Undying fidelity

Chapter One Sophia woke in the morning, full of thoughts of the poultry job she has to resume to at the Downtown's village. She wished all this could be reversed, so as to continue her education at the college, but she knew all these were wishes wish will never come true. The thoughts of how her home was mortgaaged came to her memories, she couldn't help but let out tears out of her eyes. She was caught off these old memories by her mother's voice,"Hey Sophia, won't you have a bath and get to work early?". It was at this moment she realized that she had spent a lot of time dwelling on old memories. She responded "okay mum" and dashed to the little and rural bathroom of the cottage with a bucket and soap case in her hand. While in the bathroom, she tries imagining how her first working experience will be and prays it goes well. Few minutes later, she was out of the bathroom, looking out for the best dress in a luggage bag. Her efforts weren't futile as she saw a pink gown which suits her and finally heaved a sigh of relief. She neated herself, and was finally convinced in putting a pink slip on to match her wares. She closed her door with the key and walked bracely to the designed dining room. Her breakfast was served and her mother took a seat beside her. She coughed and said in a sweet and gentle voice "Sophia, it is so sad telling you this" using a napkin to wipe her eyes. This time, Sophia was distressed and pondered on what could be the matter, which she could not figure out. She finally let out the question "what is it mom", she said in a sorrowful tone. Sophia's mother tried to gather her composure,"this is the last food that remains in the house, but I certainly know that one day all these will be over". Fear gripped Sophia as she thought of where she could get money but all hopes looked dashed. Her mother noticed this and felt it wasn't right bothering her daughter concerning this matter ,"get along girl, you will be running late for work", "okay mom, hope you will be fine" standing up from the chair. Her mother faked out a smile "sure I will", tapping her daughter's cheek and affirming her dressing. At this, Sophia took the female's handbag hung at the side of the room and hurried towards the door," bye Mom", she says looking back. Her mom waved to her and said "bye dear, do make sure you do not forget the direction". "No I won't", slamming the door. She headed to the Downtown's village, through the curly road of her village. Following a turn as her mother had described for her. In less than an hour, she arrived at Downtown's village. She took a deep breath cause she knows her destination is closer. She finally arrived at the gate to Mallory's poultry farm. She tried knocking but got no response. She tried peeping and let out a loud voice, "hello, is somebody here, can anyone hear me", her effort was futile as no one came to rescue. This time, she became impatient and knocked violently. A voice from inside said "hold on, I am coming". With this, Sophia was relieved. In less than five minutes, the gate was opened, and she saw a man in his sixties, handsome and of about five feets in height. His eyes was never dim neither was his hands weary, in a overral and boots. The man seeing that she wasn't ready to give her mission, he sees it right to shoot, "how may I help you ma" . "My name is Sophia and I am to take up the job allocated to me". By the final words of Sophia, the man scaled her from head to feet. He then said "oh really" he let out a smile. "Yes sir", she responded bowing down. "Okay, my name is Karl and you" he said streaching out his for a handshake, Sophia deemed it fit in accepting the gesture and answered "am Sophia sir". The man took her into the building, silence took over the order of the day. They walked through the cages, but Karl wasn't comfortable with the silence and finally broke it, "are you Sophia the daughter of Lena Johnson", "yes sir", she said feeling perplexed as to why the man called her name. "Oh, I could remember meeting your mom yesterday after you guys left here, at the market, do you guys live at Three brothers' village", he said opening the door of a small building. Sophia was engrossed in the thoughts of what job she is going to take up. She could hear the voices of some people, while in the building. Karl took up a duster on the table, cleaned a chair and sit. Sophia remained standing, awaiting the call of Karl, to sit down, even though she knew it was right for her to sit . Her guess was right, as Karl asked her to sit, "Ok, what that your name again", she saw he was lost in words, and knew it was caused by her name. She hurriedly said "Sophia sir". "Yh, I will give you some of the details as regarding to your job, which I believe it won't be too hard for you to fulfill", looking into her eyes. She didn't say a word but only nodded in response. Karl was sure of her answer, after few minutes of confirming her look. He then continued his speech "okay, in this place, you need to respect people of higher position, most espiecially Jude, the son of Mallory, which you know as the owner of this place". He stood up and asked "did you get my point", Sophia felt nodding again won't suit enough. She simply said "yes sir". Karl nod his head, "do not also forget that customers are always to be treated nicely". She nodded in response. Karl took some minutes staring at her, "Finally be a nice and good girl, cause we appreciate great workers, don't worry you get to know your co-workers as you progress", he said tapping her back. She was not comfortable with it, but she had no choice than to condone it, so as to safe her family. He opened the door and walked out, Sophia seeing this, followed. They walked briskly along several penhouses, which Sophia feed her gaze with. They finally arrived at one, where Karl stopped, he noticed how she was lost in looking around the cage, he smiled and said "oh poor Sophia, don't worry you will have much time with them". It was at this moment she called herself back to her senses, "oh am so sorry sir", she said apologetically. "No it not a problem, I understand", he said laughing loud. He then continues his speech, "this is Anna", streaching his hand towards a girl who was picking the eggs laid. Anna was a sweet and gentle girl, which is in thesame age bracket with Sophia. Sophia see it right in saluting her first, "hi Anna", Anna raised her head and replied "hi..", Sophia cut her short saying "Sophia". Karl felt it would be of no use of him staying here, "Hmmm, this is your new partner Anna", pointing his hand towards Sophia. He coughs and continues "I believe you will show her the ways things are to be done and make sure you show her hospitality". Anna simply replied "no problem sir". Karl walks away and later comes back, this time around Sophia was distressed on what on earth could be bring Karl back. "Least I forget, your mom told me about to your plight, do make sure you see me, so as to get a little package", he smiles funnily. Sophia could quickly picked she was the one he was referring to and only nodded in response and he headed towards his office. Anna felt it high time, she let out Sophia's duties to her. She said, "yo Sophia, I believe that you know the job you are taking". Sophia replied "yes I know of course", she nods her head in affirmation, "it alright dear, you are expected to pick the eggs and feed the hens, while I fill their drinker with water and watch the cage", she could picture confusion in her face and continued "not to worry I will show how it is done today, you can start up tomorrow, if you have any problem or question you could direct them to me". Sophia touched her chest and heaved a sigh of relief. Anna smiled at how naive she behave and said "we begin from here", picking a crate and setting the eggs into it. Sophia was amazed on how she performs those tasks. She saw that Anna was friendly and decided to start up a conversation "so sorry for asking this, please can you tell me little about this farm", feeling scared of her reaction. Anna winced and said "well this farm is one of the nice and friendly farms I have ever worked on, and the pay is also good you know", she shrugged her shoulders and looked at Sophia. Sophia seeing how opened Anna was to her, she deemed fit to ask about Jude's personality, she was first doubtful concerning her response, but finally let it out, "Anna, can you tell me little about Jude", in a funny tone. Anna was at first shocked as regards to the question she asked, but later gave it a second thought and decided to respond to her rightly, "talking about Jude, he is the worst thing you can ever imagine". At these words, Sophia was scared and asked in fear "why did you say that". She only smiled and said "you get to understand as time goes on", and walked away. When it was six o'clock in the evening, at setting her eyes at the amount of crowd heading towards the gate. She wondered where they were, while she came in the morning. She was lost in this thoughts, until a tap brought her back. She looked at the person was and it turned out to be Anna. She was amazed at why Anna did that, she was met with the answer instantly by Anna summoning her under the command of the boss. It was then that she recalled Mr. Karl's instruction, and walked as fast as she could to the office. On getting to his office, she found him sitting on a couch, reading a newspaper. She greeted him and he responded, but yet he didn't leave the couch he was sitting. This time she was becoming impatient. He could read her face, and went to his drawer and handed some money to her, "you can have it, use some for transport fare and use the rest for upkeep". She was first at skeptical on collecting it, but his hands becomes commanding. She finally gave in, "okay, thanks so much sir", all Karl did was just a smile, "get along girl, it running late", he says. Sophia hurriedly ran to Anna, and told her about the money she was given, all Anna did was to let out a smile and said "see you tomorrow, make sure you are not late", she waved to her. Sophia replied "no prob". She walked briskly to the junction with the intention of taking a cab, but was cut short as no cab came through her way. She felt trekking will better so as to save time. While on the road, she was in thought of how nice and welcoming Mallory's farm is, she hoped she won't have issues with Jude. She imagined him, to be a rich and arrogant fool, yet she felt giving me an iota of doubt, "what if he is not so", she said to herself, she finally concluded "time will tell". She decided to get a cab once more but her efforts seems futile as she continued her journey. Alas, she finally got home, and heaved a sigh. She let a knock at the door, with her heart being heavy. The door was made open by her younger niece, Ella. "Hey Sophia, you are back". "Yh, you're welcome", she said letting out a hug, which Ella welcomed. "What bring you to Downtown?", she asked as she took a seat close to Ella. "Well, things hasn't been going well back home, so I was sent to pick up a job". "Wow, you're welcome though, have you seen mom?", she asked. "Well she went to get one or two, and promised to be back very soon". "Okay then, let me go freshening up and we get some chitchat, you know". "No prob sis, do take your time and I brought Scrabble along, which means I will be whooping your ass again". Sophia laughed and said "oooh really think I wouldn't have improved right, but you will see a different Sophia this time". Ella winced, "No matter how good you can be, you can never out beat me, I bet you". "Ella stop this brag, let me freshened up and you will see the real stuff I am made up", Sophia added as she walked into the homemade bathroom. "oooh I can wait to see the magic you are about to perform Sophia", Ella said as she chuckled. Chapter Two It was a beautiful morning, as Sophia woke up early, not to get late to work. She rose up to the bathroom and took her bath. Her mother, who was amazed by her daughter's new habit, questioned "Sophia it is not your habit of getting up early", "yes ma", Sophia answered from the bathroom. On hearing her response, her mother walked briskly to the kitchen to prepare what her daughter will eat for breakfast at least. Sophia hurriedly got out of the bathroom and checked her phone which lies at the side of the bed, to know what the time was. Being satisfied with how fast she was, she went to the wardrobe and wasted no time in choosing the dress to wear. In a jiffy she was done with her dressing, she moved towards the mirror, and affirmed her look once more. She looked at the clock at the side of the room, and calculated that she wasn't late. She walked as fast as she could, to the dining room, and had her breakfast hurriedly. She quickly cleared the table, and kissed her mother in the kitchen. Her mother smiled and said "take care dear, and remember that mom always loves you". "Yes mom", she replied. "And do not forget to be a good girl, I believe there is light at the end of the tunnel", she finally said. Sophia responded walking out of the kitchen to the main door"yes ma, bye for now". Her mother's voice was heard by her outside the house "bye dear, take care of yourself", she says. Sophia walked down the road, luckily for her she was able to get a cab down to the Mallory's farm. In less than five minutes, she was at the gate of the farm. She was at first surprised to not see people tripping into the farm as expected. She hurriedly checked the time on her phone and it was six thirty. She said to herself " oh s**t, I got here too early". Sophia decided to enter the farm and wait for her other co-workers. She knocked at the gate, and she was shocked at who came to open the gate for her. She was expecting to see Karl, but here she is, seeing a fine and handsome young man in an emerald green suit. His hair was curly and he was tall and properly shaped. He asked, "What can I do for you?". His voice sounded like a velvet, Sophia was literally lost in thoughts of his handsomeness. "My name is Jude and you", it was at this moment Sophia regained herself and said "am Sophia, and am a worker here", responding in the last tone of her voice. Jude analyzed her, let her in and walked back to Karl's office. Sophia sat on the pavement at the side of a chicken coop. She was lost in thoughts of how Jude could be just what Anna called him. "How could such a young man as handsome and rich as such, could be what Anna called me, or is Anna trying to be a jerk", she says to herself. She imagined him being her lover, it was at this moment she called herself back to her senses "common Sophia, how could you fall in love with someone you barely know", she murmured to herself. She looked at her phone and it was a few minutes to seven o'clock, because she knew today will be hectic. She was ready to experiment all she had been taught by Anna, as she had lots of eggs lying in each chicken coop. Few minutes later, Anna arrived, and smiled at Sophia, "good morning Sophia", she finally saluted. Sophia saw nothing bad in responding "Good morning Anna, hope you had a nice sleep", Anna smiled and said "yes I did, and you", she asked. Sophia smiled and responded "same here". Anna didn't deem it fit for them to be lacing around this morning, she finally let out her thoughts, "let's get work, it doesn't seem right of us lacing around this morning". Sophia, who saw no bad in what she said, replied "so what are we starting with", shrugging her shoulders. Anna gave it a little thought and finally said, "you know what Sophia, you will pick the eggs and arrange it crate, while I feed the chickens, I think that is fair enough, or what do you think", channeling her look towards her. "It dope to me, but where do I get the crates,cause I can't see any crates here", with confusion setting over her face. Anna could easily picture this and said "oh common girl, you simply go to that line and get crate", pointing to a distant line. Sophia felt bad, for she has never been talked to like that, so she decided to let out her mind, but gave it a second thought, knowing how Anna was so friendly to her, she decided to let her know how she felt. "Considering the fact that I am a novice, that sounds offensive, you Know". Anna, seeing that she had wronged her, hurriedly retracted her words, "oh so sorry dear, at least that will cheer you up for this morning", she teased. Sophia looked at her and only smiled, she quickly went to the line, so as not to delay today's work. At the line, a young guy named Drake, walked up towards her and decided to shoot his shot, after days of discussion with his friends concerning Sophia. "Hello damsel", he says with a lovely and romantic tone, stretching out his hand for a handshake. Sophia saw nothing in returning the salutation,she replied "Hello and how may I help you". Drake saw some kind of resistance but this never demoralized him, he said "If you don't mind I will like to have one or two discussions with you, after work". It was at this moment she knew, what he was up to . She only smiled but saw that Drake was still pressing further. She then concluded that it is better she cut the plant before it becomes a tree. "Look Drake, I am not in for all this, one I don't interest in you and two I am not ready for all this rubbish, good day", she said, taking the crates and leaving the spot. Unknowingly to her, Jude had been watching the scenario. Drake felt embarrassed and became an object of ridicule. Lucy, a girl who had been crushing on him, felt that this was the right time to make her feelings known, but her advances were not welcome. Sophia got to her base, and felt that not having any discussion will make the job boring, she decided to start up, "Hey Anna, who is Drake, because that guy came my way professing his love for me". Anna laughed so wild that her voice could be heard miles away, Sophia was shocked as to whether what she said looked funny. Anna discovered this and called herself back to her senses, she said holding her chest "well Drake is one of the flirts who have in this place", "then what calls for laughter", Sophia asked in amazement. Anna felt it was nothing bad in telling her little about who Drake is, "anyways I was laughing because you are the sixteenth he will be professing love to in this farm", but Sophia's look made Anna know that she hasn't answered her question. She continued "after promising Reverend father Jerome not to be such agai ….", Sophia cuts her short "anyways I see no reason you should laugh, but it sounds funny to u, then there is no problem, but left to me it not", she said picking the last egg on the row she was working on. There was a moment of silence, and Anna shot up this time "that reminds me, beware of Drake, cause he has a crush who is ready to do everything in her capacity to have Drake in her arms, I believe you understand what I am saying", she said looking at the face of Sophia. Sophia replied to her saying "oh sure, by the way what is her name". Anna said flinging the empty sack of the feed, "her name is Lucy and she can pose danger to you, if you have anything with Drake". Sophia simply laughed and said "you don't know me too well, I laugh in the sense of danger", she said in a cartoonish manner. Anna could only smile and said, "wait a minute are you planning to date Drake". Sophia was furious, but tried to control her emotions and said "common girl, how will you ever think of such", dropping the just picked crate on the others. Anna, discovering her mistake, said "I am so sorry Sophia, if what I said offended you, but you know I was just teasing". Sophia gave out a little smile and said "how do you study my mind so fast", "your look usually says it all", Anna replied. They both smiled at each other. "I will try and be careful with Drake, as you have rightly said. Anna raised her gaze and responded "exactly, cause I could recount quite a number of people who had fallen into Lucy's trap, Maria, Sarah, Emily and many which I can not recall". Sophia was shocked as to the names Anna mentioned "but come to think of it, how is it so easy for her to easily sack people". Anna gave it a little thought "I can't really answer that question though, but one thing I know for sure is that Lucy is a great crook and a liar, which everyone can confirm", she finally said. Sophia simply replied "okay". They continue having their discussion concerning Lucy and Drake, until Jude came towards their direction. Anna first sensed this and signaled to Sophia. Sophia quickly kept her mouth shut. Jude sensed their silence and said, "why the silence, girls". "Nothing sir", they both said affirmatively, looking at each other faces. Jude sensed the reason for their behiavour and said "oh girls, am not here to frighten you, am only here to have fun with you guys". Sophia who welcomed what Jude said, immediately replied "really", Anna immediately stepped her feet at the way she replied. Jude finally let out a smile and said "okay, if you don't mind can we at least have a drink at the Three friends spot this evening". Sophia wanted to reply, but was cut short by Anna, "we will think about and get back to you", Jude replied "no problem I will be expecting your feedback", and walks away. The bell was jingled for the close of the day. Since Sophia got no response from Anna, on the request of Jude. She decided to ask if she could take on the matter. "So Anna, what do you think about Jude's request?" she asked. The latter spent some minutes giving Sophia's speech some thought, "to me, I don't think it will be nice going for a drink with Jude". Sophia felt frustrated with the reservations Anna had with Jude. She finally said, "oh come on Anna, I understand the fact that you have reservations regarding Jude, but I see nothing bad in going out with Jude and that reminds me, what bad has Jude done to you. That you dislike him so much". Sophia flickled a smile. Anna winced and said, "it is so sad, you weren't here before, Jude is this callous being, he is never satisfied with what is done on the farm, he is so proud and arrogant….". "Don't you think he has changed", Sophia interrupted. "Maybe, as you have rightly said, for your sake I will be going for this drink", she said touching Sophia cheeks. At this point, Sophia's heart was elated and finally asked "so what time are we going to meet". "Hmmm let's say by six this evening, but I will tell Jude that we will be there by seven, or what do you think?", "It's fine by me". They agreed and reached a consensus and related to Jude. They both walked out towards the gate and Anna asked "oh s**t, how will you go home, when ", "oh common my home is miles away I can trek". "Oh no, I can spare you some" stretching out some money for her. Sophia saw no harm in collecting the money and appreciated her. Sophia and Anna finally reached a consensus of meeting at Hastings' junction next to Downtown's village. Sophia was lost in thoughts of how she related her outing to her mom, she tried to imagine her reaction but hoped she would be allowed to go. She finally arrived at home and narrated her outing to her mother. Her mother saw nothing bad in allowing her to go. She finally gave in and she could see how elated her daughter was. Sophia went to the bathroom, took her bath and went into her room. She later settled on a red dress and affirmed her look in the mirror. She dashed out of her room and went straight to her mother, "mom how do you look", her mother mopped her hands with the nearest napkin and said "you look so ravishing in your dress, get along girl and show the world how beautiful you are". Sophia smiled so wide and said "oh mommy, you flatter me". Her mother tried to adjust her dress and affirmed her dressing. Sophia moved straight out of the door with her mother and Sophia bade her. She walked down the roads and straight to Hastings' junction, she found Anna already waiting for her. She thought she was late checking her phone, it was just twenty minutes after five. She pondered on when Anna reached that spot. She walked towards her direction, they both exchanged pleasantries and headed towards the drinking spot. On getting to the drinking spot, they couldn't find Jude anywhere around. Anna and Sophia decided to sit down and wait, cause from the look of time,they were pretty early. Few minutes later, Jude came with his best friend named Jackson and easily pinpointed where the girls were. He walked up to them and saluted them. Anna who was not pleased with seeing another person with Jude. She finally voiced out and said "I can't remember when we agreed on you bringing someone with you". Jude sensed anger and said apologetically, "oooh so sorry guys for not letting you guys know earlier, here is Jackson a great friend of mine, I felt bringing him to this gathering will spice up our day, yet I should have announced this, once again am sorry", sitting on the chair next to Sophia. Sophia was amazed at the way Jude talked in the discussion, cause he was the opposite of what Anna said. They were all enjoying the discussion until Jackson brought it to a close by annoucing that it late already. They all headed to the two limosines parked at the side of the road. Jude hurriedly announced , having entered the car "whose going to Downtown's village, cause I want to get one or two things there", Sophia replied "that where I stay". Jude then said "hop in". She obeyed his words immediately and went into the car bading Anna. While in the car, Jude start up a discussion so as to make the journey lively. He shot "I am amazed as to the way you rejected Drake it uncommon of most girls in the farm", Sophia didn't respond but only smiled. Jude knew she didn't welcome the discussion and he finally said "wow, I respect girls of such behiavour". Sophia felt it won't be offensive if she didn't reply again "you do". "Yes of course", Jude answered and silence took over the order of the day, until she got to her home and alighted from the car. She bade Jude. He did drove home with the dying thought of Sophia in his mind. For hours could not stop imaging her in his mind. He went comparing her with the Sheldy they want him to marry. Seeing a nice clear difference did he shook his head. Love began grew in his little mind, knowing the consequence he evade the thought. He got into his home , seeing no one in the sitting room, his heart leaped for joy, as he will save himself the talk of getting a woman, with this he went to hi