I could not believe my eyes when I saw Kunle walk in with the other representative. I was stupefied and all that was going through my head was it didn't take long for my past to catch up with me.
I composed myself after some minutes did my presentation well and asked if the directors had questions for me. I had barely finished making the statement when Kunle hand shot up ' I have a question for you Miss Charis James, right? I nodded and he continued 'how sure am I that you would be able to face it if any problems arise from the proposed project ' he asked.
I went on to tell him of the company's reputation that hasn't been tarnished since inception and how all project had been a success back to back. Then I heard him speak 'I'm not talking about the company's reputation Miss Charis I did my findings and I'm very sure your company would deliver, what I am asking Miss Charis is if you would be able to face the consequences if the project should fail, he asked looking directly at me.
Mr Williams I can assure you that I see my project from inception to completion I said. 'OH you mean the same way you saw our little affair to completion the morning after. If you cannot face the consequences of a one night stand I don't think you are capable of handling the project's he said smirking.
I could literally hear my world crashing down as I had no idea how to reply. Motherfucking Asshole I muttered under my breath. The board room was silent and I could not meet the gaze of anyone.
After what seems like an eternity, my boss stood up to say the meeting would be rescheduled and update would be sent he ended it with Miss James my office now.
I knew I was in for it when I walked in to my boss's office to find him pacing and I awkwardly looked down. My boss voice could be heard on the whole floor as he lectured me on how losing the project would affect the company's profit and how he never saw me as someone who could be so cheap to have a one night stand. I didn't know how long it took but I know I left his office in tears.
I entered my office to find Linda my one and only friend and coworker waiting for me. Immediately I entered she walked towards me and engulfed me in a hug as I cried my eyes out. 'It's okay' she cooed, I got us.
After I became calm I told Linda everything that happened although I was sure everybody on the floor knew since my boss wasn't exactly discreet about it. I left work early with Linda asking if I was gonna be okay I nodded yes but deep down I wasn't sure. As I walked down the stairs I noticed my coworkers in groups of twos and three pointing at me and sending eye signals.
I got home and thought about the whole day event which still looked like a dream to me. I brought out my laptop and composed my resignation letter. I was about to enter the kitchen and get something to eat when my phone rang I looked at the caller and it was Femi, 'bad timing' I said as I picked up my phone ended the call and switched off. Femi wouldn't just give up he should know by now I am not interested in whatever he has to say, I told myself loudly.
I was slowly dozing off when a loud bang on the door jolted me awake. Who could that be I thought as I struggled to get to my feet. I opened my door to find Femi standing there. I groaned and was about closing the door when he said 'are you okay'? I mean Linda called me to check up on you, she said she thinks you might have committed suicide because she has been trying to reach you on your phone but its switched off' he said. I started laughing then he looked at me confused, knowing Linda well I said, she must have sounded really hysterical. Femi started laughing too and after some minute we fell into a comfortable silence.
Why would Linda think you might want to commit suicide, Femi asked
After some minute, I told him about Kunle, the one night stand and the event following it. He didn't say anything he just listened. After a while, I heard him say 'I'm very sorry Charis I never should have kept you waiting that night. I'm sorry you had to meet him, I'm sorry I had to invite you on a date at my club I really am' I looked at him and I could see the sincerity in his eyes.
It's fine, I said. So what next now? He asked, I'm sending in my resignation tomorrow and I will going home. I said, 'Home'? He asked looking at me. Yes Home, I can't maintain this apartment and my lifestyle without a job so I'm going home to my parents I'll know what to do from there. Femi said nothing as he stared into space.
I'll miss you, he finally said, I'd still love to have that date with you tho.
After some hours, Femi left after making me promise I'd pick up his call. Linda stopped by after she closed at work and after I told her of my plans she kept telling me to come stay at her but I declined. We ordered pizza and spent the rest of the day packing my stuff and gisting.
The following morning I submitted my resignation letter. My boss was shocked and kept on telling me I didn't have to resign but my mind was already made up.
I had a girls night out with Linda and after two days amidst tears and smiles I left for Ibadan. I got home into the waiting arms of my parents, I was an only child so the news of me coming home got them very excited. As I knelt down to greet my maami she started saying 'kabo Omo MI, Alake odi, Omo Aresa, Omo rere bi Iyan, dide nle and give your mother a hug, I hugged my mum and felt my dad joining in too.
After eating my mother's infamous pounded yam and listening to mum chatter endlessly trying to fill me in on what I've missed my parents sat me down to ask me what I wanted to do now that I have no job. I reminded them of the makeup and hairstyling skill I learnt while in school and how I'd like to be my own boss and start a business in that line. My parents were satisfied with my response and assured me I had their full support.
I started my make up and hairstyling business with the little savings I had, it was difficult at first but with my parents encouragement, after two months of hustling I landed a big job and it's been my success story since then.
I always end my day with a video call from Femi filling him on all the details of the day as he listened patiently this can go on for hours but I enjoyed every bit of it. Linda my friend called every day to remind me of how the office hasn't been the same without me and how terribly she misses me.
After six months of starting and growing my business, I got home one day to find Femi chatting heartily with my parents in the living room. Not bothered about my parents presence I screamed and ran into his arms and he just kept laughing.
My parents stood up and said they had to see a family friend nearby but deep down I knew they just wanna give us some privacy.
'I had to give you time to recover from everything you know, but it's seems you did not need recovering, you came out of it stronger,you are a Queen Charis, and only a king deserves you, Femi said.
I smiled,So how have you been? I asked trying to change the subject. 'I'm doing okay, but I'd do even better if you'd agree to go on a date with me, he said looking straight into my eyes.
Yes, I'd love to go on a date with you, I said this time with no doubt.
THE END
Image credit
Shuttersstock.com
