The only way to have a friend is to be one.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson                      

The scene that greeted Fola the next day caused surprise to swell within her.  She chided herself for not being used to Chief Naade's surprises. 

She forced down her shock as she gazed at what played out in front of her.  Chief Naade sat at the head of the table flanked by his wife on the left and the children next to her. He and his wife were grinning at each other while eating their meal.  The irony didn't escape her. In the early days of her marriage to him, he made sure to eat breakfast with her but now times had changed. Someone else was sitting in her place.  

A lump formed in her throat but she pushed it down alongside her thoughts about what happened in the past. She arranged her face into a neutral expression and ambled into the dining room.  Without sparing anyone a look, she gave a greeting and took her seat.  Her eyes remained plastered to her plate  throughout the meal.

Moments later, her bowl was still full but her stomach was filled with enough sustenance to last until evening.  She slipped out of the room without saying anything. However, she felt eyes follow her out of the room but she didn't dare turn back. 

Her chauffeur and the car assigned to her were waiting for her in front of the house. She exchanged a greeting with the driver and slid into the car.  Most of the journey was filled with silence. Both parties were not interested in making small talk. 

The car skidded to a stop in front of the cream building with huge windows. Fola's eyes drifted to the side and her eyes traced the logo engraved above the entrance door. Fola's fashion house. She read in her mind. Although the logo bore her name, legally the company didn't belong to her.  And as she continued to stare at the building, it dawned on her that for eight years nothing truly belonged to her.  

Her shoulders dropped and she pushed her painful thoughts away. She pushed the door open and slipped out. Her heels clicked on the concrete as she strutted to the door.  

"Morning, Boris," she greeted the security officer with a grin.  

"Good morning, ma'am! You look well rested." He sent her a wrinkled smile.  

Although she didn't believe him, she sent him a quick smile before slipping through the door he opened.  Apparently, her heavy makeup was doing a good job of hiding the bags under her eyes and the wrinkles on her face. 

"Good morning, ma'am!" The staff greeted her as she passed them and headed toward her cabin.  

She returned their greetings with a nod and a smile. Being called ma'am had a foreign feeling to her even after several years of being called that.  If she had her way, she would have requested them to address her by her name. However, the first time she tried to stop an employee from addressing her formally, Chief Naade kicked up a storm and threatened to fire anyone who dared to call her by her name.  

Amusement welled within her as she thought of that fateful day.  However, all thoughts disappeared as her office came into view. She unlocked the door with the key that no one else had access to.  Many people queried her about her weird habit.  But her constant reply was a shrug. She didn't think she owed anyone an explanation.  

The door clicked shut behind her and she inhaled the floral fragrance wafting through the air. She sauntered to her desk and slid into her seat.  A light appeared on her laptop's screen as she turned it on. Her eyes scanned her daily planner and her stomach flipped at the list of things she had to do before the day ended. 

                       ★★★★★

Fola rolled her shoulders to ease her aching muscles. Lunchtime had rolled in and she was proud to say that she had accomplished half of the things on her to-do list. However, every box that was ticked was at the expense of her energy level. Her eyes felt heavy with sleep and her body surged with exhaustion. 

She had just yawned for the fifth time in five minutes when a knock on the door resonated across the room.  

"Come in," she said and glanced at the door. 

Surprise washed over her as her friend and employee sashayed into the room. As usual, Bisi wore a huge grin as she approached her table.  Fola wouldn't acknowledge it to anyone but she missed the optimism and positivity of her friend. 

Bisi's eyes swept over her and she grinned wider. "You look chic in this pants suit." 

Fola blushed and muttered a thank you. When she laid eyes on the black fitted suit in the morning she kept thanking her luck that Nora made a good choice. 

"So what's up with you?" Bisi asked as she took a seat on the chair across from her. 

A lot. Fola wanted to say. But said instead, "Nothing much." 

Bisi arched a brow. "I find that hard to believe. I mean, it's almost a month since we talked at length. I am sure one or two things might have happened."

Fola shook her head and fiddled with the pen she held while contemplating whether to stand by her lie or tell the truth.  

"Your silence says it all. Something did happen. But don't worry, I won't force you to speak.  Just know that when you are ready to talk, I am here."

Relief flooded Fola and her eyes drifted to her friend and she sent her a smile. Bisi could be bossy and pushy at times but she was understanding and caring most of the time.  

"How have you been?" Fola blurted. Guilt nagged at her. She had forgotten her duties as a friend. 

Bisi frowned. "I've been hanging in there. Mom has been ill for some weeks so that has been keeping me busy." Tiredness was visible in her voice. 

Fola's heart sank. "I am sorry to hear that. You should have told me, I could have rendered some sort of help."

Bisi shook her head. "I couldn't bother you with my troubles when you are contending with yours."

"It doesn't matter. It's my duty as your friend to stand by you in tough situations."

Bisi's lips curled into a half-smile. "It's good to hear you acknowledge that we are friends."

An embarrassed blush crept up Fola's cheeks and she briefly ducked her head.  How was she supposed to reply to that? She wondered. Should she apologize or just let it slide?

She chose the latter and asked, "How is your mom now?" 

"She's much better. But still in the hospital."

"Well, I am glad she is improving. I must see her once she is discharged." 

"That would be nice." Bisi's face brightened. "She asks after you all the time."

"I miss her," Fola breathed out. Her eyes dimmed as her thoughts took her away. She thought of the woman who had filled the void of a mother in her life.  After her mother's death, Mrs. Johnson's comforting hugs and wise words were a balm on her grieving heart. She would be devastated if anything untoward were to happen to her. 

Her eyes grew misty and she blinked away the tears that blurred her vision. As her vision cleared, her eyes connected with her friend's face.  Bisi gazed at her with a soft smile playing on her lips. 

Fola's brows knitted. "Why are you looking at me like that?" 

Bisi's smile widened a little. "Because it was nice seeing you being your true self. Soft and empathetic."

Fola's cheeks turned pink as a bout of shyness washed over her.  However, her shyness disappeared faster than it came. She schooled her emotions and faced Bisi with semi-cold eyes. 

"Did you want something else?"

Bisi shook her head. "I just came to check on you and see if you would be interested in going to the cafe to have something to eat." 

Fola immediately shook her head. "Sorry,  I would have to decline." Eating with other people around was one of her weaknesses and she didn't want to embarrass herself in front of her staff. 

"Okay. I am not surprised. You like to stay cooped here all day." Bisi chuckled and rose to her feet. "Anyway, bye; I will see you later." 

"Bye!" Fola called after Bisi as she headed out the door.  

Fola's eyes traveled back to her computer screen after the door closed.  She did another review of her to-do list and what she saw at the bottom of the page caused a rock to form in the pit of her stomach. 

Dizziness washed over her and her heart constricted with pain.  Through blurry vision, she read out the details of her last meeting of the day. 

Time: 4 pm

Client: Mrs. Banke Akaande. 

                     ★★★★

Dun Dun...

How do you think Fola's meeting with Banke would go, considering the dynamic of their relationship?

I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

And also seeing your votes. 😁

Until next time, have with your friends. XD