FARIDA

Monday morning came. Another work week. After the wedding on Saturday, I could not help but reason in my head. So, the wedding is the 'official' event that he had to attend? This man can lie sha. The lie is the same reason why I scoffed when he spoke just now.

"Since we could not go because I was unavailable, let us go there tomorrow. Meanwhile, head of retail management and lubes, give me your last week sales report." His eyes meet mine when I scoff and he holds my gaze for a while before dishing out his orders. He just wants to remind me he is boss. I know only him saw me when I rolled my eyes. Well, that was the purpose as it was directed at him.

"We were able to get enough siding trucks to our stations during the weekends as reduction in pump price has sky rocketed sales of PMS."

"Okay, next." He speaks. Tsk.

"We sold 5 million Litres last week."

"There was a slight problem with Offa but it resolved."

"And did you update me on the problem?"

"No, Sir." I answer reluctantly.

"The next time any issue arises, update me. I need a report on that. Is that clear, Miss. Lawal?" He says with a stern voice.

"Yes, Sir. And also," My voice is cut short by his.

"Head of Lubes, your feedback." Victor starts talking, telling him all they achieved last week. I could not even finish what I had to say because of the attack. He wanted to embarrass me in the presence of these people but he does not know that you can't shame the shameless.

Letting out a snicker, I don't miss how his head hangs due to the sound before turning his attention back to the other people present in the meeting, my focus goes back to the file placed in front of me, on the table. I don't miss the frown lines on his forehead. Lol!

The meeting soon comes to an end and we are all preparing to leave when I hear someone calling out to me. Turns out it's him; Mr. Bakare.

"Can I have a word with you, Miss. Lawal?" He asks in what I assume is supposed to be an intimidating tone. Lol!

"Alright, Sir." When the last person closes the door behind him, he clears his throat and speaks.

"I don't seem to understand you. What was that childish display during the meeting?"

"I don't understand you, Sir." My answer seems to piss him off more but surprisingly, he maintains his calm demeanor.

"This is a warning, Miss. Lawal." He waves his hand in dismissal, stands up to take his leave, making me the only person in the room.

The shrill ring of my phone is what welcomes me to my office. It's as though the caller sensed my presence, whoever it is. Picking up the phone, I smile before speaking.

••••••••••

Seeing as the office work had been stressful today, I decide to treat myself to some lunch from Briggs Chops. If you have ever eaten anything she prepared, you can testify how amazing it is.

After placing my order, I don't know what else to do because I am bored and have done every work I have got for now. I just open Netflix, browse through and pick a Sandra Bullock movie, plug in my earpiece and start watching. Seventeen minutes into the movie, my package arrives.

"Thank you, George." The security man nods his head and leaves.

Yum yum. I hum to myself, joyfully devouring the contents of my plate. The notification bar on my phone pops up.

Farida,

Please come over to my place after work today.

Theres something we need to discuss.

-Madam.

Hope nothing is wrong sha. I know I have done nothing wrong, except for annoying Mr. Bankole today. Unless he reported me to her, which I highly doubt. He doesn't come off as someone who would pull off something as childish as that.

Alright, ma.

-Me.

After responding, I finish up with my lunch and continue with what I was doing prior to eating. With the way time flew today, I wonder how the rest of the week will look like.

A call from an unknown number comes in and I just let it ring. When it rings the second time, I pick because I know it is not a mistake. The caller could be someone I know. Swiping the green call icon, I place the phone in my ears.

"Hello. Good afternoon."

"Good afternoon." First of all, how did she get this number? I blocked contact with all of them and now she is calling me.

"Please, who is this?" I pretend not to know who is speaking when in fact, I can never forget the voice of any of them.

"Farida, it is me, Tabitha." I know.

"Okay.." I stretch the word because I really do not know what to say.

"Farida, have you forgotten your sister so soon?" I snort. Sister? Nah, a sister would not do what this one did to me.

"Our dad is sick. Very sick. He pleads for you to come visit."

"Who is our dad? I don't have a family. So, why are you troubling me with your family problems?"

"How you so easily deny us, Farida. Many years have passed." I squeeze my eyes, not wanting to thread by that path. I refuse to think of it but truthfully, her call brought it back. A lone tear escapes my eyes but I wipe it off. I am a big girl; everything will finally be in place eventually.

The rain starts drizzling and in a blink of an eye, it starts pouring hard and fast. The down part is the fact that work hours have closed and driving in the rain is something I don't really like doing. I could have waited a little or taken Uber but there were two downsides. First is the fact that I need to be at Madam's house and second is the fact that I only take bolt when my car is at my house.

I heave a sigh as I open the car, getting in. Turning on the ignition, the vehicle comes to life and I smile slightly. This is going to be some ride. I'll just have to be careful. To ease my movement, I insert the address on google map and start following the direction. It says it takes twenty-five minutes to get there but, in this Lagos, I pray o. Let me just set my mind for a one-hour drive.

Managing the drive and the weather has been a hassle but so far, I have been doing just fine, also ensuring not to drive above the speed limit. My sweet problem void journey is quickly cut short when I feel another car hit mine.

"AH!" The driver tries to overtake me, not bothering to stop. Swiftly, I block the person and sharply pick up my Umbrella.

"It's like something is wrong with you o. You hit my car and want to drive off." I am already knocking on the driver's window. He winds down and mutters a 'sorry'.

"No. You have to pay for damages."

"Madam, ko shi lo. I already told you sorry. Abi what else do you want?" Ehn? I might not be a fluent speaker of the Yoruba language but I understood what he said.

"You must be mad o." I jump on the car bonnet and balance myself on it.

"Let me see how you want to leave this place."

"I'm warning you. Get down."

"What is happening here?" My eyes widen when I see the owner of the face.

Some minutes later.....

"You see how your stubbornness almost got you into a severe problem today?" He says, a smirk dancing on his lips, his eyes holding a mysterious look.

"The man scratched my car. And he thinks he can just get away with it because I am a woman." It is the absolute truth.

"Set awon feminists."

"And what is bad with being a feminist?" My arms across each other as a glare is sent his way.

I never said it is bad, abeg. He lifts his hands in mock surrender, chuckling.

"You live around here?" He asks.

"Nah.. I have a meeting." There is no point divulging anything.

"Alright. Just avoid more trouble on the road."

"Thank you."