she was doing? Had she prayed about it? How much did she know about his background? Etc. She pushed all these thoughts out her mind after all love mattered the most in marriage.

One week to her wedding, she still felt that she had a lot of things that needed to be done. She was sorting out the final details with her make-up artist over the phone when her door- bell rang.

‘who is it?’

‘Its me Ginika’

Only one person still used that name. she hung up immediately and opened the door. It was her Father.

‘Dad… what a pleasant surprise! Welcome.’ she ushered him in as she collected the nylon bag that he was holding. ‘

‘I stopped over at shop-rite to buy your favorite chocolate bar. I know with all this your weight watching you still like them.’ 

‘Daddy! Don’t you want me to fit into my wedding dress?’ she said un-wrapping a bar as they settled opposite each other on the sofa in her living room.

‘Ahem…Ginika my visit here today is not just a casual visit but I need to tell you a few things.’

‘Daddy, what’s  the matter?’

‘ I know that ever since you met this Top shot guy of yours it has been hard to get through to you.  My daughter, I am a bit uncomfortable with a few things about this marriage. You quit your job just because he asked you to. What happens to your future as a woman? And there is the issue of the wife whose appearance or disappearance still remains cloudy. My daughter, I am not comfortable with it at all. ‘

‘Dad. Richard has assured me that his divorce would finally come through on the day of our wedding so the issue of a wife somewhere is already a sorted matter.’

‘ my daughter, the issue is not sorted. What caused their break up? Why couldn’t he work it out with her? My dear marriage is a big deal and you really need to think this through?  Marriages don’t just break up for flimsy reasons. If he said his wife cheated on him, did they try to work it out? Did he just throw her out just like that? You need to ask because what he did in the previous marriage may define what this present one would be like. I know you would make excuses for him which shouldn’t be so. Already, the foundation of this whole matter is not solid. I feel you should take a step back and ask Richard some questions.’

‘Daddy, I can take care of myself! Richard has explained all that needs to be explained and I believe him. I trust the man that I am getting married to.’ she was already getting heated up.

‘I will not walk you down the isle dear,  I know my opinion at this point means noting to you. Think about it again. I think its time I take my leave. ‘ He was out of her apartment

After he father left, she decided to call Richard for her peace of mind. She loved her father dearly  and she didn’t want anything to come in between them.

‘Hello’

‘hi Cherie’

‘Boo, how are you?’

'am gud Cherie. How was your day?'

'Sweetheart, there’s something we need to talk about’

‘Okay, go ahead’

‘After you found out that Sophie was cheating on you, did you try to work things out with her before you resorted to divorcing her?’

‘Baby, where is this question coming from? I thought I explained what happened to you.’

‘Yes I know, I just need to know whether you tried to sort it out with her.’

‘Cherie, what should be important is that I am getting married to you. I am ever grateful that the fates brought you my way. You know what caught my attention   most? It was your smile. I don’t want to see anything take away that smile from you.  Every time I remember what she did to me after all I did for her, it grieves me. Baby, I have forgiven her and I have moved on that’s what’s important. Don’t allow this to come between us. It’s not an issue’

‘ I just needed that to get off my mind. I love you so much.’

‘ Don’t worry Cherie, it would be fine. I can understand what you are going through now. Hang on in there we will get to the D-day. I just know our life together would be fabulous’

‘Ok boo. ‘ She chimed.

‘Cherie, I have to go now, talk later?’

‘yeah…love you’

‘love you too’

Naomi was relieved. Richard always had a way of relaxing her. She assured herself for the umpteenth time that she was on the right track with him. She would handle Daddy. She knew he was just worried about her.

Finally, the day arrived when her name would be Mrs. Naomi Ginika Da Silver. Everything was perfect! Her bridesmaid in their halter-neck gold dresses looked beautiful and she in her exquisite Vera-Wang dress looked breathe taking!  Everything turned out beautifully except that Richard was no where to be found and the wedding was three hours behind schedule. She was panicking. She was in the officiating minister’s office with Bunmi. She didn't want to bear the piteous looks of people so she locked the door.

‘This is unlike Richard. He is never late and he always calls whenever he had any other plans. God please, I don’t want to be a bride that was jilted on her wedding day. Or could it be that he had an accident. Has anyone been able to reach any of the grooms men? She was pacing the office already in tears.

‘Naomi stop crying, am sure Richard has an explanation for his lateness’ Bunmi tried to console her

‘Bunmi, what could have happened? Did I do something? His phone is ringing but he is not picking!’  her tears where flowing unabashedly now. She heard someone call his name. Then she heard her name and a subtle knock on the door.

‘Naomi, please open the door, its Richrard.’

 She rushed to open the door welcoming him with a hot slap. he didnt even flinch she noted annoyingly.

‘where have you been? Why did you do this to me?’ she was hysterical now

‘Bunmi, please could you give us a minute?’

“I am not leaving you son of a bitch! How dare you just walk in here by this time? How dare you do this to her? What did she do? I am not leaving here, you hear me? ‘ She was standing beside her friend now.

“Naomi, we need to talk alone I beg you. I know everything looks bad but it will all go away in a minute. Please just let me explain.’

‘Explain what Richard? How you have disgraced me on the most important day of my life? Tell me Richie, how you want to get past this now. What could possibly have gone wrong?’ she was shouting on top of her voice.

‘I need us to talk alone, Please…’

‘Anything you have to say, say it now and it better be good’

‘Bunmi, its fine. Please…’

‘Are you sure babes? You don’t look too good…’

‘Am ok. Will call you when I need you.’

‘Ok.’ Bunmi squeeze her friends hand before she leaves.

‘ Say what you have to say then go!’

‘please can we sit down?’

‘Are you daft? Say what you have to say! You have five minutes!’

‘hmmm….Remember that afternoon you called me to ask about my wife? ‘

‘haha! I am the fool of the century! Don’t tell me you brought your sorry self here to tell me that you decided to get back together with her Richard?’ she screamed!

‘Actually, Naomi, you opened my eyes with your question that afternoon. I realized that I hadn't tried to work things out with her before judging our marriage as over and somehow in the past few days I realize that I still love her very much… I am so sorry it came to this…' he was on his knees now.

‘Richard, get out of this place now before I murder you with my bare hands!’ she spoke with a calmness she never thought she could muster at this point. He just confirmed her worst fear.

‘Naomi please…’

She walked over to the door and threw it open.

‘Naomi….’ He walked over to her

‘Save it!’

She watched him go. When she was sure he was nowhere in her range of vision, she fainted!

‘Naomi, Naomi! Can you hear me?’ somebody bring water and be fast!’

Some here in her sub-conscious, she heard her mother fire out instructions. She felt tired  even before she opened her eyes.

‘Mum, I am fine. No need for the water. Just take me home.’

Two months after, she was still nursing a broken heart. News of his reunion with his wife was all over the papers. Sitting on the balcony in her apartment, her mind went back to that day. She suddenly remembered that he wasn't even wearing his wedding tuxedo when he came to break the news to her that fateful wedding day.  All through her the time he spent with her, he never acknowledged his wife as his ex-wife. He still addressed her as his wife and she was so in love she never noticed. She weeped silently curling herself up more in her chair.

 She remembered it just like yesterday. The day when roses seemed redder and Violets seemed more Violet. The day she put her head in the clouds and allowed herself to be swept away by looks charm and a smile. She remembered it very well and she would never forget but she would not allow herself to wallow in misery any longer. She made up her mind then that hence forth the custodian of her Alabaster box would be HIM who she never acknowledged in the first place.

Fin

  

THE ADVOCATE Part 2

Hi guys, just so you don't get confused in the reading journey for 'The Advocate', I might need to explain a few things. Judy is part of the characters in the series. As the series continues, you will see each character and their roles synchronize to eventually produce an interesting reading experience.  Hope you like it! ENJOY!


JUDY

She wakes up with a start. Her alarm clock was ringing and it was annoying. She needed more sleep! It was 5.00 AM in the morning. She groaned and turned on her side continued to sleep not even bothering to put off the alarm clock. After two minutes, she gets out of bed with a lazy groan then she kneels down to pray but not after she had put off her annoying alarm clock.  Her devotional devoured and her routine work out executed, she was ready for work in one hour and thirty minutes.  The bus stop was just a few minutes away from home but if she didn't get there on time, she was sure of a very long line of queue. It was foggy and as usual very cold.

 She walked briskly to the bus-stop hugging herself to keep warm despite her thick tweed jacket. Later on the temperature would drop but for now it was freezing. At the bus stop, people stood in clusters waiting for the 7.00 AM bus to arrive. Today, thankfully the queue wasn't very long. She sighted a woman at the beginning of the line handing out a paper to passengers. When it got to her turn, the woman smiled at her and told her that Jesus loved her and wished her a wonderful day ahead as she handed her the tract. She accepted it and told her thank you.

‘I hardly ever read these’ the man in front of her half turned to inform her in a conspirational whisper.

‘They always end stuffed up in my coat pockets. I feel so guilty when I collect them because I know they would end up as trash later. By the way, I’m Charles’. He stretched out his hand for a hand shake.

‘I’m Judy. Pleased to meet you’ she accepts his handshake. 'well , one day, you’ll get to read them and then the message that you are meant to receive from them would be revealed to you. In the meantime, don’t throw them away, give them to someone else. It might just contain what that person needs at that time’ she replied with a smile.

‘You know, I have never thought of it that way. You sound like one of the ministers at my church.’ He replied with a laugh.

‘Oh well! We have to be minstrels at some point in our lives. The bus should be here by now’ she said glancing quickly at her watch.

‘Yes, it should be. It’s already five minutes till seven. ‘

Just then they see the bus coming from down the streets with it headlights in full blast separating the fog.

‘It’s about time!’ she exclaimed and he nodded in agreement.

All aboard, they were soon on their way to Bath Central. Judy loved to sit by the window every morning on her forty five minutes bus ride to work. She loved to see the world from behind the glass of a metro bus. But today it was foggy, so she settled to listen to some music on her phone and maybe doze off since her stop would be the last one the bus would make.

She couldn't sleep and the music was far from relaxing. Her mind was on different things.

‘Would you mind if I sit beside you? ‘

‘Oh! I didn't see you coming…of course….’ She replied a bit startled.

‘Sorry if I frightened you’ he said noting the look on her face.

‘it’s alright. I am perfectly alright now’ she replied wondering what he wanted. She needed to find a way to sleep for just thirty minutes but obviously, this guy just wanted to talk and she wasn't much interested.

‘Trying to sleep right?’ He asked and she nodded.

‘Let me tell you what I do, whenever I am trying to get that 30 minutes sleep on my way to work, all I just do is imagine one of the favorite place I love to be and then I use it to lull myself to sleep’. He explained

‘Really? ’ She asked. Mentally, she took note of his appearance. He was good looking, well -built and he smelled like something familiar. Something she would like to snuggle up to. She liked him already.

‘Yes, it works, trust me.  I am a nature lover so I imagine myself lying down in a vast green meadow with plenty of sunshine and cool breeze and then I chant in my head words like relax, serenity, peace till I eventually fall asleep.’ he concluded with a mysterious grin on his face.

‘Are you a psycho-therapist? ‘Cos that’s the kind of advice they would give? She asked jokingly more alert now than sleepy. He sounded like an interesting and fun fellow.

‘No. I am not. I just read that somewhere. I am a civil engineer. What do you do?’ he asked , happy that he had her full attention now. He had been meaning to talk to her for a while now but he just didn't know how to go about it. She didn't know it but the first time he saw her. He had just parked his car in front of the coffee shop across from the soup kitchen where she served. She had come out of the shop to see someone off and that was when she caught his attention. She was a sight to behold. She had kind eyes and a very beautiful smile. Since then, He couldn't get her out of his mind. His delight knew no bounds when he saw her at the bus stop one morning waiting to board the same bus he wanted to get on and now, here they were.

‘Well… I am a Human Resource personnel in my company.’ She answered shortly. She wasn't going to give further details than that

‘Interesting... Do you like your job?’

‘Yes... do you like your job?’

‘I enjoy my job and…’ just then the bus came to a stop and they both looked up to the lead screen in front of them displaying the name of the bus stop.

‘This is my stop Judy. It was a pleasure talking to you. Remember to practice what I taught you…do have a pleasant day ahead’ he reminded her on his way out of the bus.

‘Thank you Charles, I will. Have a nice too. Bye.’ She answered smiling.

She watched him disappear in the crowd of people as the bus moved. ‘Interesting fellow’ she wondered.   

Now that the stranger had managed to keep her awake, she had many things on her mind. So she rummaged through her bag for her daily planner. Done setting up her day, she decides to try what the stranger had taught her. She closed her eyes visualizing the sea, calm, beautiful and refreshing. She was sitting on the shores of the beach and she started to chant the word serenity, taking in relaxing breaths till she fell asleep. She woke up to the ringing sound of the conductor’s bell. Obviously, the bus had reached her stop. Groggily, she took the stairs down the bus one at a time. Work was just two blocks away and it was really cold so she walked fast with the throng of people on the street not because she was late but because she needed to wake herself up.

 As she approached the building where she worked, something caught her attention, a familiar figure she knew too well, talking animatedly to the security guard at the entrance. She stopped in her tracks. ‘How did she know where I worked?’ Taking a deep breath, she proceeded to find out what Gwen was doing outside her office building.