Five hours later, Maya was invited to Aunt Aisha's compound in Area Two. She was treated to lunch and after that, she and Aunt Aisha sat in the living room and were served ice cream for dessert.

'So tell me, how is Timothy?' Aunt Aisha asked, smiling.

'Oh, he is fine. I last saw him at midnight when he came to drop Mercy from a Company Dinner.'

'Hhhmn. Is he still single?'

Maya laughed.' I hope so.' She finished her portion of ice cream and placed her bowl on the coffee table nearby.

'Mercy's supervisor also came along. She was so drunk she couldn't drive herself home and she was scared of facing her husband. Mercy was uncomfortable with the situation.'

'I can imagine. Her supervisor spending the night at her home,' said Aunt Aisha.

'Yeah, mostly, she was ashamed of the place, and what that would mean for her image.'

'Aaaaw, poor thing. I hope you weren't offended.'

'No, I wasn't, it's just that it got me thinking if she was right.'

'If she was right to be ashamed?'

'Yes.'

'Maya, you should never be ashamed of where you came from. It's what keeps you in touch with the world.'

'But, we were not in the position we're at now back then. Growing up, I never thought I would find myself in a one bedroomed house, fending for myself and Mercy.'

'Maya, I've been praying,' Aunt Aisha sat up straight and placed her empty bowl of ice cream alongside Maya's.

'I've been praying to Jesus,' she whispered, a smile forming on her face as she said it. She placed her hand on Maya's lap.

'It's been a life changing experience. My husband can tell that something is changing in this house. He now comes home every day before 6 pm. He makes time for me. He even told me one day that whatever it is that I've been doing lately, it's working, and he wants to get a taste of it.'

'That is great news Auntie Aisha! God is amazing!'

'It is, isn't it? I have some more great news. Mr. Hussein and I are planning on going back home.'

'Home, when?'

'In the next six months. We would like to make you Restaurant Manager.'

'Me, Restaurant Manager?'

'Yes...Only you know so far...We would like to announce to the staff in a month, and also at the same time make some staffing changes. We wouldn't want to leave you with enemies for employees.'

'Wow...This was so unexpected...Why me?'

'Why not Maya? We would like to reward you for your faithfulness to the job. We're giving you this month to settle down in your new course as well.'

'I don't know what to say...'

'I think the words you're looking for are....Thank you Jesus!'

Two Weeks Later....

'I swear I'm this close to accepting my father's offer with each passing day,' said Timothy to Jack over a meal at Fusion. He took a bite of his chicken curry and faced Jack to see him staring at a waitress serving at another table

'Dude?' Timothy nudged him.

'What...you were saying something.'

'Get her number already, said Timothy and chuckled.

'I will...after I finish this meal...so, you were saying?' Jack asked

Timothy's attention was now fixed on Maya who had just approached the premises. He saw her walk up to the waitress Jack was eyeing earlier.

'I see I'm not the only one checking out the ladies.'

'Well, I know that lady...and I already have her number.' Timothy got up and approached them

'Maya...we keep on bumping into each other,' he said as he shook her hand.

'Why, yes we do...How are you?'

'I'm good...how about you?'

'I'm fine...Timothy, meet my friend Sellina...Sellina meet Timothy. She's in the Church Choir.'

'Nice to meet you Sellina'

'Nice to meet you too.'

'Well, I'm seated by the corner over there. Don't forget to bid farewell on your way out.'

'Alright, I'll stop by.' Maya smiled.

'Hhhmn...Maya...how did you get to know that one?' Sellina smiled coyly.

'It's a long story. Well, I brought your final salary as you requested. Aunt Aisha would like you to sign these documents as proof of receipt.'

Maya fished out a paper and an envelope from her bag and gave them to Sellina

'I still don't understand why you decided to quit so suddenly,' said Maya as she watched Sellina count the money that was in the envelope.

'As you said Maya...it's a long story.' She then signed the document and gave it back to Maya. 'Thank you Maya. Now, may we go to that table, you bid farewell to that guy while I go tend to the other one's call.'

They walked up to Timothy's and Jack's table and Timothy got up from his seat.

'I'm heading home now.'

'Okay, let me walk you out.' He gestured for them to walk down the nearby steps. Maya waved at Sellina and then followed Timothy. Sellina waved back and then turned to Jack.

'Is there anything else you need?' She smiled.

'Yes. May I get your number please?'

Meanwhile, Timothy and Maya were slowly approaching the car park.

'I feel like I've met your friend before,' said Maya.

'Oh yeah...He was at the housewarming party. Drunk for the most part.'

'Aaah, yes I remember.' They stopped and faced each other. 'My friend, Sellina used to work for Sizzlers. She quit two weeks ago, and I came to deliver her final salary.'

'Okay. I hope that hasn't affected your work?'

'It has, but we're in the process of recruiting someone new.'

'The sooner the better...How is school going?'

'It's going alright...can't complain.' Maya replied.

'Hey, I was wondering if we could hang out one of these days,' said Timothy, after a brief moment of silence

'Yeah, that would be nice.'

'Are you free this Saturday?' Timothy asked.

'I have class in the morning, and then I'll have to go to the restaurant for an afternoon shift.'

'How long is your afternoon shift?'

'From 1 to 5.30.'

'I can come pick you up at around 5.20? We can head to this new restaurant in town. I think it might inspire you.' Timothy smiled.