INSOMNIA

Chapter four

I hadn't expected the person entering to be so stunning. looked at her and took in all her features in one glance; she was tall, probably twenty-five or twenty-seven. She was twenty-six, I'd learn that later. A lightly colored skin with a flawless smoothness, and that face; she had dark, piercing eyes, a small button nose and delicate lips. There was this I-am-the-boss-of-myself- vibe I was getting out of her.

She was dressed all business like with a white shirt that most of her neck, a perfectly fitted skirt that was just above the knees. I quickly looked away. I couldn't say that about James; I could see the desire in his eyes as he took in everything. He was practically drooling. He quickly checked himself when he saw me looking at him, I didn't flinch, I wanted him know that I was very much aware what was going on in his head. He cleared his throat and looked away.

She walked up to where we were and said:

"Good day gentlemen,"

Her voice was strong, and soft.

Femi kept looking at me and smiling like a kid who had just made a major accomplishment, he was obviously feeling smug at the thought of hiring such a 'catch'. I had to admit, she seemed to be the whole package. I mean ,she sounded really brilliant. But that was as far as it went with me, Yes, she is beautiful but so was my wife, she may seem smart but my wife sure was very smart. And...

'William!'- the sharp sound of James' irritated voice shocked me and dragged me back to reality. I have to stop zoning out like this, I told myself.

I looked at the faces looking at me; James was obviously pissed off from the expressing on his face, while the lady, well-I wasn't quite sure what it was, or what I saw but she seemed to have this calculative look on her face. Maybe she was trying to figure me out.

I tried to say something, but I didn't know what would be appropriate, I really went too deep with my thoughts, it had been happening alot lately. So I just looked back at them, silent, like someone caught in the act.

Not a great first impression. Even for me.

"Okay, like I was saying, miss.Cassidy will be working with you, it should make up for any lost time, is that alright, mr.William?"-he asked me, but it sounded more like he was compelling me.

"Yes Sir." I looked to my right and for a fraction of a second my gaze was locked with Cassidy's, I felt sweat break out in my neck. She looked away, so did I.

"You are free to go." He said, turning to me.

I rose to my feet and Walked towards the door. I felt hot, and nervous.

"Oh, Miss.Cassidy, please hold on a little." James said.

How predictable, I thought and closed the door behind me.

****

I walked straight to the bathroom. I entered one of the toilets and locked the door behind me. I turned on the tap, and stared at myself in thr mirror. My eyes were red, and I had a week old stubble; I hadn't shaved since the funeral. I scratched my chin and then ran some water over my face. I really needed that. I thought about Cassidy, and then willed myself to forget, and I did. I smiled, it was just a natural reaction of a male to a pretty female. Nothing to it, I was talking out loud now. "No one is going to replace you, " I said and then dried my hands.

I went back to my desk and placed my head on it. I needed to go home, I felt overwhelmed.

I felt someone's hand tap my shoulders slightly and then I raised up my head. I'd forgotten about the new girl. It was already past midday and all I needed was to go home, but the day just couldn't get any slower.

"Is it just me or was that guy weird?", She asked with that sexy smile, jerking a thumb towards James' office. She was starting on friendly grounds. I sincerely didn't want to.

I gave out a weak smile, "He's weird. But he's our boss." I added that last part with a stern look.

She looked at me, that calculative look in het eyes.

"Let's get to work." I said, eager to divert her searching eyes.

Thankfully, She agreed.

I spent the rest of the day showing Cassidy most of my work. She absorbed them all with an attentive nod and asking questions. I was impressed. And God, I didn't want to be.

We worked fast and tirelessly for the next few hours. Occasionally, one of the guys would come around, with no clear idea as to what he wants, just to steal a glance at the new girl.

They'd go something like; "Welcome to our world." Or they'd take her hand in theirs, lingering the hold, and blurt out something like : "I didn't know that angels worked in this department."

I found this all time wasting and irritating. I think she found it amusing, though, because she kept laughing interestingly.

When I walk towards the photocopier to get a stack of papers I would hear whistles and most of them snickering, winking at me and giving me thumbs up. I'd stare at them wondering what that was all about.

A guy named Mark walked over to me and tapped my back, "Lucky guy." He said. They sure had the wrong idea.

I walked towards Felix's car. It was almost 7pm. I heard a sound and I looked up; It was Cassidy, and She was just getting into her car. I hesitated for a second and then I walked towards her car. Giving the glass a little tap, I watched her wind down the glass. I think I'd startled her.

"Hello." I said casually.

"Hey," she replied indifferently.

I scratched my chin and then said:

"Thanks for the assistance today. I didn't know how far behind I was."

She stepped out of the car, her smooth long legs coming out first. She was wearing a pink slippers.

"Well, I got the impression that you were distracted." She said, not smiling at all.

"I-uh, yes, but-" why am I stammering.

She was staring at me, her eyes squinted.

"See you tomorrow." She said and got into her car.

I didn't reply, I just stood there and watched the car drive off.

"Some chick, huh?"

I turned around to see felix grinning mischievously. I turned away and walked towards the car, "What are you staring at me like that for?" I ask, feeling his gaze on me.

He caught up with me and leaned on the car, "Nothing."

I looked at him, he still had that look on his face.

"I've known you long enough to know that it's not nothing. I also know that its not something I want to hear, so let it be nothing." I got into the passengers seat.

"Okay, if you insist. I'll tell you anyways."

He got in and shut the door.

"The guys are saying you're lucky to land such a fine chick."

I leaned back, quiet for a while.

"The guys, right?"

"Yeah." He smiled.

I turned to him, "What of you, what are you saying?"

He shrugged, "I don't agree or disagree."

"You can't do that." I say, watching the traffic build up outside. Trying hard to keep my cool.

"It could be a blessing in disguise." Felix said, starting the car.

"Really, how?"

He started to speak, then I stopped him, "You know what? Forget I asked. Let's go already."

He shrugged, "Okay."

****

I thought of the day as we drove towards home. The day had been full of her, so, inadvertently I thought of her. Why did everyone think it's 'lucky' that the new girl gets to work with me? What has luck got to do with anything?

I changed my mind and decided to go to Mother's.

I turned to Felix, who I knew was watching me occasionally,

"Can you drop me off at Mother's place?"

"Of course."

"Thanks."

I leaned towards the window, watching the night market setting up. Hawkers with fruits, and women frying potatoes. We passed Sizzlers, and It made me think of my daughter. We'd always gone there on Sundays. Amy had been staying at my Mother's since the funeral. I think it's better. I mean, I didn't think so, but Mother infused the thought into me.

I wanted to ask Felix to stop at Sizzlers so I'd get something for Amy, but I hated to be a bother.

The evening traffic was a bit dense, that was normal. I was trying my best to enjoy the drive, but I had alot on my mind.

We finally got to mother's home. A place I'd spent the later part of my childhood.

"Are you coming in?" I asked Felix.

He shook his head, "I'm sorry. I don't want to sleep in traffic. Greet mama for me, and Amara."

"I'll do that. Thanks for the ride."

I watched the car leave and then turned towards the gate. I think Amy might have heard the sound of the car because she was already waiting at the door. She came out running and jumped unto me,I staggered a bit and then steadied myself. What was mother feeding her?