Leri's ringtone blared the next morning, hence waking her up against her very own will. All she wanted to do was to smash her phone for making so noise at 6am in the morning. Or perhaps, it was the person calling she would strangle.

With half of her eye closed, she reached for the phone, answered the call and placed it on ear.

"Hello, who's this?" she said rather aggressively.

"It's me Ojite. Leri you're trending." The voice at the other line said with enthusiasm.

"Ojite which trend are you referring to because I'm sleeping." Leri misinterpreted. Her brain, which was only half awake had picked out the only word 'trend' from everything Ojite said.

"No," Ojite said sharply. "YOU ARE TRENDING. Everywhere on Instagram, even naijablog posted you."

"Eh!" Leri snapped out of her slumber and in that brief moment, she stumbled to the floor. Trending on Instagram as a Nigerian had three meanings; 1. You're a celebrity, 2. You did something highly noticeable and 3. You embarrassed yourself in public and someone decided to video you.

Leri's heart began to pound. Did she do anything embarrassing? She wondered. How is someone like her trending?

"Just come online and see for yourself." Ojite said before hanging up.

Leri didn't even bother to get up from the floor as she turned on her mobile data and tapped on Instagram.

Notifications blew up her screen. She had over three thousand new followers, over ten thousand likes on her article on Dahlia Kagabel, and tons of tags. Her heart exploded with warm bliss as she scrolled through the comment section. People loved her article. They didn't drop hateful or negative comments.

Leri felt like she was in heaven. Numerous writing blogs and even the number one entertainment and gist Instagram page, naijablog, posted her article, a whole her! She couldn't believe it.

She climbed up her bed and hadn't fully settled when another notification appeared on her phone from her email. She quickly opened the application, hoping it was from one of the numerous companies she had sent her Cv to.

However, it wasn't. What it was made Leri scream in shock excitement and seconds Later, Iyanu barged into her room with an irritated expression on his face.

"I was on a phone call!" Iyanu complained, "Why did you scream like that?"

"Dahlia Kagabel foundation sent me an invite email." Leri stuttered as she spoke while pacing around in circles, "they sent ME an email. Me? Iyanu me?"

"Why?" Iyanu asked, "What did you do?" he inquired blankly.

"Today's 16th july," Leri muttered absentmindedly, "I have to make my hair, fix my nails....."

While she was muttering to herself, Iyanu had picked up her phone and scrolled through. "So she's inviting because you wrote a story about her? What's the big deal?"

"What's the big deal?" Leri snapped at him, "Imagine if you did a cover for a post Malone song and he invites you over to house." She grabbed his shirt and shook him, "Iyanu this is a huge deal to me. Dahlia is my Idol!"

"Geez Geez, Stop shaking me," Iyanu held her hands, "I understand and congratulations."

Leri however shook him the more, "Iyanu I look like trash. Look at my hair, my face, even clothes I no get." She wailed.

"Calm down sis."

"I can't." She stamped her foot petulantly, "I have to be there in three days' time and I'm so unprepared. This is so surreal. It feels like a dream." She cupped her cheeks with both palms. "Iyanu pinch me to confirm if I'm dream -"

She hadn't even completed her sentence when a she felt a sharp pain on her left arm. "Ouch." she jolted while rubbing the spot, "Are you mad?"

"You said to pinch you." Iyanu shrugged noncommittally.

"That doesn't mean you had -wo, never mind. Abeg borrow me some cash."

Iyanu chuckled, "You didn't even ask if I had cash with me first."

"I know you do."

"Well sorry to disappoint you sis, but I don't." Iyanu turned and was about to walk out of the door.

"Then I'll tell Mummy you were the one who took and finished Chivita juice from the fridge and also, the leftover small chops."

Iyanu froze on his steps and spun to his sister's direction.

Leri smirked and crossed her arms over each other, grateful she had his attention.

Iyanu cleared his throat, "H-how did you know?"

"I was on my way to get water that night when I caught you tiptoeing to the kitchen, so I trailed after you."

Iyanu swallowed nervously. His face broke into lines of sweat.

"Just imagine what would happen after I tell her," Leri sighed and shook her head at the thought, "I predict she'll strip you off money for a while."

Iyanu's eyes widened.

"Well you can go if you want sha." Leri concluded as she walked over to her mirror, leaned in and began examining her face.

"Er how much exactly do you need?" Iyanu questioned quietly.

Leri spun to him with a beam on her face. "Twelve thousand naira."

"I can only spare 8k." Iyanu said.

"Ten" Leri narrowed her eyes at him. "It's ten or no deal."

Iyanu let out a long exasperated sigh while running his hand over his head before finally agreeing.

"Follow me." He muttered reluctantly.

They arrived at his room minutes later and Leri had to admit she was impressed at how neat his room, neater than hers even. Her baby brother was growing into a neat responsible man.

His room was the same size as hers, cream in color with Post Malone and Quavo's posters everywhere. Once upon a time he pasted a picture of a bikini dressed Gorja Smith, one look at it from their mother and it was gone.

"Turn around." Her brother said, snapping her into reality.

"What, why?" she raised a brow at him.

"So you won't see where I keep my cash, duh."

"That's very childish of you." Leri retorted but turned anyways.

There was ruffling, drawers opening and shutting, and finally Iyanu told her to turn around once more.

She complied, to see him handing over a wad of cash. She counted it before giving him a peck on his cheek. Iyanu rolled his eyes and groaned.

"Oh and by the way, I'm trending on instagram,"she squealed, "your sister's popular." With that, she sashayed towards her room.

The day finally arrived, slow but it was worth it to Leri.

She checked time on her phone screen and saw it was 9:30am. Her uber driver would be around in about ten minutes.

Leri checked her reflection in her full length mirror in her room once again. She picked out a wine colored fitted knee length gown with puffy sleeves. Her hair was plaited into long brown box braids that complemented her complexion. Leri was slender, but not skinny and wearing a knee length gown like this was an obvious reminder of how full her legs were.

Leri smiled and her reflection copied her actions. Though her smile was confident, she was nervous. She was anxious. Her mind kept wandering. What type of person was Dahlia kagabel? Was she going to like her?

She drew in deep breaths trying to compose herself. Everything was going to be fine. It has to turn out fine. She wore makeup today which usually added confidence to women. She had to tap into that charm.

She wore her white hand bag over her shoulder and slipped into her white block heels, which was one of the most comfortable shoes ever. She sprayed one last round of perfume over her body.

Then, she stepped out.

Silver Fort was the one the most luxurious estate in Lagos state, located in the heart of Lekki housed by various celebrities and even politicians. So many dreamed of just stepping into the estate either by chance or through invitation.

Leri counted herself part of the fortunate as she stared in awe at the buildings-mansions towering in the sky. It was truly a place of reverence.

"Rich people just dey enjoy for this life." Her uber driver whistled at the sight of the buildings, "E sure me die say these houses go cost like five hundred million naira each, and person go tell me we dey suffer for this country."

Leri was still too stunned to speak and reply the driver. He was right. Getting a house here was extremely costly. She wasn't surprised at the cost, but damn it was worth it.

The vehicle changed course to the road on the left until they arrived at the fifty fourth mansion in the estate. Dahlia Kagabel's residence.

Leri stepped out of the vehicle and paid the uber driver as she bade him goodbye. Dahlia's house was the number fifty fourth in the estate and she stared at it nervously as she rubbed her palms against each other. Her mansion was very intimidating and she had no idea of what to do at that point. Should she knock?

She saw a figure approaching, but through the iron bars of the gate it was impossible to determine the gender of the person.

Her heart was beating as loud as drums that moment, and she had to shut her eyes in order to compose herself. She took deep breaths in and out.

"Miss Ilerioluwa Ekundayo?"

The feminine voice made her snap her eyes wide open. She surveyed the petite lady smiling beside her.

"Just Leri would be fine." Her voice came out throaty full of edginess.

The petite lady smiled in response and stretched forth a hand, "My name's Ogechi Umeh, you can call me Oge though. I'm Dahlia's personal assistant."

"Nice to meet you." Leri accepted the handshake with enthusiasm.

"As well, you." Oge replied, "Thank you for coming and accepting our invitation. We are so glad you made it."

Leri laughed, "this is not an invitation worth missing."

Oge chuckled, "Shall we then." She gestured towards the entrance of the gate and Leri tailed behind her.

"Although I must confess, you look different in real life compared to your pictures." Oge said once they were in the compound.

Leri stared at her, "a good difference or a bad one?"

"Good." Oge replied with a smile which Leri returned.

Leri studied the compound, a neat one with car park spaces suitable for four vehicles. The compound wasn't huge, in fact it was moderate with trimmed shrubs along the edges.

To be sincere, she'd expected more. She expected something flamboyant.

"Is anything the matter?" Oge cut into her thoughts, "your expression looks disappointed."

"This is just not what I expected," Leri confessed, "I expected something flashy and loud."

Oge sighed, "I'll have to remind you that before they became celebrities, they were normal people and they still are."

Leri stared at her thoughtfully and Oge continued," Dahlia is a very simple person behind the bling and instagram fame. You shouldn't be nervous."

"But she's The Dahlia Kagabel." Leri emphasized.

"And you have been given a rare opportunity so many are hoping for. Be wise."

Speaking of opportunities, Leri thought before inquiring, "Why am I here?

Oge's lips twitched in silent amusement, "I'm in no position to disclose that particular information, but you'll know, soon enough," she pushed open the entrance door and rush of cold air conditioning embraced her.

She strolled in.

Inside Dahlia's home smelled of citrus fragrance. She walked past the waiting room, into the sitting room and the mere sight made her jaws drop.

It was simply exquisite and spacious. The tiles were pristine white with silver and red cushions placed on it. The curtains were a blend of off - white and silver. All side tables and center tables were made of glass and lined with silver.

"Please have a seat," Oge offered and Leri who was still lost in the sight, sat down slowly.

"What would you like me to offer you?" Oge asked, "snacks, food, drink?"

Leri shook her head, "A glass of cold water will be just fine," she smiled.

Oge called on the kitchen maid for the request, then she tapped on her ipad.

The cold water was refreshing and rather sweet making Leri wonder if it was because she was drinking the water in Dahlia's home or rich people's water naturally tasted this way.

She had downed a full glass and was about to turn another when her ears picked up footsteps that, accompanied by a voice that was getting louder by the minute.

"Tomiwa that wasn't the deal. They agreed to pay me 45% of the profit made and so far, I've seen just 10%. I would like to know the reason why?" Dahlia's voice was calm, but coated in frustration.

The bottle of water nearly slipped from her hands as she stared wide eyed at her idol. She was perfect. No argument otherwise.

Even though she was on a phone call, looking every bit of plain in her polka dotted pajamas and matching bonnet, her self confidence in the way she walked and talked made it difficult for Leri to look away.

Her chocolate skin remind Leri of glass. Smooth, glowing and effortlessly flawless. Dahlia was perfection and even though she herself was fully dressed, she felt her body insecurities surfacing as she compared herself to Dahlia, who had the perfect figure and shape that would make any guy stare.

Leri shook the thought away. She had to focus and not look vulnerable. She had to fully optimize this golden opportunity.

"Urgh these brands!" Dahlia rolled her eyes before fully assessing Leri with a smile and she instinctively rose.

"No, no, none of that," Dahlia shook her head with a gesture of her hand, "Please sit, I'll do the same." And so she did.

"It's an honour to finally meet you Dahlia," Leri rushed her words, "I'm a huge fan."

Dahlia laughed. "Thank you." She gestured to Oge sitting on the opposite sofa who passed her another ipad. "I'm full of joy right now because I'm finally meeting the brains behind this brilliant article and let me start by saying I love it and you're very talented."

Leri didn't know when she started grinning. Dahlia had just complimented her and heart was running an emotional marathon race in her chest.

"Thank you so much," Leri voice came out raw and full of emotion.

"But you don't look yoruba though." Dahlia pointed out.

"My great grandmother was igbo." Leri explained.

For as long as she could remember, people had always asked her that question. Perhaps it was because of her fair skin that made them doubt if she was Yoruba or it was the fact that her parents and brother were chocolate in complexion which attracted a lot of attention to her. Few people even assumed she was adopted, they were too blind to notice that even with her fair complexion, she looked exactly like her father.

She confronted her mother when she was fourteen who explained to her that her great grandmother was not just igbo, but also her complexion.

"Oh no wonder." Dahlia nodded. "So tell me, how did the inspiration for this article come up? Tell me about you?"

Leri sat up properly before speaking, "I graduated with a mass communication degree at the University of Lagos and once in a while, when I get ideas, writing comes easy to me, she paused, "I've been a fan of yours since day one and you really inspire me, that was how I began to write the article."

Dahila opened her mouth, about to communicate when sound of the door caused all heads to turn and see who was coming in.

Dahlia heaved a sigh of relief, "Tomiwa, thank goodness. How did it go?"

The stranger, or Tomiwa rather, replied as he came into the sitting room. "They assured me it was a mistake and they apologize. They promised to rectify the amount before day end today."

Dahlia nodded in relieved satisfaction, "Thank you," she gestured towards Leri. "This is Ileri Ekundayo, the writer of the article about me," she gestured towards Tomiwa, "This is Tomiwa, my financial assistant."

Financial assistant? Personal assistant? Nawa o, Leri wondered, Celebrities were funny people.

She and the stranger locked eye contact and she could detect something in them, doubt.

"It's nice to meet you," he said with a stretched palm. He had a deep baritone voice.

"As well, you." Leri accepted it without breaking eye contact. She would not allow herself to be intimated by this stranger.

"Anyways," Dahlia laced her fingers and crossed her legs. "I invited you for two reasons. First, I wanted to see you, and second, I believe we can collaborate."

"I will be travelling to South Africa next month where I will required to give a public speech. I want you to write that speech."

Silence hung in the air. Leri couldn't believe her ears, hence was unable to say anything.

"Tomiwa will transfer some money to you. Take it as my appreciation for this article and hopefully the beginning of our successful collaboration."

"I..I," Leri stammered. The universe had given her the best job ever. Working with Dahlia Kagabel. Her whole body shook with anticipation and her heart overflowed in gratitude. "Thank you," she said finally, "I accept your proposal. I'll write the speech."

Dahlia's face broke into a triumphant smile, "Excellent. Oge will give the details about the topic of the speech and Tomiwa will get your bank account details in order to transfer the money. I look forward to working with you Ileri."

Yeah, yeah I'm back. 🤪🤪❤️

Don't forget and vote, comment and vote😤☺️❤️

Glossary

1) I no get. - Pidgin english meaning I don't have.

2) Wo. - Yoruba word meaning see.

3)Rich people just dey enjoy for this life. E sure me die say these houses go cost like five hundred million naira each, and person go tell me we dey suffer for this country. - Pidgin english meaning rich people's life is all about enjoyment. I'm very sure each building is costly and someone will tell me we're suffering in this country.

4) Nawa o - Pidgin english used to express surprise.