Chapter 9 - Your secret is safe with me.

The day for Chimamanda's date with Ryan came quickly. She was so nervous because she hadn't really gone out with a guy she was so attracted to. She couldn't concentrate well at work as she lost concentration on many occasions and her subordinates were looking at her with worry. 

They dare not ask her any questions relating to her personal life, or they will be fired by her and replaced immediately. Chimamanda couldn't take it any longer, so she took a sick leave and went home early. 

She hated looking soft or vunerable to people and it pisses her off when someone tries to pity her. She cursed herself for being so nervous and leaving work early. 

"It's just a date Chimamanda and Ryan, is like every normal guy you go on a date with, everything is going to end tonight after a make-out session. Stop being a weak girl, be a strong woman, you can do it". She chided herself on her way home from work.

When she got home, she had her bath, changed into something comfy, ate lunch and settled down to review some paperwork from the office before the time for her date. 

She barely concentrated again, her mind kept wandering off to Ryan, his image kept appearing in her head, frustrated, she decided to force herself to sleep. 

She felt someone tapping her and heard the familiar voice urging her to wake up. "Jean, wake up, you will miss your date with Ryan". She woke up to see her sisters Chidinma and Chisom seated on her bed .

"Shit, I forgot my date" Chimamanda mumbled and ran into her bathroom to freshen up. She brought out a purple dress that exposed her back with a low neck line and the length of the dress stopped at her thigh. She put on gold earings and a gold necklace that has her name as the pendant. She complimented her look with a black heel and a black clutch purse. She sat at her vintage table to do her make-up.

Chimamanda heard a knock on her door. "Come in," she commanded in an authoritative way. A maid came in to inform her that Ryan was downstairs already. She nodded and dismissed the maid. 

Immediately she felt her nervousness building up, she didn't want her sisters to notice it. "wow, he is down already, Jean, be quick with your make-up, you wouldn't want to keep a gentleman waiting" Chidinma said with excitement. She was taking this date issue way too serious than Chimamanda.

"He can wait as much as I want him to, I am going to take my time to do my make-up.” Chimamanda replied Chidinma. She prayed her sisters weren't sensing the nervousness in her voice. 

"Oh, Sorry ma, I almost forgot that we have a rude sister" Chidinma added, looking at Chisom for a confirmation instead Chisom giggled. "I will go downstairs to entertain Ryan so he won't get bored alone." Chidinma announced as she headed for the door.

Immediately the door closes, Chisom moves closer to Chimamanda."I know you like him." She says giving Chimamanda the I know it all look. Chimamanda blushes a little."Oh come on, I don't like him." She said trying to defend herself. 

"There is no need to hide it, your secret is safe with me till you are ready to tell big sis. I can see the way you get nervous because of him, plus I caught you the other day oogling at his pictures on your phone." Chisom grinned. 

"Oh my God, so you have been stalking me? What kind of a naughty little sister do I have? Chimamanda asked, blushing hard. 

"Okay since you know, I have just been having these feelings, I haven't felt this way for a guy before, and it is making me scared. I tried to forget him, but it is not working" Chimamanda admits almost in tears.

"Come on, Sis, don't cry, don't even try to hide it, let the feelings grow, build something new with him. From what I've researched, he seems to be a nice guy and, most importantly, let go of the past, don't allow it to deprive you of your happiness. Now get up, let's go, you have a Prince charming waiting downstairs".

Chimamanda arranged her make-up tools back to their position, looked at the mirror one more time to admire her work of art. She picked up her clutch purse and phone. 

"Thank you, Khloe, your words of wisdom have given me hope" Chimamanda said and hugged her sister tightly in which she reciprocated. 

"It's okay before you choke me, Ryan is waiting" Chisom said in a muffled voice and let out soft peals of laughter. 

The both of them walk downstairs together. When they got to the living room, they saw Ryan and Chidinma having a great conversation. Chidinma said a funny joke, and the both of them burst into laughter.

Chimamanda clears her throat to announce their presence, and they both turn their heads toward them.

"Finally, the Queen has graced us with her presence." Chidinma said sarcastically.