The Attack

“Hi Mike.” I started.

He didn’t bother to reply but he pushed me up against the wall next to the door and tightened his grip on my arm holding my body against the wall. He leaned close to my face so I could smell his stinking breath. Has he been drinking?

“Mike! What the hell are you doing? You are hurting my arm!” I shouted.

“Hey sexy!” Mike said licking my arm.

“What the heck are you doing?” I asked trying to free my arm.

“I know you want it.” He responded.

“What?”

“Me.”

I couldn’t believe what he said. What was he up to knowing very well that Ann is my best friend?

 “Mike, am going to scream if you don’t leave me alone!”

I wished I didn’t say that as he noticed that the main door was wide open meaning if I screamed my voice would be heard from far. He shoved his right foot and closed the door. I shook his arm off me but he was too strong. I tried to push him away and slap him with my other hand but I couldn’t get any space between us. He tightened his grip on my arm so much that it was pinching off the circulation and I resorted to my last option. I screamed! Bad choice. He slammed his fist to my face and inserted his hands in my top.

Then someone knocked the door. Mike summoned me to hush up and started moving close to the door to lock it when Fred pushed the door in calling my name.

“Oh my God! What is happening here?” Fred asked looking shocked.

Mike let me go and started explaining to Fred that he was just helping out. I felt sick. How could this guy start lying about trying to hurt me?

Fred noticed the blood dripping from my nose and came over. I hugged him tightly and sobbed on his chest.

“What happened?”

“Mike…” I started in between the sobs.

“Mike, what did you do?”

“Nothing.” Mike replied taking a seat.

I just couldn’t take it anymore this time round. With all the pain and rage, I poured out the story to Fred despite Mike trying to cut me off. He mumbled something then left. Fred then gave me some tissue to wipe some blood which was still oozing out.

Wierd Faces

Still in bed, I watch as Ann is preparing herself to go for work. She is reporting to work today officially to start her new job. Odd enough, she has completed preparing herself so she has some time to waste before hitting the road. She looks at me and smiles.

“Wish me the best, pal.” She pleads.

“I do. This is your day and everything will go on smoothly.”

“I hope so. I’m really nervous!”

“I know. Just be strong and everything will be okay.” I respond holding her hand.

“Thanks. I have to go now least I become late.” She says picking her bag.

I decide on getting up from the bed and seeing her off. I put on my robe and walk with her to the door. Ann hugs me and dashes off the house.

After she has left, I look around the house and it’s a mess. You could be mistaken thinking a tornado had erupted in the house. I decide to clean up.

At around two o’clock, I heard my phone beep. I look at it and see Fred’s number calling. Excitedly, I pick it up and answer.

“Hey, how are you today?” He asks.

“I’m good, thank you for asking. What about you?”

“I’m cool just chilling. What are you doing at the moment?”

“Nothing much. I have just completed doing some cleaning around the house. I wanted to go and apply for some jobs at the cyber café nearby.” I replied.

“Okay. Why don’t I come over with my laptop so that you can use it if you don’t mind?” he asked.

“Wow! You can drop by anytime. You will be doing me a huge favor.” I responded.

“See you soon.” Fred said before hanging up.

I returned to the kitchen to heat some food up but I heard a sound at door. I went to open the door figuring that Fred had already arrived. It was weird he would knock like that. I opened only to find Mike leaning on the door with a smirk across his face.

Sunday Lunch

Feeling rather lazy, I turned and looked at the table clock. It was already 9 o’clock and I had to be up. Mike and his gang were visiting us today after Ann had invited them over so I knew I had a duty to help out.

After a few minutes of deciding whether to wake up or spend a few more minutes in bed, I heard my phone vibrate. It was my mama. It had been long since we talked and excitedly, picked up the phone and we chatted. After the call, I started feeling homesick. Already four months had gone by since I last went home. I had to start thinking of visiting soon.

Ann was in the kitchen making breakfast. I joined her and poured a cup of coffee. I then helped myself to some pancakes already prepared.

“I thought we can make things easier today if we started making the lunch earlier.” Ann started.

“Okay but I thought we would go first to the market and buy the foodstuff.” I chipped in.

“I did that yesterday while you were with Fred.” Ann responded with a smile across her chubby face.

“What? You actually went to the market to buy the items alone?” I asked surprised knowing very well Ann doesn’t like those kinds of tasks.

“Yep” She said showing them to me.

“Okay. I guess the thought of having Mike around gave you some energy of some sort.” I added.

I started preparing the vegetables while Ann decided on cleaning the house. By around noon, most of the work was already done. I hit the shower and waited. The boys came over at around two in the afternoon packed with some movies. Mike had brought along some flowers for Ann while Fred came with some icecream.

To say the day was good was an understatement. We ate, joked, laughed together and watched two movies. Although Fred was a little bit quiet, he seemed to enjoy himself. This was a great way of stating the week.

NBD

I could not help smiling when I entered the house. Ann looked at me and she knew something was up.

“Oh, so what happened to you and Fred?” she asked jokingly.

“Nothing really.” I responded avoiding the topic.

“So how was the date?” Ann asked. “Was it good?”

“Yes Ann. I really enjoyed myself tonight. We watched a movie and had some drinks.” I said.

“And?”

“I came home.” I answered smiling at her.

“I knew it. You guys have something going on.”

“We are not having anything Ann. I thought you were the one who told me Fred has a girlfriend who is out of town?” I explained.

“Yea..but things happen.” She added.

“They do but nothing happened. We just had fun.”

Ann looked at me and kept silent. I removed my shoes and joined her in watching a local programme.

“By the way, I was thinking of inviting Mike tomorrow.” Ann said.

“What time?” I asked curiously.

“He is coming during lunch hour. I asked him to come with his cousin and Fred.” She said.

“What?” I asked.

“Is there a problem?” Ann asked turning her gaze to me.

“No. It’s fine.” I lied.

The thought of having Fred over was already exciting me up though I didn’t understand why he didn’t let me know that he was coming over the next day. We will wait and see what this would lead to.

Step Forward

Ann had been employed to work as a junior assistant in the Human Resource Department of the well know Peter Shmitz Public Relations Company. She was to start this coming Monday and she had started getting the jitters already. For a first time job, this was good since she had no previous experience other than internship at another company where we had all been. They didn’t offer good salary as of yet until after six months when they would review her salary. This was better than nothing. I was really happy for her.

In the meanwhile, Fred had asked me if I could meet with him at the West End Mall today. I was thinking in the lines of a ‘date’ although he didn’t want to say it. Being a Saturday, Fred had suggested we catch up with a movie and drinks. I didn’t mind. I really liked his company. He was funny, charming and I wanted to be with him.

Since we were meeting out in the evening hours, I wore a white top and jeans. I left the house at around three in the afternoon and we met in town before proceeding to the mall. At around fifteen minutes past four, we arrived and headed straight to the movie theatres. With different movies being shown, we chose a thriller. The movie was fantastic!

After about two hours, the movie ended. Fred suggested we grab some drinks so we went to a nearby restaurant. We got engrossed discussing the movie and some usual stuff before deciding to call it a day. It was already dark outside so we headed to the parking zone and Fred offered to drop me at home.

In about twenty minutes, we were already at my house. It had started to drizzle so I took some time before getting out of the car.

“I really enjoyed your company today.” Fred said as we approached to the stairs leading to the house.

I smiled. “We should definitely do it again.”

“Yea. Ill call you.” Fred said. “I have to run now though.”

“Okay. Thanks for everything Fred. Have a lovely night.”

He leaned in, hugged me then kissed me on the cheeks.

“Have a lovely night Kate.” Fred said and left.

Morning After

The following morning, we rose up early and went to check up on Fred. He was released and given some medicines to take in order to keep his condition in check. From the hospital, Mike took us to a restaurant to get some breakfast since we all skipped it in the morning.

We took a seat at the balcony and immediately a waiter came and took our orders. Mike ordered a burger with Passion juice, Ann had tea with croissant, Fred took coffee and pancakes and I settled on Passion juice with marble cake.

The waiter brought our orders and we all dived in. After a couple of minutes, Fred asked us what had happened as he could not remember every single detail of the incident. Mike offered to tell the story. Fred was clearly in shock as he could not believe he went through all that. I looked at Fred and I noticed how frail he was looking. He looked tired and worn out.

Ann’s phone rang and she excused herself to go answer it. I got a chance to move close to Fred and asked him how he was feeling.

“I’m okay. Just tired” he replied.

“I’m really sorry about yesterday. Thank God you were not really drunk.”

“Yes. The doctors told me it could have been worse.”

Just then, Ann came back to the table.

“I got the job!” she screamed.

“What job?” Mike asked.

“The PR firm that I was telling you guys. I got the job.”

I now remembered! She was expecting a call today from the company regarding the interview she had done yesterday.

“Congratulations.” I said hugging her small frame. “This is good news.”

“We have been waiting for a job for a long time and God has answered our prayer.” Ann said.

“You are lucky.” I said sitting down. My prayer request had not been answered yet.

Mike and Fred rose and hugged Ann.

“So when do you start?” Mike asked.

“I have been asked to start next week on Monday. I have to be at the office by 8 o’clock.” Ann replied.

“Wow, all the best girl.” Fred added.

“Thank you Fred.” Ann noted.

After breakfast, we took Fred home to get some rest while Ann and I decided to go do some shopping on clothes she would be wearing at work. Mike dropped us in town and took the car back to his parents.

Follow Up

After an hour or so, Mike and Ann joined me at the hospital. They came panting through the door shouting my name. A nurse quickly shut them down reminding them that they were in a hospital. She then directed them to where I was seated and they came and sat next to me.

“How are you doing?” Mike asked.

“I’m okay. I’m just concerned about Fred. I haven’t heard anything yet from the doctors.” I replied.

“Kate, everything will be alright.” Ann said wrapping herself around me.

“I hope so. I just want to know what really happened and the stupid doctors are taking forever.” I replied.

“They will be here shortly. Don’t pressure yourself up.” Mike said.

We sat in silence for a few minutes looking at each other with nothing to say. I quickly remembered we were at a party and inquired what had happened after the incident. As expected, the guest had left the party to their homes after the incident. Mike had to take some of them home since it was at the wee hours of the night then proceeded to the hospital with Ann. His cousin had opted to remain at home as he has still high on booze.

One of the doctors attending Fred came into the room. He proceeded to let us know that Fred had Type 2 Diabetes and had fainted because of low insulin in his blood. Apparently Fred was not aware of the condition and had indulged in beer at the party without making sure he had eaten properly. He had stopped bleeding on his head when he injured himself when he fainted. He had been administered with painkillers and a jab of insulin to help him recover. He had to stay overnight for further checkup.

The doctor declined our request to see him so we had to head home and come back in the morning.

The Accident

The party was great and I had a good time bonding with Fred. He was really fun to talk to and sure was a great dancer.

It was almost around two in the morning when I decided to go hit the sack. Most of the guest had already left and we were remaining only a few of us. I asked Ann if she was coming home but she decided to spend the night with Mike. So I went back and told Fred I was leaving. He offered to call me a taxi and ensure that I reached home safely.

I decided to go to the washrooms to check myself out while we were waiting for the taxi. I was just applying some lip gloss when I was interrupted by a call. It was Ann.

“Where the hell are you?” Ann inquired.

“What’s up?”

“I think you better hurry up and come back to the front yard.” Ann snapped and hung the phone.

I didn’t even finish with the lip gloss as I just picked up my clutch bag and ran out. My heart nearly sank as I found people milling over at the front yard near where I had left Ann and Mike. I forced my way to the front and saw Fred lying on the floor and Mike and his cousin were kneeling besides him.

“What happened?” I asked surprised.

“He just fell.” Mike replied not looking directly into my eyes.

“He just fell? I left him with you guys and he was doing okay!” I snapped.

“He fell and hit his head. I thought it would be better if I call for an ambulance. It is on its way.” Mike said.

I just couldn’t understand this. I spend the better part of the evening with this guy and he seemed fine. Then all of a sudden he falls? This is not right. He wasn’t drinking as much as I was so he couldn’t be drunk. Ann was shocked from all of this and remained silent. I looked up at the crowd which had gathered hoping someone could give us some assistance. Most of them had bloodshot eyes which made me change about asking for help. The funny thing is I didn't know most of them despite having spent the better part of the evening.

I heard the ambulance siren from a distance and told Mike to go open the gate. In a few minutes, Fred was in the ambulance and I tagged along.

“We will be behind you guys.” Mike chipped as the ambulance started to move.

The Party

I had no idea how time is running out.

It was almost eight and we girls were still wondering what we would wear for the party. The thing is, Mike had not told us where the party was being held at or what the occasion was for. It was proving a little hard for us to dress for the occasion. I settled on skinny jeans and a purple sequined top. Ann was still deciding between two dresses she had picked earlier.

“I really like the black one.” I said to Ann when I noticed her staring blankly at the clothes.

“I like it also but don’t you think it is a bit short?” She asked.

“No. The Purple one is a little long. It will make you look like you are out of place.” I said.

“Okay.”

Just then Ann’s phone rang. It was Mike. He was downstairs waiting for us to come out. I bet he was getting irritated we were taking a lot of time getting ready. He had arrived fifteen minutes ago to pick us up.

“Kate, lets go before Mike changes his mind.” Ann said picking her clutch bag and headed for the door. I followed and we met Mike downstairs.

After a few minutes, we arrived at Mike’s place to find people squeezing to enter the main gate. The front yard had been transformed into a dancing stage. The music was really welcoming with the speakers placed strategically at the edges of the compound. Drinks were being passed around by some skimpy dressed girls who kept their smiles in check.

“Ann, are you sure we are in the right party? This looks too good to be true.” I asked excitedly.

Ann started giggling and headed for the drinks leaving me still dumb folded. Mike came and took me to get some drinks. He explained the party was being hosted by one of his cousins who had just jetted in from abroad. His cousin had left the country eleven years ago and it was his first time back home.

“This is cool.” I said after being handed a cocktail.

“Yes. He wanted the best and we did it for him. Hope you will enjoy yourself.” He replied.

I thanked him and headed the direction Ann went. I found her dancing on one of the dancing areas that had been set up and joined her. I was doing my best moves when I heard someone excusing himself.

“I can see you guys made it?”

 It was Fred. I had been really anxious to meet him but the sight of him just made me go speechless. He gave us a hug and smiled.

“Yes. We couldn’t miss it. How have you been?” I said.

“Good I guess” Fred replied.

“Care to join us?” Ann asked smiling.

Fred laughed. “Definitely. Ill just grab a drink and join you guys. Give me a minute.”

As Fred was leaving, I couldn’t help smile. He really looked nice. I hoped we could spend some time together tonight. Just then Mike came and grabbed Ann from behind. She smiled and they started dancing to the music.

Damn, Ann and Mike can surely make one jealous.

New Developments

I was just settling in the couch when I heard some noises outside. Ann was back.

She came in, gave me a weird look, threw her bag on the couch, and headed to the toilet. After a while, she came back and sat next to me.

“So how did it go?” I asked.

“Well I guess. I’m waiting for a phone call tomorrow from the company.” She said not taking her eyes off the screen. “What’s up with the dressing, Kate?”

I was still in my pajamas despite the fact that it was almost noon.

“What’s wrong with it?”

“What is wrong with it is that you are still in your pajama’s six hours after you woke up.” She asked concerned.

“It is not like am going somewhere Ann. I have been in the house since you left.” I said.

“Okay. So what you watching?” she mused.

“Nothing new. I was watching the last season of The Hills.”

“Kate, how many times do you have to repeat the series? Go and wash up. We need to buy some food. I’m starving!

“Can’t you go buy and come with it?” I said sheepishly

“No.”

“Okay, can we just buy fries? I don’t feel like cooking.” I suggested.

“Fries it is. But you better hurry up or ill leave without you.”

“Give me five minutes and we will be on our way.” I said dashing to the bathroom.

We headed down to the fast food joint and ordered. Ann wasn’t in a really good mood. She told me that the interview didn’t go as she expected and was not optimistic that she will get the job. The interview was done in front of a four panel of crew who grilled her for an hour. She will have to wait till tomorrow to know if she has qualified or not.

We have been searching for jobs each day and it was getting tiring. Despite sharing the house and the shopping expenses, money was really becoming extinct and it wasn’t funny. This is not the life I wanted. I had seen myself climb the corporate ladder to a senior PR in the country. I had the paper, the confidence and needed just the basic experience which is also proving difficult.

Just then, Ann’s phone rang.

I decided to check my phone also as it was unusually silent today. I got one message. Damn, it is from the service provider. This is the only thing am getting this days. It is becoming too frequent nowadays.

Ann finished her call and beaming with delight.

“What’s up” I asked.

“It was Mike. He wants us to go to a party with him. Fred will be there too.” Ann said smiling.

Mike was Ann’s boyfriend. They met during our last year of campus but only started dating four months ago. Fred was Mike’s friend. I have been having a crash on him for the longest time but he was in a relationship.

“I won’t go.” I said.

“Why? I can’t go alone? You have been invited and you have to show up.” Ann demanded.

“But Mike is going to be there with you. I will be all alone drinking myself silly.” I admitted.

“Fred is going to be there. You will get to catch up with him. His girlfriend is out of town so he will be all yours!” She said.

“Okay. Where and when is the party” I asked.

“We have to be there at 8pm tonight.”

“Oh.” I signed.

“Yes. You better start thinking on what you going to wear.” Ann responded.

I continued with my food thinking how the night was going to be with Fred. We had met a couple of times though we didn’t get a chance to talk much. He seemed very talkative and outgoing. I didn’t know him very well other than he had been roommates with Mike in college and was a part time model with a local agency. I had always wanted to meet with him other than the usual ‘hallo’ when we met but this is already making me anxious.

What was I going to wear?

The Wake Up Call

Gosh, the sound of my roommate alarm clock is driving me nuts. Its 6.30 in the morning and the stupid thing is ringing continuously while Ann is still in sleeping in her bed.

My roommate Ann has an interview today with a local PR firm in town at 9a.m this morning. If she does not wake up now, she will be late. Living in the outskirts of the city, one has to beat all odds to make it on time.

 I met Ann while starting out in college over three years ago in the hostels. She was a slender, 5’6, had long hair and was bubbly. At first I mistook her for a senior as she showed me my room in the hostels. Soon after, I found out we were indeed roommates and taking the same course. I had found her annoying at first because of her care free attitude. Despite this, she was a really caring girl. She always changed the negative aspects in life into positives. This made her unique.

“Hey Ann, wake up!” I called.

Silence

“Ann!” I repeated.

“What?” Ann said turning and covering her head with the duvet.

“You are going to be late for the interview. You better hurry up as it is raining and you are bound to get stuck in the traffic.”

She woke up quickly as if she was being chased and headed to the bathroom. Five minutes later she was back already dressed.  I think this is the second time I have ever seen her in a rush to get dressed like that. The first was when her parents decided to come and pay her a visit and didn’t inform her. Ann took less than a second to change from a midriff top and shorts to a long gipsy skirt and a t-shirt.

She sat in front of the mirror and checked her face out. She combed her hair, applied lip balm then proceeded to pick her documents and arranged them in a folder.

Life has been hard for us ever since we graduated in May. Ann and I were so confident on landing a lucrative job after finishing up on our studies but so far we have been met with rejections only. After applying for jobs to different organizations without a single feedback, it slowly drowned to us that life was not that easy.

“Now where are my shoes?” She asked looking at me suspiciously.

“I don’t know!”

“You don’t know and you were the one wearing them yesterday?”

“I returned them to you. Check in your closet or something!” I said firmly.

“I can’t see them!”

I was getting irritated. I dragged myself and started checking under her bed.

“You blind fool. The shoes were under the bed!” I said pissed off. The stupid alarm had woken me up and now I was being dragged to search for her items.

“Thanks Kate.” Ann said trying not to smile.

“It’s okay. Now you have to leave. You are going to be late.” I said.

Ann took her bag and an umbrella, gave me a hug and left. I stood by the door watching her go down the stairs. It was drizzling outside and could see people trying to cover up. I couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. I know how much she hates the rain and especially today when she has an interview. I really hope this day turns out to be good for her.