(Unedited)

Work started by 9:00am for Ebere but she woke up before 6:00am each day.

Ebere was definitely not a morning person but she had no choice, adulthood had taught her lots of lessons, she observed her regular routine, brushing, bathing and sitting in front of her mirror while listening to music streamed live on her phone.

A boy had been abused according to the news channel, he was just 12 years old, he was battered physically, sexually and emotionally.

Ebere got sick of it, she was tired of hearing children being used, they were just innocent would that were scarred for life. What was the government doing? What were parents doing? They were all watching and talking instead of acting.

She picked her clothe for the day from her ironing table, it was a black suit. She wore it quickly and applied her nude makeup. She hated heels alot but she had no choice but to slip her legs into them after all. She was a banker and she had no choice but to dress 'coperate'

It was 8:00am already and Amanda had already left for school leaving her with her parents who were probably still sleeping. She had cereals and also left.

The drive to her office was smooth, it was 8:30 and most businesses were open already, some late comers to school still walking to school, in general there was life on the street.

She had gotten to the entrance of her bank when an influential looking man stepping out of his car, he was tall and his flowing agbada made him look more powerful, from the expensive watch on his hand, the car and body guards, she knew he was a big customer.

"Sorry dear" He stopped her, she noticed his accent immediately, he was from the North.  "I assume you are a banker here, I have an appointment with your manager, I'd like to be shown to his office"

" Okay sir, follow me"Ebere smiled warmly

" Be quick Muhammad" The man turned towards the black Audi Ebere could remember. Out of the car came a familiar person with blue eyes dressed in gray caftan. He took quick strides and though the older man looked impatient, the blue eyed guy had a calm demeanor.

They locked eyes and she could see the glint of recognition in them.

Ebere led them to the MD's office and let them in.

"Thank you so much Miss Kalu for bringing them. Alahaji Sani you are very much welcome sir, please do have a seat"

Ebere nodded and walked out.

***
After dinner Ebere made her way to get favorite spot, she played Joro by wizkid while watching the stars. It was a cold night though, staying alone allowed her think better, she allowed the cool breeze hit her better, she was wearing just a singlet with loose trousers, her perfect nightwear. She was still basking euphoria when a call came in.

"Hello" She said to the other person at the end of the line.

" Ebere, how are you doing?"

"Fine"

He paused for a while.

"I know am not your favourite brother in the world but can't you at least check up on me, at least once in a while"Tobe complained.

" I thought you'll be busy with stuffs" Ebere tried to justify herself. The thing was that she felt as though Tobe was the perfect first child, he  always had the excellent grades and while they were growing up, her parents had always compared them, Ebere wouldn't lie but there was once a time in her life she hated her brother. Those times were over.

"Are you still there?" He brought her out of her train of thoughts.

" Yes, look I'm really sorry, I'll try to always keep in touch, ndo"

" I don't want us to drift apart"Tobe pleaded, his voice was smooth.

" If we drift apart mummy will surely find glue and bind us together"Ebere joked and Tobe let out a fruity laugh which she joined in.

" But seriously try to keep in touch with me"

"Yes sir, when are you coming home? "

" Very soon, I'll soon complete my degree by God's grace, I know you miss me"

" Continue deceiving yourself"Ebere snorted and he chuckled he response.

They spoke about many stuffs and when she hung up, she noticed that Kofi has been calling her, so she called back.

"Hello Kofi, how far?" She asked cheerily.

" Charle way dey happen,I've been calling you since, so you now have a guy without telling me right? "Kofi accused.

" You are high on water"She blasted him, laughing at his stupid theory, he knew she was no longer with Ayo.

"So who have you been calling?"

"My bro, Tobe"

The cold hut her harder, she rubbed her arms to generate heat, thank God there was no mosquitoes.

"Oh, I thought one guy wanted to snatch you away" He teased.

"Shut up Biko,you aren't even my type"She shooed him away.

" My poor heart, but you are my type na"

There was a brief silence before they both bursted into laughter.

"Unfortunately am not into Ghanaian boys with big head"

"But I'm certainly into Nigerian girls with cute girls"

" Fool, you are using me to practice your foolish pickup lines"Ebere grinned widely, sometimes Kofi could be sweet and foolish.

After a long talk but everything and nothing, Ebere decided to rest for the day. She went to room and met her sister waiting for her.

"Amanda,hope there's no problem?" She asked and closed the door quietly behind her.

" Nothing, I just wanted to check on my sweet and favorite sister"The younger lass grinned.

Ebere rolled her eyes, it was not like she had another sister and she was used to Amanda's trick.

"What do you want?" She asked her baby sister and crossed her arms around her chest.

Amanda scratched her braids for a while and grinned.

"Can I borrow your black heels , I promise to return them"Amanda had a puppy face on.

Ebere waved her away and slumped on her bed. Amanda happily took the shoes while muttering words of thanks while rushing out of the room and nearly breaking the door in the process.

Ebere rolled from one side of the bed to the other, she couldn't sleep, her mind kept drifting and only when she thought of seeing those blue eyes did she shut her eyes.

**

Ebere was seated once again in the room of Axiom book club. She tried hard not to come late and she succeeded. She loved the book they were going to review "Before Sixteen" by @Donald Prince  and she was the one giving the reviews.

The room was complete except for those blue eyes and just immediatly she thought of it,the doors went ajar and dressed in a black caftan and dark shades that concealed his eyes,he walked in. Ebere wondered if all he ever wore was caftans, always coming in different colors.

"Am so sorry for coming late" He apologized and gave everyone a smile before finding his seat.

Ebere stood up,she was nervous with the way her toes curled and the bile in her stomach rose,the temperature in the room rose and she was suddenly feeling very uncomfortable.

"Before Sixteen by Donald Prince is a very educative and informative novel,it mirrors the struggles teenagers pass through, from teenage pregnancy to drugs,peer pressure, family, divorce, death and cultism. It certainly is not a cliche book. It also has a mystic feeling and since am a lover of mystery,I enjoyed the book. The author had the ability to make me feel emotions. I would not be surprised if the book is used a movie"Ebere concluded.

" So you don't think there are any flaws?"Tina the petite secretary asked.

" No, it's flawless except at the beginning I had problems with the way students were dying. The author made sure also to point the problem of Northerners who love giving out their daughters out for marriage at an early age"Ebere said without mincing words.

" I'm a Muslim and a northerner and i can assure you that does not apply to me,in fact,not everyone does that in the North"Muhammad stated as a matter of fact.

" How sure am I about what you are saying?you don't have daughter yet,do you?"

They locked eyes again and his blue eyes looked dead or rather opaque,they revealed no emotions.

"Let's not take it  too personal,Aisha was just a character created. It's not targeted at any religion or tribe"The President's calm voice stepped in to ease the tension.

The meeting ended after little talks and Ebere quickly grabbed her bags,she was successfully making her way out of the building when Timi stopped her. Timi was a chubby young man and though he wore spectacles,he didn't always act serious around people like an old man,he had baby face and a bit puffy cheeks that looked like puffed buns.

"Ebere Monalisa Kalu" He called out her name in full.

" Timi Badmus Adekunle"She called out his, standing face to face with him.

"You always running away after meetings"

"Well I just guess I have other things to attend to" She replied with a shrug.

There was a brief silence before he dipped his hand inside his faded jeans.

"I don't like the fact that you don't seem not to like Muhammad but please I beg you, just be friendly"Timi pleaded and Ebere tried hard not to snort.

"And it will be nice if you apologise to him also"Timi added.

" I'll try"Ebere smiled in return and left him. Why would she apologize? She tried hard not to miss but then she remembered how his mood seemed to change,once she  stepped out of the building,she saw him close to his black Audi.

"Hey" She said to him after walking up close. His icy blue eyes settled on her and he didn't hide his surprise.

"Hi" He replied, wondering what next she wanted to say.

Ebere sucked her teeth wondering if apologizing was a nice idea but there was no going back,she was already standing before him and he was waiting for what she wanted to say.

"I just wanted to apologise for being judgemental back there,am sorry"She said in a small voice that she couldn't even realize as hers.

His blue eyes were focused on hers,they were really distracting and Ebere wondered if he wore contacts (lens).

"It's okay,I understand. I have no hard feelings"He had a warm smile on his face and Ebere returned it.

"So let's start this again,from day 1 it seemed we had little glitches,so my name is Muhammad Sani Usman"

" Ebere Monalisa Kalu"

He stretched out his hand for an handshake and Ebere took it,it felt,just right.

Ebere suddenly felt the need to ask about his eyes,her curiosity was killing her.

"Are they natural?"

Muhammad got the message and laughed quietly.

"Yes they are,I was born that way" He explained.

Ebere wanted to ask more about his eyes but then she thought against it.

"I'll be on my way now" She pointed towards her car.

" Oh sure,no problem,see you later"

Ebere walked towards her car and then turned around to meet him still standing there.

"Bye" She waved and he returned it with a smile instead.

***
As Ebere sat down at the balcony of the house,she stared at the coconut tree that was tilting backwards. The tree reminded her of what she had learnt in biology about phototropism;the movement of a plant towards or away from light.

That however was the least of her problems. She let her eyes feast on the colossal wedding of her once high school best friend before she met Gift.

Chinaza was beautiful,too beautiful even. She had a chocolate skin that was obtainable when one poured enough beverage and milk with plenty water;light chocolate. Her pink lips contrasted with her skin color and created the perfect blend,she had a beautiful shape and the perfect height also.

Chinaza stopped being her friend when the popular kids took interest in her. She looked more beautiful on her wedding day,she had gotten married to a young and handsome business man.

Ebere let out the breath she was holding, fate had designed it that only the beautiful got paired with the handsome, even not so good looking boys wanted beautiful girls leaving girls like her with nothing.

Her mind drifted to Ayo,she shut her eyes tightly fighting and trying to get rid of his harsh words and the reality, unable to do so,she let  the torrents of tears flow down from her eyes.

***
Who loves Kofi? 😂
I really do, his my favourite character and no, he doesn't have feelings for our babe, I just want their vibes to be crazy and sometimes flirty😂🙈

And who has siblings like Amanda, very annoying but sweet when they need something from you😂

Before Sixteen by @Donald Prince is a book very close to my heart,Donald is a very awesome writer if I do say so myself. Check out his book people.

And hey, sometimes you look into the mirror and you hate yourself,you call yourself ugly,babe,you don't know people are envying you. Most of us are consumed with low self esteem and social anxiety,it's high time we step out of that box. No one has the right to make you feel bad about yourself except you allow them.

On this note,I wanna zoom zoom zoom😂
Zoom by cheque Sha,great song
My favorite line,no dey do me like say I be mumu😂

Bye bye my people 😊