Chapter 2: ALL ON ME
"hello girlfriend, sorry I think I won't be able to make it today, the day has really been stressful for me" Sofia came down from a cab, paying the driver, "it's ok baby just go inside, wash up, eat and relax. we'll meet tomorrow by God's grace" another ladies voice spoke in "go on girlfriend you need it, oh my goodness.. look at that hot chested guy, come on let's make our tot dirty play with him... Sofia gently shaked her head "oh Rita, she thought.
"Rita stop pulling me by the hand.. wait a minute I need too…
"I'm not interested" Rita interrupted, "come on.. bye Sofia, Rita won't let me rest"
"I.. (call drop) just want to thank them for the phone, said Sofia heading towards her father's room.
"hello Sofia! Her neighbour called, a mother to one of her classmate's during school, there she stood on her balcony waiting for Sofia to reply, she turned throwing her evil smile, "oh Good evening Mrs. Gift, she replied, "good evening my little Angel, I saw you leave so early this morning in a heist, where we're you off to? "here she comes again, why does she always use the word heist, instead of haste.. is she trying to make a fool out of me, like her daughter always do..
"Sofia I'm right here, you haven't answered my questions yet, the old woman placed her hands on her waist. "Mrs. Gift, Sofia called, "Yes my dear, the old woman face appeared sharp and smiling. "don't you think, it right time you should keep your nose clean, said Sofia who turned to her building ready to leave, the old woman wonder, "What does she mean by that? She kept thinking dapping searchable meanings in her head.
(Door slowly opens and foot step dismissing) the words Sofia left behind kept the old lady's brain, pounding in misery, while she failed to understand, "stupid girl, perhaps you should say that to your drunk father. probably by now he should be laying on the ground as usual, punky fools, with inability to place words, she told Sofia as high as her voice could carry and sighed, watching Sofia go in without a word and shot her door. "What a witch, she doesn't worth any thing, that's why she's still single, huh, scary, she turns into her room.
Moonfleks was soaked with liquor, as Sofia tried lifting him up(he giggled) her face expression changed in a seconds, she quickly carried him off the ground dropping him carefully on the sofa, close to her. "father you are drunk. "No, no I'm fine, I am not drunk, I just had a bottle, just.. He shows the tip of his finger, (relax breath) Sofia shaked her head, trying to get up which he did, with a slight smile on his face. "look I am fine, totally fine" falling back to the sofa. This weakened Sofia as her eyes avert from her father, she slowly shakes her head "ooh I see don't worry" he told her flapping his hand drawing Sofia's attention, "I'll be up, he said. He tries to get up again immediately Sofia held him, helping him towards his bed, he said; I am so sorry Sofia, I know I haven't acted like a father should for the pass ten years, but ever since that day the memories of your mother, still messes with my everyday life, I've missed her so much". Sofia nodded in understanding and she said; I know father (deep breath) you've told me this countless of times, I've actually missed her more than you can imagine (Sofia clears her throat) but father, I've always been saying this to you, over and over again.. you are not taking care of yourself like the way you used to. I don't want to feel possessive over your life.. but now, she's late for years, perhaps shouldn't you focus with your daughters, us! Father? and the feature ahead of you, taking one bottle of alcohol is enough than satisfying yourself with confusion.. you're not growing younger, you are growing old… father, and (she blinks her eyes) and you're becoming lean… Sorry to ask, what do you use your money for? She lies him down on his bed, then began helping him to pull off his shoes and socks. Gently she placed his legs on the bed turning to leave. He held her right hand and spoke in a low saddened tone; I wish your mother was breathing to see you grow. You have her look (he gently smiled), but you took your grandpa's fair complexion. As he let go off her hand, facing the other side of the room. Tears was about to drop from Sofia's face when she quickly dab it off, leaving the room. Right out side Sofia climbs a stirs beside her father's room, which lead her to the top roof, were her room is (door slammed open and shut) Immediately Sofia walked in, a girl of 16 years old jumps on her. "Magi!! Oh come down, I got no strength in me and also I need to clean up, (Magi giggles) "I'm sorry" she came down saying; So how did it go, I mean (Margret punned her two fingers together) your interview. Sofia sat down on a bed filled with cloth she said; it wasn't fine at all (she pulls off her shoes). "The man called Chide, who interviewed me didn't let me conclude one answer before asking another barrage of questions. (She began to fold her cloths). "have you ever seen him before the interview? "No, no such thing, Sofia answered. "That was so rude of him, may be he didn't find you likable when he saw you, or because of your beauty that lead him into doing that, Margret told Sofia assisting to fold her cloth. "Yeah, but I don't think I'll get that job, said Sofia. "If not for childish silly mission, then why don't you work in dad's company? That will be much better than going after flies" "Anyways what do we have at home? Coming home late made me hungry". Margret jumps off the bed, rushing into the kitchen with a grab on the edge of the door she stopped, "Sofia I didn't tell you, I experienced my menstruation period in class today, thanks to Miracle my closest sit partner, to my greatest shock.. a boy is caring a pad... [Margret kept an amazed face on] "was it opened when he gave it to you? "Nope, it was sailed" Margret answered.
"sir, you've a visitor, said a lady dressed on maids uniform, "tell the security man to open the gate, if he meets you, tell him I'm not around and if he asks you when I left the house, tell him I travelled" (door slammed open and closed) he stood up leaving the room. She waved at the security man who has been waiting for her presence, he quickly opened the gate and a smooth black car drove in, packing in front of the house. Ogbolo opened the door of the car, gently Valentine who came out whispering an order into his ear, immediately Ogbolo went in search of his boss's order. The maid attempted no action to stop Ogbolo watching him leave, she approached Valentine while he was heading to the building. Bending her head in greeting saying out loud, Her boss secluded himself behind a cotton, up the second floor watching them. "I'm sorry sir, but my boss isn't home yet, he's on a trip" she stood straight watching him like they were both waiting for something. Immediately her boss was grabbed from behind with his mouth closed, touch light flashes twice. "Now you can confidently speak, he told her, the young maid clears her throat and walked closer to him, Her actions was doubtable with the look on the gate man's face. "welcome boss, I'm sorry I delivered such a stupid man's message to you, counsellor is right inside" "I know He is, he took a step close to her, his right fingers brushed through her hair, "Ada, how is your mother doing?
"she's alright now and she got discharged a day before yesterday, she answered him saluting like a military lady should, Valentine smiled tapping her on the shoulder, "well done, I'll send you some money for your feeding.. next three month, I want to see a nice clean job on the news, prepare for your next mission, said Valentine walking away she bowed in reply; yes sir. (Door slammed open) Valentine went in and took a sit, while the Counsellor was dragged quarter half beaten by Ogbolo, he drops him on the ground right in front of Valentine, "hello old friend, I see you've refused to visit me because.. of the money for rent, Pay already. Innocent kneels were bleeding,
"Valentine don't you dear touch me, or else I'll call the cops on you, said Counsellor Innocent. Valentine looked surprised but redeemed calmness "what a threat.. get me something to eat, Valentine ordered, Ogbolo bowed leaving their premises. "you put the TV on, you should know how to treat visitors, first of all get the remote he told him. Counsellor tries to get up, "no, no, no, I'll like you to walk on your kneels, walk by kneels!! Counsellor bent back obediently walking by his kneels to get the TV control,(shaky breath, TV playing) "oh Lord, I didn't say turn it on, I told you to bring the remote first to me.. hmm, yeah, then you'll turn it on" Counsellor was confused as he switched off the television looking at Valentine, "Oh what a man, he got up, walking to the Counsellor he knocked him on his baled head, and snatched the remote. Counsellor innocent slowly robbed his head while Valentine turned on the television, he looked at Counsellor. "There you go, that's what I told you to do, simple. Some times I wonder what's inside this head of yours, he raises his hand to hit him with the remote, Counsellor secluded his head with his hands, seeing this Valentine sighed "swine" he called Counsellor Innocent throwing the remote on the table, Ogbolo walked in with a drink and snacks (Munch it), he drops it on the table pouring the drink into a glass cup, while Valentine sat down, with a strip he cut open the pack, "now friend (chewing), I gave you one year and you had to pay but you didn't (TV playing continuous, digestion of liquid). "I'll like to do this my self" Valentine got up stretching his hand forward while Ogbolo wore him glove on both hands and handed him a tool, which Valentine straighten in a quick seconds beating Innocent up aggressively. Innocent shouted in anger aggressively "Valentine don't you think, how dear you lash a skin old enough to be your father's? Instead Valentine gave no thought of stopping, "raise the volume" he said pointing at the television, "what do you think I am ha, (TV playing loudly, he kept hitting him) speak up you fool, he shouted. But Innocent refused to say a word, Valentine got angry cleaning grains of snacks off his mouth, "increase the volume Ogbolo, "yes sir, he answered in a hurry to increase the audio (he hits innocent on the face very hard), "ok, ok fine I will speak, I'm going to speak, please.. Innocent pleaded with the blood in his mouth, his face was stained of his own blood, the beaten Valentine gave him made it hard for him to be recognized. Valentine commanded Ogbolo to come forward with the sign of his hand and Ogbolo quickly approached him pulling off the stained gloves, Valentine sat down relaxing,(deep breath) Valentine smiled giving Innocent a go ahead and relaxed the more with his drink on his hand and his mouth happily chewing.
"I'm sorry… I promise to pay next week, said Innocent, "lets nail this problem at once, I'm a tenant and you're the landlord, turning your story round what do you think I should do, (shaky breath, Innocent fearfully looked up putting his head down at once) "Innocent look up please, Innocent slowly raced his head up still shaking In fear, "good, Innocent I'd have something to share with you, I got an apple and I have two children, but I strip of the right of the first born giving a whole apple to the junior, what do you think will happen? Innocent I'm not perfect that's why I need your advise, said Valentine.
"elm.. elm.. ok you, you.. elm.. out of fear Innocent didn't realize the urine rushing down his pant.
"ok that's enough.. you are not smart as I thought, so Innocent I'd like to invite you to my up coming wedding, would you like to come? Valentine asked sipping out of his drink, Valentine waited eating munch it.
"evil man, who would like an old man like you, I'm very sure that lady was been forced or she just want to reap you off your wealth" Innocent thought looking down, his blood kept dropping from his face, seeing that Innocent wasn't ready to speak he stood up, "I'm bored, since you've refused to talk, then May be we should do the chatting in my own way, "no, no I'll come, I promise with my life, I'll even take pictures with you and your wife together, and I'll post them on my own page, said Innocent.
Valentine got up, "good, you just made me happy.. (deep breath) you should check your self, you no longer a baby, I think you should know that, said Valentine leaving.
"why do I feel wet in my pant, Innocent feels him self below, "oh my goodness, no, no this is impossible, he smelt his hand, "did I pee on my, on my body?
Next morning at 8:30am, there were knocks coming from the door and Magi was forced to drop her phone, "hay wait! I am coming (she stood up) "seriously, she opened the door it was a delivery guy handing a letter to her. "please I'll need your signature right here" he said. Magi signed it. "Sofia, Sofia it's here! Margret's voice pulled Sofia off the bed (hard thud on the ground) "what? "Sofia!!! Margret ran to her, "yes Sofia answered and yawed at the same time, Magi bounces on Sofia's bed. "look, look the damn company has sent the letter. Sofia finds her way back to the bed, with a sleepy voice she asked; what's that? " a letter, lets read what it says" Margret moved the letter away from her. Sofia's eyes nearly boked, Immediately snatching the letter from Magi's hand, striping the envelope off the letter as she glanced through it and folded the letter with a sorrowful face. Margret feelings didn't doubt her sister "Sofia did that company reject you?. Sofia started mimicking Magi's way of crying which Magi didn't know. Magi realizing late "No, come on.. don't cry, Sofia, listen to me big sis.. Sofia took Magi's hand dabbing her face, "Ooo would you stop it, that's not funny at all, you know it isn't funny, like you getting on my Nerves (funny gasp) "Magi I have a job!, "I can't trust you, you just used feelings remember" Margret told her, "my apologies princess Magi, said Sofia bowing, Margret sighed opening her arms, they both rejoiced hugging each other and bouncing on the bed.
"but Sofia are you really sure you want to abandon your face modelling?, you know I really love that work, said Margret looking at Sofia. "yes but not forever, for now there something I so much desire to gain, Sofia picks up her phone from under the pillow. "yeah I know your childish mission.. but I hope you'll still be able to connect me? Margret asked, "yes I can, but you can't shave SEC. School in a minute, according to father.. not me, not me, Sofia replied.
Mrs. Gift came out to her balcony, wondering why both siblings were screaming, her eyes pay's attention to her surroundings like that of a mob, leering at the building. Creepy on her appearance, she suspiciously went back in, Sofia quickly went into the bathroom brushing her teeth she shouted; Magi please, if you can mixed flour for three short cakes, I'll be grateful.
Mrs. Gift came out of her house with a Jerry can, pretending to be wetting her flowers, "sun shine is close, glow little baby glow.. she sang looking around, in a minute she finds herself right beside Moonfleks's building closer to the stirs, she picks her courage immediately sneaking up. "ok! On it" Margret drops her phone and gets up in a hurry almost getting to the kitchen she paused, "and make sure you use the toilet before leaving, you won't want to get there and drop a lot disgusting bombs off your tush, for them, said Margret heading to the kitchen, "thanks I already have that in mind, Sofia replied. Later on Sofia was done taking her bath as she came out with her towel on, while getting dressed. Old Mrs Gift kept on spying on Margret who is in the kitchen through the transparent window. Sofia walking into the room, "Margret get the short cakes out of the oven, said Sofia, old Mrs Gift's jaw drops "what are this wild witches cooking up?
she jumps down from the kitchen table and quickly drew the oven, she places it on the table while Sofia walked in, Magi was secretly trying to take a piece out of a short cake, "Magi" (throat cleared) Margret pretends. "hmm.. just wanted to be sure, it's testy" Sofia smiled. "non of them is yours. Maggie turned to her, "come on Sofia" with a tap of her feet, she takes her self up to the table, "I know that little looking smile on your face, it very strange" (magi turned to Sofia, waiting for an answer) "why do I feel a pity sport, for who so ever is going to eat that thing, Margret said to Sofia taking her phone from the table. "It will be much better if you don't find out, Sofia replied. (Sofia smiled packing the cakes, she turns and senses a quick fade of shadow on the window) "hmm… but she ignores it "bye I'm leaving, am a bit behind work schedule. She picked her bag and hangs it on her left shoulder, while she picks the pack by her right, leaving. Door opened and Mrs. Gift was almost caught in the art, she quickly wets the grass humming, "Mrs. Gift, said Sofia. "Good morning dear, oh" Her left fingers brushes through her hair shaking, while her lips trembled. "how was your night? (Breathing heavily, water sprinkling) "always the usual thanks, but.. Sofia wondered. "the fact you keep watering that life shortened grass, keeps me wonder" quick than she could imagine old Mrs Gift face formed a smile, "old age has made me think twice, quite the unusual, I wet grass this days, she told Sofia and drops the Jerry can on the ground. "wel.. well done" Sofia told her and dressed her hair leaving.
Watching Sofia leave, Old Mrs Gift kills the grass with her foot out of anger, "witch, how she walked without a sound, still surprises me. (Saliva swallowed) "What a Sheep clothed by donkey's skin, in fact I've to follow her, she bends picking up her Jerry can, "follow who? As quick as lightening Mrs Gift heart rose, "ah!! She grabbed her breast, turning with a side view, "what was that, what are you doing there? "Mrs Gift this my shelter, be aware of dogs". "you don't have to do that, I was just doing kind's men favour, she told Margret quickly she picks her Jerry can and left, "is it? By wetting the dead grasses, I hope so! Margret spoke out. "what a weird family.. it takes veins, but still runs in a stranger, Mrs Gift thought.
As Sofia got to work meeting the same security men she said; Oh good morning Chief in commander, how was your night? he replied quickly; it was fine thank you. "so.. how about a short cake for the day, said Sofia. "Oh that will be nice, thank you what a lovely lady (he smiled as Sofia returned the smile, she opens the pack letting both of them take one each, remaining only one inside the pack), "have a blessed day sir" Sofia passed them by, heading towards the elevator. The chief commander quickly snatched Paul's short cake, immediately Paul was about to make a comment he quickly short him up, using a sign language, "but sir" "shiiii don't say a word, besides you got to pay me for picking you as my partner, hmm hmmm… did you get that, (Paul bent his head) good. Sofia got to the office meeting the four worker's under the CEO, working under pressure, all of them were so busy running up and down with papers, no one's attention paid her presence, no one cared who she was. "Good morning every one, Sofia greeted but non of them answered, Sofia went straight ahead to her post which is in front of the CEO's office. Before getting there, she opened a transparent door glass going in, the first thing she saw according to her thought in her mind, was Mr Chide the manager, immediately she bent in greeting knowing the kind of person he is.
He answered; Hey No need, (eyeing Sofia, Sofia was blank of words) "no need to act too kind, I know your type (he began to move his fingers as if it was getting Itchy) and… and… I'll… I.. he kept repeating words like he wants to say something important, brushing his hair with his fingers like that of a lady, "I don't want to see you around any man, I mean especially the CEO… "I don't understand you Mr. Chide, Sofia insists to hear him out. "well I don't care and I hate gossips so if I see you trying anything strange with the CEO hmm, (chide screamed on top of his lady's voice, "Ooo my God!! am going to skin you a live.. ahhh. the CEO workers all stood looking through the transparent door, as chide kept breathing heavily like he was going to explored, with his hands on his Chest) he took a quick head turn to the transparent door, seeing all the workers stood like joke watching monkeys, he shouted again; get back to work!!!. Each one of them scrolled off straight to their business, (he snapped his fingers, drawing Sofia's attention) "hey you, take dose documents straight to my office now, and.. (he gave her a straight look) stop moping at me, it's a sign that you've an evil move on me, puff.. what a depressed lady. Sofia gently walked to were the document is been kept, he said; do it (Sofia was confused, he stamped his feet while he spoke again), what are you waiting for? do it now, he eyed Sofia.
"elm.. there is a problem sir.. he turned with his hands on his waist interrupting; what now? "sir.. don't get angry ok.. (he calmly nodded) I've no idea which office you make use of, she said. Gently Chide places his phone on the desk, and screamed out like a lady. "oh no, what is this" Sofia thought and received an unaware puck on her forehead, "Focus" with the words he said slowly; "Can't you use your brain, what's inside this huge thing of yours? Manager Chide blew the gum in his mouth right on her face, the gum excised it's limit blowing up. He returns the gum into his mouth while she gently cleaned her face. Chide tore open another sachet of gum, throwing it into his mouth, "ok, ok fine young lady, read my lips and listen to me carefully, it's down stirs all you need to do, follow the elevator, Chide kept talking for so long explaining every details to her, mean while "Oh Lord in heaven.. I just asked for a direction into his office and here he is, explaining on how he'll go home due to the fact of how hungry he is chewing and blowing up those gums on my face, he's so.. "Sofia" Chide snaps his finger "Sofia, Sofia!!! Chide shouted, "yes, yes.. Sofia answered acting like all her mind were on him the whole time, "are you sure you were listening, what are you still looking at? do what I sent you, he commanded still chewing his gum with all bound seriousness, "ah, the test is out, I'd need another" Chide tore another sachet dropping the used ones on Sofia's desk, "oh Lord, Sofia murmured placing her felt hand on her four head.
Sofia looked at the documents that was loaded in three badges, from the length of her table to the ground, Chide saw Sofia's face expression "and don't ask for help, literally no one will help you, said Manager Chide after taking the little space as a run way to the door, "and be quick, he shouted while a young lady tried sneaking in, they both clashed into each other. The lady hide's her face against him, frightened after seeing the shoe which was playing a strategic beats on the floor, right beside them was a door, she slowly took a step into it raising her second foot, immediately ramming beat on her head three times, with the document on her hand falling off, and dragged her by the ear, "Ouch, Ouch, she reacted, "ok Isabel the late lazy tortoise, what excuse do you have for me today? Isabel's face turned sober.
"thank God you asked.. Manager Chide, today's isn't an excuse, it actually happened on my way here. there was a terrible car accident and the people inside the car were couples, so sad I felt a pity sport for them, so.. elm so I was the only female who was able to assist the three couples, oh Lord I felt so pity for them.
Sofia dropped her hand bag on the desk, stretching her body she began to carry the heavy documents from up stirs to down stirs into his office, while he sat chewing some gums. Sofia spent about one hour carrying those documents, as she was about to carry the last one her phone rang, she quickly answered the call "hello who is this? "it's me Blessing , I'd hope the phone isn't giving problems", "no, just trying to trace the previous one. Sofia began to cry but wasn't actually seriously, "Blessing, this unblessed fortunate he'd hate me, Sofia told her, "Sofia clam down don't cry your health matters ok" "no am not crying, Sofia told her, "no I know you Sofia we have been friends from primary school… "no Blessing, am not crying, its just a gay or a girlish man, I don't know how to put it. I don't get him, his too difficult to work with. "what happened, as Sofia was about to speak Blessing's voice came in, "oh, Am sorry Sofia elm.. may be we should meet to night, my boyfriend needs me, like right now, ( Sofia giggles) "a new one? Sofia asked, "don't worry we will gist when we see to night, she answered, "ok bye, said Sofia, call drops.
Sofia bent to carry the last documents, as her eyes avert towards the short cake, a devilish smile appeared on Sofia's face. Chide was preparing his coffee when he heard the door slam open, he quickly sat down chewing his gum, "Oh drop it there ( with his hand stylishly pointing at the big table, Sofia gently dropped it). Chide's eyes met the strange pack of short cake, he asked "what's that". "oh this? I made it for you, it's a short cake" he girlishly placed his both hands on his cheeks, as his face was lightened with smile, "oh my goodness you.. You.( he quickly composed himself clearing his throat).
"why did you make that for me? Hmm.. how will I know if you are trying to kill me, (his eyes avert fealing his finger nails) "no I didn't poison it, she told him (he blows his nail) "well I don't trust you (sound of chewing gum) proof it. "ok then watch me as I take a bite, she said Chide focused his eyes on Sofia as she tries to take a bite out of the short cake, He shouted "STOP'!!!, how could you think of using your, ooo… my goodness, (he fans himself with his fingers) how could you think of putting your mouth into my food, now give it to me and complete that coffee, ( Chide spook like he was going to cry)put enough sugar, when I say enough, I'm talking of plenty, plenty of SUGAR!!!!, ah foolish girl, I can't believe you at all. Through out that day, Chide made sure he blasted Sofia with a lot of work, until he himself was frustrated with Sofia diligent on all the work.