Made for me

Fate Will Find A Way

It was a hot afternoon in Lagos. The sun at its climax is scorching and exhausting. The effect of the sun is a problem for only those who have nowhere to hide from its range. Most of them are left with sunburns and others get darker than usual in skin color. It's a noisy afternoon. People are moving up and down in search of their daily bread. The hustling is intense, as if a medal of honor awaits. These streets don`t forgive the lazy ones. Hunger awaits. The hardship has turned many into thugs. You will see them hanging around. Searching for their next victim. This has made everyone watchful and vigilant. Nobody wants to be their victim. The first orientation you get around here is how to stay safe. For those that have stayed around long enough, there is more experience. Like a chess game, you need to see moves ahead. Move on knowing who to trust and who not to. Rose knows better. It's difficult to catch the boss off guard. She had been here long enough and she could see right through anyone claiming to be smart. She always had a backup plan for every plan. Being an independent woman for years, she has crafted her life this way. It was a regular day at work. Rose was sitting on her chair of accomplishment when she got an email from an unfamiliar company. The email was strange and it said it was from the 2019 Gendal Just Climax Solution Award For Grassroot And Women-led Organisation. Her anxiousness popped like a balloon as she read through it quickly. "Am I dreaming or what" she whispered to herself. Her joy broke out as she ran to Ruth's office. Her dramatic display had made Ruth uncomfortable. "What is going on?" She asked with quick urgency. "Guess what?". "What" Ruth countered back the question. Curiosity was stretched all over her face. "Read this yourself," she said as she pointed her phone toward her best friend. Ruth was quick to grab it and went straight to unravel the misery behind her crazy behavior. After going through and digesting the contents of the e-mail, Ruth was shocked. Her legs couldn't subdue the pressure as she leaned on a chair close by. "These days I wonder if we are living in our fantasy. I am proud of you dear". Said Ruth as she gave Rose a victory hug. She was awarded the category of best Women-led Organisation of 2023. This was her dream award. It was like she had polished the spot where the trophy would sit in her cabinet of victory. "Mr. Babatunde had predicted this for the last three years". He was your day one mentor", Ruth replied. "After my Mum", Ruth chuckled. "Yeah sure, her prayers are effective". They had a little moment of silence as if there was sweet chanting music in the background. The award also came with a free trip to Dubai and a two-week mentoring training session. The GJCSAFGWO(Gendal Just Climax Solution Award For Grassroot And Women-led Organisation), cooperated with the NHA(National Humanitarian Awards), the ones who presented the awards, and Harry won the category for the 2023 Humanitarian award. There was a celebration at both ends. Rose had lost the appetite for work. She was eager to share her new achievement with Alex. After work, she drove straight to Alex's place. He lived in a major part of town with the big boys. Alex was happy to welcome her. He had never since Rose with such a big smile. "What would cause my flower to smile in such a delightful way?" She didn't have the voice to answer him. She had lost her voice while screaming with her bestie, so she presented him with the e-mail. Alex was star stock for a moment. "This is huge, babe. I am proud of you". Their eyes met and for the first time Rose romantically looked at him and they kissed. "I will keep your heart safe". "You better!", she said softly. After the romantic evening started to fade, it was time for Rose to head home. While driving home, she enjoyed the cool jams played on her favorite radio station and this added more to the flames of love. The thought of calling her Mum came to her mind. She always calls her first, but not today. Her love for Alex had caught fire. Getting home, she called her mother and Mr. Babatunde, and was a double dose of prayers and good wishes from both ends. Work the next day was unbelievable. A group of well-respected entities in society came to present her with the award at her company. It was all pictures, handshakes, and congratulations from every angle. It was the bomb. The news was there and it was indeed a big day. The trip would be in a few days, so she had a little time to catch up with Alex.

The day of the trip arrived and she was all set for the journey. Loaded with different bags with different colors and designs. Ruth accompanied her to the airport. Murtala Muhammed International Airport was quite busy on a Monday morning. While she was on board, she sat close to the window. She could not miss the sight. "Hello princess", an intruding voice badge into her peace. It was Harry. Rose, at this point, was frozen and short of words. "Can I sit close to my travel partner? he asked. Rose was still recovering from the shock and didn't respond or ask any questions. "Thank you ma," he said as he took his seat next to Rose. Shades of what was going on started flashing through Rose's mind like a slide show. She remembered the award was the cooperation of two companies. The strings of her joy cut instantly. "So I would spend two weeks of my life with this player," she whispered to herself. " I mean it would not be hyped if I said that you have a million-dollar mind, right?" "Enough with the pleasantries Harry. So, you think everything is a game? And trust me, I am not falling for those words clotted with sugar but bitter inside like bitter kola. Please take your games elsewhere. "Am sorry about the other day. I shouldn't have put you in such a position". "I am in a relationship now, and I don't need to be having this conversation". "Alright, I get you. I just want to let you know that we broke up if you care to know". "Why if I may ask?". "Caught her cheating on me the same night I introduced her to you. After we went to the carnival, I couldn't stop thinking about you. I thought of breaking up with her, but I was sorry for her. sorry because I didn't want to hurt her. I was a bit skeptical about asking you out. I felt you would reject me and withdraw my intention. With you it's different. With you, I am vulnerable. My shield of invisibility disappears. So I played the boy`s game. "What's the boy`s game if, I may ask? "In a situation where you have feelings for two girls, and you are not sure which of them feels the same way, so to prevent disappointment, you run with both balls and, eventually if one drops, you have one to keep. Yours dropped when I saw your post with Alex on i********:. "I went to a carnival with you. Do you think if I didn't care I would leave my workspace to come to be with you? "Maybe it's a misunderstanding, but when I saw you together, I just stepped back a little. "I like him. He is sweet and very caring, but he is not a hundred percent my type. "Really! What's your type? Their conversation was interrupted by one of the plane staff, who came to take their orders for food. "For the interest best known to me, I would rather not share. This conversation is over". She then turned her face away. She was not ready to have a long conversation with Harry. It's always like a tug of war when they talk. Harry was quiet and didn't say a word. They both wish to be somewhere else, but somehow, their fate is entangled and they seem stuck together. After an hour of silence, the weight of anger broke. " Can I say something?" Harry said in a low skeptical voice. "What's that?", Rose countered back with a high commanding voice. "Since we are on this trip together for two weeks, why don't you let us put everything behind us and do what we do best?". " And what's that?". "Being a team. You have got this flair for winning, and you are so determined and focused. Even under pressure, you don't panic. You find your way around and make it look easy". " Thanks, but no thanks. I am not falling for your buttering, seductive, persuasive, and smooth words, and for record sake, I am a lone soldier. A one-man Army. Like an Eagle, I steal the moment because I have learned to see the vision and wait for my breaking moment. While you, on the other hand, sabotage and manipulate the minds of those around you to get what you want. You are good. I mean you are well-spoken, influential, have a good background check, and have a concrete reputation to show that. But I am not in the same illusion as others. So you see, we have nothing in common", she replied. Harry was about to say something but held himself back. He knew the words to say to make her want to jump off the plane, but he just decided to let her win. This was when he realized he cared for her more than he thought. He just looked away and minded his business. After a while of quietness, Rose felt remorseful for how she spoke to Harry. She thought about all Harry said. The compliments were thrilling and true. No one else sees her in the way Harry did. He could see all her worth at one glance. She was calm now, the same as Harry.

They were close to their destination. The voice from the plane had instructed them to buckle up. Arriving at the Dubai International Airport was a life experience to remember. Rose took out her phone to capture the moment, taking pictures of everything that caught her eye. Same as Harry. Something for the grams, and Rose, collecting enough content for the gist that awaits back home. They were received at the airport by a group of men dressed in Kandura, a typical Emirate native dress, with golden necklaces, curly beards, and a strange assent as well. They took them to their hotel. Thanks to one of them who could speak English decently. Harry and Rose had not spoken since their debate on the plane. Their rooms were next to each other. The treatment and hospitality were luxurious. It was time for them to rest. Tomorrow is a big day for both, but a lot was going on in their minds. For these two, special is not enough. Extra special is the chase. After hours of settling down, Rose tried to reach Ruth but it wasn't going through. Someone was at Rose's door. She was a bit confused because she had not ordered or requested anything. It was Harry. "Yes, what can I do for you?" she asked. "I was thinking since tomorrow we are giving a speech. I thought it would be great if we prepared together. I will let you lead all the way and promise not to do or say anything that would get you angry", he said while placing his hand on his chest. Rose felt she had overreacted earlier, so she invited him in. " Let me hear your speech". "OK ma" he replied. "Someone once asked me what is the beauty of being human. I replied and said. The consciousness of our conscience, the chance to make mistakes and make up. The opportunity to right a wrong is a beautiful thing. He said to me, why do we make mistakes in the first place? I replied and said. If we didn't, then we would seem to be human. That is why we look for opportunities to right a wrong and give life back to the community. For years now, that has been our initiative. We believe Africa has a stake in the future. We believe in second chances. So it's a great honor to represent the giant of Africa, which is Nigeria, in this year's Humanitarian program worldwide. Thank you, I am still working on it, so what do you think?". "great but not stunning". "Let me hear yours". He said while smiling at Rose. " I don't rehearse. The magic happens on the stage. No need to refine or dilute it. It all comes straight from my well of awesomeness". "Hahaha you're not serious. I pray your juju (charm) should not fail you one of these days. You must have someone or something strongly backing you. Your push and your motivation are ridiculous". " You might be right" she replied, as she reached for the bottle of champagne on her table and opened it. "Champagne", she said as she filled two glasses up and gave Harry one of them. "Make a toast". Harry asked of her. " Cheers to the good life". "Cheers to those who are born to rule," she added. Harry had noticed she was taking sleeping pills. He had seen some drugs on the table. "What would take away sleep from your eyes," he asked. Rose at this point was wearing a confused look. "I don't want to play one of those games Harry, see you tomorrow. "OK and if you want to share anything with someone, just know that I am here for you". " Thank you, I will keep that in mind". Harry then took his leave. When it was finally morning after a long and restful night, Rose and Harry were overwhelmed by the beauty the state harnessed. " Are you the fairest of them all?". "Thank you, sir, you look cute like a gentle person". Hurry up, we do not want to keep them waiting". "OK, ma ladies first". After the exchange of pleasantries, they hurry down the elevator. They were stunned to see their taxi car was a Lamborghini truck. Getting there, the atmosphere was prime, with exquisite aromas, elegant and class. They are good at controlling nerves, but Rose makes it look easy. Rose was the first to be called out, as a representative of Nigeria. " It's an honor to be here to share with you a story of a little girl who saw a vision at a young age and invested in it. Driven by motivation and passion, I consider myself an underdog. It had been my dream to be a woman that would, anyway, be a resource to society. I stand here to represent all the women around the world doing better for themselves. I'm grateful and I will not stop, but keep on keeping on. Thank you". There was a series of language translations for a few minutes. Then thunderous applause came afterward. Harry was the most impressed. This triggers a feeling. He felt he was not good enough for Rose because Rose that day was just too much. She was a full package of a black, beautiful, intelligent, and powerful Lady. After the big day was over, Rose could not think of anything else but to go and crash on her super soft bed and relive every moment again. A call came to her phone. It was Alex. "Hi, sweetheart". " Hey, Babe". "I have been trying to reach you". "Sorry dear, I have been busy like a bee these few days. Did you watch my speech?" She asked. "Oh, how was it dear?". "Babe you promised that you will be watching". " Yeah, I am sorry I was in a business meeting and it was very important". "Alright, I understand". " When are you returning I missed you already". "Soon dear. Be good, OK". After the call, she called Ruth. She needed her to put her back in her grooving mood because Alex's negligence had switched her to a bad mood. Ruth's line wasn't going through also. She was for a few seconds left in a circle of loneliness. At this time, the thought of Harry crept into my heart. A talk with an active and troublesome crush would be nice at this point. She grabbed a bottle of champagne and went straight to knock on Harry's door. Harry was glad to see her at the door. His smile was huge. It reveals all his white teeth and his dimples, making a statement of joy. "I thought we should celebrate. Champagne?". " Champagne would do. Come in". Harry received her with gladness. Her feelings for Harry had started to ignite. His calm, carefully selected words and gentlemanly stage presence, made Rose start to slip. Like a circus, Harry could take you on a roller coaster of feelings. "What are the sweetest words a man has ever said to you?" asked Harry. "Can't pin my mind on any right now. So what's the motivation for the question? "Wanna hear something sweet?". "OK, I guess". Rose was a bit skeptical because at this time she wasn't sure what he was up to. Wasn't sure what he would pull out of the hat this time. "I don't need a date on the calendar to celebrate you. If it was possible, I would give you Christmas in June. You deserve a flower for every breath you take and a pendant that says you can't be in second place. Rose, I see you in your shining light and I swear there is no other place I would be". Rose was left speechless for some seconds. Those words from Harry colonized her heart at once. It was a bullseye for Harry. Rose came in need of something like that. Her shield of Independence broke. Her soul instantly fused with Harry's. Her eyes and Harry's met. She looked deep and was drawn straight into it like a black hole. Harry leaned forward to attempt a kiss. She was down for it. She craved it too. On the verge of a clash of lips, the thought of Alex flashed through her subconscious mind and Rose instantly turned her face away. "I should be going now," she said as she gathered her softness with urgency. Her phone slipped from her hand in the process. She was not a clumsy type, but her nervous system was altered by her strange feelings. Harry tried to help her but she insisted she was fine and left. Their training classes started the next day. It was a busy day. They both thought about each other last night, but Rose was avoiding Harry. She didn't want to be in such a position anytime soon, but it didn't matter anymore. She was in love with two men and was drowning in confusion. A part of her was mad at Harry because if he had done this and said it earlier, then it wouldn't have been this difficult. Cheating on Alex was not an option, but letting Harry go was not an option either. She had kept all that happened away from Ruth. This wasn't something to gossip about. The day of returning had arrived, and Rose was delighted. It was time to return to the atmosphere, where her superpowers are heightened. Dubai had weakened her like Kryptonite to Superman. She had enough. Enough of the foreign food. Her Mum's local-made okro soup and amala were calling her. She has been avoiding Harry for days now. Harry, on the other hand, just stood back. He doesn't want to cross his boundaries. He felt he didn't have enough justification to be angry at Rose. He decided to step back a little. If Rose should love him, then it must be from sincerity, not persuasion, or pity. Arriving at the airport, Ruth was already waiting for her. "I have missed you my dearest friend," said Ruth. "Me too". Afterward, Ruth was shaking her fingers. Rose was confused and didn't know what was going on till she looked closely. She could see a diamond ring on her finger. Tears of joy gushed out of her eyes. She was so happy for her. Her body language shows it. " Come here," she said, and gave her a warm hug. It was an overload of gist on their way home. Rose arrived home late. Ruth was with her. They needed the night to gist. There was a lot to talk about. The next morning, Rose drove straight to her Mum's place. She had stayed too long away from her mother curdling. Her sweet soup and excess love had been calling. Rose's Dad was impressed with her recent achievement. He and some of his friends watched her speech and one of them told him, "Your daughter is an icon. You must be proud". After she had finished eating fufu and okra soup made by her mum, she sat in the sitting room giving her mum all the Dubai gist. Her Dad worked to join the conversation. It was the first time in a long time. " Come, my daughter. walk with me". Her Dad invited her. "I had always been strict with the rules. I feel that I might have been extremely difficult. The fear of you not advancing the family's reputation made me do like that, but you show me that winning is in the genes just like your father. I am proud of you, my dear. I will come to your workplace someday. Want to see where the magic is happening". He then smiled and spread his arms and gave her a warm hug. "I love you, Dad". The love of a father flooded her heart. "I love you too, my baby girl". After the parent and child get-together was over, it was time for Rose to head home. Her Mum was glad she had come. Seeing her and her Dad connect was a dream come true for her. Rose drove straight to Alex's house. Alex received her with joy, followed by kissing, hugging, and reminiscing. After catching a movie together, Rose fell asleep on the couch. No need for her pills today. She was already high on love. The night was long. There was a lot to dream about. The sweet smell that was from hot coffee, drew her from Disney Land to the real world. Coffee in bed. Every woman's dream. "Good morning my sweet. Care for a coffee?". "Thanks honey, but I should be on my way to work now, OK". " Can't you stay? Take a day off" he said. "See you later dear. I have been away long enough" she replied. On her way to work, she turned on the radio to her favorite station while she cruised to work. Getting to work, she couldn't recognize the place. Just a few weeks of her absence and the place was sinking. She thought of blaming Ruth but she couldn't because she was always soft and her tin voice couldn't scare a fly. Her wedding was approaching, so Rose pretended not to be offended by their actions. She just smiled and went straight to her office. She was doing some cleaning when she got a text from Harry. She didn't open it. Ignoring was the best option. After cleaning up, she relaxed on her chair of victory. She then opened the text and he wrote "if loving you was a quest, then I will embark on a journey to trap a piece of the clouds in a bottle. When I give myself ten reasons not to love you, I get twenty reasons why I should. Like a circle, I still find my way to you. Even if I have nothing you wished for in a man, I will try again till I lose count. If you were my girl, I would not wait for a day on the calendar to celebrate you. Every day would be a cake day. I got feelings and this time it's not a joke". The text had a glimpse of honesty and she loved it. She does not want to be entangled in the chronicles of the two men and one woman. Alex was the most loving and Harry the most romantic. She agreed with herself to keep Harry as a backup plan.