Femi's POV.

Tossing to the side of my bed, I finally got out of bed. I hoped I could sleep for a little longer, but the minute I checked the time on my alarm clock; I knew sleep had to wait.

The events of last night came flooding into my head, her voice - which sounded so free and cheerful - made my heart flip as I listened to her. She laughed, not once, not twice and not even thrice...but multiple times. I've grown so fond of her, so fond of her that all she said and did yesterday got her name on my mind, even as I slept. The temptation to call once more was very evident, and I tried so hard to resist it. I had work to get to and I'm sure she wouldn't want me disturbing her so early in the morning.

As I slipped out of bed, I did a stretch and a yawn found its way out of my mouth. Morning breath slammed my nostrils and I scrunched my nose in disgust, as I hurried into the bathroom to brush my teeth. Whilst brushing my teeth, I hummed a happy tune, feeling so happy and the reason behind such happiness? Unknown to me.

I had a good feeling about today, and I hoped everything would turn out fine. I silently hoped that work wouldn't be so difficult and as stressful as other days.

Finally done brushing my teeth, I walked into my walk-in closet to select an outfit for work. A black dress shirt and a purple suit jacket, were the first things I selected from the closet. A matching purple pantsuit and a white neck tie - alongside a pair of black dress shoes - were the next things I grabbed. I laid them all on the bed, placing the shoes on the floor, and walked into my bathroom to have a shower. It didn't take long before I was all dressed for work, I grabbed my briefcase and headed downstairs for breakfast.

* * *
Chioma's POV.

An extensive yawn escaped my lips as I rubbed my sleepy eyes. I lazily reached for my phone, checking the time on my phone; I realized it was 6:30am and I immediately sprang out of bed. I had work today! Jeez, the last thing I wanted was to be late on my first day.

Seven missed calls from Amanda...

I groaned, she must've tried calling to check if I'd already woken up. I'm so not used to waking up this early, ugh!

I broke into a run, dashing into my bathroom an hurriedly brushing my teeth and taking my shower. In less than an hour, I was done with both things and standing before my wardrobe; ready to pick an outfit. A red skin-tight, V-neck shirt was the first thing I picked, next was a black pencil skirt and a pair of black Zara stilettos. For my make up, I applied some red hot lipstick on my lips and some eyeliner on my eyes, some foundation, nude eye shadow, mascara and a little blush.

Hurriedly, I ran over to the kitchen, grabbed two apples and sent Amanda a text, saying I'd like her to come pick me up now. In less than an hour, Amanda texted back saying she couldn't make it and had to leave for work early and was already at work.

Could this day get any cruddier?!

"Why is this happening?!" I yelled in frustration.

I had to get to work in less than an hour, with no idea how I'd get there without any transport. I couldn't drive, I've never taken any public transport all my life, and there's literally no one else in mind to...Femi!

I immediately reached for my phone in my black Prada purse, setting all pride aside, and immediately sent Femi a text saying I needed him to come pick me up.

Me: Hi, Femi. Good morning, I really need your help. If it's not too much, then can you come pick me up? I start work today and Amanda's already at work and I have no one else to help me. You're my only hope right now.

I waited, plopping on my couch and silently hoping for a reply. A few minutes passed and yet no reply from Femi. I felt a wave of disappointment wash over me cause I'd been hoping he'd help me, my only option now was public transportation and I'd rather die than go ahead with that. Which only meant that I'd be skipping work, again. I was about taking off my stilettos when I finally heard a ding sound from my phone, indicating a new text from Femi.

Femi: sure, I'll be there in a few minutes.

I smiled, heaving a sigh of relief as I relaxed on the couch and waited for him to arrive. While I waited I wondered if I'd maybe disturbed him from work or something. I low-key hoped I hadn't and I also hoped things wouldn't be awkward.

* * *
Femi's POV.

Finally blaring my honk at the gate, the gate man opened the little gate for Chioma who hurriedly walked out and headed to my car where it'd been parked right in front of her gate.

"Good morning" I smiled the minute she got in, shutting the door behind her. With her still a bit absent-minded, I decided to take in her outfit. She looked really nice and although she had a small frame, she did pull off a beautiful and heart-throbbing look. "You look really beautiful" I said to her, keying in a smile as I started the engine and the car roared to life. She looked flustered at first but immediately smiled thankfully.

"Thank you. And good morning by the way" she replied while I nodded my head in understanding and drove off. "St Nicholas hospital, that's the hospital I work at" she informed and I nodded my head once again.

"So...how was your night?" I asked, trying to start up a conversation since the car was far too quiet.

"Good," was her simple reply. "Yours?" She asked and I replied the same thing.

"Good too" and a blanket of silence engulfed us both. Talk about the awkwardness!

I wanted to start up a conversation with her, but I had nothing on my mind to discuss with her. I didn't want to seem pushy either.

"I hope work goes well for you, cause trust me when I say work can be so stressful" I said, happy I'd thought of that instead.

"Yeah. I'm kinda nervous though, cause I've never actually worked before. And to be honest, I hate stress and I'm hoping I don't get too stressed out with work. I mean, look at me, stress does not go well with my skin" she replied and I laughed. I low-key wondered how she'd cope with work, given the fact that she wasn't exactly the hardworking type...and definitely not the type that'd like to take orders. Hopefully, fingers crossed, work won't be a disaster.

"I know, right?" I chuckled. "But anyways, you'll just have to get used to all the stress. And please, do be nice to your co-workers. You'll live longer if you do" I said and she turned to look at me, a daring look in her eyes as I tore my eyes away from the road for a second, sparing her a glance.

"Who says I'll be rude to them? I'm a changed person, Femi. You of all people should know that by now, I wouldn't be sitting here talking to you if I weren't a changed person. Sheesh!" She said, returning her attention back at the road, staring blankly at it as we drove by each street that led to the hospital.

"Forgive me, I was just pulling your leg. I know you've changed" I laughed and she scoffed.

"And that laughter is for what now?" She hissed. "Sometimes, I wonder if you intentionally want to make me angry. I think you derive joy in seeing me upset, Femi, and that's very bad" she said, a slightly annoyed look on her face. My laughter died down immediately but I couldn't suppress the smile that crept to my face. Sparing her yet another glance, my smile grew wider.

"I don't derive joy in making you upset. Why will derive joy in that? When each time you get angry, you look so scary, I prefer slightly less angry Chioma" I replied, giving the road my full attention now.

"Slightly less angry? Why?" She asked, raising an inquisitive brow at me whilst folded arms.

"Cause I find you really pretty when you're slightly less angry. You have that fierce look and yet beautiful cascade. You won't understand" I replied, giving off a shrug. It's true though, she nails the looks of a fierce Arabian princess when she's slightly less angry. Seeing more of that side isn't exactly my favorite side of her, but the look on her face then is one of my favorites.

"You lost me at 'beautiful cascade'. Dude, really? Of all things to like about someone. Maybe saying you like my smile or something actually nice about me. Douchebag!" She said, muttering the word 'douchebag' at the end. I laughed at her statement, once again, sparing her yet another glance.
"You're a really weird person, Femi. Really weird" She added whilst folded arms, not even sparing me a glance.

Slightly less angry...

She had that look on her face again.

"If I weren't driving, I'd take a picture of your face and show you what I mean" I said and she hissed.

"That's all you can say? Apologise! I don't like what you said" she said and I immediately chuckled.

"Oya oh, I'm sorry for being honest. Next time, I'll lie to you. Agreed? Agreeded" I said and she laughed.

"You're just...ugh! Sometimes I wish I could just slap you. You can be so annoying!" She said and I laughed.

"Try slapping me na. You've already broken my nose before, a slap will be nothing" I said and she turned to look at me again. That look of hers, the one she did when she wanted to be intimidating, made me smirk - certainty in her eyes although hidden by her smile.

"Remind me to slap you the next time we meet" she said and I laughed.

"You wouldn't dare" I replied and she scoffed.

"Guy, I broke your nose once and I didn't die, a slap wouldn't kill me either. It'll shock you, trust me when I say you'll be shocked" she said and I shrugged.

"Your business" I meant to mutter, although she heard.

Finally, I took a right and approached the hospital. I tore my eyes from the road, just for a few minutes, taking a glance at Chioma - who now happened to be nervous; as she exhaled and rubbed her palms together.

"Relax, you'll do fine. Seeing you nervous is quite... unusual. You usually make people nervous instead" I said as I finally parked the car at the lot.

She shook her amusedly at me, getting down from my car with a half smile on her face. She reached for her purse, once again, letting out another exhale.

"Bye, Femi. Thanks for the help" she said before shutting the door and walking into the hospital.

"Bye and good luck on your first day!" I hollered as she walked away, she turned to give me a smile and proceeded into the hospital.

I really need to get used to this girl being nice to me.

I smiled as I watched her walk into the hospital, that walking step of hers; that appeared so confident and yet arrogant all at the same time, made my stare last longer as I continued to stare at her. She held her head up high, her purse clasped in her palms, as she finally walked into the hospital building; with me making a silent prayer that everything goes well. For some reason, I'd stared at her as she walked into the hospital, my eyes never leaving her figure - not even for a second. With her finally gone, I decided it was time I left.

All the best, Chioma!

________________________________

Short chapter, I know. But I'm working on another one.

So, Femi and Chioma...you guys are catching small small feelings oh, who noticed?😂

Let's hope nothing goes wrong, anything can happen, someone can try to sink the ship and I know they have enemies. Una Sabi the gist na.

Anyhow sha, please let me know in the comment section, what you thought of this chapter. I made this update today cause of a nice person who kept gingering me to update.
Shout-out to AdekunleAdefuye for the gingering, and all those who asked for an update, this chapter is dedicated to you all. I would've loved to name names but I don't want to leave someone out by mistake.

Love you guys, and once again, A VERY HAPPY NEW MONTH TO YOU GUYS❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Special shout-out to all the celebrants of this month. Happy birthday in advance/arias from my side❤️💯

Till my next update,
Bye...