FLAMING HEART

TWENTY SIX: WORRY

"Uju is preparing a special delicacy for us all today. I wonder what made her so happy." - Sharon

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The walls were covered with the most beautiful stone design Obioma had ever seen. There was a marked parking space in front of the building which was devoid of vehicles but Francis headed to the gate which had a security post at the entrance of the arch. Two huge security men appeared from the boot and walked to Francis who was waiting for the gate to be opened. Francis whined his tinted window down and the men broke into a grin.

"Good afternoon, boss." They greeted.

"How are you two? Open the gate for me." Francis told them. The men looked taken aback and so they asked if he had forgotten anything. Obioma wondered why they were asking him such silly question. Was there a fixed time to visit his own family house? She would have said something if she wasn't too nervous.

Francis shook his head. "Not really." Francis responded and the men turned their gaze to Obioma. One of them whispered something into Francis's ear then which made him chuckle a bit. Why were people always whispering when she was present and why did laughter follow through the whisper? Was there something funny about her? She would have asked this too if she wasn't more nervous. She forced herself to inhale and exhale as a button was pressed and the big iron bar across the entrance lifted up, the huge glass gates sliding open.

Francis took a bend and Obioma gasped at the beauty she saw. There were administration buildings and well demarcated car parks. Francis parked his car and Obioma jumped out of the car as she stared at the gigantic buildings standing solid and unshakable before her. The buildings were mostly made with glass and Obioma felt she was in a castle. For a moment, her nervousness left her and admiration overpowered her.

"So this is where your parents reside?" She asked him; taking in her surrounding.

She didn't see the confusion on Francis's face when he asked, "What do you mean?"

She turned to stare at him; puzzled. "This is your family house, isn't it?"

"Of course not." He opposed. "This is our company." He raised his fore finger upward and Obioma followed it. At the top of the buildings were beautiful neon-lit sign which read: Crescent Cosmetics.

Obioma almost fell at that; relief and hurt flooding her entire being. She was relieved from her nervousness but disappointed that it hadn't been his intention to take her to his parents. When would he do so?

Just then, she sighted more security guards who waved or saluted Francis. Francis wrapped his arms around her waist and whispered into her ear, "This is my father's company. This is where I work."

"It's very beautiful. It looks like a palace." She complimented and Francis laughed.

"Come, let's go inside." He held her hand tightly and led the way. The interior of the building was luxurious. Obioma was overwhelmed with awe.

"Why did you think I was bringing you to my family house?" Francis asked suddenly.

"Because you said you were."

"Of course not."

"Yes, you did. I wouldn't have thought that on my own." She argued.

"I wish I had a recording."

"Yeah, that would be the best. We would have discovered who is right."

"I'm pretty sure you're wrong because I would definitely remember if I actually said it." Francis pursued.

"I'm never wrong, hope you know?"

"Sure, you aren't." Francis scoffed and they both fell into fits of giggles.

They stopped by his office which was much more prettier than all she had seen earlier. She walked to the window and peeped at the outside world. His office had a nice view. Francis led her to a staircase after a while which led them to the roof top. He held her hand to assure her he was still by her side. He could sense she was scared of height for she shivered in fear as they stood on top of a building so high. They could see almost all buildings in the town from the roof top.

"This is amazing, Francis. Do you come here often?" She asked after she had calmed down a bit.

"Yup, to clear my head."

"Your company is so breathtaking. I'm glad you brought me here. This is the best sight I've ever seen." She was being sincere.

"I'm glad you like it, OB." Francis smiled at her and they stared into each other's eyes; both smiling.

"You know what? I actually brought you to my family house. Look over there!" Francis pointed to a building at the back of the company. There was a large compound with a beautiful building and a tall fence demarcated the building from the company. Obioma raised her brow in puzzlement.

"What do you mean?"

"That's where my parents live. That's where I grew up."

"What?!" Obioma pronounced.

"Yeah. My father had always wanted his company close to where he stayed so. . ." Francis trailed off.

Obioma turned back to stare at the beautiful house at the back of the company. She could see two ladies walking out of the compound.

"Do you know them?" She asked.

"They are workers." Francis filled her in. They stood gazing at his home for a while; making few comments about things they could see.

As they drove out of the company's gate, the security men kept waving at Francis. Francis had given them some money and they were very happy. As they continued their journey back home, Francis asked about her mother.

"She's fine. I'm so sorry for not telling you this. I called her some time ago. She was very happy, I also spoke with my younger brother. They are all doing well. My mum even asked me to extend her gratitude to you."

"I'm glad your family is alright."

Obioma smiled at him; going further to inform him about her sister's new baby. They had talked about visiting her but Obioma was unsure if Uloma would let her go.

"Do you want me to speak with her for you?" Francis stepped on the brake. They were already at the bus stop.

"Don't bother yourself." Obioma drew closer and planted a small kiss on his lip. Blushing, she turned to go but he held her back. He pulled out some amount of money and gave it to her.

"No, Francis. I'm fine." She tried refusing but he pleaded with her to take it so she did. She sure wouldn't refuse him anything when he pleaded. She got out immediately and waved at him. She began walking briskly into her street; knowing fully well Francis was watching her. She was right, he hadn't drove an inch. She waved at him again; wondering if he would see her since there was a great distance between them. She shrugged it off and continued her walk; her heart fluttering.

Uloma and Chiamaka were washing their cars, when she entered into the compound. Obioma held her bag tightly; reminding herself of the amount of money in it. It would be a problem if such was found with her. She moved to Uloma; apologizing for not coming earlier since it was her duty to make sure Uloma's car was washed before the start of a new week.

"I'll take over from here." 

Uloma stared at Obioma; deeply amused, "With these clothes?" She raised her brow.

"Oh! I'll go and change then."

"Don't bother. I'm almost done." She said and Obioma heaved a sigh of relief. She was tired and had just offered to wash the car even she prayed Uloma won't let her

"Welcome." Chiamaka smiled at her. "Sharon, told me you went to visit a friend. I'm very glad you're becoming social."

Obioma smiled at her. "Thank you very much."

"Go in now." Uloma told her and she bowed her head and walked into the house. Sharon and Evelyn were sitting on the couch. Evelyn was watching a movie while Sharon was looking at hairstyles in a magazine.

"Oby!" She stood up and hugged her. "How was your outing?"

"Outing?" Obioma laughed.

"Yes of course."

"It was fine." Obioma replied. Evelyn gave her a sidelong glance but soon returned to the television.

"I'll go and change now so I can start preparing dinner." Obioma informed.

"Oh! Uju is preparing a special delicacy for us all today. I wonder what made her so happy. You know she does this only on rare occasions. I guess Francis must be the reason. I heard both of them when he called."

"That's a lie!" Obioma blurted out before she could think. Sharon was taken aback as she stared back at Obioma whose mouth was already hanging.

"I mean. . .it's unbelievable that Uju is cooking." She tried covering up and it worked for Sharon was already laughing and nodding in agreement. 

"But that's great news. Anyway, let me go and join her in the kitchen in case she needs any help." Obioma offered; hoping Sharon would stop her. And she did.

"No, she said she needed no help. I wanted to help also."

"Oh! That's nice because I'm very tired to be sincere." Obioma grinned at her; trying her best not to think about what Sharon had just said. What time would Francis have to speak with her? They had been together since or was it when he dropped her at the bus stop? The thought was already giving her headache.

"Go and change now so I can show you some new hairstyles I discovered."

Obioma nodded and then walked to her room to freshen up. She secretly hid the money Francis had given her in her wardrobe as she walked immediately to the bathroom to have her bath. She retired to bed and shut her eyes; waiting for food. She tried not to think about what Sharon had said earlier but then, why would Uju get so happy to prepare dinner for the house? What had Francis told her?