For the next two months, Nneoma and Richard saw a lot of each other. They stayed together most weekends reluctant to part. Sometimes, they dined out but most times they were indoors, enjoying one another's company at Nneoma's residence. They shared jokes, problems and life in general.On Sunday evening, relaxed on Nneoma's settee, they exchanged jokes and funny experiences, the epitome of a happy couple.'I was very fond of having tea and bread for breakfast,' Nneoma told him, eyes alight with amusement. 'And there came a period of bread scarcity in town. Most stores were short of bread. My mother presented biscuits to me in place of bread and I refused because, I normally dunked my bread in the tea so the biscuits did not work.'Richard smiled.'I was around four years old then,' she continued. 'Chika was still a baby. That morning, my mother was busy and I wanted bread by all means. My mother gave me N 10.00 to go to the nearby store and see if they had bread.
The time was 11:00hrs N.T. Richard drove into his parents' compound in Port Harcourt, beside him was his bride to be, Nneoma. They were there for a formal introduction to his parents. The security man closed the gate as Richard drove further into the compound. He parked his vehicle neatly at the drive turning to Nneoma.'Here's our abode,' he smiled.'I can see,' she said softly, gazing at the white duplex, standing grandly in its aesthetic beauty.'Come on, let's get out.' He opened his door likewise Nneoma.Richard was attired in a green brocade mini jumper artistically embroidered. He was as usual posh and elegant. Nneoma was dressed in a shimmering dark blue lacy skirt and blouse, beautifully sown. She wore Richard's birthday gift; the gold jewelry. Her hair was beautifully twisted and a pair of black slippers graced her feet. She was as usual charming. They were still closing their doors when a lady in her early twenties came out of the house, excited,
Anuri arrived her hometown around six o'clock in the evening. In her hand was a black leather suitcase, which bore her clothes, clothes she had not worn for the past four years. Four years of hunger, of pain, and distress. Four years of severe suffering. Yes, Anuri had known suffering, her hair was cut low, her very fair complexion toned down considerably and she was emaciated.Four years ago, Anuri was a raving beauty but the events of the past years had undermined her beauty. Presently, she wore a navy blue formal suit, which, were a bit oversized as she had lost weight considerably.Anuri, a graduate of Secretarial Studies from a Nigerian Polytechnic was twenty-four years old when she got an invitation from her cyber friend, Mrs. Stonehill, an elderly Briton to come to England for a vacation. She had been exhilarated at the prospect and had rejoiced greatly. Mrs. Stonehill had sent her the wherewithal for the journey so all she had to do was to o
Chapter TwoAnuri decided to make the best of her life. True, her friend's betrayal had made her wary of many people. But she counselled herself to be free minded and not paranoid. She just had to be more careful with people. She went through her secretarial books and attached herself to a business center in the village where she brushed her computer skills. She nurtured the hope of getting a secretarial job in a flourishing firm soonest.Six weeks after her return, Pa Joshua's first son, James offered to assist Anuri. He told her to join him and his family at their Aba residence. He promised to help her find a job. She was happy at this offer and was willing to leave. It would be better for her. She remembered James' wife and her heart almost stilled. James' wife, Ogadinma was not a hospitable woman. She knew from experience. Infact, the woman disliked associating with her husband's relatives for reasons best known to her. Anuri wondered if it was advisable
Chapter ThreeIt was Sunday evening. Anuri sat in the living room watching a Nigerian movie. Suddenly, Christopher who was there with her turned to her.Hesitatingly, he began, 'excuse me, aunty.’'Mmh?’'There's something aunty Ogadinma said that has been bothering me.’'What is it?' She frowned slightly. 'Is it about me?’'Yes.''Yes, go on,' she urged him.'She said that you might have HIV.’Anuri was shocked. 'Wh-what did you say? Goodness gracious me,' she gasped in hurt, her hazel eyes darkening with emotions. 'She said that?’'Yes.’She shook her head. 'How could she?…' Her voice trailed off.'She said that most people who come back from the prison have HIV. That is why she does not let you help in cooking.’Anuri stared into space, her eyes becoming misty. 'Dear me…' This
In high spirits, Anuri arrived her workplace. It was Monday morning, the last week of May. She looked beautiful and poised in her white linen suit. She exchanged greetings with some of her colleagues and chatted lightly for a few minutes; then she left for her office. An official envelop on her desk caught her attention. Frowning slightly, she picked it up. She recognized her boss' handwriting on it, which bore her name. Anuri wondered the portent of this. Her heart began to pound with apprehension. With slightly trembling hands, she opened the envelop and pulled out the letter. It was hand written. Miss Uchechi,I inform you formally, to stop work this morning, not later than 10:00am owing to the new revelation I received about you. Your services will no longer be needed in this firm. Realizing that you are an ex-convict of drug trafficking, which you concealed perfectly, I can no longer trust you as my secretary. Collect your salary from the bursary and leav
The weather this morning was cool and invigorating. It had rained heavily the previous night. Even the morning sun was reluctant to come up, still bleary eyed with cold. It was Monday, 1st of July.Anuri arrived Golding Cosmetics Limited, slightly breathless with anticipation. She was clad in a turquoise suit of beautiful design. Her black shoes accentuated the elegance of her legs and her hair fixed in Yaki was artistic and beautiful. A pair of golden earrings adorned her ears and her make up was moderate. She was formal and poised, quite beautiful.She reported to the personnel department and was led by one of the officers, Mr. Ndukaku to the managing Director's section of the company. He stopped at the door stenciled: The Secretary. He unlocked it and pushed it open. Stepping in he said, 'here is your office, Anuri. Hope you'll like it.’Anuri moved in. She gazed round the neat, well furnished office while the other opened the sliding windows. This
Anuri worked hard and efficiently throughout the next three weeks. She really impressed her boss and many clients of the company were endeared to her.Anuri stepped into the accounts department, heading for the manager's office. He was a man in his early fifties. She met him talking with someone. 'Excuse me briefly,' he told his guest. 'Hello, Anuri.’She smiled. 'Good morning, sir. I have come for those documents.’He snapped his fingers. 'Oh, yes, they are here.' He pulled out his drawer and offered a file containing papers to her. 'The other report, I'll send to him myself.''Alright.' She received it and left the office.She went downstairs, humming a song to herself. Suddenly, her right foot slipped off the step. 'Aw… ' It all happened in a split of a second. Anuri fell, hitting her ankle, waist and elbow on the staircase. Pain registered in her brain and travelled backwards, spreading her nerves with great intensity. 'Aw&