CHAPTER FIVE

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Ding, ding, ding, ding,

Amanda slapped the loudly rung alarm clock off the dresser close to her bed.

She lazily opened eyes, still feeling a little tardy from the previous day's merry. She sat up and looked down at the time on the fallen table clock.

“Shit, I’m late” she yelled as she briskly jumped out of her bed and hurried to the bathroom.

~~**~~**~~

“Miss Amanda! Miss Amanda!” she heard someone's silvery voice call out her name loudly, Enough to bring her back to earth. Amanda had been so worried appearing in public like this. She knew soon the paparazzi would be on her tail; she needed to be on high alert.

Amanda turned to see who the caller was. And is doing, her eyes fell on a tall, young, white guy who had successfully brought her mind back to the Wright Publishing house.

“Yes” She answered then quickly stood up from the where she sat. And at that exact moment she felt the eyes around her pierce through her soul. What could she do? That was the life of a celebrity.

“The Chairman of this prestigious company will like to have a word with you in the conference room.” The young man said, wearing a wide smile and demonstrating with his hands.

“Oh, really?” she asked, surprised. She wasn't actually supposed. She thought her fame had earn her the spot already. She concealed her thought with a shy smile and took not her gaze from the handsome young man as he spoke.

“I know right? I’m surprised too. You are the only applicant he seems to be interested in.” He went on, leading her to the elevator.

“Hmm.” She sounded, following after him.

“Oh,” He quickly punched the floor number in the elevator once they were inside and dusted his palm on his trouser. With an outstretched arm, he said, “I’m Nelson. I’m an intern; I work directly for the chairman.”

Impolite to just stare, she replied softly “Nice to meet you.” taking his hand in hers “I’m Ama—"

“Oh, I totally know who you are, I mean there is not a person in this building who doesn't know who you are.” He interrupted, blushing fully red.

“I must be really famous in this side of town.” She thought aloud.

“You are famous in every side of town. I can’t believe I’ll be working with America most gorgeous actress. Who would believe that?” He asked rhetorically after the elevator door opened and they stepped out of it.

They walked through the hall way leading to the conference room when all of a sudden Nelson stopped.

“What’s the problem?” She asked, suddenly confused.

“We are here. I should warn you, Mr. Wright is a strict man. Just prepare yourself cause he’s might throw you off.” He advised. Feeling scared for her already.

“Thanks Nelson, I assure you I won’t disappoint you.” She said holding his hands.

Amanda had no idea why she had said that but she wanted to make feel at ease. She made him feel like she was doing it for him which in a way she was. He was a fan and she wanted to prove to her fans that she could easily get a life outside Hollywood, outside Troy Humphrey.

She smiled at Nelson, assuring him and then, walked into the conference room.

Nelson could feel multiple fire works sparking out of his head. He took out his phone and immediately twitted

—I'm about to explode. I just met Amanda Udoh and soon she and I would be work colleagues— He added a grin emoji and the clicked send.

~~**~~**~~

"Ma’am, ma'am!” the cab driver called intending to wake the sleeping lady in the back seat.

“Yes, yes.” Kate mumbled as she tried to get comfortable on her seat. “Why are we stopping?” she asked the driver.

“We are here.” He announced, looking at her from his front mirror.

“Oh, I’m sorry, I slept all through the trip.” She said stepping off the car. She stood a while checking the address on her phone to confirm she was in the right place.

“Kate!” she heard someone call out her name. She was surprised because she never assumed anyone here would know her.

“Kate!” she turned around to know where the voice was coming from then she saw a beautiful lady in a cream, drop neck, chiffon blouse tucked in a skinny deep blue jeans, standing on her porch. The lady called Kate's name again, waving and Kate reluctantly waved back totally perplexed.

“You are Kate, right?” the lady asked, not leaving her position.

"Really? Is she asking after yelling my name a thousand times." Kate wondered “Yes I am.” She replied regardless.

“Oh, one sec.”

Kate watched the lady quickly go into the house and back out almost immediately. Then, she found the lady approached her, flaunting her lovely smile.

“HI.” The lady, now halting in front of Kate, greeted.

“HI.” Kate replied.

“I’m Elena, my parent live across from Amanda. I just came around for a visit."

“Nice to meet you Elena.” Kate said, slowly letting out a sigh of relieve.

“Amanda dropped her keys before leaving this morning, she asked us to give it to you when you come.” Elena informed and then, handed Amanda's house key to Kate.

“She knew I was coming?” Kate asked not really addressing the question to Elena who was still standing in front of her with her same iconic smile on her face.

“I guess.” Elena replied, signaling the driver to bring out the luggage.

“Thanks.” Kate said.

“You are welcome. Let me help you with that” Elena offered, collecting the luggage from Kate.

“Thanks a lot.” Kate appreciated again. Almost taking step away from the car, she then remembered she had not paid the driver. She quickly took out some cash from her purse and paid him off.

Swiftly,  Kate followed after Elena who was already at Amanda's front porch waiting for her to come open the door.

“Is this neighborhood always this quite?” Kate asked, pushing open door and getting into the house with Elena behind her.

“Yeah, pretty much. Except on festive period.” Elena replied, rolling the box to the living room.

Kate's eyes did a quick scan around the house and was impressed that Amanda found a beautiful and simple apartment in a serene neighborhood. She still was worried about the security of the place.