Made for me

Anniversary to Remember

It was a tiring Saturday, and you could see the week's stress written on everyone's faces. No time to chat now. Everybody at work is engaged with one thing or the other and they are all animated. From adding finishing touches to design to the sales department, they are all cooperative and are working hand to hand like a community of ants building a mansion or, I would say, like a group of bees nesting in a delicious castle. After hours of production and delegation, there was finally room to relax a bit. "Hw far my guy, watin dey sup?" (speaking in pidgin). said Timi, as he crossed his leg to have a little chat with Olamide as they meet in the corridor of their offices. "Man this Affiliation thing is not for me bro," said Olamide. "Why would you say that?" asked Timi as he unfolded his arms, with a look of concern stretched all over his face. "There is no trust in these streets, and to convince a Nigerian man to buy your product is more difficult than mathematics". "Tell me about it?" as he places his into his pockets. "The last time I went to sell at Agege, one of the customers I approached told me to wait for him to go withdraw some money that he was going to patronize me. So I waited for him, sitting uncomfortably in his old chair at the front of his house. After 1 hour of waiting, he finally arrived only to tell me that he was no longer interested because he just received a w******p message that some people had just died using fake products like mine". "Haha" Timi could do nothing but laugh at Olamide like he was being tickled. "My brother am very sorry for that". "I know its funny but it wasn't funny that day". The thing is, the minds of Nigerians are messed up by bad governance and this has made us too sensitive and it's as bad to the extent that they don't believe anything anymore". "Yes you are right," said Timi as he nodded in agreement. "Ok na," said Olamide as they shake hands and then separated and went their way. "What's up baby girl," said Rose as she walk into Ruth's office. "Yes, Boss" Replied Ruth. "Don't tell me you call me boss too". "Well, you are my boss". " I know that but now is not the time to be all formal". She said as she folded her hands with eyes moving up and down all over Ruth like a handheld metal detector. " So sorry dear," said Ruth, but Rose was not buying the apology. She was about to leave her office but Ruth held her from behind and started reining praise on her in Yoruba language she said, "Ẹwa bi oorun ṣeto(beauty like the sunset),egan ododo mi(My wildflower). The praises melted into her heart like a hot knife through butter. She had no choice but to succumb to her praise. She then turned and they hugged. "You, my dear, are the best" she replied, with a big smile that revealed her dimples and parted teeth. "Yes, before I forget, tomorrow is Mr. and Ms. Rufus's Wedding anniversary. hope you are tagging along?" said Ruth, but Rose looked away. A usual sign that shows that she is not buying an idea or a sign of resistance." Why na Rose? please who will be my bestie for the occasion?". "Ok fine I will try", "Yes, yes," said Ruth as she adjusts herself closer to Rose. "I hear it's their 40th anniversary?" said Rose in a faint voice." Their love is probably from the moon because you can't find another like theirs". "I don't agree with you my dear, there's is still true love there out there, you just need a little luck to find one". "Well done, love scanning machine," said Rose "probably, but not in Lagos. All the men here are wild". "Really, but that man we meant at the Grocery store seems nice". "Yeah they all seem nice at first, but babe, take a good look at me", as she took a spin, like a model on a runway. "While all this drama?" asked Ruth. "I deserve better Nah "That guy was not even good-looking. His nose was flat as if it was smashed with a frying pan". "I noticed" said Ruth as they both burst into uncontrollable laughter. "Babe, if he is not good looking, then what does he have to offer? I mean I got money!". "What's your type," Ruth said as she stared into Rose's eyes, with both hands on her cheeks. "hmm, good-looking, hardworking, and God-fearing"."Alright ma I just pray you find him soon" "I believe God has the perfect plan me dear". "So what are you going to put on your majesty? "haha" "am no princess, my dear," said Rose, but something classic will be great. After the end of a dramatic debate, work time was over and Rose decided to drop Ruth off after work. In the car, Rose switches to her favorite station; Ray power FM (voice of the radio) "On today's show we are going to help someone find a lover! am your host Adekunle Okpe and don't touch that dial we be right back". "Welcome back we have a call let's pick up. "Hello what's your name and where are you calling from?" "My name is Juliet from Lagos state". "Juliet you are welcome to the show, so what's the type of man let is if we could hook you up?". "Must have a good job and must be loyal". "Ok Juilet we will forward your number to someone we feel match your description. OK have a nice day Juilet". "It's funny how girls nowadays feel they could find love online" said Rose as she wore a frown on her face. "It's the internet age dear, you could even do a wedding online. Not everyone is old school like you"."You better take that back or I will put you over right now". "It's a joke. can't someone play with you? OK, I am sorry". "Better". After dropping Ruth off, she drops to a nearby supermarket to get some soft for upkeep and perfume for the party. "That is a one of a kind. I heard it cost over 100 thousand naira. The perfect perfume to stand out". A random voice spoke behind Rose as she was at the cosmetic counter. She was not in a hurry to turn to see who it was. "Am talking to you damsel". Rose still didn't seem to be interested. "Hello can you hear me?". "Yes, of course, am not deaf" said Rose as she turned to see who could be disturbing her peace. "Yes Mr man how can I help you?" as she folded her hands staring at him with eyes of interrogation. "Pardon me, where are my manners "Am Lex and you?" as he stretched his hand for a handshake. "Is that the name your parents gave you?" looking at him from head to toe. "No" as he clears his throat "Am Alexander and you?" "Am Rosemary," she said but refused to shake his hand. "Nice to meet you, Rosemary," he said as he slowly withdrew his hand back to himself. "I saw you from a distance and I said I should say hi to a beautiful woman and I don't mean to disturb you". Alex was looking all casual, from his Rolex watch to his designer suit and well-oiled beard. Rose knew that he was not from around here. "You not from here, right, or are you Mr. Alex?" she said as she slowly looked away from him. "Yes, that's why I approached you. I just came back from France and I want to make new friends. Can we be friends?". "Yes I think we could", "Alright, can I have your number? "No I don't think so, Maybe when we see again"."What about your i********:?". "Ok fine", took a deep breath and looked back at him. "Bosslady007$"."Alright then I will hit you up," said Alexander as he goes his way. Getting home after a day of hard work and drama, the Lioness herself decided to cook some pasta for dinner. After dinner, she grabbed her diary for the day's write-up. she wrote. Dear Tuesday, you weren't bad at all. At least somebody's son said I was beautiful today. Dear Lord, I know you have the perfect plan for me, and may you give me the grace to know what's next on the list, Amen".

It's Sunday morning. Rose is up and ready for church. Putting on a colorful Akara dress, she matches into the presence of God. With gladness in her heart, she dances to glorify the name of the Lord. After church, she prepared a jollof rice for lunch and then took a short nap. It was 4 pm, and the scorching sun had gone down. There was calm in the air. The sound coming from Rose's phone woke her up. She had two missed calls from Ruth and a text also. She squinted her eyes to read the text, and it said "Party start by 4 please don't be late". Rose arose from her bed to the bathroom and took a warm bath. After she opened her designer's closet, to pick the perfect dress for the occasion. She picks one of her favorite dresses, which is a blue mermaid gown, with a blue handbag that compliments it. Arriving at the party, Ruth came to welcome her as they walked in to greet the host. "Rosemary Adeyemi am glad to see you", "The pleasure is mine ma" as she squatted to greet Ms. Rufus. "And the lovely Ruth Olumide, am glad you guys came to our party"."Yes ma we are happy to be here". "How is father doing? long-time no see". "He is fine sir, we are all fine". "Can I ask you a question sir?" Rose said."Yes of course my dear", said Mr. Rufus as he chuckled and took a slip of wine. "What's the secret of a successful marriage?"."You see, my dear, there are only two things that preserve a marriage, first a cultivating husband and a respectful wife". He said and then chuckled again and took another slip. "When you said cultivating husband what do you mean?" at this awkward moment, Ruth tried to use her eyes to signal to Rose, that the question had become too much. "A cultivating man is a man that takes the responsibility to care for the family like a gardener and treat his wife like the most beautiful flower in the garden and the wife should never is her man as worthless. At all times, you must respect him and see him as your everyday hero" said Ms. Rufus as he held his wife's hand. "Thanks sweetheart" said Ms. Rufus and then his husband kissed her on her forehead. Rose at this point, her heart was melted by what she had just witnessed. tears could have dropped from her but she held them back. "Thank you, ma, Thanks sir" said Ruth. She carefully dragged Rose away from the celebrants. "I think you went too far in the questioning". " Yeah I did, and am sorry for that". "Let go get a drink", said Ruth, as she held her bestie by the hand. It's a beautiful evening, everyone is having a good time. The music played by the DJ created a lovely romantic atmosphere. Rose and Ruth stood in a corner of the party, feeding their eyes with all the event had to offer. All the couples at the party are clinched to each other, dancing, and having a good time. "Babe that's the guy I told you about," said Rose as they quickly adjusts themselves to order, because he was coming their way. "Hello, Ladies," said Alexander with a deep macular voice. "Hi, Alexander," said Rose as she looked away. "I must say that your beauty this evening is like a wildflower, and not something you can find around". "Thanks for the compliment, you don't look bad as well". "I will take that as a compliment. "Can I have this dance?" He said, while he places his left hand on his chest and his right stretched forward. Rose then looked at Ruth to get a quick glimpse of what she thought and Ruth nodded as a sign of agreement. "Alright," she said as she placed her hand into Alex's palm and they went dancing. She could still see Ruth in the corner, and when their eyes met, she gave a double thumbs up. She always wants the best for her best friend, and would always watch her back at all times. "You don't smile much, I wonder why," said Alex, looking straight into Rose's eyes. "Occasionally I do when I see the need. It is not that I am a sadist or something. I'm a happy person but am kinda strict sometimes. It's part of my job description. What about you? What's your job description?". I'm a car dealer, and I import fairly used cars to the country for sales". "That's nice," said Rose as she adjusted his hands from crossing any boundaries. "I would love to know more about you," he said, still looking straight into her eyes. "Time will tell Alex," she said followed by a smile. "The smile looks good on you. Your dimples and parted teeth make you more beautiful you should smile more". "Ok if you say so", "Can I have your number now?". "Ok after the dance"."Alright my lady," He said. "Am not your lady Alex, you want to tell me you don't have a girlfriend or a Lover?". "If I had then, why am I talking to you?". "Am sorry but I find that hard to believe". "Am a man of principle and discipline. "I guess you should have figured out that by now?". "I should be the one asking if you were single?". "The thing is I have a lot of people approaching me, but you know when it's coming to picking a partner, you don't want to make any mistakes". "The question here is why should I choose you". "I like you, Rose. I mean look at you, an independent, beautiful woman, who seems to know what she wants. That's rear like a gem and the reason why I am more committed". "Committed! what do you mean Alex? do I look like a prize to be won? or a trophy to you?" as she pushed Alex away slowly. "Am sorry my dear it's just a miss understanding". "Have a nice day Alex" as she walked away. She then looked around in search of her bestie. She could see her dancing with someone in a far corner. "What a happy soul" she said to herself. She then worked to the bar for a drink to clear her head. She's not much of a drinker, but wouldn't mind a little slip of alcohol now. Her body was asking for it. The party was at its conclusion, everyone was saying their goodbyes and Rose and Ruth went home with memories of a great anniversary to remember. Getting home, Rose didn't feel like cooking. All that was on her mind was Monday's work. She had already had enough to drink and eat at the party, so she managed to drag herself to the bathroom to take a cool shower. When it was bedtime she said her prayers and wrote in her diary. She wrote," Some have love written on stones and others on sand. Lord, if I should fall in love, please show me a sign to know if he is a cultivator and give me the heart to respect him Amen.

Work the next day was smooth. The shades of the beautiful anniversary were still in her head and served as an energy booster. She went round supervising with a smile and not putting anyone under pressure. Her staff love to see her in this mood. She was even caught joking with Mr Tunde. Its not usual. Her beautiful smile has graced everyone today and it spread love around in the office and this inspired an atmosphere to work conveniently. The sales for the day were high. Every department had a network glued on understanding and cooperation. After the goal of the day was archived, there was now room to chat. Ruth walked into her office for a recap of the anniversary. "I can see that your black girl's magic caught somebody's son yesterday, so give me the gist and the ear-sweetening gist". "Nothing to talk about dear, just two adults dancing". "Are you sure that all? don't tell me that you are hiding it from me your bestie". After a little persuasion, she obliged her demands. "OK, I will tell you. We met at Jendol grocery stores. While I was minding my business and picking up a few soft things to keep up, I heard this Masculine voice behind me and, while I turned, behold, there was Alex with his shoulder fitted with pride. He went straight, telling me all about him and all his worth. I was not even surprised to see him at the anniversary. It seems that his influence gives him undeserved benefits". "So are you telling me you don't like him? Ruth inquired and this was because she wanted a constant smile on her best friend's face. "Do I really have a choice? I mean he is the only handsome man that has approached me in a longtime. I am not tripping but I want to see where this leads and just hope he is the one. I know he is into me, but I just want to play hard to get a little". "Of course, with this beauty everywhere, I am sure he is already into you". "Its just a dance my dear, so don't make a big deal out of it". she then tickled her a little and ran away back to her office. Laughter found a way to her mouth and her lungs were filled with joy. The affection they shared was rigid, but with time it will not be enough. The intimacy between wife and man was due and for now she held on tight to the vehicle of patience and braced herself with hope and she trusted in God.