CHAPTER 5

JUST ACROSS

UDO's POV

Song: How deep is the Ocean-How blue is the sky by Frank Sinatra

I was there again with her
We held hands again, I was able to see that smile of hers once again

She indeed came back
It was our favorite place in the universe

Just I and her, like old times

I've dreamt so long for this day, it was indeed a dream come true

Then she fizzled out again, just like before

Her smile gradually faded off, My grip against hers became loose and loose and loose

She was leaving me yet again

"No! No! Please don't leave me again, Please don't leave me again" I said with a voice laced with pain

"Please don't let go" I said as I gripped her more firmly this time

Then my Lids were open

Oh please don't tell me I was dreaming, please don't

I took a quick glance around the room, it was painted white, in fact everything was white including the Upholstery from down the Sheets on the bed to the medium sized Couch

Wait! Am I dead?
Is this Heaven, definitely not like I imagined

But my grip was still firm, firm enough not to let her hands slip again

So it was real then

I looked up to clock eyes with her for a moment

Whoa! Hell no! It was her again, like you know the Zara girl

Wait what is she doing here?What am I even doing here?,Where am I?. I threw questions at my Subconscious continuously

"Could you let go of me" she said with a sharp tone

I got back to my senses and I let go of her

Why was i holding her anyways? Few moments back I was with.....

"Oh at least you are awake now" she said drawing me out of my reverie

"Uhmmm...Yeah I guess" I replied

"Could you please tell me where I am and what I'm doing here" I asked with a calm voice trying to put things together.

"I never knew you could be this humble" she said with a slight chuckle
"Well you are at my house" She added

Wait! What did she just say

"Whoa! Slow down lady, how did I get here? Wait did you kidnap me" I asked with a little sarcasm

"Heyyy Don't be over Dramatic" she said

"Damn! Why's my shirt stained with blood" I asked as I looked down to my Flowered patterned shirt

It was deeply Red now

"So you don't rem....."

"Hey Zara, Vanessa and I want to step out for a little bit, Cassie is still at the sitting room,we'll be back in a bit" Leonard cut in as he stepped into the room

At Least there's someone reasonable here

"Broooo your here too" I said with an excited tone, Glad to see my buddy indeed

"Hey Udo your are up already, Thank Goodness I was getting worried already" he said

Wait why would he be worried?

"Okayyyy wait hold on! I'm lost can someone please explain what's going on here?" I said obviously confused

"Zara do the honours" Leonard said

"Okay, here we go" She said
"You do remember saving me from those thugs yesterday night right?"She asked

Thugs? Oh Thugs!
Wait was she the girl I saved, No!No! It can't be

"Wait don't tell me you are the girl I saved, please don't" I said with a pout

"Well yeah I'm the girl you saved" She said with a slight smile

"Oh shit" I said out loud

"If I knew it was you, I wouldn't have even bothered" I said directing a piercing glance at her

"Blah Blah Blah, That's all you say" She said

This girl's just pathetic, she can't even say a Proper Thank you

"I guess that's how your Mum thought you to say Thank you" I said noticeably pissed off

"Hey! Don't you dare bring my Mum into this" She retorted

"Hey! Hey! Hey! You both should calm down, Don't start your ranting again" Leonard said trying to salvage the situation

"Bro! Let's get out of here, whatever this place is called" I said while getting to my Feet

I was almost on my feet when I felt a Sharp pain on my Head

"Ahhhhh" I screamed as I squirmed back to the bed

"Sorry bro, are you Okay" Leonard said as he briskly walked forward towards the bed side

"Yeah i doubt I am" I said as I heaved my hands to my head.

Whoa! Is that a Bandage I feel on my Head! Oh it must have been the Hard hit I received yesterday night
Gosssshhh.....All in the name of lending a helping hand to someone who isn't even a bit grateful

"So basically, You saved me and in the process you got Injured then i dragged you to my car and drove you down to my house because the hospital is a 30 minutes drive away from GRA Estate. That's basically all that happened" She continued with a pout.

"Now you can leave my house, Your welcome is due enough" she continued

Ooh this girl has got nerves
Hmm....to believe she calls this Hut a house.

"So that's what happened huh" I said as I slightly gave a Nod

"So Leo let's leave" I said with a slight anger in my tone as I gave out my arm to Leonard for support

"Hey Udo, broo! Calm down I want to talk with you about something it's Urgent" He said with a shaky voice

"Urgent??" I asked in a curious tone

"Bro I just literally rose from the Dead a few moments back" I said with sarcasm

"Hahaha very funny" He added

"Okay then, Miss Zara you can leave us be now" I said sarcastically

"What! In my house" She muttered audibly

"Yes in your house" I said as I threw a glance at her

"No! No! It's about her actually" He said

"Oh really, Interesting" I voiced out as she shot me a deep glance

"Ok here's the deal, I want Miss Zara here to join us at Black-prints for just a month, it just a month" He said as he emphasized on the "Just a Month".

"What! You can't be serious" I said, my voice laced with Shock

"Where's this coming from Leonard" I continued

"Udo hear me out, she'd be of great help. She's a newbie and she topped the Market's Chart at number 5 within Days" He said

"And come to think of it, with hands such as hers we can publish just he right book which we've been wanting to do for a while now" He continued as I stared at her blank face

He made some valid point here, but I don't think it's wise for me to work with someone who's simply rude. She'll probably spread her rude disease to my employees.
Leonard kept going on and on and on
I wasn't in the mood for this discussion right now, I kept receiving glances of the dream I just had, I was with her again. Is this a sign that she's back?

It's been a while since I've been there since she left me, I might as well pay a visit

"Now that's the way we would take to the high rankings, So what do u think about my idea" Leonard said but he's voice sounded distant

"Udo, Udo.....Udooooo" He stretched out my name as he shook me out of my reverie

"Were you even listening" He said

"Uhhh...hhh Yeah sure" I lied

"So what do you think of the proposal" He said

Wait! What proposal? Did he make one?

"Bro you know what just get her to the Office later today, it's a Sunday so let's say you guys should be there around 5:00" I said as I stood up from the bed with difficulty

I could see Zara swipe a smile
Hmm
What ever that was I don't care

"Ouch!" I said as I held my head and walked towards the door

"Wait hold on Udo where do you think you are going" Leonard said as I stopped in my tracks

"Bro I have to be somewhere urgent" I voiced out

"Urgent!!! Bro today's a Sunday, I don't think there are any meetings today besides I checked my schedule" Leonard said with a curious tone

"I never said I was going to the office" I said with a pout

Am I forgetting something...I thought as I felt the pocket of my pants and shirt pocket

"Hey has anyone seen my phone" I asked anxiously

"Here you go" Zara said as she handed me the phone

"Wait I don't even wanna ask but I must. What the hell were you doing with my p....."

"Hey before you go all Crazy mean guy, I just picked up Leonard's call when he kept on calling and calling" She cut In before I could finish my sentence

She's just so pathetic, Stalker much

"And you don't intend leaving in those clothes do you" She continued as she gestured to my blood stained shirt

Damn! So blood can be this thick...

"Do you now tell me what's good on me or not?, You didn't tell me you were a designer too" I said in a tone portraying sarcasm as I gave here an Intense look

"Oh please don't start now, I'm just saying because I don't feel comfortable with people seeing a Random guy walking out of my house with a Blood stained shirt, it'd send the wrong signal you know. You could as well change into the clothes Leonard got you" She said as she rolled her eyes

Wow! She just called me, Udo Michaels a random guy

"That's where you got it wrong, I'm no random guy" I retorted

"Leonard, what did you get me" I asked curiously

"Uhmm.....I got you a Grey Tux with matching pants and a plain black shirt with penny loafers" He replied

Well someone's been taking fashion lessons

"Bro you do know I don't where corporates on a Sunday right" I said with a strain in my voice

"Well that's a first" She muttered audibly as I threw her a death look

"You no what just tell Okafor to get me some Joggers and Nike Sneakers" I said

"Ok I'd put a call across to him now" He said and he dailed Okafor's number as he walked out the room

"I might as well take take a shower here also, I mean you want me to change my clothes so you have to let me take a shower here also" I said as I returned my glance back at hers

"You act like you own this place, well I might as well remind here's my Turf, I own this place and I built this place" She said, her tone a little higher

Ohh I see what she did there, I've used those same words on her back at Blue Collars

"For a girl you sure know how to keep grudges" I said with a pout as she scoffed

"Well I wasn't trained to be Mean, so yeah you can use the shower just try not to break anything" She said

Ah Udo you have suffered ooh

She was about walking out through the door, when I quickly stood in her way, she was like inches close to me, very close, then she threw a glance at me and mine met with hers yet again. I stared into those blank eyes of hers, A pair of Phillipsburg branded glasses would sure fit them perfectly. Have I really been Oblivious to the fact that she scented of blueberries.I took a step closer to her and she took a step backwards, I took another step closer and she withdrew again. I could tell her heart was on a racing lane, I could hear it Thud. But Why?
I lowered my head slowly and down to her ears

"And what do u think you are doing" She said in a shaky voice

"Tell Leonard to add a towel to that list as well" I whispered into her Ears

Then she shoved me off and walked briskly out of the room

Oh wow that was fast, never thought she'd do as she was told without giving me an earful

"Thank you" I yelled as she walked out through the door

It wasn't long till Okafor stopped by with the clothes and Towel, he even added a toothbrush and a paste

Wow quick thinking
Was it his idea or Leonard's?
Well why should I bother

I quickly took a shower and put on the clothes Okafor delivered. He brought a Dark grey joggers and a White Nike Sneakers.

Hmm....Is he taking Fashion lessons too
Perhaps I'm beginning to rub off on everyone around me...I thought as I smiled to myself

I walked out of the room, confused on which route to take left or right

Wow! Maybe I was wrong it was a really big house
O'Cmon you must be joking, Udo Michaels can never be wrong, isn't Yours way bigger than this? It's a hut compared to yours.....My Subconscious retorted.

I must say he's right oh yeah I'm right.... it's my Subconscious after all...I gave out a slight chuckle obviously enjoying the Convo in my head.

Just then Leonard ran up through the stairs

Whoa! Has that been here all these while?

"Oh! Bro you are done already" he said in a surprised tone

"Yes I am, Bro could you get Okafor to dryclean this and hand it out as Charity" I said as I handed him my blood stained Cloth

"Yeah sure, no problem" he replied

Then he led the way back downstairs

I could see a light skinned Young Lady and a little girl when we got downstairs. The light skinned lady kept gawking at me.

"Zeee I thought you went to get dressed? But you came back the same, meaning my after birthday part might not hold today anymore,We should just have gone to Blue Collars during my birthday" She said in a sad tone...I could spot a tear drop down her cheeks.

This means it was this little girls Birthday which was cancelled that night

Gosssshhh....now I feel guilty

But if it wasn't for this Zara and her ego, she'd still have had her birthday Party over at Blue Collars.

Now the tears were flowing rapidly out

"Hey honey don't cry we'd eventually go" Zara said in a soothing voice trying her best to calm her down

Then Zara looked up to me as if to say I'm the cause of all this, she was trying her best to hold back the Accumulated tears in her eyes

All these Emotional Ladies sef

Now I feel I'm part of the reason she didn't get her birthday.

I walked down to where Udo was and took a restaurants free coupon card from him then I walked towards the little girl and I lowered myself to her height then I asked

"Little girl what's your name?"

Then she looked up to me still crying

"C-Ca-Ca-Cassie" she sniffed and stuttered as she replied

I brought out a handkerchief and the Card

"Here's a free Coupon card owned by Blue Collars, Stop by anytime and order anything you want, it's all free" I said as I handed her the card which she slowly took as she threw me a confused glance

"Now wipe your tears" I continued as I offered her the handkerchief

I could spot Zara in shock through my Side eye

I was about leaving when the girl said something

"Sir, this card has no expiration date and how did you get this" She asked

Hmm...she sounds Smart

"Let's just say I know the owner of blue Collars" I said with a slight smile

She squeaked in excitement as I walked out through the door and Leonard followed suit

Heyyy.....I didn't lie I do know me

"Hey I'd come pick you up at five so we'd head to the office" He said to Zara as he rushed out

"At least tell me where you are going" He asked briskly

"Hmmm...." I'd tell you later

"What about you, where are you headed now" I asked

"Wouldn't it be fair if I'd use your answer against you?" He said as he gave out a Smirk

"Well I'm headed home, I need to rest then afterwards I'd pick Zara up" He continued

Why's this guy so insistent on Zara working on Black-prints?

"So should I call Okafor to come drive to wherever you are going" He added

"Bro give that guy a break, I'd take an Uber" I said with a pout

"Ok then" he replied

Just then my phone buzzes up with Mum's text

"Stop by the house now, someone's here"

Mum always has a bad timing, I'm sure if I'd go there now she'd yell at me for not attending the event last night

"Bro change of plans, I'm headed to Mum's House" I said as I placed a call for an Uber

"Oh now you tell me where you're going, what's the reason for the change of heart" He asked as he gave out a mild laugh

Funny you.....Note the Sarcasm

It wasn't long before the Uber guy arrived and I hopped in

",No.14 Festac GRA Lekki" I said voicing out the address

"And could you please not say anything or ask any questions or give any opinion or exclaim either" I asked

Yeah it's been a routine for me ever since I entered the Uber where I met the pure water boy. That man couldn't just keep Quiet.

We soon arrived at Moms place, it was a silent drive indeed

I paid the Uber guy off with a 5k Tip for Keeping quiet all through the drive

Damn! It's been a while since I visited here

I could see the Lawn still neatly Cut as always, the Spacious serene Environment still at it's best

Well if a Mansion doesn't have a serene Environment then it's no Mansion I tell you

I quickly walked to the front door then I rang the doorbell

It didn't take a minute and the automated Doors let itself open.

I walked down through the Brightly lit Passage then into the sitting room

I walked in to meet Mom in the Living room with someone,a guy about my age

His face looks familiar, very familiar at that but I couldn't place where I saw it

"Hey Mum" I said in a blank tone

"Why didn't you attend the function yesterday, I made it clear that you were to take the speech, what happened?" Mum Sparked as I kept mute as I always do when she does rant and rant on

"And what the hell happened to your head, I don't want any Journalist coming up with a News that you got I to a fight or something, I've always said you should be careful but you don't hear" She Continued while the guy stared with a smirk fixed to his face.

"Let what happened yesterday night not repeat itself again am I clear?" She said as she raised her voice

"Yes Ma'am" I replied

"Next week's the Masquerade ball for the Publications signatories, Writers, Editors and the rest of them I'm sure you are aware. Do make sure you attend that event because the would be so many Journalists in attendance and I'm not asking." She said, sounding fierce as always

"And Get one of those your numerous girlfriends to come along with you, I'm tired of seeing the News feeds of you being Lagos's Most Successful Bachelor and you should be tired too. Perhaps the Journalists might come up with another news about your relationship status." She added

Now she's going too far

"That's by the way, I just wanted to tell that your Junior brother is back" She said as she gestured towards the young man and he stood up

Now I was really confused, who's this guy because I don't remember having a brother,Last time I checked i was an Only child

"Hello Brother" He said as he walked towards me

"Sorry but I'm lost, Mum who's this guy" I said and mum shot me a death glare

"Don't tell me you've forgotten me already" He continued

"It's Stephan for crying out loud" She said with a sharp tone

Wait! Stephan? Oh Stephan I can recall his face now

Stephan is my cousin, that's if he still has a right to that name. He's not really a person to mingle with well for me though. We used to be very close to the extent people took us for brothers, They'd call me the Senior because I was a little bit taller than he was and him the Junior.We did practically everything to together, he was basically my right hand man. I took him as a brother but he stopped being that when he went up against me and took my initial Companies idea as his and running off to England where he built the largest and most reputable Publications "Readons Publications" over there. Cunning Fool!
He has got nerves showing his face back here

"Hello Cousin" I said with a bit of sarcasm

"Hey why are you so formal now, I thought you'd be Ecstatic to see that your lil bro is back" He said his smirk more broader this time

"Don't you dare call yourself my Brother because I might as well give you a punch so hard to make you forget your name" I said with an angry tone

"Hey Slow down little Man, hold your horses I didn't return to fight anyways" He said as he slowly paced around the living room

Hmm... Little Man

"Then why did you come back' I asked in a curious tone

"Well that's a Nice question, I'm setting up a branch of my Company here at Lagos" He said with folded arms

Fool! He wants to play in my own turf huh!

"Ok that's good for you then" I said with an overriding sarcasm in my tone

"Mum if that's all can I leave now" I asked Mum who had just kept mute to all that went down now

Obviously she knows we weren't in good terms then why did she bring me here, I hope she doesn't have a fantasy of re-uniting a brotherly relationship between us once again, Yeah she has tried severally to get us in talking terms again all to no avail.

"Mum Lend me one of your Cars I'd send it back to you later today" I said, obviously I didn't have time to hire another uber, I should have taken my car if only I listened to Leonard.

"Hey don't tell me you wrecked your car, Don't worry my new Lambo is getting shipped down, I'll place an order for yours as well all bills on me" Stephan said, a the fixed smirk still on his face

Can this guy hear himself right now. Like I've never used a Lambo, is that what he's trying to Imply

I could order five of them right now if I wanted

"No thank you, I don't need anything from you" I said trying my best to be calm

I directed my glance back at Mum, for her reply on her lending me one of her cars. Then she threw me the keys

"It's the Cadillac escalade " She said

"Okay Mum thanks" I said as I walked out briskly

Now I have to get to that place right now, It's been a while I can't wait

I quickly started the ignition and about to drive off when Leonard called

"Bro we are at the Office and you aren't here yet" He voiced out from the other end

Why is everyone's timing bad today

"Ok I'll be there in a sec" I said as I hung up

I drove down to the company while I thought of what Mum said about bringing a lady along

Hmm... Lizzy's out of town, Stella too, I recently deleted Pierson's Number so I can't reach her now.

So who the hell am I taking to the ball

I turned of the ignition as I dropped the car at the company's parking lot
I took an elevator up to the last floor where my Office was

Ding! The elevator clicked as it stopped at the No.60 the last floor

Then I walked out and opened the doors of my office to meet Zara and Leo sitting.

"Welcome bro, what took you so long" He asked

"Nothing, just traffic" I lied

"So what's your decision" Leonard asked

"How many books have you published internationally and locally as a Newbie" I asked directing the question to Zara

"All together 15 books" She said

Hmm... Not bad for a Newbie but it's not good either
And ' The Bride of Misery' topped the Market's Chart at number 5...... pretty nice

"So what would you bring to the table if you partner with us" I asked

"Well I had a feeling you'd ask that, so I prepared a list of what I'm bringing to the table" She said as she handed me the list

She came prepared indeed

"Hmm.... interesting These are nice story lines I must say" I said

"Well thank you. Mr.Udo" she replied

"I'm not done but if you'd have to work with us these Story lines would have to be brought to our Standard, don't fret I'll help with that" I said with a smirk

They were really deep story lines, I know a gifted person when I see one

"Ok then welcome to Black-prints publications for oneee monthhh, Leonard would prepare the paper works,read through and sign" I said emphasizing on the one month as I walked towards the door.

I might as well use this opportunity and take her along to the Masquerade ball, it's not like I have a choice.

"And Yeah you would be joining me for the Masquerade ball next week" I added

"Oh O-Okay" she said

I could hear her mild Squeak for Joy as I walked out through the door

Hmm....Tipical Newbie......I thought as I gave out a Smirk

I took the elevator back down to the ground floor and I walked out of the Company building and into the Car and off I was to Deluxe's Coffee Cafe.
Strangely that was our must favorite place in the world.
___________________________

I walked in through the Glass sliding door of Deluxe Cafe

Wow it's been ages
I could scent the finely moistourized Coffee fresh from the industry

Mhmmmm........Feels good

I walked down to our seat besides the huge glass window screen, it was our permanent seat at the Cafe. I literally bought that seat as a share in this Cafe but after she left it was of no use.

I sat there as I recalled Old memories of her and I

The waiter took my order of a slightly strong black coffee, just the way she loved it then

I was now sipping the coffee, I could visualize her imaginary self doing so besides me then I looked out the huge windows as we used to. The Pedestrians seemed to have taken a break from walking today.

My eyes went to the lady across the other end of the road, I reluctantly shoved my glance off

Wait! Wait! I know that lady

I glanced back towards the end of the road, it was her truly
She was before my eyes again and it wasn't even that far

She was Just Across

I quickly rushed out of the Cafe and was about running to meet her at the other end of the road
About Crossing through the pedestrians lane, A Black Prado Jeep Suddenly passes by hindering me from crossing over to the other side where she was

After it passed, I directed my glance towards her end of the road only to find out

She wasn't there anymore

Wow this is one Long Chapter...
I hope you guys Loved♥️ it

Who's this girl Udo keeps talking about?
What do u guys think about Stephan?
Do you guys like the idea of Zara signing with Udo's Company?

Hey guys it's MIGUEL HERE♥️
How y'all doing?
How's the November Vibe coming along?

I'm really sorry for the Late update 😔🤧
I'll always try my best to update early

Don't forget to vote, comment and share ♥️
Lots of Love from Miguel ♥️

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