UWA

"How far? Any news?" Nimi asks, taking her seat.

"Nothing o. Hmm.." I shrug. It's been one week now and I guess their we will get back to you was as I predicted.

"And we have approximately two weeks left to make complete payment for the treatment. What do I do now?" I place my hands on my head in fright.

"Calm down, you hear. I will look for something from my side too. Highest, we will split our incoming salary if they pay early and survive on the remaining money. Right now, all we need to do is pray that they pay us on time since next weekend is end of the month." She says, trying to comfort me.

"What will I do without you? Thank you." Honestly, I am grateful.

"Babes, don't mention. We are not bestfriends for nothing. Besides, when I had serious issues the other time, you helped." She says, shrugging her shoulders.

"Goodnight o. Let me go and sleep. You know a girl has Lekki to go to tomorrow." I am feeling sleeping already and it is even 9pm. Let me sleep well, at least till next weekend again before I get to rest like this.

"It is not only a girl. It is a human being." She says, laughing behind me.

Not forgetting to set my alarm, I change into my night wear and sleep.

The next morning, I head to work. Nothing special, except of course, my energy giver AKA my cup of coffee. My creme de la creme.

During break time, I receive a call from an unknown number and jolt up to answer it. I have been hyperactive lately whenever I hear my phone ring, silently hoping that it is 'the call'.

"Hello." I say to the caller immediately I pick up my phone.

"Am I speaking to Miss Abieyuwa?" A man's voice says.

"Yes, you are." I reply.

"This is Dr. Douglas from University of Benin Teaching Hospital, calling on behalf of your brother, Osato Omozuwa." He says.

"Okayy.." I draw out.

"This is just a reminder with respect to the complete payment for his treatment. You have little time to complete it, ma'am." I know and I don't need a reminder of my inabilities.

"Thank you, Doctor. I will come up with the money before then. Please continue treating him." I plead.

"Alright. If you say so." The line goes dead.

I let out a heavy sigh, just thinking about the current situation. To even eat is a problem as the food has lost its taste in my mouth. I just stare at the plate of rice and meat in front of me and slide it away from my view, clearly bothered. I will never forgive myself if Osato does not survive this illness.

God Almighty! You have seen my heart. Please I need your divine intervention in my life right now. Nimi said not to be bothered but I can't help but worry about it and that is completely normal.

My phone rings again and I look at it to see another unknown number. I just hiss and make a decision not pick it up, not in the mood to give myself any false hopes. The ringing stops and soon enough, it starts again. Who is this one now? Mtcheew. Just before the ring tone stops, I decide to pick up.

"Hello." I say into the phone.

"Hi." The voice of a female says.

"I am positive I am on the phone with Miss Abieyuwa Gift Omozuwa." She adds.

"Yes, you are. Please who am I unto?" I ask, confused.

"I am Natasha Wilson calling from the Human Resource department of Jimdey Firm. We sent you a mail on Thursday to confirm your availability for the job you got interviewed for two weeks back but we got no response from you and today is already Monday." She says. The words rush in my head and the one thing I can register in my mind is that I got the job. Putting the call on mute, I stand up to squeal, also jumping in the process. Curious eyes of the other customers here in the eatery turn to my direction but I really don't care.

"Hello? Hello? Are you still there?" I hear her faintly say and unmute the phone, placing it back on my ears.

"Yes,yes. I will take it. Thank you." I say with alot of excitement in my voice. I could not just hold it.

"You are expected to be at the office tomorrow by 8am to discuss your salary, some other necessities and resume work." She states.

"Alright. Thank you."

"Have a lovely day, Miss Abieyuwa." She says to me.

"Thank you. You too." I end the call, still in shock. I do some shaku shaku moves because of how excited I am right now.

Finally, my divine intervention. All that is left is for me to figure out a way to break the news of my resignation to Madam because I don't want it to be like Remi's situation. Let me even check my mailbox. I click on the gmail folder to check for the message and I see none. Are these people joking with me or what? Hmmm.. Please no one should scare me. Then it clicks. Spam! I check the folder and lo and behold, the message is there, it reads Thursday.

JIMDEY CONSTRUCTION FIRM.
Dear Abieyuwa Gift Omozuwa,

Congratulations!
Following the interview conducted, you have been selected for the position of the new Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer of Jimdey Construction Firm. You are expected to resume work in the next two working days if you are still interested in the said position or send a declination mail indicating your lack of interest. Best of Luck!
Welcome to Jimdey.

Best Regards,
Natasha Wilson.

For:
Donald Harrison,
Head of Human Resources,
Jimdey Construction Firm.

I bounce slightly in my steps as I walk back to 'Ihe's place'. I pause to take a good look at the entrance before breaking into a grin. So today would be the last day I get to work here? Unto greater heights!

While I still have the courage in me and not ready to chicken out, I head straight to Madam's office and knock on her door.  I hear muffled voices from within but she gives no reply. I knock again and still nothing from inside. I just shrug and turn to go back since it seems she is busy.

"Come in!" She says in a loud voice and I go in.

"Good afternoon, ma." I bob a curtsy and she just signifies with her hand for me to sit as she is still busy, currently on a call. I sit and quietly wait till she is done.

"You want to say something?" She asks, raising her eyebrows.

"Yes ma. I got a job elsewhere." I state without hesitation, before I change my mind.

"I don't understand." She says.

"The day I called in sick, I actually had an interview that day, ma and I got the job." I reply, unconsciously fumbling with my fingers. She stares at me for a long time before sighing deeply then finally, she speaks up.

"You could have just told me the truth. What company is that?" She asks.

"Jimdey." Her eyes widens at the mention of the name before she quickly clears her throat.

"Well, I expected this day would come, considering your qualifications." She lets out a sad smile as she says that.

"I guess we would have to look for a replacement for the vacancy. Goodluck with your new job." She says.

"Thank you so much for your understanding, ma." I am glad she took it lightly. We both walk to the main parlour to inform the other workers.

"Announcement! Uwa will no longer be working with us." As she finishes the last word, Kelechi breaks into a dance.

"Chineke Idinma o, Idinma, Idinma o, Idinma-ah, Idinma, Idinma eh.." Madam glares at her immediately.

"Will you shut up. Ten thousand Naira fine."

"Ehen. Good for you." John says, laughing.

"John, be warned. Uwa got another job and it is my duty as a good boss to allow her pursue her dreams. Vacancy is now open for a new masseuse and while we are at it, also a new manager." Madam finishes.

"Bad omen. Even as she is leaving, she still made someone's salary get  deducted." Kelechi mumbles under her breath.

"What did you say?!" Madam asks, glaring at her.

"Nothing, ma." She replies, scratching the back of her head.

"Better." Madam shoots back.

I smirk at Kelechi and she glares back at me. Phew! I am finally out of this place, moving to better things by God's grace.