Made for me

Round we go

Work the next morning was great. The company's reputation drew customers like ants to sugar. It was an overload of contracts, but it wasn't something they couldn't handle. The boss taught them well. With the addition of new staff, they have adapted to being a successful group. Mr. Tunde proved to be someone Rose could trust to run the company single-handedly, according to its standards at all times. Timi and Ms. Chima also played a big role in the success rate of the company. Rose was proud. She had trained them well and had infected them with the winning virus. She would need them soon because Ruth's wedding was around the corner. It was time to put Alex and Harry's thoughts away from her heart. Her best friend needed her and she needed her full concentration. Ruth was getting married to Ayomide, her secondary school boyfriend. They have been together for six years now. Indeed, they were love birds from a very young age, and growing together has made them bond so well that you might mistake them for being relatives. It was her quest to give Ruth the best wedding experience ever. She recommended the wedding planner for the occasion, which was one of the best in town. Her asking price was huge but they were up for it. The millions staked in their account were there for a reason like this. It has always been their fantasy to break the Internet with the best wedding party of the year. Hiring a woman like Mrs. Pearl's abilities were what they wanted. They had something in common, which was winning. If you are asking for a five-star wedding, then you can count on her. Her accent and the way she carries herself say it all. After a smooth morning at work, they decided to drive to town for shopping. Indeed, they were independent. They went first to get the wedding gown and there was a variety of them to pick from. If it was possible, they would purchase two but they could only pick one that fitted the divine moment. After hours of searching, they found delight in a long sleeve mermaid garden country bride bridal. Which cost them the sum of 2000 dollars. Rose also picked the gown for the bride's maid. She picked a long-sleeved, light green trumpet gown. After the stressful shopping, they drove straight to Ruth's family house. "You are welcome, my children. Please make yourself comfortable" said Ms. Olumide. Ruth's mum was glad to see Rose. They didn't waste time showing her all they bought and telling her all the preparation procedures. "Thank you for being a good friend to my daughter, you are the best". " Thank you ma" she responded. "Is that the voice of our best friend," said Mr. Olumide, as he joined them in the living room. "Daddy, I am happy to see you. How are you doing?" "I am OK. We thank God for the preservation of life. I will soon be a grandfather and am grateful for life". "Rose, you are next in line," he said. The joy was stamped on his face. "Amen. Thank you sir" she replied. After all was said and done, the day was far gone. Rose got home late. It's been a while since she wrote her diary. She had forgotten it. It seems Harry and Alex's saga had made her forget. This used to be the only way she expressed her hidden feelings. She needed it and her soul was asking for it. Ruth is getting married and this changes everything. They are no longer in the same category. The conversation will change a little. Ruth would experience childbearing before her and would soon have a family to care for and this would change their timeline. Rose was two years older than Ruth and at this point the pressure was intense. None of the two men in her life had asked her any questions about settling down. She hated the fact that the man had to ask the question. A lot was going through her mind that night. She grabbed her diary and wrote, "Well, I guess it's time to stop dreaming. The real world is cruel to me. I guess I am no Princess. The reality of life is ruled by corruption and power. It's time to leave the castle. I need to be out there. No prince will come for me here. I pray for strength and courage as I embark on the journey to save myself, Amen.

The next day at the office was boring. The absence of Ruth caged her in her office. Ruth had taken a day off, to go for her pre-wedding photoshoot. The boredom made her creative. She had called Timi to her office for a little chat. "Yes boss," he said as he walked into Rose's office with two cups of coffee. "Care for a cup of coffee?", He asked gently. " Yeah thank you". "You sent me," Timi said because he was eager to know the instructions, Rose wants to give, to quickly go about it. "I see that you are a very hard-working young man". " Am trying" he replied as he blushed and turned away his face to prevent eye contact. She had never complimented him in such a nice way before and the new behavior made him skeptical. "I have a question for you and if you are honest enough, I might increase your salary". " Ok, try me" he responded with a shaky voice. "What scares a man from a powerful woman?". " That's an easy question. The answers are not far-fetched. First, men feel that a powerful woman doesn't value her relationship and the fact that she is not dependent sometimes makes her want to disrespect him. She dictates what she feels is best for the family and breaks the law of the wife's submission to her husband. Because of this fear, men want to be sure what they are getting into". "Really, that is interesting, so what's your advice to women in this category?" "Making themselves a little softer. Letting the man know that he is the leader over her and this she should show in all conversation and actions". "Nice one Timi. Am impressed. I would start by adding ten thousand naira to your regular salary from now on". Timi was glad he was able to put a smile on his boss's face. The conversation was unusual but rewarding. "You can go now". "Thank you boss", he replied and left with a joy walk. The conversation relieved a bit of worry. She then picked up her phone from her bag to check if Ruth had sent the pictures. She had missed calls from Alex and Harry. She decided to call back so she dialed Alex's number first. " Hey Babe, sorry I missed your call". "Hey, sweetheart, how are you doing?" "Am OK just here". "I have missed you, can we see this weekend?" "I don't know yet, you know I am busy with work and Ruth's wedding is in two weeks". " Ok Babe, I love you". "Me too". After contacting Alex, she called Harry. " Hello sorry I missed your call". "Hey, dearest, how are you doing? I am glad you have stopped ignoring me". " What do you want Harry," she asked in a low voice. "I need you to give me a chance to apologize to you. So I was wondering if you would like to go on a date with me?". "Sorry I am busy, I don't think I will be free today". "OK dear, take care of yourself". " I will thank you". The day just kept getting boring, so she decided to drive to one of her cool spots. She was there sipping her juice and minding her business when she saw what you would call the shock of the evening. She saw Alex and a lady walk into the restaurant, holding hands and having a good time. She thought of going to confront them but something held her back. When they left, she followed them. "You must be kidding me," she said when she opened Alex's door, catching them red-handed with the mysterious lady on his back. "Oh, s**t, Baby I can explain. It's not what you think". " Who is this?" asked the mysterious lady. "So this is how you treat me after giving you my heart, right?". " Oh touching sorry I can't wait to see the full story," said the mysterious lady and then took off. "I am sorry Babe, it's the devil's work". "Ok then, am glad it didn't go further than this before I found out". " I was tempted, Precious used to be my university crush, and when we link up on f*******: she suggested we see, and it wouldn't have been possible if you were here. You are always busy. I felt lonely and she caught me at an unguarded moment. I am sorry Babe". Rose didn't say a word, she just left. She drove straight to her house. That's the only place she let her tears out. "Why is my own different? why do love and I, don't get along? It seems every move is foul play". She turned down the volume of her radio. Her soul was not ready to be encouraged or compensated. She shut all the way, which leads to my heart. She has had enough of the boy drama. After several rounds of tears. She evolved. It was not the best time to cry. She has come too far to feel sorry for herself. She was quiet. Her heart, mind, and soul had come up with an idea to build a new legislature. A shield that fights primitive feelings that only lead to heartbreaks and heartache was raised. A new skin of toughness was created. She called Alex and gave him a sound warning not to ever see him close to her, or anything that concerns her. The message was clear. It sounded like a threat.

The aroma of her new ways erupted into the atmosphere. Everyone spotted it like waves transmitted from the gristle under the heel of an elephant. The warning was clear. Clear enough for her employees to be steadfast in the culture of discipline, hard work, and commitment to duties. She told Ruth everything that happened, but her consoling gestures were less effective. At this point, Ms. Independence has bought herself peace of mind. She had aborted every memory that could spark up any feelings. The day had, all of a sudden, become longer, and more frustrating. The thought of changing the environment settled at the center of her heart. She needed a new adventure. Anything that would stop this maze run would be nice. At the point of stamping thoughts in her heart, she remembered that Ruth's wedding was around the corner, and she melted out into reality. " Someone is here to see you". "Who?" she replied at lightning speed". "It's Harry. Am sending him in". " Why" she responded in an irritated manner. Ruth ended the call and sent Harry in at once. She cared so much about Rose's feelings and Mr arrogant might spark up something. "The eagle herself", said Harry as he entered her office with all different gestures of greeting and appreciation. " Please state the reason why you are here. You can see I am busy". "Can I at least have my seat?". " Yes sit, I am listening". He then placed something on the table. It was an engraved round locket necklace that her mum gave her on her sixteenth birthday. It contains a picture of a little girl looking at the ocean, with a written word that says, Set aside to see beyond time. A flashing of memories ran through the channels of nerves in her skin to her brain. There was a traffic of warm feelings echoing around her newly involved structure and it broke the rigid anti-emotional shield that bonded her soul. The love of a Mother harnessed, crept into her heart. Tears nearly came out of her eyes. "Where did you find it?" she asked in a soft tone. "It fell out of your purse at the carnival". " I would have brought it to the airport if I had known we were traveling together". "Thank you very much". " You are welcome Cinderella". She couldn't believe what just happened. She understands well that Harry could have stolen it because it was not worth it. "Why did you keep it and why are you bringing it today? because I am not ready for your games. I know you are good at what you do. I mean you are skilled at giving, or portraying an image for people to see, to get what you want. You are the best, so what do you want or what do you aim at achieving? "There is this place downtown, where a small group of people gathers to share stories that motivate, liberate and sometimes they do poetry. It's a cool spot to chill out. They got sweet jazz music at the back and a lot more. So, I was thinking that we could go there together this weekend. I really miss you, Rose, and I mean it. He had this vulnerable look on his face. "You have gotten soft Harry, I wonder how? "I realized that it was no good. The conflict of words needed to end. From now on you win. Even when I am right, you still win because you are special. I see it now". The compliment melted her heart like fire on candle wax. It redeemed her and the Vail of loneliness was taken off by the wind of natural affection. The feeling was alive again. "I will think about it OK, it's not a yes. But we will see". He then took his cell phone to take a picture of her but she covered her face. "Who's the shy princess now?" "Stop". She then posed for a couple of shots. This was not part of her day's plans but she was glad Harry came.

It was a lovely Saturday evening. The sun had given up its range and the atmosphere was filled with poise and excitement. There was love in the air and a vibe of excess to being human was transmitting love signals and those that had the frequency to catch it were clinging to each other like a magnet. Rose was one of them. Harry had called and he was on his way to pick her up. In such a short time, Rose was nervous while dressing up because her sidekick, who confirmed and identified the perfect looks for the occasion, was not around to do the magic and she started to panic. This was the third dress she tried on today and the spark was not there. After minutes of struggling, she finally found a way out of the maze. She was wearing a short off-shouldered animal-skin-made gown, accompanied by black snow boots, nailed with a black Gucci bag. Her dress made a clear statement, the statement, go get your man babe. " One more ride boss lady. Be a savage this time". That's what she told the woman in the mirror. She finally left her house. Harry couldn't believe his eyes. He was stunned by what his eyes beheld. It was like looking at a piece of art. His eyes were opened to the fact that Rose was a princess and he had been blind ever since because she always dressed cooperatively to work. He admired her dress and her appearance. For the very first time, he romantically thought of Rose, and his love for her at this time broke out of boundaries. He could hear Michael Bolton's song (When a man loves a Woman) playing in the background of his imagination. The desire had pushed him into expected hallucinations. "You look astonishing". " Thank you, sir, I am trying my best," she said. The compliment relieved her fear because she needed it. All her struggles in front of the mirror could not have been worth it if he hadn't noticed. Rose's mission is clear and simple. She wants Harry Potter to say the magic words. He went quickly to open the door. "Ladies first", he said with a proud smile. "You are a gentle person indeed". She replied and touched Harry's nose. After a 15-minute drive, they arrived at their destination. Rose was not familiar with these areas and she doubted if they were in the right place, but at this point, she had to trust Harry. It was an open bar with a stage on the side. The people there were calm and made her wonder if they were residents of the area because there was too much composure in their gathering. They sat at the corner of the place, enjoying the view of the place. The decoration around it was impressive, from the lighting to the flowers, all bringing that sense of peace and joy. There was someone on the stage. He was a poet whose words were thrilling and motivating. The company of everyone around was heartwarming and she felt good. She enjoyed another series of songs, poems, and inspirational quotes all displayed on stage while clinging to Harry as they enjoyed a good time. "At this time we liked to invite our biggest star to the stage. It's her first time but trust me guys, she was born ready". Rose's clapping loudly. She couldn't wait for the performance. " Please let's welcome Miss. Rose on the stage. At this point, Rose was the only one not clapping because she wondered if there was another Rose in the building but the man on stage was pointing directly at her. She then turned to Harry and his clapping was the loudest. A lot of questions were suspended in her brain at this point. "Harry, I didn't prepare for this," she said, and the nervousness made her voice skip. "You got this. OK" he replied, holding her hands and looking straight into her eyes. The intensity was reduced. Somehow she drew courage from the sincerity in his eyes. While climbing the stage she had nothing in mind to speak, but something in her told her to trust herself more and she did. When she was up there it was still blank. She had given speeches on bigger platforms but this was different. She needed to tap into her feelings and she doubted if she would be sincere enough. The eyes and ears of everybody were opened, to receive those words that heal. Their mind and soul were open to receive and it persuaded her to try harder. After 5 seconds of silence, she said, "Beautiful skin is what they compliment, but how beautiful is our heart? The skin shows it's a scar but the heart hides it. The misery, of the heart, is unknown, yet we still trust the other. We are not aware of what is to come, or what is to be. Life itself is a risk, but if it was not so, it wouldn't have been worth it. I guess the best part of being human is our imperfections. If there was not wrong, then how do we know what's right? It is a good thing to be heartbroken, because the more you break up and rebuild yourself, the more you become more alive and to the beauty of life. I love every scar. Both in my heart and my skin and that is all part of being human". Everyone was quiet for two seconds before a unified clapping came rattling. A reasonable number of them stood up clapping. Rose was glad and she went straight to Harry and they hugged. When the show was over, he drove her straight home. " Goodnight Harry, thanks a lot. I enjoyed myself". "Yeah me too". Rose was about to leave when he held her back. "There is something I want to tell you". " Yes, I am listening", she replied. The eagerness to hear Harry say the words was stretched around her face. "I would love to do this some other time". "Oh sure, anytime", Rose observed that there was a change in word selection when he spoke and she went in disappointed. "Why won't you just ask the question, dummy". She whispered to herself. She was confused about how the day went from the best to the worst. Harry was not happy with himself either. It was strange to him too. This is one of the things he was great at. Asking a woman out used to be like taking a biscuit from a child, but not this time, because this was the first time he would mean those words and the feeling took away all his charms. He was nervous about it. He wouldn't be able to bear it if the answer was no and, because of that, he decided to hold his peace, but now he is more restless because that was a great chance he had just blown. The disappointment had taken away Rose's appetite. To make things worse, she had missed Ruth's calls, and Alex too. She was disappointed in herself because Ruth needed her and she was not there for her. She then picked up her diary to write. She wrote, "Love and I don't get along. We like two opposite signs. It always ends in tears. At this point, I have chosen to be with someone I don't love. I have the money, I will make myself a man. Trusting love is reckless. I love myself and that's all that matters". The tiredness pushed her to fall asleep on her couch with her diary still in her hand. There were no dreams for her tonight. Just peace of mind and the panting of a tired Lioness.