THE MIRACLE I NEED : Episode 31 – 40
EPISODE 34
“Hey! I’m driving, what’s up?” Ella asked the moment she received Pete’s call.
“Is that the way mummy taught you to greet your elders? My friend show your respect!” Pete said with disapproval.
“See who is talking, how many have you taught Amanda. Good evening anyway. So why are you calling me during work hours? Are you done with work for the day?” Ella asked as maneuvered the car through the evening traffic.
“Do I blame you? If not for dad that…”
“This is what I hate most about Lagos, the traffic is just something else. Why Ngozika chose to relocate to Lagos of all places is beyond me.” Kathleen’s mom hissed irritably as she waved over a boy selling gala.
“You can just eat the food we bought if you’re hungry.” Ella suggested ignoring Pete who was still speaking on the phone.
“Don’t worry about me my dear, I’m okay. Thank you.” Kathleen’s mother said as she turned to the boy and his colleagues who were already crowding her window arguing over who she called.
“Sorry about that, so what were you saying?” Ella asked returning her attention to the call.
“Who was that just now? The lady complaining about Lagos.” Pete asked curiously.
“That was Kathleen’s mom. I just picked her from the park and I’m heading home with them. Kathleen wanted me to help her out since she wasn’t sure she could leave work.” Ella explained.
“Oh!” Pete said thoughtfully. So Kathleen had asked for Ella’s help? They must have gotten really close just within twenty-four hours for her to do that. So what was it about him that Kathleen didn’t like? How come she easily became friends with everyone else but him? Was it just because he was her boss and she was keeping a safe distance? He wondered.
“Kunle!” Ella exclaimed when Pete didn’t answer her.
“Huh? Sorry did you say something?” Pete asked apologetically.
“I said what did you call for!” Ella repeated impatiently.
“It’s about Femi.” He said making Ella’s heart to skip a beat. Why was he calling her about Ken? Did Ken go to him?
“What about Femi?” She asked trying to sound as nonchalant as possible.
“You used to be very close to him back then before I left the country, you both are still close right?” Pete asked curiously making her frown.
“Why are you suddenly asking me that?” she asked moving uncomfortably in her seat, grateful that he wasn’t there to see how she was reacting to his question.
“You know what? Nevermind. You said you’re going over to the house, right? I’ll just meet you at home since it’s almost closing hour. So just wait for me.”
“What am I supposed to be…” Ella hissed when she realized that Pete had hung up without waiting for her to respond.
She had a frown on her face as she kept trying to figure out why Pete had suddenly decided to ask her that, “That was my elder brother.” She explained to Kathleen’s mother even though she knew it wasn’t really necessary.
“He has a fine voice. Is he single?”
“Mummy!” Isioma called in mortification on behalf of her sister who was absent.
“What? Every thing mummy, mummy! I should not talk freely again because I have children? Hian!” She asked making Ella giggle.
“Well, kind of. His wife is late but he has a little girl.” Ella surmised.
“Eya! Poor man with his fine voice. So he is single currently?” She asked making Isioma close her eyes wearily. Their mother was just unbelievable!
“Yes he is.” Ella said trying not to laugh.
“Has my daughter met him yet? Like have they seen each other? Be a good friend and introduce them to each other.” She said conspiratorially.
“She already told you sister Ngozi has a boyfriend nau!” Isioma said irritably from the backseat.
“Shut your mouth! Who asked for your opinion? Are you supposed to talk when your elders are talking?” Her mother asked harshly before facing Ella again, “Don’t mind that she has a boyfriend o. As far as I’ve not heard of him and I don’t know him yet, consider her single!”
Ella chuckled, “I’ve heard you ma. Although I don’t think there will be any need for that since they know each other already.” Ella said, deciding to leave out the boss/employee relationship.
“They do?”
“Yes ma’am. They even live in the same compound.” Ella added making Kathleen’s mother gasp in disbelief.
“So why are they not together? Is it that he doesn’t like her? Or she doesn’t like him? In fact, don’t worry. Let me not bother you. She will answer me with her own mouth when I see her.” She said fuming while Ella giggled. She really prayed she would be present to watch the drama between Kathleen and her mother. She was in love with the woman already.
THE MIRACLE I NEED : Episode 31 – 40
**********
“Sorry about that.” Eric said as he returned to join Kimberly, “Shouldn’t you check your phone? What if it is very important? A business person shouldn’t leave her phone off.” He said, reminding her that she had placed it on airplane mode.
“I’m done with work for the day. Every other call would be directed to my secretary.” Kimberly said flippantly.
“Still we are using your phone to stream the movie, so you have to turn it on anyway. At least check your call history.” Eric said as he waited for her to check her missed calls.
“Oh my God!” Kimberly exclaimed as she quickly sat up on the bed and looked at him. in horror.
“What is it?” He asked with a worried frown thinking that someone probably died or something horrible happened.
“My father called! Oh my God!” She exclaimed as she stood up from the bed looking scared.
“Is that why you’re so worked up? All you need to do is relax. I’m sure it’s not a big deal, you should relax and just call him back.” Eric suggested, but she shook her head. I need to know if he called Prisca first so I don’t say anything contrary to what Prisca might have told him.
“Okay. That’s a good idea. You should.” Eric said with a blank expression even though he was glad she had played into his plan. He hadn’t wanted to tell Prisca that Kimberly was with him since he didn’t know where Kimberly could have told Prisca she was going to and he wasn’t sure she would want Prisca to know where she was.
Kimberly bit her nails as she dialed Prisca’s number, while Eric looked at her curiously. Why was she so scared of her own father? It wasn’t possible that at her age her father still hit her or abused her, was it?
“Oh my God! I was so worried about you.” Prisca exclaimed the moment she received the call.
“You didn’t have to be. Did my father give you a call? What did he say?” Kimberly asked, going straight to the reason she had called.
“He asked where you were and why you weren’t taking your call.”
“And what did you say?” Kimberly asked quickly.
“I told him you were out on a date with your man and had probably placed your phone on silent.” Prisca said making Kimberly sigh in relief.
“Okay. Did he say what he wanted?”
“No. But he asked that I ask you to bring your date over to the house.” Prisca concluded.
“Alright.” And with that Kimberly disconnected the call and turned to face Eric, “My father wants to see you.”
“Okay.”
“Okay?” Kimberly asked with a frown.
“Yeah. I was bound to meet him soon anyway, so it’s fine. Whenever you’re ready just let me know and we will go see him.” Eric said with a shrug.
“You’re not scared? Or nervous?”
“Am I supposed to be? Because he’s your father or because he’s a senator, which?” Eric asked making Kimberly’s frown deepen, “He’s just a man like me. It’s not a big deal. Now are we seeing the movie, or do you want to go home now?” Eric asked since Kimberly was still standing.
“Not yet. Let’s see a movie.” Kimberly said as she returned to the bed and sat down beside Eric. Eric frowned when he noticed the way she was sweating profusely. Of course there was no light, and the hot temperature these days left one wondering if Nigeria was the nearest bus stop to he.ll and maybe the last person who had gone to he.ll had probably left the door open.
He suddenly moved closer to her, and she moved further into the bed, thinking he needed space to lie down, since they were going to be watching the movie while lying down. But Eric moved closer to her as she moved away from him, making her frown,
“What are you doing?” She asked not meeting his gaze as different thoughts ran through her mind. Was he going to kiss her or try to sleep with her? What was he… Before she could process all she was thinking she felt his hand on her wig and before she knew what was happening he dragged it off making her gasp in surprise.
THE MIRACLE I NEED : Episode 31 – 40
___________
Kathleen was slightly taken aback as was the rest of her colleagues when they heard the tiny footsteps running down the hallways in the direction of her office. But they had all assumed it was probably the kid of a colleague or something. She was startled when she saw Amanda walk through the door and head directly for her desk. She raised her head to look into the faces of her colleagues and she could see they were watching them.
Amanda ignored all the other adults in the room, her eyes fixed on just Kathleen, “Hi Kat! You’re almost done for the day, right?” She asked with an adorable smile.
“Why are you here?” Kathleen asked standing up from her seat. The last thing she wanted was for Amanda to reveal to her colleagues that she lived in the same house with the boss.
“Daddy is busy with a meeting, so I came over to see you so we can all go home together.” Amanda said as she took the hand Kathleen offered and left the office with her.
“Does your father know you came to see me?” Kathleen asked as they walked away.
“No. His secretary said I could come stay with you. You don’t like that I came to your office?” Amanda asked with a worried frown, so Kathleen quickly dispelled her worry with a smile, “Of course I do sweety. Was just asking you these questions.” Kathleen said as she walked with her back to Pete’s office.
“Wonders shall never cease! So like play like play this Mary Amaka done kolobi this man and he pikin!” Rosy exclaimed.
“Tatafo (gossip) mind your business! You better dn’t say what you don’t know so you don’t get into trouble!” Dave cautioned.
“I call you? When I talk just now I mention your name? Free me na!” Rosy hissed.
“The small girl even say ‘Hi Kat!’. No respect at all! If I be Kathleen I go tear am one hot knock for middle of her small head to reset her brain.” Sandra said incredulously.
“You blame the pikin? Why won’t the child call her Kat when that hypocrite is sleeping with her father? She even goes home with them. Na wa! Fear all these church girls o!” Rosy repeated.
“Who told you she is sleeping with the man? This girl watch what you say o! Stop spreading useless rumors about the innocent girl!” Dave snapped at her angrily.
“Hian! Defender in chief of Kathleen, what is your business na? Abi you’re the one she is sleeping with?” Rosy asked with a scoff.
“Rosie oya e done do! You don’t even have evidence to back up your claims, so just let it slide.” Sandra said with a sigh.
“Evidence? Don’t worry, I will find evidence and proof to you all that that girl is a sly person.” Rosie promised.
“Even if you find evidence that she is sleeping with the man, what is your business? The man na your papa abi na your sister husband? The man single, Kathleen single, so why you carry the matter for your head like who dey hawk kpekere? As if you had the chance to sleep with him you won’t spread that your useless kobo-leg” Dave said making Rosie spring to her feet as she pointed her forefinger at Dave angrily.
“Mind yourself o. Dave watch the way you talk to me for this office make I nuh injure you one day!” Rosy warned as she approached Dave’s table.
“Rosy it’s enough abeg.” Sandra pleaded as she dragged her back to her seat.
Meanwhile Pete’s secretary had a smirk on her face as she saw Kathleen heading towards her with Amanda. She had deliberately sent Amanda over knowing it would help fan the flames of the rumor which was already going around the company. It wasn’t like anyone else knew the exact relationship between Kathleen and the boss yet, but she intended to frustrate Kathleen until she got rid of any thought or desire she might have of seducing the boss.
THE MIRACLE I NEED : Episode 31 – 40
Kathleen who had been coming to scold the secretary about sending Amanda to her office, changed her mind the moment she noticed the look on the secretary’s face. She remembered her conversation with Sharon after her phone call with Ella earlier as she left Pete’s office that afternoon. Sharon had called her to find out if she had been able to pick her mom and sister from the park, and then she had confided in Sharon about the secretary’s sudden unnecessary behavior and change in character.
The first question Sharon had asked was, “Is she married?”
“No. I don’t think so.”
“Ehn, that explains it na. She wants your boss.” Sharon said matter of factly.
“So why did she recommend me for the job if she wants my boss?” Kathleen asked dumbly.
“Isn’t it obvious? You were Mary Amaka na. She probably figured you wouldn’t be a threat in any way, but now you have changed your dressing so I guess she is feeling threatened.” Sharon explained.
“But my clothes have nothing to do with him. I don’t even want him so why is everybody giving me hell over it?” Kathleen asked irritably, and went on to tell Sharon about the group chat gossip and her colleague’s statement the previous day.
“Well, pepper them back na. You’re behaving like you’re not a warri girl. See, area nuh dey carry last o! Don’t just fuck up! As they’re disturbing you like this and you’re not doing anything, you self start disturbing them by doing something. Give them something to talk about! The man is single after all. Use him to pepper them whether or not you want him. I have to run, my guy is back.” Sharon had said before disconnecting the call.
Looking at the secretary now it was obvious the secretary wanted to get a rise out of her, but she wasn’t going to give her that satisfaction. Like Sharon had said, ‘Area nuh dey carry last’ so instead of being angry, Kathleen pasted a smile on her face and glanced down at Amanda, “What do you think I should prepare for dinner? What is your daddy going to like?” She asked loud enough for the secretary to hear.
“Daddy likes the spaghetti you made this morning. He said it was very delicious.” Amanda said, falling into Kathleen’s plan without knowing.
“Really? He tasted it?” Kathleen asked curiously, as they both sat down on the waiting chair opposite the secretary who was seeing things with anger.
“Yes.” Amanda said bobbing her head, “I want you to teach me how to cook like you and daddy.” Amanda remembered to add.
“We will ask your father if you can join me in the kitchen when I cook this evening. So we can prepare something delicious for dinner.” Kathleen said as Pete’s office door opened.
Kathleen noticed the guilt and embarassment on Pete’s face the moment he saw her, before she saw the reason for it. Both sides of his lips was shining like he had just finished eating, and her lunch flask in his right hand told her what he had just eaten. Her lunch!
Like the man actually had the nerves to eat the meal she had prepared for herself!
“Daddy!” Amanda exclaimed happily as she left her seat and jumped at him, oblivious to what was going on in both Kathleen’s and Pete’s head.
“When did you get back? Why didn’t you come inside?” Pete asked as he carried Amanda and gave Kathleen a pleading look, which she interpreted as a plea to not embarrass him.
“I was…”
“Sir I’ve been able to reschedule the meeting with Mr Ike and he said he will be available by 11 AM tomorrow.” The secretary quickly cut in before Amanda could say anything to her father.
“That’s okay. You’re here to see me?” Pete asked Kathleen as he turned to return to his office.
“Yeah. It’s closing hour already, I wanted to know if you had another appointment or we can go home now?” Kathleen asked, sounding more friendly than Pete had expected. He had thought she didn’t want to be seen with him, so what was she up to this time? Was she doing this because of what he had said about not caring what people think or was it because of their revised contract? he wondered as he glanced at the wall clock.
“I’ll just shut down my system and then we can go home.” Pete said before walking inside the office with Amanda, leaving Kathleen alone with the secretary.
“Are you really sure you want to do this with me?” Kathleen asked as she faced the secretary who was shooting daggers at her with her eyes.
“Do what?” The secretary asked.
“Whatever game it is you are playing. I’m not interested in the boss if that’s what all this is about… but I’ll like you to know that Ann the more you push me, the more attractive he becomes to me. So I’ll suggest you don’t push me too much, or who knows? I might just end up marrying him and getting rid of you. Don’t try this nonsense with me ever again.” Kathleen warned before turning to leave the secretary who looked surprised by Kathleen’s threat.
THE MIRACLE I NEED : Episode 31 – 40
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