“Facade”
456 Words
In a well-known, reserved restaurant - the kind only high-level people frequented - a gathering of wealthy women had come together to chill and talk.
"How dare he want to seize my goods? Did he even know who l am?"
Mrs. William's phone rang, and she answered sharply.
"Hello, ma'am."
"Don't'ma'am' me! Do you even know who I am? 1 am Mrs. William, wite of the highest executive in customs — which means 1 am your boss's wife!"
The young officer stammered:
"So sorry, ma... the protocol needed to be followed. I'm just assigned to this post. I will let it go now, ma'am."
The call ended abruptly, and Mrs. William walked back to where the remaining high-class women were seated.
"So sorry to make you all wait," she said as one of the attendees drew back her chair so Mrs.
William could sit.
"He stopped my goods on the road, saying he was following protocol," she continued.
All of them laughed, one saying in unison:
"Protocol, you say?"
"Doesn't he know who your husband is?" asked Mrs. Coker.
"Yeah, he's just assigned there. Does he need to know which bus or trunk to stop? Let's not let him spoil our mood," Mrs. William replied.
"What did I miss?"
"You missed some things. Mrs. Abdul has been talking about her son Ismail's new achievements," said Mrs. Coker.
"You all know Mrs. Abdul is one of the luckiest among us," Mrs. William added. "Her husband is a judge, and just a few months ago, her tamily was all over the news — same as her son, the basketball player."
"Her family is everywhere," one of the women laughed.
"You guys are acting like I'm the only one who's rich!" Mrs. Abdul said.
"Not as much as you, Mrs. Abdul. Your house and reputation in this country are unmatched.
Who doesn't know your family? Our families are well-known too, but.." Mrs. Juwon said with a playtul smirk, and they all laughed.
As they ate, the chatter continued, shitting to gossip.
"What about Faridah? I thought you said last time her movie would drop on Netflix. What's the delay? I haven't seen or heard anything about a premiere," one asked Mrs. Abdul.
Mrs. Abdul reached for a tissue to dab her mouth before replying:
"Yes, the movie was delayed. I want it to be a hit, you know? There's chaos going on, and I don't want people saying her husband is trying to build something while all her child thinks is just to drop a movie. You know how people think," she explained.
"Yeah, that's true," another nodded, and they all agreed, laughing lightly at the familiar chaos of high society.
After the gathering, everyone returned to their homes.
- Writer
