Pelumi's Memoirs - 24

Dear Readers,

I apologize for two weeks of not posting. I was down physically and mentally. Truly, a merry heart does good like medicine. 

Six months ago, I decided I was going to need a vacation some time in the year. I had a destination in mind and so I went ahead to book my ticket after deliberating on the date several times.

Fast forward to sometime this month and I was grateful I was going on vacation. 

Shouting out to those who checked on me and asked about the missing posts :-)

Okay, nuff said! Enjoy today's chapter!

****

Tare squirmed on her bed. 

"No, no, please go away."

"Stop it! No! No!" She cried over and over again. Finally, she woke up from her dream with tears streaming down her face. 

The dream had felt so real that her face was now streaked with hot tears.

She sat up, put her arms around knees and bowed her head. 

The dream she thought had gone away forever was back again.  

The sad thing was the fact that this wasn't just a dream, it was her reality. It had been her reality for ages. 

All the wealth in her family hadn't been able to deliver her from the nightmare which had consistently harassed her over the years. 

She reached for her phone. She needed to talk to someone. 

Ineye was the first name that came to her mind. 

Tare shut her eyes and opened it again.

No, she couldn't call him. Some things were best left unsaid.

She thought about her mum.

No, her mum would freak out. She couldn't talk to her.

She shook her head and stood up. Glancing briefly at the clock, she saw that it was a few minutes past 6 am.

She forced her thoughts aside and looked forward to the new day.  A new day was a gift from God. It presented an opportunity to be a better version of herself. A new day presented an opportunity to start all over again and reach for the skies.

She may not be able to change the past and that was fine. This was the present and she intended maximizing the moment.

She was in no mood to drive today. Maybe Nkoyo could drop her off on her way to work.

She decided to say a prayer before starting her day. She got on her knees and mumbled a few words. 

When she was done, she walked into Nkoyo's room. 

"Look at this girl! Still snoring at past 6 am!" Tare grabbed one of the many pillows on Nkoyo's bed and hit her with it. 

Nkoyo hissed even as the glare from the lights Tare had switched on in her room bore into her eyes. 

"Oh!!!! Go away, Tare!"

"Lazy girl, wake up! It's Monday morning. Rise and shine!"

Nkoyo hissed again. 

“If you like, don't get up! Just so you know, you are dropping me off at work today." Tare blurted out. 

Nkoyo lifted the duvet she had covered herself with and rolled off her bed. 

"Why don't you call Ineye? I have to be at work early today."

Tare clapped her hands. "Convenient excuse but I ain't buying it."

"What's wrong with your car though? Why can't you drive to work?" Nkoyo questioned. 

"Well, let's just say it's one of those days! I feel weird. I actually woke up with a migraine." Tare explained.

"Okay, okay! I'll drop you off. But at a cost though." Nkoyo remarked slipping out her tongue.

"You can tell me the cost later. Let me go and have my bath. Thank you my sister."

"You're not welcome." Nkoyo said, sticking her toothbrush in her mouth.

****

Pelumi walked into Ferguson and Fletcher with purpose in her steps. She had fully recuperated and was ready to resume her duties at work. 

"I like your bag." A coworker pointed at Pelumi's bag while she stepped into the elevator. Is that a Brahmin bag?" 

Pelumi laughed on the inside. Brahmin? Whatever that was! She wished. It sounded like an expensive brand.

"Nah!" She said, flashing the lady a smile. 

She watched the elevator stop on the second, third, fourth floor......

When the elevator reached the fifth floor, the lady got out. Pelumi cringed. Arrgh! She hated the fact that the elevator kept stopping on every floor. No thanks to the Monday morning rush. 

'Bye." She said to Pelumi. "Have a good one!"

"Bye!" Pelumi waved at her smiling. 

The lady seemed like a nice person.

"I'll see you later...." Pelumi replied.

"Good morning young lady!" Fola flashed Pelumi a smile on seeing her. "How are you feeling now?" 

"On top of the world!" Pelumi said loudly. Fola chuckled.

"So, what's been happening around here since I took off? Pelumi inquired.

"It's actually been chill. No crazy demands from Alistair since you've been out."

Pelumi giggled. "Ah nice. I see you all got lucky."

She was changing into her work shoes when she heard a voice that was too familiar.

She looked up and saw Remi walking towards her.

Where had he sprung from? He had been out on various courses in the past weeks.

Pelumi looked at him as he strutted towards her.

"Hi stranger!" She said to him.

"Me? Stranger?" Remi raised a brow.

"Yes, you!" Pelumi answered as a matter of fact.

"No thanks to all these courses they've been sending me for. I barely have enough time for myself these days!"

Pelumi snorted. "Excuses! Nothing but excuses. Why do I feel like you are already trying to defend yourself when I haven't even launched any accusations against you whatsoever?"

"Like I don't already know you are getting ready to throw some mad daggers at me." Remi countered, rolling his eyes.

Pelumi laughed and almost fell off her chair. "You read my mind so well you know? I was just waiting to launch my attacks on you.

"See, I knew it!" Remi responded.

“So, Remi, whatever happened to calling or texting? Felt like you drifted into thin air these past weeks."

Remi squinted. "Really? So you are just going to pass blame here?"

Pelumi eyed him and continued arranging her desk.

"You know what? Why didn't you pick up your phone and call me too?" Remi retorted.

"Hmm. Good clap back!" Pelumi remarked, yawning.

"Why don't we go grab some coffee downstairs? There's this Coffee shop that just opened on the first floor. Let me make it up to you sweetie." Remi made a face at her.

"Oh! Just stop with the Pity Party throwing! It's not going to work." Pelumi told Remi, chuckling.

Remi made another funny face that left Pelumi giggling.

"So, shall we head downstairs?" Remi asked.

Pelumi thought for a second.

"Actually, I took some days off last week. I wasn't feeling well. I need to catch up on work."

"Okay......."  Remi replied. "I can walk you to the pantry. Lunch will be on me."

Pelumi hesitated for a second. She knew Remi liked her. But things had changed so much in the past months. She wasn't sure it was a good idea to go to lunch with him.

She didn't want to lead him on or give him any funny ideas. However, they were still cool friends and co-workers. 

"What's with the hesitation?" Remi asked, playing with the ring on his right index finger.

"Lunch is fine." Pelumi replied him,smiling.

"Okay, ma'am. Let's go get you coffee." Remi uttered, leading the way out of the office.

****

Ivan was in a meeting with the Director of Business Development and the Head of Corporate Communications at the company when he heard his stomach growling.

He checked his Apple watch and saw it was noon. Where had all the time in the morning flown to?

"Mr Akintoye, let's circle back sometime tomorrow. I have meetings the rest of this afternoon. I'll tell Tito to schedule some time on your calendar."

"Sounds good, Mr Azenkua. Thank you."

"Enjoy the rest of the day, gentlemen!" 

Having said that, Ivan walked into his office. 

He picked his phone on the table and texted Pelumi.

Hello, Sweetness

How's your day going?

Care to join me for lunch?

Ivan smiled coyly waiting for Pelumi's response. When he didn't get any after ten minutes, he decided to call her. Her phone rang out without a response. She was probably somewhere around and just not in the office, he thought.

He had wanted them to go to a restaurant somewhere at Parkview Estate. They served great food.

He dialed Liyel's office number on his landline.

My man

What's up?

Liyel's voice was loud on the other end of the phone call.

Have you eaten lunch? Ivan asked

Not yet. I was going to the cafeteria to grab something. Liyel replied.

Okay, I'll come with you

Few minutes later, Liyel strolled into his brother's office and they both headed to the cafeteria.

Sheila Wright walked towards the two brothers and flashed them her pearly whites.

"Hi Liyel. Hello Ivan!" 

"Hello Sheila. How's work been treating you lately?"

"Work's been working me hard." She responded, giggling.

"But you know, the company always compensates you very well for all your hard work." Ivan countered.

"Yes, of course." Sheila replied, playing with her hair.

"Guys, I'm hungry." Liyel blurted, walking towards the area where the food was being served in the cafeteria. 

Pelumi was seated at the cafeteria with Remi when she heard a small commotion around her. She looked round to see what the issue was.

Her eyes rested on Ivan's back who had just turned round. His eyes met hers across the room. Pelumi lowered her lashes and fixed her gaze on her food. 

Remi noticed her pensive mood.

"What's up? Did you see a ghost?"

"No...” She replied and continued eating the Prawn fried rice on her plate. 

She stole a quick glance at Ivan and noticed that he was still looking at her. She couldn't read him so she gave him a small smile and continued eating her food. 

The cafeteria staff were still scampering around to make sure that the bosses were comfortable, it seemed. 

Remi shook his head, laughing. "You know, I've seen this happen time and time again. Every time Ivan comes in here, commotion follows!"

"Why is that? Pelumi questioned innocently.

"He comes in here only once in a blue moon. He doesn't even have to come. He can have the food catered and sent to his office. I wonder why he even bothers."

"Because he's human like the rest of us......" Pelumi added.

"Oh! Well.... I guess you have a point. But you know, a lot of people around here don't see him that way."

Pelumi mused. A part of her could relate to what Remi was saying but she saw Ivan in a different light.

Pelumi glanced at Ivan's direction again and noticed Shirley was all over him giggling and laughing like a young girl in love. She supposed Ivan was used to all the female attention. It would take her on the other hand, a minute to get used to all of this.

"I've got good news." Liyel said to Ivan who had a fork and knife in his hands and was cutting into the chicken thigh on the table.

"Ivan!" Liyel tapped his fingers in front of his brother.

"What?" Ivan gave his brother a questioning look.

"Where's your mind?" Liyel questioned. "I was saying I've got good news!"

"Tell me." Ivan responded, wiping a side of his mouth with a napkin. He shifted his current thoughts to a corner of his mind.

"We got the Coca-Cola account!"

"For real?" Ivan asked with a big smile on his face.

"I kid you not. I was on cloud nine when I got the news this morning."

"Did you give the team any tips?" 

Liyel laughed. "I didn't have to this time. The new team we recruited are quite capable. Jide is good at what he does."

"Jide?" Ivan furrowed his brows.

"He heads the Accounts Department now. We hired him about 5 months ago."

"Oh I remember now. His last name is Berkeley?"

"Benson." Liyel corrected.

"Ah! Benson. That's correct!"

“Speak to Tare. Jide is definitely one of the employees to look out for in the company." Ivan remarked. "I mean his career progression here at the company........"

"Gotcha!" Liyel responded. "I concur, bro!" 

****

Pelumi saw Ivan's missed calls and text messages when she got back to her office. 

No wonder he had given her a look when he saw her at lunch with Remi.

She texted him. 

Hi Sugar

Sorry, I left my phone behind when I went to lunch 

Maybe I can join you tomorrow instead?

After she'd sent the text message, Pelumi wondered whether being seen at lunch with Ivan was a wise thing to do. How long would they have to keep the relationship secret?

She'd talk to him about it later.

Zainab walked in. "I'm stuffed! I hope I don't fall asleep in a few minutes."

Fola tittered. "That’s what usually follows after a heavy lunch."

"Am I the only one who thinks cafeteria food has gotten pricy lately?" Zainab asked. 

"I think you're right. Fola chipped in. I have been thinking the same."

"Hmmm, we should complain." Zainab responded. 

"To who?" Pelumi asked. "HR?"

"No! Cafeteria Services. They have a manager." Fola chimed. 

"Uh oh! I had no idea. Do you think they'll do something about the price?" Pelumi asked sipping water from a water bottle. 

"Well, it won't hurt to mention it." Zainab retorted. 

"True." Pelumi replied, logging into her work computer. 

Pelumi's thoughts drifted to her mother. She hadn't spoken to her in days. She made a mental note to call her later in the day. 

Her thoughts drifted to her father. She didn't really know who he was. He'd died a long time ago was what her mother had told her. She wondered what life would have been with him in it. Happier childhood? More fun memories? Maybe, she thought. She'd seen pictures of him and she had often been told that she looked like him. 

Rotimi Jacobs was her father's name. She wasn't close to any of her dad's family. Her dad's sister who used to check on her while she was little hadn't done that in years. Pelumi wondered if she should go look for her and get to know her father side more. 

She thought about her step-father. Though he seemed a lot kinder, she wondered what had prompted him to treat her so badly in the past. Sometimes, the memories worried her. It made her feel like she'd always be treated badly by men. It was a fear she harbored. It made her rethink her relationship with Ivan.

 A voice on her inside told her to opt out of the relationship while it was still in the early phase. Another voice told her that fear was a liar and she didn't have to give in to her fears. She deserved love, she deserved to be cared for and she deserved to be happy in life. She shove her thoughts aside and began working on the company’s monthly financial presentation which was due on Friday. 

Remi had volunteered dropping her off at home in the evening. Though she had declined and given him a thousand reasons he couldn't drop her off, he had remained adamant.

In the end, she gave in.

****

Celeste had just finished her interview at Chevron. It was the second of five rounds of interview. 

Her feet ached from wearing heels all day. 

She kicked off her shoes as soon as she stepped into the car.

Exhaling, she took off the hair ruffle from around her hair and massaged her scalp. 

She had been thoroughly grilled at the interview and a part of her felt like she might not make it to the third stage. She'd answered the questions as intelligently as she could so she had no idea where the self-doubt sprang from. 

She was famished and so she decided to stop at Finger Foods Unlimited and get lunch. Well, it was well past lunch time. 

She parked at her car at the small parking lot that the security guy had directed her to. 

Argh! She had forgotten to keep a pair of flats in her car and so she had to wear the heels that were already killing her feet.

When she was in the restaurant, she placed her order and took a sit while waiting for the food to be ready.

"Celeste Braithwaite!" Someone yelled out her name. Celeste blinked, wondering who it was. While she was turning her head to look in the direction of who had called her, she felt someone hugging her. 

Celeste gasped on seeing who it was.

"Ijeoma Iweka!" 

"Celeste Ndidiamaka Braithwaite! Where have you been these past years?"

Celeste took a good look at Ijeoma. They had been childhood friends who had lost contact in years. "You look well and flourishing." She told Ijeoma.

"Ah, thank you. My husband does a great job." Ijeoma explained, blushing. 

"By the way, you have to come to our son's 1st birthday. Its next weekend. He's out last child and only son so we decided to throw a big party."

Celeste smiled. "That's wonderful. I don't have any major plans for next weekend."

"Punch in your phone number. Ijeoma said to Celeste handing her phone to her." Celeste did the same. 

"Where's your rock?"

Celeste squinted. "Rock?"

"I mean your wedding ring babe. I heard you were dating one of the Akenzuas the last time.”

"Liyel." Celeste said quietly. 

"Ehen! Yes, Liyel. Surely he's put a ring on it or am I wrong?"

The flood of regrets came hitting Celeste all at once. 

"Hmmm... Actually. I'm not married." 

"I'm so sorry! I get ahead of myself sometimes. You know, like a kangaroo!"

Ijeoma blurted with regret masking her face.

Celeste smiled. "It's okay, I completely understand."

"Cool. I'll text you the address of the venue for next weekend. So glad to reconnect with you again, Celeste. I'll call you. I've got to pick up my kids at school."

Celeste nodded. "Talk to you later."

"Okay, dear. Bye." Ijeoma waved. 

Celeste blew an exasperated sigh. People meant well. It just so happened that the questions about her marital status usually knocked the winds off her sail. She promised herself to be better prepared the next time. 

"Ms Braithwaite, your order is ready." One of the chefs announced.

"Thanks." Celeste said and grabbed the packed food she had paid for. 

****

Liyel Akenzua stretched on stepping out of his car. He had come to collect his thoughts and relax at Glitters. It was a new lounge at Victoria Island. 

The night breeze from the Bar Beach caressed his skin. Bright lights danced around everywhere. 

"Mr Liyel. Good evening sir." One of the waiters greeted him. 

"My guy, how's it going?" Liyel asked. 

"Fine Sir."

Liyel nodded and walked towards a booth. 

He raised his hand and called for a waiter's attention. 

"Give me a bottle of Hennessy."

"Okay sir, I'll be right back." The waiter told him. 

His eyes took in his environment when his eyes rested on the tall figure of a lady who was about to sit down. 

Celeste? He thought. 

He looked closely again and realized that he was right. He recognized the guy who sat across from her. He had seen him at his house the day before. Bode...

Jealously flooded his soul like a raging beast. 

He watched Celeste throw her head back, laughing. She seemed to be having a good time. 

Bode was looking at her like she was the best thing that had happened to him. 

Liyel shook his head and forced himself to look away. The server came with his drink and opened him. Liyel poured a good quantity into a glass and gulped it hard. 

The jealousy he was feeling gave way to anger. How dare Celeste! How dare she have fun considering what she had done to him! Sitting here with some guy fawning over her! What the heck! 

He wanted to walk over and disrupt their silly little party. 

"Get a grip on yourself, Liyel!" He chastised himself, speaking under his breath. 

Several minutes later, an idea played in his head. 

He looked at a corner of the room and saw some girls that looked like they were man thirsty. 

He stood up, tucking in his coral shirt into black trousers. Shoulders raised, he walked in the direction of the ladies and greeted them smiling and wearing his charm. Unlike Ivan, he was light skinned. He favored their mum's complexion. Some people said he looked like he was mixed raced. He however, thought it was an exaggeration. 

He whispered in one of the lady's ears. She was the most attractive to him, dressed to kill in a body con dress. 

She stood up and he held her hands in his, leading her to the side of the room where Bode and Celeste were seated.

"Hello, Bode." Liyel said, waving.

"Good evening Mr Akenzua. I didn't know you come here. This is one of my favorite relaxation spots on the island." Bode elaborated.

"Ah, I see. My friends just told me about Glitters. I'll be coming around more often. I like the place."

"Fantastic!" Bode replied. 

Liyel looked briefly at Celeste and didn't bother to acknowledge her presence. 

Celeste's eyes darted from Liyel to the companion at his side who was dressed in a tight body con golden leather tube dress. She chewed gum like she was a hooker. Surely, Liyel could do better than this! 

She raised her brows when Liyel wrapped his arms around the lady's waist and held unto it like his life depended on it. The lady twisted in his arms and kissed the side of his face. 

Celeste turned her head to the side, avoiding the drama that was playing in front of her. 

She wanted to break something over Liyel's head. How dare he treat her like this! Son of a gun! She muttered under her breath. Hot tears threatened to erupt from her eyes but she blinked and controlled it from spilling. 

She was not going to give him the satisfaction of seeing her embarrass herself. 

She was a strong woman and Liyel wasn't going to break her. If he wanted to go around with all the hookers in Lagos, that was his prerogative. 

When she turned her head again, she felt Liyel's gaze sweeping across her face. She looked at him and swore she saw regret in his eyes. That disappeared after a few seconds and was replaced with scorn again. 

"Have a great evening, Bode. I hope you have a great time in the company of the lady." Liyel said sarcastically and walked off with his arms still around the lady's waist as he led her away.

"Alright, Mr Akenzua. I'll see you around." Bode answered.

Celeste suddenly felt sick. She wanted to throw up.

Bode poured her some drink. "You should drink up. Your skin looks flushed. Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yes, I am." Even though it was on the tip of her tongue to tell Bode that she'd like to head home, she determined to not let Liyel and his antics get to her. 

Bode had helped her to get the interview at Chevron and they were celebrating the fact that she'd made it to round 3. 

After getting home earlier that day, she'd checked her email and seen a message from Chevron’s Recruiting Team. She had thought to share the news with Bode and he had suggested they come out to celebrate. That's what she had in mind until Liyel came to spoil the fun. But she wasn't going to let him! Enough was enough!

When Celeste got home that night, she crumbled into a heap on her living room floor. All the peace she'd had in the past week went flying out the window. Her heart felt like it was breaking all over again.

Why did Liyel have so much power over her? What was it about him that drove her over the edge and shattered her composure? 

What was this mad love she had for him that left her feeling the rage she was currently feeling? She thought about calling Essien and sharing her pain but she was done sharing tales of woes!

Come unto me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens and I'll give you rest. 

The words made sense to her but she was currently unable to process it. She wailed and let out her grief.

"Help me, Lord! Please help me. Help me to see myself through your eyes. Help me to press past my feelings and regrets. Give me peace that transcends all understanding..."

She remained on her knees while she talked to her maker; the one who loved her despite her shortcomings.