MISSING LINK 2

CHAPTER TWO

 

BEATRICE

 

‘Congratulation Miss. Emenike, we usually don’t give the post of our head of department just like that.’

‘You didn’t exactly dish it out while I was on a rocking chair.’ She said quietly.

The M.D laughed as he placed his palms on the table. ‘I like you Beatrice; you are an outstanding beauty with a brain that suit.’

‘Thank you” she smiled.

‘Where do you say we celebrate in a grand style, we could hook you in your favourite venue and wouldn’t mind the bill.’ He beamed displaying his handsome features.

‘I like your style M.D, the brain is considered first followed by beauty, body and bill.’ Her expression remained and her eyes did not leave his face.

‘Thanks for the compliment where do we go to, Sheraton, Renaissance …?’

‘Count your teeth with your tongue.’ She stated coolly.

‘What does that mean?’ His expression betrayed his surprise laced with confusion.

‘The statement once more is count your teeth with your tongue.’ She stood and picked her employment letter. ‘When you can figure the meaning or possibly do that, present your invitation again. Thanks very much Mr Shola.’ She turned to leave.

‘I’m not through with you.’ He stood shocked at the turn of event.

‘I’m done here. The next person I need to talk to is your human resource manager. See you later.’ She took purposeful strides to the door.

***

‘B.B, what are you doing?’

‘Talking to my fish.’ She returned with eyes trained on the aquarium in the sitting room.

‘I can’t believe this! The son of the first citizen of this state is talking about the only daughter of Emenike on radio and she is busy talking to a fish.’

She jumped down the balcony. ‘El, are you serious? What did… oh my God! Which radio station?’

‘You should know.’ He drawled.

She ran to her room.

‘I … I not only want to blow a goodnight kiss but say a big congratulation to her!’

‘Why are we congratulating this friend darl?’

‘She’s got her dream job.’

‘Why do you all make me beg every time?’

He chuckled. ‘You want to know the kind of relationship?’

‘Can you beat that, He is still asking me?’

‘She is the greatest friend I’ve ever had and I love her.’

Beatrice smiled ‘Thanks Lanre.’ She whispered.

‘That’s so sweet! Girlfriend anywhere you are, if you’re not blushing, I am blushing pink and purple on your behalf.’ Rosamund chuckled.

‘I’ll like super human for her.’

‘Goodness gracious girlfriend! What have you done to this guy? I’ll put it on for her darl. Thanks for calling me.’

‘Have a lovely rest of the day.’

‘You too.’

***

 

ROSAMUND

 

‘You’ve got the coolest voice I’ve ever heard.’

‘Here we go again.’ She laughed. ‘Thanks sweetheart.’

‘I came for you on Monday and was informed that you just left the building.’

‘I’m so sorry darling, I’d love to meet you. You know, link the rich baritone voice to a face.’

‘What were all those Romeo was saying yesterday…?’

Rosamund burst into laughter.

‘It was really painful I couldn’t get through. I don’t think Romeo knows I listen to you every night and has to be careful of what he says.’

‘Tell him Jide, tell him.’

‘Romeo, be careful. I am a jealous guy and could be mean when I want to. Back to you darling, my big goodnight kiss is to you. You’re my red wine; I’m dedicating that song to you.’

‘Thank you very much sweetheart, thank you.’

‘Take care.’

‘Dear Lord, please have mercy on me.’ She put up a serious voice.

………………………

‘I don’t understand why some guys find it difficult to read the handwriting on the wall; I don’t know why Jide can’t simply accept the obvious. You are not even on her list as top five just in case you don’t know.’ Romeo responded to Jide’s earlier comment.

‘Duh!’ She rolled her eyes.

‘Hi, my angel.’

‘Hi my familiar.’

‘Sweetie, don’t get angry that I didn’t acknowledge you first. Jide was on the verge of making me upset.’

‘No problem. Funny that you’re talking to me after him.’

‘It’s not funny sweetie, divine suits best.’

‘I stand corrected.’ She chuckled.

‘I’m blowing a goodnight kiss to the person whose voice serenades me to a sweet and peaceful night rest. The very one who sees to the comfort of others, and that’s my angel, Rosamund. I’m requesting drowning in your love.’

‘No Romeo.’

‘Yes Rosa, you know I love you.’

‘No darl.’

‘I’ll sue Jide.’

‘I was only teasing.’

‘You just know how to love me right.’

‘Get off my line now!’

***

 

‘This is really something matron Ehi, from all I can see she is a carrier.’ Doctor Jewel looked up from the comprehensive laboratory results.

‘Yes Doctor. She has to be counselled properly, being a carrier does not guarantee her liberation besides she pose a threat to others depending.” Ehi was seated across her on a vinyl chair.

I’ll handle her case. When was she asked to come again?’

‘On Friday.’

‘Good.’

Ehi observed her as she pulled a file from the cabinet. ‘How about Treasure, I’m beginning to miss her comprehensive reports on B.B.C.’

‘Flew to Jamaica yesterday.’

‘I thought she was on vacation.’

‘She was the only that could handle the job well. You know how it all works everywhere.’

‘I do.’ She said. ‘Is that why you’re sad?’

Jewel dropped her pen and looked at her. ‘So I appear sad?’

‘Disturbed should be the right word?’

‘I’m used to Treasure’s work and everything that comes with it. The reason why I may appear disturbed is that for the past couple of days, I meet variety of present in my outdoor basket by an anonymous admirer.’

‘Interesting!’ Her face light up.

‘And scary too because I’m getting gifts of the brands I love.’ She gestured to a cabinet at the other end of the office. ‘They are over there.’

Ehi leapt to her feet for the cabinet. ‘They are lovely and costly; I see why you are disturbed. I can assure you that they are not coming from the professionals in this hospital, they are not cowards. I’ll advise that you don’t use them until you know who the sender is.’

‘Trust me. My mum taught not me accept things from stranger especially those that are faceless.’ Jewel told her cheerfully.

‘I believe there will be no more disappointment and heartbreak for you. I’ve been praying for you and I’m going to tell the world how much of an inspiration you’ve been to everyone here especially me tonight.’

‘Thank you very much Ehi, I’ll stay close to our friend in the box.’ She beamed wondering if listening to radio can be regarded as a form of addiction.

***

RAPHAEL

 

“Raph, you just blew my mind. I … I … can’t believe you just said that. Really… if you don’t want to continue based on the medical report, I’ll understand and I promise to survive.’ May had tears in her alluring brown eyes.

‘No way!’ Raphael told her firmly. ‘I’ve taken time out to think about everything through and through. My decision is what I gave to you dear.’

‘See… I….’ She swallowed the shakiness in her voice and started once more. ‘You don’t have to marry me out of pity.’

‘You are not disabled neither are you not begging me for money. For goodness sake May, I am going to marry you because I – love – you!’ He took her hands in his and looked down at the entwined palms for few moments before looking at her face. ‘Stop giving me excuse please… May.’  He called. ‘May, I want you to look at me.’

Tears rolled down her face. ‘You are the only the one I’ve got under the sun, you are everything. You know how special you are to me. Hand in hand, we will climb every mountain together and I believe God’s grace will be sufficient for us. Raphael… I love you so much that I’m terrified of losing you. Please don’t leave me.’ She burst into tears.

He drew her close and rested her head on his shoulder. ‘Why would I want to let my beauty go?’

“I’ll slash you out of my way!!!” The soft spoken voice was replaced with one that was shrill and fierce.

‘No May! No….!’ He woke up with a start and look around the disarrayed sitting room where he had slumped. Then, he burst into tears.

***

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