Monday, December 12, 2011

Of The Commitment

 After the talk with my parents, I went to church since it was a Sunday. It was the best way to pass time as I was already bored in the house on this lovely morning. I think part of me also wanted to thank God for the engagement that had happened yesterday. The church was already packed up when I arrived but found a seat at the back. As the service went on, I could not help but glance a few times at the shiny ring on my left hand. I smiled as I kept trying to get back to the services every time that happened.

I passed by Fred's place after and still found him under blankets. He was watching a movie on his laptop. I updated him on how the conversation with my parents went regarding the proposal. He seemed happy as he got to know on how happy they were with the whole thing. He hadn't yet told his parents but wanted to call them later.

I started preparing lunch for us two of us as I was already feeling hungry. Fred on the other hand went to have a shower and got dressed. Within twenty minutes, we were seated and having lunch while watching a comedy.


"Since we are already passed the first hurdle, when do you think we should have our wedding?" Fred asked while taking a bite.

"Huh?" I asked shocked.

"I know sooner or later we have to talk about the subject."

"I really had not thought about that." I said while staring blankly at the wall. "Your parents don't even know that we are engaged."

"I wanted us to plan a trip together so that we go and tell them in person."

"When?"

"When we figure out the details such as when we will have our wedding."

"Okay. It's just that the word wedding sounds like a big commitment." I said.

"It is."

"I had never thought about a white wedding before."

"Really?" Fred asked. "I thought all chicks sleep and dream about that."

"Not me."

Sunday, December 11, 2011

First Steps

"Hi mum." I said on the phone.

"Hi Catherine. Is everything okay?" Mum asked. She always assumes something is wrong when I call her very early in the morning.

"Yes mum. Everything is okay. Was just checking up on you." I said.

"Catherine, don't lie to me." She insisted.

"Okay mom. I have some news to tell you. It's kind of big."

"Okay, I'm listening."

"Remember the guy I told you that I was dating?" I asked.

"Yes. Has he hurt you?"

"No mum. He has proposed."

"What?" She asked surprised almost screaming. "Did I hear that correctly?"

"Yea."

"Oh my God. What did you say?"

"I said yes mum."

The following minutes were like a form of interrogation on if I was ready for the whole 'fiancee' issue. Mum still thinks I was still her little baby and obviously has fears on me taking the big bold steps. Dad later called me as he had gone to attend some issues and asked me on the same. He was really happy for me. He didn't even ask any questions just saying that if i was happy with Fred then he didn't have a problem with it.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Gold on my finger!

"What the hell are you doing?" I asked shocked on what I thought was going to happen.

"Kate, would you marry me?" he asked will opening up a red square box.

Mouth wide open, I struggled with words to give him. A little tear slowly descended on my cheeks as I covered my face with both my hands.

"Kate?" He asked.

"Yes."

"Would you?"

"Yes, yes." I answered him in between sobs. Some clapping ensured from the neighbouring tables.

"Phew, thank you." He finally said smiling. He rose up slowly from the floor back to his seat.

"How did you do this?" I asked fiting the pretty ring on my middle finger.

"I knew you always wanted to come to this place so I knew it would give the surprise was gonna be good." He said taking his drink. "You like it?"

"Very much. I really can't believe it. It really looks expensive."

"The price should not be your concern." He said smiling.

"Fred, are you sure about this? I mean we have only dated for a few months." I said admiring the gold ring on my finger.

"I know but you are the perfect one for me. Thank you for being there for me when I was down and up emotionally. I would like you to be mine forever." he asked.

"Awww, me too. This is the best dinner date ever! I can't wait to tell Ann and Mike."

"Maybe Ann. Mike knows about it."

"What?"

"Yea, he was the one who made the reservations here for me and I went with him to pick out the ring."

"My, my, my. You guys are really something."

"Yes we are." He said kissing me on my hand.

We spent the rest of the evening celebrating this part of our relationship. I really wouldn't have guessed something like this would happen but I'm so happy. I love this guy so much and wouldn't want anything to come between us. He is now my fiance. I feel good saying that!

I called Ann later to break the news to her and she was so overjoyed that she broke down on the phone. Who wouldn't! Isn't this what every girl wants?

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Not Okay

After two days, Fred was discharged from the hospital. I also got a chance to enjoy his parents company when we all met for lunch in town before they left. Fred also resumed work and life crept slowly back to normal. Ann got a leave period of three weeks from her work place. She had been really looking forward for it for a long period. She packed her bags and left for her parents.

I moved in with Fred when he came back home and Ann left for her parents. Mike had got for some trip out of town so we got a chance to enjoy some alone time with each other. Time dragged on slowly as work got pretty busy but all of this was overshadowed by the events that were to follow.

One Saturday morning, I had gone outside to enjoy the sun when Fred came and interrupted my session.

"Are you free this evening?" he asked sitting on the grass.

"Why?" I asked.

"I thought we could do something different today. Maybe have dinner?"

"Yea, that would be a great idea. What time as I am going to visit Tina in the afternoon."

"Around seven?" he asked.

"Okay. Just let me know the venue." I said very excited.

"Ill text you before then." he said and left.

I prepared myself and went to visit Tina. She was my cousin who lived on the other side of town. The last time I saw her is when she was with my mother and she had been physically abused by her husband but she had decided to stay on despite our advices. Her little girl had grown all big. we spent time together before I got a text from Fred at around six that we were to meet at the Riz Hotel. What? Why do we have to go to such an expensive hotel?

I got to know why when we sat down and started talking while waiting for food. He was very emotional and he thanked me for taking care of him while in the hospital. The food came and we started eating it silently but he was really egdy.

"Fred, what's up?" I asked concerned.

"I'm not okay." he answered while loosening his shirt.

"What's wrong?"

"Ill be okay in a few minutes but not before I do this." he said while on a bended knee.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Of laughter

By the end of the day, I was so tired that I just went home. Ann was already in the house when I arrived so we organized something to eat for dinner. I told her about my meeting with Fred's mom while cutting up some tomatoes. She was really excited about it.

After having dinner, I called my mom. I had missed her so much. The family was doing okay and she was glad I called. I felt like talking to her about Fred's accident but I didn't. I just updated her about how the job was going on and life in general.

The next morning, we went to the hospital again to visit Fred. His parents were in the room as we arrived.  Fred had sat up on the bed having a glass of juice. I greeted the parents and went to hug Fred. I was so excited seeing him all recovered and able to do some simple stuff that he couldn't do the day before. Ann and Mike all followed and said hi to Fred.

"I bet you are feeling much better?" I asked.

"Yes." Fred answered. "I feel fine."

"That's nice. You had made us all worried for a moment there." Mike added and everyone burst out laughing.

"Sorry guys." Fred answered.

"It's okay. Mind telling us what really happened?" Mike asked.

"I was heading to Steve's place to watch the finals of the match. The car that i was in suddenly skid off the road and hit an oncoming truck that was headed our direction. The driver tried to maneuver the vehicle but with minimal success."

"I'm sorry baby." Fred's mom said.

"It's okay mom. At least no one got critically hurt." Fred answered. "By the way Kate, does the company know what happened?"

"Yes. I reported to the HR so don't worry." I answered.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Excuse me

Since time was moving pretty quickly, I had to get back to the office. I excused myself and left the room towards the main exit door of the hospital before I felt someone touch my shoulder.

"Excuse me Catherine." A voice spoke out.

I turned around and saw that it was Fred's mom. She had ran to reach me as she was really breathing heavily.

"Yes?" I asked.

"Sorry to ask you this but are you Fred's girlfriend?" She asked and looked down.

I was silent for a while before I answered her. "Yes i am."

"Oh, I thought so too. He has been speaking very highly of you." She replied.

"Really?" I asked really astonished.

"Yes, he has. Whenever we had conversations with him over the phone he usually talked about you so I figured you are his girlfriend."

"That's really nice of him. I'm really sorry for what happened to him."

"I'm sorry too. Thank you for being there for him." She said. "Sorry we had to meet under such circumstances but I'm really glad to have met you."

"Me too. I'm so glad that we have finally met." I said. "I have to leave but I hope we can see each other again."

"Yes, definitely. Take care dear." She said.

I looked at my watch and saw that I had only five minutes left. Damn! Now I have to take a cab to the office. I was really avoiding to take a taxi to the office since I was so low on my cash but I had no other option. Out on the street, I flagged down the first one I saw and got in.

Glad I didn't have much work in the office so the day was a little bit better for me. Time dragged on and on so by the time lunch hour reached, I wished the day was over already.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Meet the Parents

Mike walked back to the room with a frown on his face. He sat down and told us Fred's parents knew about the accident after Fred giving out their numbers to the hospital staff. They were requesting Mike to meet them tomorrow morning at the hospital. As we prepared to sleep, I was getting more nervous to meeting Fred's parents under such circumstances. Would they blame me for letting him go to watch the game alone?

At exactly five thirty o'clock the following morning, I was up. I took a shower and dressed up. Meanwhile Mike and Ann who woke up a few minutes late, were rushing to prepare themselves up while i was taking breakfast. It really looked comical.

By six thirty, we were out of the house. The traffic was really messed up from the time we joined the main road to the hospital. It was drizzling so this was making it even more hard to drive as cars were slowing down to prevent skidding on the highway. Luckily, we managed to arrive to the hospital at seven fifteen. We rushed through the doors, through the corridors until we reached his room. The number on the door (11A) gave me the creeps. Mike knocked and entered as we followed. There were two elderly couple sitted facing the bed on the left side of the room. They seemed surprised when they saw us bulging into the room but the expression changed when the looked at Mike.

The woman slowly rose and came and hugged Mike. The man gently gave him a pat on the back silently. Mike then turned to us and introduced us.

"Guys, this is Fred's mom Linda and dad Steve."

We shook hands with them each of us telling them our names. They were really happy.

"So Mike, how did this happen?" Linda asked while sitting back to her chair.

As Mike narrated the ordeal that befell her son, i kept a close eye to Fred's mom. Although she was elderly, she was still a beautiful woman. The nails were neatly done and she had a little bit of make up on her. The long hair was tied up in a loosely low ponytail. Steve on the other hand, was an exact copy of his son. They really looked alike.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Back Home..

On our way home, we stopped at a food joint to get some french fries. I was so hungry. I knew there was nothing I could eat in the house so it was better I took a take away. When we arrived in the house, we all sat down together and started eating.

"Mike, do you have Fred's parents number?" I asked.

"Yea..for his mother." he answered taking a bite.

"After you finish eating, please give me the number so that I can inform them of what has happened to Fred." I said.

"Ok."

We continued to eat in silence. I went and picked a pack of juice and started serving Mike and Ann but Mike's phone rang. As he was gearing up to answer it, his facial expressions changed.

"Who is that?" Ann asked. She had noticed it too.

"Its Fred's mom!" Mike answered.

"Just talk to her Mike. You never know what she wants to talk to you about." Ann responded while taking the plates to the kitchen.

Mike took the call but went to the balcony to answer it so we couldn't hear the rest of the conversation. Ann came back and sat on the couch and changed the channel that was showing.

"Do you think she knows?" Ann asked.

"Who?"

"Fred's mom. Do you think she knows that Fred was involved in the accident?"

"I really don't know. I guess we have to wait and see."

Friday, October 21, 2011

A prayer

"Fred, are you okay?" I asked moving closer to him. I managed to grab his under which was under the sheets.

"He can't hear you. He is asleep." The doctor told me when he saw the concerned look on my face. "He is under drugs to reduce the pain he is in."

"Okay. Was he brought alone?" I asked.

"No, but he was the only one who suffered most injuries. The others were discharged after a few hours.I suggest you give him time to rest so that he can heal quickly. You should all go home."

"But.." I started.

"You should understand the situation. He is under drugs and this can take hours. You can pop in tomorrow morning as he will be in a better condition to talk to you all." The doctor said.

I looked at Mike then Ann. All of them nodded to what the doctor was saying. I had no choice.

"We will come back tomorrow." I said.

"Okay. Be sure to check the visiting hours before you leave. You will only be allowed in during that period." he added.

Ann and I walked towards the carpark while waiting for Mike to join us. He had gone to confirm the time that we can be able to come see Fred in the hospital. I entered the car to have a seat as I felt too drained to stand anymore. Ann joined a second later.

"The visiting hours are from seven o'clock to nine in the morning. I think if we arrange ourselves by waking up early, we can be here on time before going to work." Mike said when he entered the car.

"I think that is okay." I answered him. "Ill have to wake up an hour early in order to make it."

"I'm fine with it. Mike, you can come for a sleepover today so that it won't be a hustle for you tomorrow." Ann said.

"It is fine with me." Mike said.

"I think we also need to pray." I said when Mike started driving.

"Huh?" Mike asked.

"We should all say a prayer for Fred."

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Shock Part 2

We went to a nearby block at a restaurant but I could not eat as I was so worried my tummy hurt. Ann and Mike took a glass of milkshakes each. After a few minutes, I returned to the office as it was already two o'clock.

Minute by minute, I kept checking the clock. Time was not just moving and this made me more anxious. We had agreed to meet with Mike and Ann after work then head to the hospital. Five o'clock on the dot, I was on the stairs running out of the building. Mike was in a white Prius along the road. I hoped in and went to the upper side of town to pick Ann. The drive was ten minutes away but it seemed like an hour. We were silent on our way to the hospital. No one knew what to say or what we would expect.

At the hospital, it was chaos. The nurses, sick people all over and our anxiousness made things complicated. Mike went and asked a nurse on the room number that Fred was in. We were told to wait a few minuted while she checked the registry.

"You can come in this way." The nurse said.

We followed her through the corridors to the room number 11A. She opened the door for us and Mike entered first. I waited for Ann to enter too so that I could be the last one. My heart was pounding so hard it scared me. I looked across the room as I entered and focused on the bed. I saw Fred's legs covered in a sheet. His upper part of the body was a little bit covered by Mike and Ann bodies. I stepped a little close.

"Oh my God!" I shouted.

"Kate, you need to be strong for him." Mike held me on the shoulders.

"I can't believe this." I said in between sobs.

Fred's face was horrifying. He was not the same man I knew. His face was so bruised he looked like he was part of a horror movie. Patches of blood was still plastered across his face. He was so swollen that you could easily mistake him for someone else. His left arm was in bandages and held up by some metal things.

"Are you family?" A voice behind me asked.

I turned around and saw the doctor. He was an older fellow with thick spectacles.

"Yes she is." Mike answered. "She is the fiance'.

"I'm so sorry madam. He has suffered a lot of internal injuries and a broken arm." The doctor started. "We tried to stabilize him and he is doing okay."

"What about his face?" I asked.

"Those are just bruises which will go away soon." He replied. "The police brought him yesterday evening. He was involved in an accident when two cars collided with each other along the highway."

Shock..

‎"What?" I asked.

"Yes Kate. He was involved in an accident on the way to watch the rugby game." Mike answered slowly as if to make sure I heard it properly.

I couldn't believe it. I left him just fine when we went home! I was about to ask Mike more questions but I saw Ann from the corner of my left eye. She was walking in our direction with a worried expression. I was surprised as she worked from the other side of town and had not called to let me know she was coming over. 

"Hi Kate, how are you?" Ann asked.

"Not good." I replied.

"Yea, thought so too. You know about what happened to Fred?" She asked.

"You mean you knew? Was I the only out missing the info?

"No. Mike was the one who told me a couple of hours ago."

"Couple of hours ago? Is that going to make me feel better Ann?" I shouted.

"I'm sorry. I just didn't know how to break to you."

"Where is he now?" I asked Mike.

"He is at the General Hospital. You can go visit him in the evening."

"Why not now?" I asked.

"Because you will not be allowed to. And you have to ask permission to leave work." Mike replied scratching his head.

He was right. I had forgotten I was working now. Oh my God! Why did this happen to him? My boss could not just let me leave at this time.
 
"Kate, are you alright?" Ann asked. I hadn't realized I had started sobbing infront of them. I just could not hold it anymore. I loved Fred so much and was afraid I was going to loose him.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

News

Around Ten o'clock, I decided to retire to bed and get some sleep. I was so damn sleepy even though I had taken a nap a few minutes ago. I woke up in the middle of the night with a sense of urge to call Fred. I didn't understand why at first but the events that followed gave me a definite answer. I gave him a call just to check up on him again. It rang but no one was picking. I tried again but still, no one picked it. I thought he was already asleep so I gave up and returned to bed.

I woke up the following morning and prepared myself for work. It was a really beautiful morning with the sun appearing as if it was peeping at the horizon. I arrived at the office on time and quickly went to the office to start my work on the way. The hours seemed to move as quickly as I wished. Just before noon, I texted Fred if we could catch up for lunch in around forty minutes. I didn't get a reply.

What was wrong with him?  Why was he not picking up or replying my calls and texts? I decided to call him again. Still there was no answer.

Around fifteen minutes to one o'clock, I received a call from Mike.

"Hey Kate?"

"How you doing?" I replied.

"Not really good. Are you at work?"

"Yes."

"Would you mind meeting me infront of your building in five minutes? I have something to tell you."

"Ahh, okay. Hope it is nothing serious?" I said.

"Ill be near the entrance." He said and hang up.

I took my bag and headed downstairs. We could even have lunch with him as he tells me on the matter, so I thought. I saw him on the entrance and approached him. I gave him a hug but the look on his eyes made me worried.

"So what is this you want to say?" I asked.

"Sorry Kate for coming without saying before but its about Fred."

"What about Fred?"

"He got into an accident yesterday night."

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Of Hunger Pangs

The funny thing with plans is most of them don't see the light of the day. We never went out to buy food at the kiosk. I thought i should change my outfit into something more relaxing before we head out. As i finished changing, I rested on the bed and fell asleep. Apparently Ann had taken one too at the couch.

I woke up and looked at my mobile to check the time. It was eight thirty four! Oh my! I slept for almost three hours and so damn hungry. After checking up on Ann, I woke her up and asked if she would mind a pizza for dinner. I was too tired to cook today. She accepted and called a local food eatery that was located nearby. They didn't have the regular sized pizza so we had to order the family size.

"Hey, you have to add me more money. They only have the family size pizza." I said to Ann.

"Okay, no problem." She said while waking up from the couch and to the bedroom where she came back with a few more cash. "I'm bored. wanna watch a movie?"

"Nah, I think ill go and iron clothes for tomorrow." I said while I returned to the bedroom.

"Can i add you some of mine?" Ann shouted.

"No."

As i was ironing my shirt, some thoughts came to me. Ann is really behaving weird these days. It is as if she had given up on life in general. Whatever the issue is with Mike, it was to be resolved as quickly as possible. On Fred, he had promised me earlier to call after the game was up. The game should have been over ages ago and I haven't got his call. I should call him.

It was on voicemail.

I decided not to leave a message for him but rather cal him later. I heard the doorbell ring and quickly went for it. It was the pizza. Mmmhh...nothing smells as good a hot barbecued pizza. I paid the guy and he left.

Now, I can indulge.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

All in a day

"I told you it wasn't going to be that hard." Ann said.

We had met up with her after work as Fred had decided to pass through his pals place so that they could catch a rugby match later in the day. Ann was so excited for me to tell her more information regarding work. For her, she had found a perfect partner to be discussing work related stuff with.

"It was so tiring." I answered.

"You will get over it." she said.

"Okay. So how are you and Mike doing?"

"Why do you ask?"

"You guys seem so distance. When was the last time you guys spoke to each other?" I asked.

"Not long ago." she answered quickly while jumping over a pothole on the side of the road.

"Ann, don't lie to me."

"Okay!" she said lowering her voice. "We are just not close as we used to be."

"So what are you guys doing about it?"

"Guess we are afraid of facing the issues."

I was not sure of what to say. So we walked in silence all the way to the house. Shit! No lights. It is going to be a long day! I walked to the kitchen and directly to the refrigerator. I need food.

"Hey, come with a glass of milk for me." Ann shouted from the other room.

"There is no milk."

"Juice?"

"Nope. There is food if you want?"

"Urrggh."

"Yea. It is even tricky as the food is cold and no lights to heat it up with the microwave." I said while walking back to the sitting room. "I'm hungry!"

"Me too. Lets go and get food at the hotel downstairs." Ann said.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Tired

"So just friends?" I asked again just to be sure.

"Yes."

"I think they will definitely come to find out about it soon."

"They will get ideas but we will not confirm it. I'm just a friend of yours. You know, the company is against the employees dating so it wil really bring a lot of issues. Just trust me on this. You have just started working and I wouldn't want to cut it short." he said. I looked up his eyes and could tell he was really serious with this.

"Okay. We better get back to the office. Time is almost up!" I said trying to cut short the conversation.

"Okay. Are you sure you okay with the plan?" he asked again.

I nodded.

"Alright then. Just give me a few seconds." Fred said. He rose up and went to the sink where he cleaned his hands and motioned me to go with him out of the door.

Back to the office, I continued looking at the files and updating some of the information to the computer. Man, this was actually tiring than I had anticipated. The HR came and added me more data to be checked up and this kind of doubled up the work. I was really counting up the hours to the end of the day. I felt worn out already and it was only the first day.

I checked the watch again. One hour to go.

Gosh, this is really going more slowly than I thought. I decided to text Ann asking if we can meet in town then go home together. She replied a second later saying she was okay with it. Good, at least ill have someone to bug.

Friday, September 9, 2011

Just Friends

I received a text from Fred. He was asking me out for lunch.

I quickly looked at my watch. I couldn't believe it was already twelve thirty o'clock. I replied the text and told him we can meet at the reception in about five minutes. Meanwhile, I returned the files to the cabinet in the HR office and locked them up. I could not leave them lying on my desk as they were so sensitive. I picked up my bag and headed to the reception.

Fred was at the reception reading up the days newspaper. I tapped him on his shoulder and he turned around.

"You ready?" he asked.

"Yep."

We took the elevator to the basement of the building. The passed through the car park and came to a restaurant. I would have never guessed this. The restaurant was brilliant. The decor from outside was so splendid. There was three tables set up outside the venue with round center pieces placed on it. We choose to have the outside table. Fred placed an order and we sat waiting for it.

"So, how has the first hours been for you?"
 
"It was okay. I was getting to know to all the things in the office."


"Oh, hope it is not much." he asked taking a bit at his lunch that had just arrived.

I was just about to answer when a guy came and interrupted me. He was grinning ear to ear.

"Hey dude." He shouted.

Fred stood up and gave him a side hug. Wierd!

"You lost man. How are you doing." Fred asked.

"I'm good. Sorry, this is Kate. Kate this is Max. He works on the third floor. He is a really good friend of mine."

"Hi Max." I said extending my hand to him.

"Pleasure to meet you." Max replied while taking my arm. "Fred, have to go and sort myself up. I'm hungry!"

"Okay. Holla at me soon." Fred replied.

After Max went inside to grab something to eat, I turned to Fred and asked him about an issue that has been bugging me since morning. It was of us dating at the workplace.

"Don't you think it might bring issues?"

"Have you told anyone about it?" he asked.

"No."

"Then don't let it out. We are just friends here."

Peeing Tom

A few hours pass and am still flipping on the files that the HR had passed onto me this morning. I was to read through the files and get to know on what I was to deal with as my job in the firm. The files were mostly on the salary and deductions records. It became complicated as it was divided according to different departments in the office.

I took my time with the IT file. Fred's file was the one I was so curious for. Ever since we started dating, the topic of his salary has never come up. I thought it would be a breech of privacy if i knew it. Right now, I got my chance and I wasn't going to lose it.

What! My head is going to flip. Fred was earning a huge salary not to mention the allowances. Why the hell was he living the way he did? The cash for the month could sustain me for at least three months in advance!

The phone rang.

"Hello?" I answered.

"Hi, its Mrs. Wright. Mind to step into my office?"

"Ill be there in a second." I said replacing down the receiver.

I quickly closed down the files and walked out of the office.My heart could not stop beating fast as I strode through the corridors to her office. It was kind of a deja vu. It all brought back the memories of the first day I came to her office during the interview. I knocked on the door and stepped in.

"Have a seat." She said without lifting her head up.

"Thank you." I said sitting down on the chair opposite her.

"So, has the HR given you a brief of what to expect?" She asked.

"Yes she did. I was currently reading through some of the files that she handed to me."

"That is good. There will be more work ahead so be ready to work on them."

"Yes. I'm ready for it."

"Good. Incase of anything, let the HR know and you will be assisted. Ill leave you to get back to your office while I attend a meeting."

"Thank you for the opportunity." I said standing up.

"Don't thank me yet. Just work hard."

"I will."

Thursday, August 25, 2011

First Day

My footsteps are very heavy as we make our way to the office with Fred. It was a chilly morning and my thoughts were on the first day.  I cannot believe I spent most of the evening finding something to wear only to end up with the first outfit I had picked out before.

"Seriously, you made us late." Fred says looking at me.

"I'm sorry. I overslept." I said.

"But you had a whole two weeks to sort your self out!"

"So sorry. At least we have made it there without any mishaps." I say convincingly.

"Okay."

We take the stairs of the main entrance to the office then the elevators. A second hadn't passed as the doors open up and we find ourselves on the second floor of the office. Fred motions me to go to the receptionist while he passes briskly and heads to the directions he sits on.

"Morning. I'm here for the job meant to start today." I tell the lady.

"Are you Catherine?" She asks while checking a file.

"Yes."

"Okay, welcome. Please have a seat while I prepare your desk." She says smiling.

She then proceeds to walk to the other end of the office behind a glass wall. I couldn't see her well so I took time to view the office well. After ten minutes or so, she came back and asked me to follow her.

"This is your desk. Feel free and the HR will update you on what to do."

"Thank you." I said as I moved closer to the desk.

The office was beautiful. I couldn't believe that I was having all this by myself. I sat on the chair. Put on the computer and leaned on the chair. The desk was almost bare except the notebook, few pens and a ruler.

Friday, August 19, 2011

Mmmhhh...

Yes, I do mind.

"No, I dont mind." I lied.

"Alright. Just wanted to check up on ya."

"Wow, thanks for that."

"You seem surprised." He asked.

"No."

"Okay then, ill talk to you later."

"Thanks for calling."

I hang up the phone and looked at Ann who was looking at me suspiciously. She knew something was up.

"Who was that?" Ann asked.

"You remember Sam?"

"Which Sam?"

"My ex-boyfriend."

"Yea, where the hell is he?"

"I met with him the other day at the shops. So I invited him over."

"What? You can't be serious."

"Yea, he wanted my number but I didn't give him as Fred walked on us at the gate.

Ann let out a laugh. "What?"

"So he went but apparently he asked for my number and Mike gave him."

Ann gave a blank stare.

"Yea, Mike gave him my number."

"Mike should have asked you first but I think Sam just wants to be your friend. Things were tough for you guys but you should also move forward. Just talk to him and find out what he really wants. As for Fred, just be careful you don't confuse him by being close to Sam." Ann said.

Actually, I think Ann has made a good point.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

When the phone rings..

"So you will pass by in the morning we go together?" I asked Fred as I was to report to work the following day.

"Yea, I usually leave the house by 7.20am so be ready by 7.15am." He replied.

"Okay. I'm so nervous."

"Don't be. Ill be there so ask anything that you are not sure of."

"Okay."

He picked up his man bag and started walking towards the door. We reached the main gate, gave him a hug and he left. He wanted to go and prepare for the coming week by ironing his clothes and to rest. He had been really busy this weekend with me.

"Hey Kate." Ann shouted from the balcony.

"Yea,"

"You have a phone call."

"From who?" I asked as i raced up the stairs.

"I don't know. It a private number."

I wondered who it was but i got the answer as soon as I received it.

"Hallo?" I started.

"Hey dear."

"Who is this?" I asked.

"Can't you recognize the voice?" he said back.

"No."

"Alright. Its Sam."

"Okay, its a surprise! how did you get my number? I don't remember giving you."

"I'm good Kate. I got your number from Mike."

"Mike?"

"Yes. I hope you don't mind."


Thursday, August 11, 2011

rom-com

"So what are we doing tonight?" Fred asked after we were done.

"I really have no idea. We can wait for Ann to come then we can decide." I replied while looking at the clock.

"Yea, that is a good idea." He said.

So I put on a movie and we started watching on the couch as we were waiting for Ann to arrive. It was around six fifteen and mostly she would have arrived. The movie was a rom-com about young couple moving into a new house in a new state and the issues they had to experience during the time. It was really funny and we were so consumed into it that we didn't notice Ann come in.

"Hey guys."Ann said while sitting down.

"Where did you come from?" Fred asked surprised.

"Through the same door you guys came in." Ann replied laughing. "Which movie is this?"

"I really didn't see you coming. I have even forgotten the name of the movie." I said.

"Its okay. It looks really funny."

"Yea, you will enjoy it. How was your day?"

"It wasn't that good."

"What's up? I asked.

"I had some issues with the human resource department in the office."

"So sorry."

"Its okay. It went well at the end."

"Ann, we were waiting for you. What do you think we should have for dinner?" Fred asked switching off the telly.

"Can we have it at the diner? I don't feel like cooking."

"Yes, we can do that too." Fred said kissing me on the cheeks.

"Oh, you guys should go to the room already."





Tuesday, August 2, 2011

For Second Round

As soon as we entered the house, Fred pressed me on the wall and kissed me hard. The long passionate kiss went a notch higher as we decided to take it back to the bedroom. Still in each other mouths, we rushed to the bedroom and undressed. His hot breath went down from my neck and down my body in a second. His strong arms held my body tight and could feel his was really ready for it. It was a really intense moment and later sex slept side by side listening to each other heartbeat.

"So, did you like that?" Fred asked.

"Yea, very much."

"Really?  Wanna go for another round?"

I smiled and shook my head. "Yes, but after i take something. I'm really hungry."

"You hungry because of the workout?" he asked smiling.

"Kind of." I said.

"Okay, lets get something to eat then we can go for a second round."

We dressed up and went to the kitchen. I decided to make a sandwich for both of us as I knew food would take much longer. I took the some stuffing from the fridge and combined with some slices of bread that were on the shelf. I gave it to Fred who was sitting on the chair checking his phone.

"Wow, that is the quickest I have ever seen a sandwich being made."

"Stop joking." I replied

"Seriously. Its like you had already prepared the sandwich and hid it."

We both laughed out loud.

"So how is work?" I asked.

"It was okay though I had so much work in the morning."

"So everything is okay now?"

"Yea, a little bit though we have to present some of the work tomorrow."

"Don't worry, it will be okay."

"I'm not worried about that. What about you?"

"On what?"

"You are soon starting work. Are you prepared?"

"Yes, am so excited about it. I can't wait."

"Good for you. So we go for the second round?" he asked after he noticed I finished my sandwich.

I laughed out loud. "Yes."

Monday, August 1, 2011

Someone aint happy

It was really getting late and I knew Ann and Fred might be coming home any minute. Fred wouldn't be too happy to find Sam around since he knew both our backgrounds. Thank God he sensed the same and asked to leave.

I accompanied him to the gate and gave him a hug before turning around to head back to the house, he tapped me at the back.

"Kate, can I have your number?"

This caught me off guard as I wasn't too sure he would ever ask for it.

"Yea. The number is..."

I was just about to give him when Fred walked in through the gate. He took one look at Sam, then at me and back to Sam. I had to think of something.

"Hey Fred." I said walking upto him offering a hug.

"Hi Kate." He replied and hugged me back.

Sam started "Hi Fred."

"Hey."

"I was about to leave so catch you guys later." Sam said and dashed out.

"Okay, see ya." Fred said.

As we were walking up the stairs, Fred asked "What was he doing here?"

"We met up at the grocery and invited him in."

"Ok."

"Are you okay with it?" I asked after I noticed he wasn't too happy about it.

"Yea, I'm okay."

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Revelations

"By the way, did you know Shareefa is married?" Sam asked. Shareefa was his girlfriend who he hooked up with after we broke up.

"What?  What happened to you guys?"

"We broke up a couple of months ago. It wasn't working."

"Sorry about that. So where is she now?"

"She stays along Mountain View with her husband. She is expecting." Sam said with remorse on his face. It was clear he was still in love with her.

"Enough about her. What about you? Are you dating?"

"No." he replied quickly. "And you?"

"I'm dating. You remember Fred?"

"Fred? From our class?"

"Yea, we are dating."

"Wow. Things really change."

"Why do you say that?"

"It just that I couldn't have imagined you and him."

"Are you jealous?" I said shocked by his statement.

"Kind of."

We both laughed out loud. I couldn't have imagined that too but he is was a good guy for me.

Monday, July 25, 2011

Bump Ins

Three hours later on my way back home, I alighted at the bus stop and headed to the grocery to buy some few tomatoes and onions. As I was waiting for the change, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I quickly turned and there stood Sam.
Samuel McGraw or Sam as we used to call him, was my ex-boyfriend whom we dated for about two years while in college. Although we parted off mutually, both of us knew it would not last. I was bored for one and tired of trying to live in the expectations as he came from a very rich family. He was used to doing things in ways that i was not used to that. It was really hard keeping up.

"Hi kate." He started stretching his hands towards me.

"Hi Sam." I replied and handed my hands to him. He responded and followed with a hug. It was awkward.

"Long time Kate. You really looking good." He said.

"Thanks. You look good too. What are you doing these sides?" I asked.

"I was here to see my cousin who has moved here. What about you?"

"I live here Sam."

"Seriously?"

"Yea, the same place i was."

"You mean the same apartment?"

"Yes."

"Wow. How is Ann?"

"She is cool. We still live together."

I got my change and we both started walking to the directions of my house. We continued to catch up but as we approached the gate, I was not sure if I should let him in or not but went ahead with it. As he was settling in on the couch, I went to the kitchen and placed the groceries on the counter.

"Would you like something to eat?" I shouted from the kitchen.

"No thanks. I just had a late lunch and it was kind of heavy."

I was rather grateful for that response as I wasn't ready to cook.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Change of Plans

The silence wasn't helping so I decided to change the topic.

"Tina, I got a job."

"What? When?"

"Early this week. It was actually kind of easy. Fred told me about it."

"That's good. Congratulations."

"Thanks. It was about time."

"Yea, ill drink to that." Tina raised her glass and took a gulp. She then smiled.

Mum walked towards the table and sat down.

"So Tina, where would you like us to go?" Mum asked.

"We can go to my place. I'm alone." Tina answered.

"Okay. Kate, ill see you later. I have to go and talk to Tina about something."

"I thought you guys were talking here?" I asked confused.

"We were just waiting for you to arrive and inform you that the plans we had made earlier could not be possible." Mum said picking up the tab.

"Its okay then. You will inform me when you are through." I said.

As we were finishing up the drinks, mum told us that dad was doing well. He had been under medication on his blood sugar but he was doing okay. My brother had also got a prmomotion at work and treated his family to a vacation in Zanzibar. Guess everything was working out for all of us.

Tina took mum along with her on her car after we left the restaurant. I had no other plans for the day so I decided to go and have my nails and hair done at a beauty salon near the bus stop. I was starting work on Monday and had no other time to do this.

'Perfect Couple'

Mum stood up to go answer a call after a few minutes. This gave me a perfect opportunity to ask Tina a few questions.

"Tina, whats up?"

"I'm good."

"Really? what about those bruises on your face?"

"I bumped into something Kate." She answered and sipped some tea.

"Tina, please don't lie to me. Those are bruises you got from being attacked."

She was silent for a while then answered softly.

"My marriage is not working Kate. That is why I called your mum."

"Does it include the attack?"

"Yes."

"When did this start?"

"Several weeks ago."

"Several weeks? And you didn't even tell me?"

"Kate, marriage ain't what you are thinking. At first I thought it was because of the argument we were having. You don't go telling people about the arguments in a marriage?"

"But he hit you?"

"Yes. But i have a child with him."

"So?"

"I can't just leave like that with a child on mind. Have you forgotten that I don't have a job?"

"Yea, thats true."

The waiter came and poured us more juice as we silently looked at each other. I couldn't believe this. Tina was going through much and it was too soon. They had been married just less than a year ago. Since business was doing so well, they had even moved to the suburbs and seemed like the perfect couple.

Monday, July 4, 2011

The Odds

The alarm went off at exactly eight o'clock.

Damn! I hated alarms. It was already Friday and remembered that my mother was coming to town today. I dragged myself out of bed, I walked up to the bathroom and showered. I spent almost thirty minutes in the shower alone and another hour preparing myself. By the time I reached town, it was already eleven o'clock. I called her up to know where she was exactly.

"Hey mum, I'm in town already. Where are you?" I asked.

"Hey dear, we are at the Plaza Hotel." She replied.

What did she mean by saying 'we'? Who was she with?

"You have company?" I asked inquisively.

"Yes. You wont believe who I bumped into while coming over."

"Who is it?"

"Just come over and see for yourself. My meeting is about to start soon." she replied and hung up.

As I walked over to the hotel, my phone rang. It was Ann on the phone.

"Hey, where are you?"

"I'm in town meeting with mum."

"Okay. Anyway, was wondering if you can manage to pass by my office later?"

"I can. Whats up?"

"Its something small you might be interested in."

"Ill call you after I finish with mum."

"Okay. See you soon. Say hi to your mum."

I entered the hotel, I noticed mum next to my cousin Tina. She was a close cousin of mine who was recently married and lived a very posh life. I hurried toward them almost running into the waiter. As I was about to hug her, I noticed bruises on her face. I started asking question but she quickly cut me down, gave me a hug then she looked down. I looked across to my mum and she  motioned me to have a seat.

I have a feeling something is not right.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Its a mess

I woke up in the morning to find myself alone in the bedroom. Fred wasn't on his side of the bed. I guessed he had already gone to work. I rose my head up and looked around. I could see the sun ray's through the window and could tell it was around mid morning. Next to the bed, my clothes were still on the floor so I put them on and decided to go to the next room.

The room was dead silent. I could see it was already ten o'clock from the wall clock above the television in the room. I switched on telly and sat on the couch to check what was on. The music channel was on so I added up the volume up then went to the kitchen. The fridge was empty which was weird. How can they have a fridge on without anything in? So I took two slices of bread that was placed on the table and ate some.

After washing up, I called Fred. He took long before he could answer. I informed him I was leaving his place and headed to mine so I would lock up the place and he could get the keys from my place. He was okay with it so I was on my way home.

My place was even worse. The room was quiet, the utensils still on the table and the furniture all over the room. I kind of expected that since we slept very late and they had to report to work! Across to Ann's bedroom, the bed was unmade. I have never witnessed Ann leaving the bed like that. She was one of the few people who couldn't leave the bed unmade until it was perfect. Anyway, I can understand the situation.

I changed into shorts and started cleaning up the house. It was all a mess. From the bedroom, to the kitchen out to the balcony. Vacuuming was not helping at all so I opted for a bucket of water and soap. The cleaning process took almost three hours and at the end, I was too tired to do anything so a nap was the next option.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Wink!!

The rest of the night turned out to be more fun. We toasted, made jokes and served up with more food. I had fun.

Since it was about eleven thirty at night, Mike suggested that we cut short the mini party so that people can sleep as they had to be up in the morning. I didnt want Fred to go so suggested to him if he could spend the night at my crib. He smiled at first then remembered he didn't have change over clothes. So we changed our plans to me accompanying him to his place. Good choice. Apparently Ann and Mike had already decided to go ahead and slept in the bedroom so we just took off to Fred's.

We held each others hands until we reached his place. He put on some love songs on and asked me to dance with him. I joined him and we danced for a couple of minutes. I hadnt noticed that he had carried the extra wine in the house!

"How did you carry that? I didnt even notice."

"Yea, thought I should surprise you. Anyway, I didnt want the party to end."

I laughed. Truth is, I also didnt want the party to end so soon. "So are we gonna toast again?"

"Yes. This time is gonna be for us two!"

It was really romantic. We drank until the bottle was finished. We stood up and started dancing all over the room which was funny by itself. We then kissed for a while. The kissing got so intense until we forgot we were dancing. He pulled me over to his bedroom. I was a little tipsy by then so he carried me over to the bed.

"Why are you laughing?" he asked.

"I love this. I love you getting all romantic." I replied still smilling at him.

"I'm your man,so let me do that." He said and winked.

He got down to business.

Toast to Me

Mike and Ann were the first to arrive at around seven. Mike was wearing a dark grey suit. I have never seen him in one. He was looking great. Ann didn't disappoint as she was in a black short skirt, ruffled white blouse and black shoes.

"So tell us about the job." Ann asked as she sat down on the couch.

"I got the job at Fred's place. He knew the company was hiring so he told me about it." I said.

"Wow. Thats nice. Speaking of him, where is Fred?" Mike asked.

"He will be here in a few minutes. In the meantime, would you guys want some juice?" I asked.

Both of them nodded.

I went to the kitchen and poured juice for them in the glasses. While walking back, I heard Fred's voice. He had already arrived! So I made a quick turn and filled another glass with juice. I took to them and placed them on the table.

"Hey cutie, congratulations!" Fred said while handing me the red wine.

"Thanks dear." I said while receiving the bottle. I placed it on the table and hugged him.

"Dont forget the kiss." Fred said while pinching my arm.

I leaned in and gave him one.

After handing them the juice, we talked about my work. It was going to be challenging as it was my 'real' job after the internship that i had a few months ago. Mike was very encouring as he kept telling me how all will be too well.

We all felt hungry and proceeded to the kitchen and filled ourselves with food. We went back to the sitting room and talked a little more. Then Fred poured us the wine which he proceeded to give a funny speech accompanying it.

"To my cutie, all the best in your new job. I know you will succeed at the new job because you are a go getter. I hope ill be getting more kisses from you at the office." Fred said winking at me.

We all laughed. Ann was next.

"To my best friend. All the best. Keep walking with your head high and I love you."

"I love you too." I said and hugged her.

Mike rose and smiled. Was he shy?

"To Kate, congratulations. You deserve this and may your career be extensive."

"Oh Thanks a lot Mike." I hugged him too.

Fred poured us more wine and shouted. "To Kate!"

The glass clicked and all three of them shouted back. "To Kate!"

Friday, June 17, 2011

Over the Moon


Guys, I got the job!

Yes I did.

I got a call at around three in the afternoon from Mrs. Wright informing me of the news. Although I still had to go and sign several documents regarding the work, I was over the moon. I was to report on the first of the other month which was a week away. I know Fred and Ann would be delighted too. I decided to call them both informing them of the new progress.

I dialed Fred first. It was around four in the afternoon and was sure he won’t be too busy.

“Hey, buy some wine when you come home.” I told him.

“Wine? What for?” He asked.

“I got the job. We got to celebrate.”

“What? She called?”

“Yea, she called a while back. Will you bring some wine?”

“Congrats. Yes, the wine will be brought to you lucky one.”

“Thank you. Come early.”

“I will. Make sure there is good food.”

“I’m on it already.” I replied smiling.

“See yah! Congratulations.”

“See you.”

Ann was next on the list. I called and she wasn’t picking. What was going on with this woman? She had developed a habit of not picking calls these days. She better get over it as soon as possible. I left a text message for her to call me.

I got started with the cooking right away. First of all, I needed meat so I had to go all the way to the butchery and pass by the grocery shop to buy some foodstuffs. I started by tenderizing the meat as I cut up some onions as soon as I got back in the house.  I know it may sound cheesy but I cooked rice and meat stew. I didn’t want anything heavy. Since it was midweek, Fred and Ann would be dead tired and had to sleep early because of work. By the time the food was almost cooked, Ann called.

“You got a job?”

“Yes I did. Tried calling you earlier but you weren’t picking.”

“Sorry about that. I was in a meeting with some officials. Congratulations girl.”

“Thank you. Where are you?”

“I’m on my way back home. Ill be there in about twenty minutes.”

“Good. I was preparing some food for my party.”

“You have a party?”

“Kind of. Thought it will be fun to catch up with all of you. You guys have been so supportive of me.”

“Okay. It’s a nice idea.”

“You can bring Mike around .There is enough food to feed us all.” I said.

“Ill ask him but I know he will be glad to.” Ann said.

“Okay. See you later in a few minutes.”

“See you.”


Monday, June 13, 2011

of instincts..


As I was walking to the bus stop, I heard my phone vibrate. At first, I thought it was Fred calling but later found out it was my mum on the other end. After the usual greetings, I got the feeling that she knew something was up.

“Katey, are you sure you are okay?”

“Yes mum. I’m doing fine.”

“Don’t try to lie to me dear. What is happening with you? Are you and Fred okay?”

“Mum, everything is fine. Why do you think that something is wrong?”

“I’m sorry dear. When you will become a mother, you will get to understand why am asking all this. You will know when your child is not doing alright. I’m pretty sure at the moment I’m right.”

“Well, maybe it’s because I’m just from a job interview.”

“How was it?”

“It was tough mum but I’m sure ill get it.”

“That’s the spirit dear.”

“Thank you. How is dad doing?”

“He is okay. His business is not doing very well but he will manage.”

“I know. He has such a strong spirit.”

“And you took after him. Kate, I have to go. I can smell the food burning.”

“What?”

“I had food in the oven and forgot all about it. Talk to you tomorrow and fill me in on the work situation.”

“Okay mum, bye.”

“Bye.”

Even though it was nice hearing from her, she spooked me a little bit. Her questions regarding how I was doing were so damn right on point. I couldn’t tell her of what I did or maybe she knows I had an abortion? I haven’t been feeling okay since the abortion and guess it all comes to the guilt conscience that I have been having. She is freaking me out!

As the bus came into the final stop near the bus stop, I wished I could had opened up to her. She wouldn’t have liked the decision but could have supported me no matter what. Maybe just a little.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Its a tough world out here

With each small step I took while walking to Mrs. Wright office, the more my heart was pounding. I swear I could feel a drip of sweat up my forehead! I had been called in after waiting for approximately twelve minutes. Through the glass door, I could see Mrs. Wright sitting on her chair reading a document.

I knocked. She let me in.

I walked to where she was and greeted her. She smiled back and asked me to take a seat next to her mahogany executive table.

"So, let get this done with. I have only a few minutes." she started.

I nodded and said. "Okay."

Still reading the documents, which I came to realize later was my resume, she asked if I could give her more time to finish what she was doing. This gave me the time to check her out. She was beautiful. She was about thirty five years of age, light skinned with curly hair draping her face. Her low cut black dress enhanced her features well. She was wearing a small silver earring which matched her bracelet. I noticed a picture of a little girl of which i immediately concluded was her daughter. The girl looked very similar to her. Files also took the most part of the table with the laptop sitting adorably at the middle of it all. She rose her head and started.

For the following half an hour or so, I was grilled regarding the job. It was so tough that by the time I left the office, I was exhausted despite it being only ten o'clock. Fred wasn't lying when he told me the lady was tough! It was a matter of waiting for the response regarding the interview. As I was leaving, I tried to peep at Fred but couldn't see him so I texted him to tell him of the interview and had left the building.

"Haven't done that bad, have I?" I found myself asking aloud while taking the lift out of the office.

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Crossing my fingers...

Early the next morning. I got a call from Fred waking me up. Damn, it was five thirty in the morning. I took a warm shower, dressed and prepared myself while waiting for him to pick me up at my house as i was situated near the bus stop than him. At exactly six twenty he showed up. We walked for a little while to the bus stop speaking generally about the news making headlines. I guessed he avoided the topic of what had happened the day before.

We arrived to his office and found three of his workmates already on their desks. The office design was superb. The reception desk was the first thing i noticed when i walked inside. It was designed in a circular motion with a black base and a mirror on top of it. The monitor was placed on top of the desk and a miniature waterfall beside it. I loved it. The walls in the office were painted bright blue with red contrast designs on it. It was an open spaced office with desks being shared between two of the staff. We moved on a little bit to Fred's workplace. It was on the corner of the office. I sat down on the adjacent chair started to read a magazine that was on the table.

Meanwhile, Fred went and picked out some application forms that one had to fill for the vacancy. He brought them after like five minutes and i started filling them up. He asked me later to wait at the reception for the Human Resources Manager to come. The vacancy was for an administrator officer to fill up for the one who had just left. The company wanted to fill it up as soon as possible for the smooth running of the office. The company was a well known design company and Fred was working as an IT consultants. He wasn't paid that much but it helped him with the bills and other needs.

A while later, a lady came in through the door dressed in a black dress,brown belt and brown heels. She strode to an open office near where Fred was. A minute passed and Fred went in. I could see them talking and i got the feeling that they were talking about me as they were gesturing at my direction. Fred came out and walked towards my direction.

"Kate, the HR has come in. She is called Mrs. Ross Wright and she is about to call you in." he started.

I breathed in then said. "Okay. How is she like?"

"She is a no nonsense woman but just tell her the truth regarding what she asks you." he responded.

"Okay."

"You will be called in maybe in five minutes. Go in with your papers just incase its an interview."

Thank God i was dressed officially!

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Sorry...

After a while, Fred, Ann and Mike left me and went to the sitting room. I was overcome by sleep and slept.

I woke up after an hour or so and decided to take a shower. I still smelt like the medicines in the clinic. I felt dirty, guilty and a sinner. Oh God, please forgive me! I dressed up and went to join the crew in the sitting room. As i sat down, Ann rose up and offered me some milk.

"How you feeling?"

"I'm much better Ann."

"Thats good. I was thinking i go buy dinner before it becomes dark. Would you like anything in particular?"

"I'm okay with anything."

Mike and Ann left the house afterwards and i was left alone with Fred. I felt like Ann and Mike were using the excuse of food to give Fred and I some space to talk. A huge silence followed after. No one was sure what to say to the other. I decided to start.

"I'm really sorry for not telling you before i went ahead with the procedure."

"Its okay. At least you are safe but it would have been better you let me know incase something didnt go according to plan."

"Guess it was because i was terrified of the whole thing. I'm sorry."

"Now, we better focus on the future. I was to tell you earlier that a vacancy has come up in the office before the whole hospital matter came up. Will you be feeling okay to check it out tomorrow?"

 "Yea. That's good."

"Okay. We will go together in the morning. Ill pass by and pick you up."

Friday, May 27, 2011

Pain, Issues and Anger

I heard Ann's voice at the reception asking about me. After a while, the nurse brought her to the room where i was.

"Oh God, Kate, what is wrong?"

"Hi Ann. Please get me out of here."

"Why are you in this place?" Ann asked touching my forehead.

"Ann, i have just had an abortion."

"What? But i thought you were unsure about it just yesterday."

"I decided to go ahead with it this morning."

"Of all the hospitals, you choose this one?" Ann asked looking around the room obviously disgusted.

"Would you mind taking me home?" I told her noticing that she was focusing her mind to the state of the clinic.

"Yea, sure."

Ann helped me dress up as i was still too weak to do anything. She packed my bag that had fallen from the bed and assisted me out of the hospital. She hailed a cab and guided the driver to our place. I felt like tearing up climbing the stairs to the house. My tummy hurt. I was sweating and feeling a little bit nauseated. Finally, after almost half an hour, i was in the house and went directly to my bed.

I woke up after a while and saw Fred, Mike and Ann all siting on my bed. I opened my eyes and heard Fred asking Ann how i was doing. Mike was holding Ann's hand as she spoke. She was tearing up! Was i in a bad state?

I tried to speak but i was too weak to even call out their names. So i rose my hand and touched Fred on his back. He jumped up and looked at me. I smiled at him. He didnt smile back. Instead, he put his hands in his trouser pockets and asked how i was doing. I nodded gesturing i was okay. Ann wiped off her tears, bent over to hug me then kissed me on my cheek.

Why was Fred acting wierd?

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Regrets

Unable to move, i slept on the bed waiting for Ann to come over. I didnt know how long she was going to take as she was at work at the time i called. It was barely three months since she got the job and there she was rushing out to come see me. What a good friend she was! She didnt even ask what i was doing in this street since it had a reputation of all the illegal things you can imagine.

I looked over at my phone to check the time. It was twenty three minutes to twelve. Time was not moving. A minute seemed like eternity. Flashbacks, wishes, regrets and tears all came. I really needed company right now. I wish Fred was here. He could have calmed me down. I was still nervous about the whole abortion thing and still not sure if it was the right move.He had suggested i go through this but i didnt agree with him at the time. I know he will be mad with me not telling him of my plans. I wish i had. Definately we were not prepared to carry the pregnancy full term.

The room that i was placed in was depressing at most. The ceiling was white, completely white. The walls matched the ceiling and the other bed in the room gave it a contrast. The bedding's were light blue with the hospital name printed at the corner of the top cover. I was all alone. I could hear the clock above my head tick with each second passing. The nurse had came earlier to give me some food to eat. She assured me the food would bring some energy back since i had lost a lot of blood. It was tasteless.

Tempted to look at the my phone to check the time, I gave in. It was five minutes to twelve. Where was Ann? I decided to check on her. I called but she wasn't picking her phone. I tried again. No reply. The third try, she picked it up.

"Hey, sorry. I was alighting from the bus."

"I was worried for a second there."

"I think it should be the other way around. Now where are you?"

"At the clinic next to Patsy's cafeteria."

"Are you sick?" She asked.

"No."

"Then what you doing at the clinic?"

I wish she could just stop asking this questions and come over.

"Ann, just come and pick me up. Ill tell you more when you are here."

"Okay."

 

Monday, May 16, 2011

After the task

The doctor lied!

The damn procedure was so painful i fainted at the table-if what i was told its true. When i went into the hospital, i was not prepared for such kind of thing. I had a weird taste in my mouth, my tummy still hurt and worse of it all, as i woke up, i was still bleeding. The doctor and the nurse were still trying to contain the bleeding and this scared the hell out of me.

After a few minutes, the bleeding stopped but i had already started feeling a little bit light headed. I asked for my bag where i called Ann. She was the only one who could help me now. After trying three times on her cell without much success, i gave up. Where was she?

Just then, she called.

"Hi there?" Ann started.

"Ann i need your help."

"What is wrong? Are you okay?"

"Im in a hospital and I need you."

"Which hospital?" she asked. She was starting to tense.

"Just come along Lakeview street next to the eatery."

"Okay. I will be there in a few." She said and hung up.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Of Tools and Needles


When I woke up in the morning, I was sure what I wanted to do.

I called up a clinic in town after I got a number from the directory and booked myself for the ten o’clock appointment. Despite having hesitations, I told the receptionist to book me up for an abortion. I got the picture that most patients don’t announce what they wanted through the phone as she kept quiet for a while then confirmed it.

Ann had already left for work so I had the house by myself. I took a shower then dressed up. After breakfast, I watched a little bit of cable news before I left the house. I wasn’t sure I wanted Fred’s company so I went alone. Ann was scared of anything to do with blood so I thought I shouldn’t even bother telling her about the issue.

At the clinic, I was all alone. There were like seven other chairs at the lobby other than the one I sat on but they were all empty. The clinic was silent except for the occasional noise that the receptionist was making with the copier. It seemed like eternity before the doctor was ready for me. I looked at my watch and realized that I just spent five minutes waiting.

The doctor instructed me to lay on the table which was right across the room. There was a table beside it with some tools spread over a white sheet. I changed into the patient gown which was rather uncomfortable with my butt out. I climbed over the bed and spread my legs.

“Will it be painful?” I asked.

“Not so much but you will feel a little uncomfortable.” He assured me.

“Okay.” I said.

He gave me an injection on my hand and then sat across me with my neither regions facing him. I have never felt so embarrassed. I felt him touch me with a wet cloth and I quickly asked.

“What was that?”

“I’m preparing you to prevent infections. I think you should try to relax and let me do my thing here.”

Guess I should just shut up.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Powerless

“That’s tough girl.” Ann said after I completed telling her about the pregnancy.

“Yes. It is.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“Me too and the damn decision depends on my bloody life.”

“I know but aborting the child will affect you one way or the other. You need to make a wise decision on this but not because Fred said so.”

“I know.”

“I think you need to talk to Fred after he has cooled off so that you both can decide on the matter. It won’t be fair to him if you decide on something without telling him.”

We ate the rest of the cake in silence. I didn’t know what else to say. I kept imagining what my parents reaction would be if they eventually found out. My mother is a tough lady. She usually gets mad at anything no matter how small so this would definitely bring out the animal in her . How the hell would I be able to bring up another human being without even a job! I have been jobless for a while and had no savings let alone a plan for the future. Frank on the other hand, was desperate for another job since his was not going on well. On top of this, he thinks I planned all of this. Damn ass! Oh God, I feel so powerless.

We watched a couple of movies before Ann proposed we go to bed. It was already ten o’clock. Since she was waking up early to go to work, I decided to stick and watch more movies at least to ease my mind-after all; it is not like am going anywhere!

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Advice

“Did I hear that well? You are pregnant?” Ann asked.

“Yes. I’m three weeks along.”

“That’s a surprise.”

“I need your help.” I asked.

“On what?”

“I need your advice on this Ann.”

Ann let out a laugh. “How can I help you?”

“What’s funny?”

“I’m just curious. When were you planning to tell me about this?”

“I was going to.”

“When?”

“Today.”

“Kate, we have been friends for so long. I would have thought i could be the first to even see you at the hospital.”

“I’m really sorry. Everything went so fast and I was scared.  Fred was angry with me and I didn’t know if it would be good to call you at that time.”

“You could have.”

“I’m sorry.”

“So what did Fred say about the whole thing?”

“He was confused I guess but he acted like a damn ass. He wanted to know whose baby I was carrying.”

“What?” Ann asked.

“Yea, we argued for a while about it.”

“So what are you guys planning?”

“I don’t know yet. Fred was suggesting I remove it as he is not prepared for the whole thing.”

“Man, that’s tough.”

“Yep. It is. That is why I wanted your advice.” I said looking at her.

Birthdays

“How could your forget my birthday girl?”

“I’m so sorry. I was busy with other things.”

“Really? I thought we talked about my birthday last week” She asked looking at my face as if answers were written all over my face.

“I’m so sorry.”

“Yea, you should be.”

“Yea, I am. Ill make it up to you I promise.”

“It’s okay. Glad I got a cake.”

“About that, who made you that?”

“Just another guy at the office.” She said smiling.

“Is he like hitting on you?”

“Nope. He is just nice.”

“Okay. I think ill eat to that.”

I went over to the kitchen and got some plates and a knife to cut the cake. It was a chocolate chip cake shaped like a doll. It was delicious.

“So what’s going on with you?”

“What?” I asked.

“Mike told me you were sick and rushed to the hospital. So what’s up?”

“Yea, I was but now am feeling better.”

“Okay. What was it?”

“I’m pregnant.”

Ann dropped her piece of cake.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Sh*t

Ann was my only hope in this matter. I wanted to hear what she would say regarding the events that had happened. Since I came out of the hospital, I haven’t told her of the results I got so it was going to be a long talk.

Looking at the clock hang on the wall, it was about fifteen minutes to the time Ann arrived. She usually arrives at around six o’clock on most days and I figured she would make it on time today. My meeting with Frank didn’t go as I expected because after he proposed the abortion option, we argued then he stormed out. I didn’t get it; first, he accuses me of not taking precaution when we should be both blamed for this. Second, he suggests I go do an abortion as he is not ready for ‘it’. He didn’t wait to hear my opinion so he thinks I wanted this. What is wrong with him?

Ann comes through the door with a box on her hand and I quickly figure it out that is cake. I wonder what the occasion is.

“Hey, what’s cooking?” She asks as the strides into the kitchen.

“I haven’t figured it out yet.”

“Anyway, I got cake. We can use it as dinner?” She says with a smirk on her face.

“So what’s the cake for? Any occasion?” I ask.

"You dont remember?"

"Remember what?" 

“What? You mean you forgot?”

“What?”I ask.

“Today is my birthday! How can you forget?”

Oh dear…I forgot her birthday! I’m in shit!!