Creativity from the heart
I have been wanting to do a post like this for a while now, so I am thrilled that this week’s Top Ten Tuesday topic is pushing me to fianlyl do it. I love bookish websites and apps, and I am excited to share a few of the ones that I have found helpful. I […]
Online Resources for Book Lovers
For my book clubbers, here’s book resources for you. Thank me later with some PENny
Rich and wealth are generated from the mindset. Ask me how?
There are two major mindset that either help you grow or keep you redundant. These mindset manifest in the way you perceive the world, how you think and what your definition of success is. Needless to say that how you see the world or what goes on around you is how you accept situations that happens to you.
The two mindset are involve in how a simple belief has power to transform your life. In the next paragraph, you are going to understand these two mindset the more.
The first mindset is;
Reading through the book of psychology of success, I got to know that not only that your mindset determines how you view life, but it also determines your growth, your learning flexibility and how you get rich.
A fixed mindset create room for a belief that assume qualities are permanent, carved in stone. It also create an urgency to prove yourself over others.
This mindset is set on the belief that traits, intelligence and qualities that we have can’t change. The evaluative processor of this mindset always create a need for confirmation of situation from our intelligence, personality and character. It is usually based on questions like; “will I succeed or fail? Will I look smart or dumb? Will I be accepted or rejected?”
According to a guru of intelligence, he says “the major factor in whether people achieve expertise is not some fixed prior ability but purposeful engagement.”
Anonymous
A fixed mindset does not apply instead it compare.
The second mindset is;
This mindset is the optimistic and positive mindset which gives room to change and adapt to situation.
In contrast to fixed mindset, this mindset gives room to the belief that no quality or trait is fixed. It believe change can happen if there’s application. I.e, the cultivated effort to change basic qualities.
People with this mindset believe you can be anything you want to be with proper motivation, education, application.
This mindset also hold that with passion for learning, one can develop a skill to it’s full potential.
The Hallmark of growth mindset is the passion to stretch yourself, stick to it even when it's not going well.
You can submit your answers here.
Success begins with your mindset
MENTAL HEALTH IS UNDERRATED❗
It’s a popular trend and even a quotable quotes to hide your pain and say you are fine. Eeeh! What will you gain?
It is popular to assume that it is only the mentally sick people that needs to be treated but what about those that smile from miles away but their mind is deeply troubled when they are back in their quarters?
“Depression is nothing” I hear people say but truly depression is real! It is something that kills faster than a shot gun.
How many cases of students have we heard from our local and foreign universities, that have subjected themselves to drug abuse, self-harm and depression because of stigma, academic failure, domestic violence, abuse, social suicides and all those secret battles they can’t fight again.
Some of them even result to suicide or they become sociopath/psychopath.
The society has taught people to say “Yes” even when they wish to say “No,” show people their pain and just let go of the reins.
The society has taught “I’m fine” when indeed, they are not fine and would love someone to care more deeply for them.
Some people only let loose of their struggle pants once they are in their closet.
In public, they girdle themselves so tight that you won’t see a crack in their fine face but truly, there’s pain behind that mask.
_*It is dream of every students to do well academically and live in luxury after long years of studies.
Especially the ones that have watched the struggles of their parents but promised to make it in life no matter the circumstances.
The mantra they chant, ” _I will never let my background put my back to the ground.”_*_
Tell me, how many students who have chant the mantra, before COVID and post-COVID can still raise that mantra to heavens?
Or have they join the mantra in heaven?
Hmm. So sad that students have to bottle their academic struggles.
Today, as we celebrate the liberty we wish to give our mental health, let’s remember that we all have stories, similar stories of how we fought, conquer and live to tell the story.
Happy ” _KeepMentalHealthiness”_ World Mental Health Day
An excerpt from my new book that shows resilience, victory after a battle with depression.
What is worse than heartbreak?
What makes a child hide behind the curtains?
What makes a man hide his talent, beauty behind the veil?
“Behind The Veil” is a story that will touch the deepest part of your soul as you read about pain, struggle, resilience, hope and victory
https://selar.co/azm5
BUILDING A HEALTH LIFESTYLE AND RELATIONSHIP There are basic qualities of life that are mostly underrated but they are always the most important things of life needed to build a strong and healthy relationship and a healthy Heart. Life’s true gift lies in the most basic quality of life and until we see them in […]
8 ESSENTIAL BASIC QUALITIES OF LIFE — Healthy Heart Matters
Check out My new blog
Hello lovers of dark suspense and mystery story!
Hello to all my wonderful followers, subscribers and readers of my blog!
I bring you good news that you cannot refuse. New story alert!!!
I’m sure you are all worried as to why I bad it has taken me to give you another interesting read but be rest assured, this new story is not your regular love story.
It’s neither a love banter but a killer suspense-packed and filled with lots of riddles, crackles of tensions and loads of mystery.
Are you ready?
Do you have what it takes to read such mystery and not faint?
If you dare, Read on! The Mystery
CHAPTER FOUR
Alex P.O.V
I rolled out of bed and landed on the ground with a loud thud
“Ughhh” I groaned in annoyance as i managed to get up. My head was banging and I was seriously hung over.
I finally got up, and took comfort in my bed again as the events of the weekend came pouring in.
I woke up to a bottle of scotch on Friday morning. Today makes it exactly two years that my brother was involved in an accident that claimed his life few hours later. I’ve always blamed myself for his death.
“I’m so sorry,” I whispered brokenly to no one in particular as I took another huge chug from the bottle
“I should-n’t ha-ve reacted t-hat way….. all I felt was r-age coursing through me at that moment,”
I was full on sobbing now, as I continued to drink.
I was done with the drink in no time. I wiped my tears from my face and decided to get another one to numb the feelings of pain, guilt and remorse I was feeling at the moment.
I got to the refrigerator only to discover that there were no drinks there
“What the hell!” I shouted angrily.
I knew who was responsible for this so, I immediately went in search of my phone from my bedroom and dialed his number
He picked on the first ring, and without giving him a chance to talk, I lash out on him
“Care to explain what happened to the drinks in my refrigerator!” I boomed
“Hey…. Take it easy, man” came his calm response
“Dude, I’m not taking anything easy with you until I get my drinks back, and I want them back now!” With a click I hung up.
He knows better than to ignore me.
Exactly five minutes later, I heard my apartment code being punched in, and my best friend, Frank stepped in.
He came faster than I thought he would. Well, he’s just an apartment above mine, so I guess it was easy for him to just rush down here.
I don’t know if I can call him that though, ‘best friend’? Is he really?
Frank is the first guy I made friends with when I moved to New York almost two years ago. He was the only one that got stuck with me all through the mess. Although I’ve made a lot of friends alongside him.
What Frank knows about me is just the bit of information I told him which is not the entire truth about me. After what happened before I came here, I decided to close off on everyone except my elder sister, Claire.
My parents are as good as dead to me after what happened. So, I guess he can be considered as my best friend.
I grabbed the drinks out of his hands as soon as he was within my reach, and placed them back in the refrigerator. I grabbed another bottle of scotch and went to join Frank on the couch.
“Easy man, you were like this around this time last year too…. Are you ever going to tell me what happened?” he asked, his voice laced with sympathy. One of the things I hated, I don’t need anyone’s sympathy or pity!
I chose to ignore him instead. I mean, what made him think I would ever give him a reply to that. He asked me this same question last year and I practically shoved him out of my apartment. What would make this year any different?
We both sat down in an uncomfortable silence until he decided to grab a drink too.
Frank was a responsible drinker though, so he ended up having to clean up my mess when I got drunk.
I continued my drinking habits all through the weekend with Frank looking out for me, ensuring that I’m okay.
You can also check out previous chapters;
“I must have drunk a little too much last night” I groaned in annoyance again
A special ring tone I assigned for my sister burst through my phone speakers, and I scrambled out of bed to get it from among the pulse of my things on the floor by the door side.
“Hey” I greeted with a dry throat.
“Hey? Really? That is no way to greet your elder sister, buddy” she remarked
“Really? Why don’t you tell me how?” I teased
She let out a little laugh at the other end before she delved into a conversation I was hoping to avoid
“How’re you holding up, buddy? Is everything fine with you over there?” she sounded agitated. She hates not knowing.
I cleared my throat “I’m good sis, just a little hung over. Nothing a tablet of ‘M’ won’t fix” I told her sincerely.
I heard her release a long sigh before she stumbled word
“Alex…”
then she broke down in tears. I couldn’t stop my tears too, so I joined her. We both missed our brother dearly, there’s no denying that.
Few minutes later, after crying and consoling each other, we hung up on a note where she reprimanded me on my drinking habits.
I placed my phone on the table and went in search for an aspirin, My head was killing me.
After downing the aspirin with a glass of water, I hit the shower for a much needed relaxing bath. The cold water cascaded down my body and relieved me of some aching nerves. I washed off with the body lotion my sister sent over to me.
She has practically become the only ‘parental figure’ in my life after the incident that severed my ties with my parents. Although, they had tried to reach out to me over the years, I ignored them. They chased me out, so what more did they expect from me.
My body was boiling as the incident kept recurring in my mind. I shut off the shower in annoyance and got out. I grabbed a towel to dry myself off and immediately threw on the first shirt and jean my hands came in contact with from my closet.
Once I got everything ready, I grabbed my phone, wallet and keys and made my way out of my apartment. I saw Frank in the parking lot as I was about driving out.
“Hey, buddy. Can I ride with you?” he pleaded,
I just gave him the look that said ‘like you needed to ask’.
He got the message and hopped into the passenger’s seat.
“Your sister called me earlier this morning, she wasn’t able to get through to you. Have you spoken to her now?” he asked me as I resumed driving
“Yeah, I did. I spoke to her few minutes ago” I replied as a smile made its way to my lips with the thought of my sister fretting over me.
My sister has been the one catering for my every need ever since I walked out of my childhood home. Well, technically I was chased out. She’s an independent woman and she’s happily married to the love her life, they’re expecting their first child in four months time. I’m so ecstatic, I’m going to be an uncle!
Read more…Chapter two, Chapter three
We got to school in record time and I drove to my parking space as usual but I got shocked at what I was seeing.
Now, you would imagine my surprise when I saw another car parked in a spot I’ve claimed for myself over a year ago.
“Whoa, whose car is that?” Frank asked, I could tell he was surprised too
“We’ll find out soon, not to worry,” I replied with a smirk
This person is going to be sorry for parking here. I have a reputation here at school and no, I’m not a bully. I just have a way of getting what I want, whenever I want it.
My father’s name has proven to be quite useful for me, Leman. He’s the CEO of LEMAN CORPS- a Pharmaceutical company. The man is a billionaire, no doubt but I don’t need his money. His name has gotten me out of sticky situations a number of times.
I decided to park my car somewhere else. I bade Frank farewell as we went to our respective classes.
I was eight minutes late already, so I walked hurriedly to class.
On getting to the class room, I didn’t think twice before I grabbed the door knob and snapped the door opened.
Apparently, the class was already ongoing as everyone’s attention was now focused on me. What a great way to start the day.
Professor Harrison looked at me with a slight disgust on his face before he said “Good morning, Alexander. It’s nice of you to grace us with your presence this morning”
The sarcasm in his voice didn’t go unnoticed. I grunted in response and made my way to the back of the class, my usual spot. I met a lady on my seat, yeah my seat.
As I approached her, she kept staring at me in confusion. I noticed her hazel eyes as I got closer
“Hello pretty eyes, do you mind scooting over to the other side?” I asked her politely.
SOULMATES is an episodal blog post story written by Olaoluwa Oluwafunmilayo (A participant of the just concluded content writing class organised by COMFLO MEDIA CONCEPT.)
~~~~CHAPTER THREE~~~~
…
“Nice of you to give me a name already” the lady said smiling.
She opened the door a bit wider for me so I could step in. She dropped the towel from her hair which made me realize that her hair was blonde and not black like Brenda’s.
Her hair was wet, she must have just stepped out of the shower.
“I’m Lillian by the way, but my friends call me Lily and you must be Isabella Briggs” her voice called to me again, drawing me out of my daze.
“Nice to meet you Lily, I’m Isabella but you can call me Bella” I introduced as i was beginning to warm up to her cool way of talking.
I still couldn’t get over the fact that she looked so much like my best friend. There’s a saying that people do come in two’s but this is just too much resemblance.
The only difference I’ve noticed so far is their hair. Also Lily is a little tan while Brenda is caramel white. Could they be related somehow? I wondered as I spot out the little difference between them.
I brush the thought aside as soon as it came up and left it as a discussion for another time.
She smiled lovingly at me and even her smile was just like Brenda’s!
God…. What was happening!
“Nice to meet you too Bella” she greeted kindly again whilst looking behind me…
“where are your bags?” she inquired after she noticed me with none
“Oh shoot! They’re in my car downstairs” I had totally forgotten about Mark!
“Whoa! Your car? Way to girl!” her face lit up, she raise her right hand for a high five and my left hand met it halfway. I like her already.
“Yeah, I just got it from my dad” I smiled at her as I made my way out of the room, she followed me and we both went down the stairs.
The hostel had four floors and I was staying on the second.
“Awwnn, you must be daddy’s girl then” she breaks the silence as we trudge down the last few stairs. Her voice a little dreamy just as I approached Mark who was standing beside the car. I didn’t give a reply to her statement.
“I’m so sorry for keeping you waiting, Mark” I clasped my hands together in front of my face as I stood directly in front of Mark.
He gave me a small smile and said “It’s no problem ma’am”
I squinted my brows at him in confusion “Ma’am? What did we say about the name calling, Mark?” I folded my arms on my chest like a child throwing a tantrum, I raise a questioning brow. He stared back at me, surprised at my childishness.
He let out a small laugh that reached his eyes “Sorry, Bella” he corrected himself
“Better” I chided, and drop my arms back down.
I turned around to see Lily just staring at our banter. I immediately apologized and introduced her to Mark as my roommate, while Mark introduced himself as my dad’s chauffeur.
Lily and I helped ourselves with the boxes while Mark got the bags as we made our way back up the stairs.
Getting back to our room, I was able to take a proper view of it now as my attention was quite taken by Lily earlier.
The room was almost the same in size as my room back at the pent house. Although from the way it was structured, it’s evident that it was designed for two people as everything in here was in two’s. From the beds to the reading table, the closet, a small vanity table and even the shoe rack. There were two doors on the left side of the room which must be the bathroom and the restroom.
The walls were painted a light shade of pink horizontally, and aqua blue vertically. Dad must be at work here again, I thought to myself as a small smile made its way to my lips.
Once all her bags and boxes were in the room, Mark decided to take his leave.
“That’ll be all, Bella. I’ll take my leave now and I’ll see you around”
“Thanks for your help Mark, I really appreciate. My regards to Blake and Mrs. Carol” I said to Mark as he stepped out of the room.
I heard a “Will do” before the door was shut behind him.
“Alright girl, let’s unpack!” Lily said with so much enthusiasm that I couldn’t help but to laugh a little.
Two hours later we were done unpacking, and arranging my stuffs where they should be.
I arranged my clothes myself while Lily helped out with other things.
“Wow! These outfits are going to get heads turning” she admired the outfits in my closet
I turned from my trail to the washroom.
“Heyyy, No way. These outfits are nothing out of the extraordinary” I refuted her sleazy remark as I went over to her to check out the outfits as well.
The clothes were normal clothes that any average student like me would wear. They don’t seem to be anything out of ordinary or even scream ‘wealth’.
My dad was rich and I pretty much got anything I wanted without requesting for it. Of course, I can dress exotic if I want to.
Although, My dad got some of these outfits for me personally, but Brenda and I had gone shopping for the rest.
Lily kept on admiring them letting out a ‘wow‘ from time to time.
I shook my head at her and left her there to grab my phone so I could call my dad.
He picked up on the second ring and his gruff voice rang through.
“How’s my princess doing? Settling in well, I hope?” Dad asked me
“Yes, dad. I’m doing great. Besides I’ve just unpacked my stuffs. My roommate, Lily assisted me” I told him smiling slightly even though he couldn’t see me
“Wow! That’s so sweet of her, my regards to her. Princess, do not hesitate to call me in case you need anything, okay!” it sounded more like an order. I stifle a giggle with a throat clearing.
“Definitely dad, you’re the only one I’ve got anyways”
I regretted those words as soon as they left my mouth because I heard my dad’s sharp intake of breath
“Princess, everything will be alright okay” Dad’s voice came through again after some seconds but his voice was anything but reassuring
I reply with a sad sigh “Yes, dad. Take care of yourself. I love you and I’ll definitely keep in touch”
“I will dear. I love you too, you do that and I’ll do so too”
Dad told me I had to go to the administrator’s office tomorrow morning to get accustomed to all I’ll be needing in school, after which we talked for a few more minutes and said our goodbyes.
Lily was done admiring my outfits by the time i was done with the call. She came over to my bed where I sat and blurb down on the bed.
“Hey, why don’t we go grab something for dinner” she said as she made herself comfortable on my bed.
“Sure, why not. I’ll just freshen up, then we’ll go” I said standing up to go to the bathroom to freshen up.
“Mhmmm… this has to be the best burger I’ve ever tasted” I told Lily as I savor another bite of my burger.
We decided to just get burger and cola at a small store few blocks away from the campus, instead of getting a heavy meal to eat as it was already quite late.
“What! You’ve got to be kidding me” Lily said looking at me with a surprised expression
“I’m serious! The burgers in California don’t taste as delicious as this” I told her with a serious expression. “I could eat this all day” I sighed contented and dreamily kept munching on my burger.
Lily giggled and just kept on eating.
We were done a few minutes later and we decided to head back to the hostel.
We had drove down here in my car. I moved towards the driver side but Lily stopped me as she cleared her throat. I see her look at anything but my face. ‘Is she nervous?’ I questioned her change of act.
“Uhm, do you mind if I drive us back” Lily asked me, not so sure I would allow her but I burst her biggest bubble. I am not a meanie
“Sure, why not?” I smiled as I handed my key over to her
“Thank you so much!” she said giddily as she pulled me into a hug before hopping into the driver’s seat.
With a smile still etched on my lips, I made a turn around the car and hopped into the passenger’s seat. Once we were both settled in, Lily put the car in ignition and drove us back to the hostel which was about twenty-five minutes away.
“So, what’s your schedule like tomorrow” Lily asked me as we got settled into our respective beds
“Uhm, I have to visit the administrator’s office first thing in the morning to get my time table and get acquainted with other stuffs” I told her
“Alright, I can help you with that, but we have to be up early because I have class by eight” she said as a yawn escaped her mouth.
“Thank you so much, I really appreciate. Good night Lily”
She muttered a “Good night” which was barely audible. I guess she’s tired, I thought.
“Shoot! I haven’t spoken to Brenda all day” I whispered quietly to myself so I wouldn’t disturb Lily.
I quickly dug out my phone to check the time. It was almost 11pm, which means it’ll be around 8pm in New York which is still quite early.
I sent a quick text to Brenda promising to call her first thing in the morning. I couldn’t wait for her response before I drifted off to sleep.
“It’s absolutely the same; the structure and all” I told her as I kept on driving
I was currently on the phone with Brenda. My phone was connected to my car’s speaker so I was able to concentrate on driving and talking to Brenda simultaneously.
Lily is beside me in the passenger’s seat but she has her earphones on.
We woke up quite early this morning and we were able to grab breakfast from the cafeteria downstairs.
Lily made a comment on my outfit this morning, she said I looked ‘hot’.
I’m dressed in a black skinny jean, a white crop top that has the words ‘I love Miami’ in black ink on it and I paired it with my black combat boots.
My golden locks are in an uptight pony tail above my head and my make-up was casual, with just lip gloss and mascara.
Lily wasn’t looking too bad herself. She was wearing a yellow summer dress with white gladiator sandals, and her blonde hair was cascaded down her back with little curls around its tip.
“Wow, I’ll really love to come over some time to check it out, especially the pent house” Brenda said excitedly
“You can come over during the break, or thanksgiving or even Christmas. There’s an endless list of options really” I told Brenda
“Sure, sure, you can look forward to my visit. We’re going have lots of fun” she said raising her voice a little.
Just then, Lily tapped my arm signaling that we’ve reached our destination and I should park. I nodded my head at her
“Bren, I got to go now. I’ll talk to you later”
“Alright dear, I better catch on my beauty sleep then. Talk you later Bel”
“Yeah, later”
With that, I hung up and parked my car.
Lily and I alighted from the car and made our way to the administrator’s office.
Twenty minutes later, I was seated in my first class that should kick start in five minutes.
Some students were here already and since I didn’t know anyone, I took a seat on the last row at the back. The class isn’t big anyways; it’ll probably contain a total of 80 students, though it’s very spacious.
I was studying Business Management while Lily is in Arts & Drama department. We parted ways after we left the administrators office. I got all I needed and I was able to locate my locker also.
Just in the nick of time for the class to commence, students started trooping in and the class was almost filled in no time.
Once every one was settled in, a young man that seems to be in his early forties stepped in.
“Good morning class” he greeted us as he adjusted the spectacles on his face, and placed his books on the podium in front.
“Good morning sir!” we all chorused
“I was informed a new student was joining us” he said as he scanned the whole class.
I was about to raise up my hand but he beat me to it when he said “The student should see me immediately after this class”. I took note of that and kept to myself.
Just as he was about to continue addressing us, the classroom door snapped open and a guy walked in. He was wearing a navy blue t-shirt with its three top buttons, unbuttoned, it was fitted to his body like a second skin.
His jet black hair looked like he ran his hand through it a few times. He had a black jean on and he paired it with a black Jordan.
All in all, his looks screamed ‘I am a bad boy, stay away!’
Professor Harrison looked at him with a slight disgust on his face before he said “Good morning, Alexander. It’s nice of you to grace us with your presence this morning”, there was a sarcastic tone to his voice, but the guy just grunted in response and he made his way over to where I was sitting.
To be continued…
Author Note:
Hi guys, thanks for reading SOULMATES. In the prologue of this story, i introduced two characters and so far, this story has been from Isabella’s point of view (POV). From the next chapter, I’ll be introducing Alexander’s POV and I’ll be interchanging their views in subsequent chapters.
CHAPTER TWO
It was particularly chilly this evening in New York as my dad and I made our way from the airport runway. The flight was a smooth one as I slept almost all through.
“Our ride would be here soon, Princess” my dad announced as he just got off the phone with someone.
“Alright dad”.
Few minutes later, a black BMW 330 model parked few meters from us. A man dressed in a corporate attire stepped out from the passenger’s seat and approached my dad.
“Good evening Mr. Briggs, I’m Blake from DEBRIS CORPS and I’m here to accompany you to your residence” he said all in one breath that I couldn’t help but think that he had been practicing his lines. The thought brought a small smile to my face.
“Evening Blake, it’s nice of you to come get us. Thank you very much” my dad responded casually.
“It’s not a problem sir, I’m just doing my job” he said and my dad just nodded in response.
“This way sir, ma’am”, he gestuted us towards the car.
Am I the one being referred to as ma’am here? That is very weird…. I mean, am just 18 for crying out loud.
I gave Blake a small smile and walked behind my dad to the car.
He immediately opened the door for us but my dad told me to get in first. I pulled my jacket tighter around my front as I took my seat, my dad following suit.
The car was cozy on the inside as the air condition was on full blast.
Blake got the one travelling bag I came with to place it in the trunk.
The driver introduced himself as Mark as he put the car in ignition. My dad and I also exchanged pleasantries with him.
“We’ll be taking you to DEBRIS CORPS sir, the pent house is where you’ll be residing except it’s not to your liking” Blake informed us as soon as he got buckled in.
“That’s alright, let’s be on our way then” came my dad’s response and I looked at him shocked
“A penthouse!” I whispered loud enough for him to hear
“That’s what he said, princess, I don’t know anything about this” my dad said grinning
“Wow!” I muttered to myself and kept quiet for the rest of the journey.
DEBRIS CORPS is a textile company specialized in the design, production and distribution of yarn, cloth and clothing. They convert Fibre into yarn, and yarn into fabric. These fabrics are dyed or printed, fabricated into clothes which are then converted into useful goods such as clothing, household items and various industrial products.
According to what my dad told me, the branch in New York had not been making much profit for quite some time now which is why he was sent here. My dad is really a genius in this business and I’m proud of him.
After a car ride of almost two hours, the car pulled to a stop in front of a gate. I snuck my head outside the window to have a view of the building we were headed, and my jaw was left hanging open.
It was an exact replica of DEBRIS CORPS back in California but it seems to be missing a few floors. The branch in California had fifty floors in total as it was the Headquarters, but this one seems to be around twenty five floors as I immediately counted it.
The car came to a stop in an underground parking lot after going through the security check-in.
Blake got the door for us and ushered us into an elevator that was nearby. He pressed the button and security codes and straight to the pent house we went.
As soon as the doors to the elevator opened, we stepped out and I was in awe of the sight before me.
The interior designer must have put in their very best here. This floor allowed an open view for the kitchen, the dining area, and the sitting room also. The walls were painted white with specs of gold around every corner. It was extremely beautiful. Floor to ceiling windows could be seen around every corner as some curtains in the room were slightly drawn.
Our house back in California was cozy and homey because mom had personally decorated it.
Just as my mind was about to start going down memory lane, dad called out to me
“Princess, why don’t you go to your room and freshen up, so we could have dinner”
I looked at him and smiled, then proceed to search for my room as my dad was discussing with Blake.
The first door I opened was an office which I assumed was my dad’s. I closed it and walked further down the hallway. I opened the door on the left and the first thing I notice was the queen sized bed in the middle of the room.
“This is definitely my room” I muttered quietly to myself as I stepped inside and closed the door behind me.
I saw my bags and boxes neatly arranged in one corner, closed by the closet.
The room was just like my room in California, from the aqua blue paint on the wall, to my walk-in closet, my reading table, everything was just the same. It’s just that, this room was slightly bigger than my old room. My dad is definitely behind this, I thought.
As I was still trying to get acquainted with my room, I heard a slight knock on the door.
Thinking it was my dad, I told the person to come in. Blake stepped in and pulled in my bag too.
“I just wanted to give you this” he said, handing my bag over to me.
I thanked him politely. He was about to leave when he said “Mr. Briggs said you should be out in twenty, dinner will be served.”
I muttered a quiet okay and he left.
“Wow! Who prepared this?” I asked my dad who was sitting across the dining table.
He smiled at me and said “The housekeeper did. She couldn’t wait for us to arrive as she had to be with her family”
My mouth formed an ‘O’ as I went back to my meal.
Apparently, Blake was assigned as my dad’s personal assistant as he’s been in DEBRIS CORPS for a while now. My dad dismissed him for the day after he came out from my room earlier.
Once we were done with our meal, I cleared the dishes and made my way into the kitchen. I loaded the plates into the dishwasher and in no time, I finished with washing. I dried my hands with a napkin and I went to join my dad on the couch.
He put his phone aside as soon as he felt my presence and faced me
“Hope you enjoyed your flight?” he asked me, avoiding eye contact.
I couldn’t help but notice that my dad was suddenly acting nervous.
I scooted closer to him and took his hands in mine, “I enjoyed the flight, Dad and I’m fine, there’s no need to worry too much about me” I told him looking straight into his eyes.
His body seemed to relax a little after that, he released one of my hand and gave me a slight pat on my hair as he spoke, “I just want everything to be okay princess. I’ll be with you every step of the way; you just need to let me know when anything is bothering you. Promise me you won’t keep anything to yourself”
I gave him a small smile and responded “I promise dad”. He embraced me after that.
I know why my dad is concerned. I’m not quite close with my dad because he was always busy with work. Although, he was always there when I needed him, my mom was there always.
She was my best friend, my gist partner, my everything which is why I mourn her loss every day. A single day does not pass by that I don’t miss her.
My dad has been trying to fill that void in my life ever since my mom passed but it just wasn’t the same. I’ll give my dad the credit though, he’s really been an amazing dad.
After what seemed like forever but was only a few minutes, my dad pulled away from the hug as he started briefing me about college. I’ll be resuming college on Monday, and I was already three weeks late for classes so I had a lot to catch up on.
“Mark, will be here to get your stuffs over there tomorrow evening, so that you can be fully settled in by Monday”
“Okay, thanks dad. I’ll go talk to Brenda now and go to bed” I told him getting up from the couch.
“Alright Princess, good night, I’ll see you in the morning”
I kissed my dad on both cheeks, whispered a good night and went to my bedroom.
I called Brenda as soon as I was settled on my bed, she picked on the first ring.
“El!” she screamed into the phone. I had to distance the phone from my ear a little before placing it back.
“What the hell Bren?!, you almost damaged my eardrum” I scolded her
“Sorry, sorry, I was just so glad to hear from you” she said giggling
“I’m glad to hear from you too B, I miss you so much already” I sounded so sad
“You know what?… let’s skype” Brenda suggested and I jumped at the idea. We hung up and I got my laptop out from my bag.
In five minutes, we connected and continued our discussion from where we left off.
I couldn’t keep up with her as it was almost midnight here while it was just 9:00pm in California. Bren wanted us to keep talking but I told her I was feeling sleepy and I’ll call her in the morning. She wasn’t too happy about that but she agreed anyways.
I shut down my laptop and placed in on the corner of my bed as I was too tired to get up.
I pulled my blanket over my body and drifted off into a much needed sleep.
Sunday morning came and my dad had to come drag me out of bed for breakfast. I sent a quick text to Brenda before going to the dining room, after my morning routine of course. Mom made it mandatory that I brush my teeth before breakfast every morning.
The tantalizing aroma of bacon, waffles and eggs hit my nostrils as I took my seat at the table. Our house keeper- Mrs. Carol introduced herself to me and I did the same.
I dished out my meal and ate with gusto. It was absolutely delicious and I ate it to the last bit.
After our meal, my dad told me to get dressed as he wanted to give me a tour of the company. I was excited and went to get dressed immediately.
Blake came around sometimes later and he joined us.
At around 2:30pm, we were done with the tour so I went to my room to arrange my bags for school. Mark will be taking me there. I was going to be staying on campus as it’s a two-hour journey from here. Going to and fro from here would be quite hectic.
Good news! Dad’s car arrived here earlier and he handed the keys to me!. I was overly excited!
I was overjoyed I finally own a car i can call mine. I thanked him profusely for it and peppered his face with kisses. He was so cute with his emabarassed face.
Mark was driving me to school. It was almost 5:00pm. Dad wanted to drive me down personally but I told him he didn’t have to. We got there faster than I expected and we made our way to the hostels.
I approached my floor, counting numbers on the doors to lacate my room, once I found it, I knocked on the door slightly as I was told I had a roommate.
A voice responded behind the door “I’m coming, just a moment please”.
A moment later, the door opened slightly, I saw a white towel first before a face came up.
My eyes widened as I stared at the lady before me, only one name came to mind at that moment,
“Brenda?”
Class Project 3
My short story project by Mrs Ojoko
Title: NICK OF TIME
Bimpe and Tayo were half sisters. They were from the same father but different mothers. They are of same age, attend the same school, in same class level and often wear same dresses. They were like twins. Often times they go places and do things together.
There was a day their mother (Bimpe’s mum) came back from work and announced to the two sisters that she will be taking them to Kingsway Stores the following day. The girls were so excited that they hardly sleep throughout the night.
The next day, they had dressed hurriedly and they looked pretty in their casual wears but their mother asked if they really were ready to go and they bounced their heads up and down in affirmation.
They both chorused “ready mummy, we can’t wait to get there”.
The girls chatted throughout the drive to the store. The store was a storey building complex where all sections of wants and needs are displayed.
The girls skidded ahead of their mother to start shopping. They were moving from one section to the other looking at everything on display, enjoying themselves but never losing sight of their mother who was busy picking what she also needed.
An hour later, the girls even though excited at everything picked, were very exhausted and it was a relief when their mother said,
“it’s time to go, girls” and they answered “yes ma’am”.
The girls were about to step feet into the elevator that will take them to the upper floor where they can get snacks and coll drinks, the girls using the rails for balance.
Suddenly, a girl out of the blues, pushed Bimpe from the back. Loosing her balance, she tripped and almost fell down on elevator but for quick intervention of their mother, her life was saved at die minute.
Within seconds, people gather round them, scolded the girl that did the pushing before even asking why on earth she would do such a thing.
Eventually, the girl was taken away by some security personnel as she couldn’t render an apology or a valid reason for her action.
Could it be that, it was a planned work?
Everyone was confused and Bimpe was left utterly disoriented as she couldn’t believe she could have fell through the elevator bay.
The people around made sure all was settled before they dispersed.
Well, a day that started so good almost ended in tears.
A good day would have turned sour in a Nick of time.
Comflo Media Concept 