Chapter 3- Flowers

Chimamanda walked into her office, The first thing she noticed as she entered was the bouquet of Red Roses on her desk. This was the eleventh time she was receiving these flowers from Kola.

She surveyed the flowers to read the note that always came with the flowers. "Just like the sun, you light up my world and like the stars you are so bright; I pray your day will be beautiful like your smile" Kola Adewale.

"What the fuck is wrong with this Kola, is he clueless or something? I haven't even replied nor approved his flowers, plus I've turned down his date request so many times, and he still brings these flowers to my office" Chimamanda soliloquies.

"Nnenna" she shouted her P.A's name into the phone, "Come to my office" she ordered.

Nnenna enters almost immediately after she called her.

"Yes, Miss Odenigbo" Nnenna replies in fear. She understands Chimamanda better that she could be a dangerous person if she was pissed.

"Why do you keep bringing this nonsense flowers to my desk" Chimamanda yelled.

"I..I.. I'm.. I'm sorry, Ma'am Nnenna stutter. It always gives Chimamanda Joy when Nnenna stutters because she's scared of her wrath.

Chimamanda flings the bouquet of flowers at her P.A, "Take this nonsense out of my office and make sure it never finds its way to my desk again, if not, you'll get fired." 

"Yes, Ma'am" Nnenna replies as she picks the flowers and hurriedly leaves her office in fear.

The rest of the day went smoothly. The work load for the day wasn't much as Chimamanda finished early and left the office to the mansion.

When she got home, she passed the patio and walked into the parlour, she saw her mum watching a fashion scope on T.v.

"Good evening mum, she greeted tiredly.

Her Mum glanced at her  "Evening dearest" she replies not really interested as she was so engrossed with what she was watching. 

She left for her room, she dropped her bag, accessories, shoes and jewelries where they were meant to be. 

She stripped immediately and walked into the bathroom, she switched on the hot water and cold water tap in her bath tub and climbed into it, lying down allowing the warm water to cool her nerves.

After bathing, She dressed into her pyjamas and walked downstairs for dinner. 

During dinner she noticed their Butler bring in an unfamiliar wine bearing their trade mark. 

Her father noticed the puzzled looks on their faces as he spoke up. "This is the new project we are working on in the office, and as usual, I brought it home for us to taste and comment on it." He nodded to the steward to start serving the wine in their wine glasses.

"Wow! This tastes nice, Daddy" Chisom her Kid sister comments while sipping the wine.

"Anything from Odenigbo Group is always the best Dad" Chimamanda added feeling a sense of pride in her. 

"The wine is Rich and has a nice taste, but isn't it a little bit sugary?" Her Mum said, her face was wearing an irritated mask. Her mother is a less sugar-guzzling person, so it wasn't surprising to them she was saying so.

"Okay, Love, we will reduce the sugar quantity a bit" Chief Uche replied to her giving her his brightest smile, so she will be happy.

"Chidinma aren't you making any contributions." Her father ask concerned.

"It's great, Dad, I was just too  overwhelmed with the taste of the wine that I couldn't make contributions earlier, I'm sorry" Chidinma replied with a grin locating her face.

They continued their dinner of baked Garri (fried cassava) and Melon (Egusi) soup.

After dinner they all proceed to the living room to talk about how they spent their day.

A family traditionthey hold  in high esteem.

Chisom bore them with her photography sessions.

Chidinma and their mum tell them of their plans of designing new sets of clothing line. 

At some point their parents left them in their discussion, playing with each other.

Chimamanda noticed and glanced their way. She could see love in their eyes, she wondered if they would never get tired of each other.

She couldn't imagine herself being in love again, not after her last experience. She couldn't bring herself to love someone or care for someone apart from family again.

"Eww, Chisom shouted disgusted, These jolts Chimamanda from her thoughts.

"Here we go, they are making out again" Chidinma said grinning wildly that if care Were not taken, her lips would have gotten to her eyes.

"Dad, Mum; go get a room". Chimamanda screech. 

They are always fond of becoming all loved up like they should take another honey moon.

"Okay, fine, we are going to our room" their Dad replied. He took his wife's hand and left for their room upstairs.

"I bet you girls that when you find the perfect man for you, you'll keep on doing this till you get to your grave."Their mum added quickly before they were out of sight.

After a little talk, the girls all retired to their rooms.