The city was bustling with lots of activities,men and women in different wears and expressions walking by quickly as soon as they appeared. Ebere was too distracted to notice all that,all she wanted was to see her boyfriend and confront him. Deep down,she felt like the rumors were true but she didn't want to believe them,all she wanted was for him to clear all her suspicions.

Ebere pulled over in front of the multi billion dollar company that was towering over other buildings. It was a modern building that stood tall in terms of montry value and beauty.

The tall girl stepped out of her car and moved to the building,she was familiar with the terrains especially the route to her boyfriend's office. His secretary was not on her seat and Ebere went ahead to open the door. Time froze for a moment as Ebere watched the scene unfolding before her very eyes. The lady was seated on Ayo's desk and they were locked in a frizzy of romance that they didn't notice a third figure in the room.

"Ayo" Ebere called out in a stern voice trying hard to keep her anger in check, seeing him with his secretary confirmed the rumors about him. The two love birds destangled from each other to face the wrath of Ebere.

The secretary was light skinned,slim with an hour glass figure,her tight suit did nothing to stop her breast from spilling out,the girl cowered out of the office leaving Ebere with Ayo in the office.

Ayo was handsome with a baby face, dressed in a grey suit which contrasted with his black skin,his face had no remorse, in fact he was seated comfortably in his chair,he looked bored and his cocked eyebrows were daring.

"How could you?" Ebere asked him,the rage racing through her was not only because she had caught him cheating but because he looked unmoved by his actions,her eyes were blazing with anger as she tried to keep the tears in check.

"What were you expecting?"His calm demeanor was infruating and at that moment she wanted to snap his neck and throw him through the windows.

Unable to form a word,she just stared at him and then he stood up and came before her.

"I couldn't keep up with your holier than thou attitude,am a man with needs and desires,you refused me sex all because you a virgin"

She could hear the sneer at the end of the word.

" So I checked other options"His voice was flat and bored and devoid of remorse.

"You bastard,I loved you"Ebere half yelled but he chuckled and leaned comfortably against his desk.

"I know it's not funny but I badly have to laugh. I only had to do what any sensible man would do and what were you feeling like?You aren't the prettiest girl ever"

The way he said it felt like he have been rehearsing it ever since and the last part was quite a blow, unable to control her rage,she slapped him,not once but twice, his dark lashes which was so lush was knitted in confusion,with his palm cupping his cheeks,he pushed her to the wall, roughly.

"Who the hell do you think you are?"
His voice was contoured with anger.

"The six months I spent with you,I just managed you,if you must know,you always disgrace me with your ugliness,just look at you"He motioned with his hands

"There is nothing feminine about you and you aren't even pretty, instead of thanking your stars I stuck up with everything,you had the guts to slap me" He poured out everything at once.

Ebere pushed him away from her while trying hard not to cry.

"If you must know,your friend Gift is much hotter and I'll pick her any day and any time" Now that was the last blow and it was quite painful.

A fresh swell of rage rose in her,it over took her senses and she kicked him right between his legs.

"I hate you" She croaked out amist tears and left the office.

***
The kitchen was painted blue which was her mother's favourite colour.

The cabinets were about three and stocked with any spice one could think of. And then the floor was covered with white tiles. The gas cooker occupied the position close to the sink and the kitchen island where Ebere was currently sitting while cutting vegetables and listening to Vibration by Fireboy. Her train of thought was cut short when her ear piece was yanked off by her mother.

She looked up to see her angry looking mother who was her look alike,small lips,pearl eyes,tall with a dark skin, however her mother's distinct feature was her long and lush hair which she didn't inherit unfortunately leaving her with a short kinky hair.

"I've been calling you not knowing you have blocked your ears with this rubbish"Her mother ranted.

Ebere loved her mother but in moments like this,all she wanted was peace and solitude.

"Sorry"She murmured

"Sorry for yourself, and why is your face gloomy like a woman who has lost her husband"Her mother enquired.

"I'm fine"Her voice came out monotonous and she knew her mum will start a drama.

"Oh,so am no longer worthy to ask you questions?"

Ebere didn't know whether to ignore her mother or just walk away but she knew the latter will earn her a slap so she kept quiet.

"Once your father returns from the hospital, you'll explain to him what you what your problem is,who knows if you are pregnant"Her mother said emphasizing on the word "pregnant"

"Mummy,what exactly have I done this evening, for goodness sake am 26,am no longer a child"

"One more word from you and I'll send you packing to your husband's house"Her mother threatened.

Whenever it came to issues about marriage,she knew she was walking on eggshells with her mother and moreover she was still hurting from her breakup with Ayo, the words were still hurting,why was she so foolish in believing him,she was so blinded when it came to his flaws.

Her mother who was now turning the pot of egusi soup was still grumbling about something,Ebere was used to her mother's drama.

Dinner was set and on cue, her father came back from work. Dr Kalu owned the biggest private hospital in the state. He was just as tall as his wife probably the reason why Ebere had inherited the tallness genes. He was a rich man with a small family of three kids,a boy and two girls.

Tobe the first son was taking his second degree in Radiography while Ebere his rebellious daughter who studied Business and Finance was working in a bank. Amanda the last child was in her final year in secondary school.

"Welcome sir" Ebere greeted her dad and took his coat from his car and also his briefcase. Amanda the last child was sent on an errand.

"How are you doing?"The light skinned man asked.

"Am ok"was her curt reply.

By now,they were already inside the house and after having a quick bath,Mr Kalu joined his family for dinner.

Ebere kept picking her food,she was in no mood for banters or chitchats. She felt drained and though her parents kept casting glances towards her,she ignored them.

Looking at her baby sister,Ebere wished she could trade places,the lass was pretty with a body of a full grown woman though she was just 17.

"Are you alright?"Her father finally spoke up,she could see the concern evident in both his voice and face.

"Yeah,I think I need some fresh air"She replied trying hard to be normal. She left her family and went to her favorite spot which was close to the fence and enclosed with flowers,from there, she could see the stars and listen to music,away from her family and away from noise.

She played "Put it all on me" by Ed Sheeran ft Ella Mai,the song explained her mood at that point. She couldn't push the images of Ayo from her head,all she wanted was a little love and affection,was it that much to ask for?

All her life she had always battled with low self-esteem,all her friends saw her as tough but it was only a facade. She was ashamed of her face,her height,her figure;she was shapless.

During her teenage age,she waited for the time she would blossom into a full girl but that didn't happen,she hated the fact that nobody ever took interest in her,why would they?Who would take interest in a thin,tall,ugly and flat girl.

The cool breeze seemed at that point to hit her and she let the tears out,her pain and insecurities,her anger,at nature and herself.

****
Phew! I can't believe am done with the first chapter of this book

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Can anyone relate to Ebere?
If you can, then I want to let you know that you are beautiful, don't let what folks say define you