Chapter Three

As humans, we never should find the faults in our stars. For this

reason, we work, hope and outlive our fate. Fate, they say,

comes like eventide. After the unruly blanch of the sun all

through the day, it is a norm for darkness to take turn. It is a

certainty, a philosophy that even the wisest of men cannot

interpret. Therefore, even if we cage our hearts and bury them

in the deepest layer of our skin, a single pull of emotion could

pull it afloat. Our fate is at work. Maybe or maybe not.

"You aren't leaving right?" Ernest's voice thundered.

He couldn't be serious. Does she really have to be doing this?

And how long will this last.

"On my way already"

"Please, I need you around. Today, I won't take much time. I

promise."

"But... There's no need for all this. Since it won't take you long

to round up, then, I think it's best if I leave."

He came closer to her "can we talk? I mean we could chat while

you wait. Please, I'm begging this time". It doesn't seems like

she has a choice.

"It's alright. What do you want to talk about?"

"I met this lady last month, wanted to speak with her but I

couldn't."

"But why?" She didn't want to say what was running through

her mind.

've never approached a woman before. So, I couldn't figure 

out what to say nor how to even say it." He knew she would see 

him as a weird person. 

"Are you serious?" She laughed "you're just joking right?"

"I was too shy to say a word to her. Then something popped up 

in my head, I definitely needed help. Telling someone wasn't 

the problem but what the person would think of me became my 

biggest fear."

"This is ridiculous. Okay, you told me you're in a relationship, 

how did you manage to express your feelings to her?"

"Finally, I gave up my pride, spoke to someone close to her. 

Two weeks later, I got a text from that friend of hers, saying she 

wanted us to meet. I got to the proposed venue and you won't 

believe what I saw..."

"Itching ears, tell me please"

"I did not meet her friend there but I met her instead. She had 

arranged a date for us. Then she sent a text saying, 'you can tell 

her what you feel'.

"Oh my God! I can't believe this. I'm sure you must have prayed 

for the earth to open up and swallow you"

"You got me there. But how did you know?"

"If you said you were shy, I couldn't help but imagine your next 

line of action when you encountered her.'

"You're right."

"You're so easy to talk to," Ernest confessed holding Grace’s 

hand.

"Gosh! It's late."she removed her hands from his "I have to get going. We could talk another time" she said 

looking at the wall clock positioned in front of the office.

"Hmmm, I'll finish this up tomorrow" 

Raising a call over "shall we?"

"Sure." They both walked out 

"Take care of you"

"See you tomorrow"

This is too real to be true. She couldn't have believed that he 

could barely speak to a lady. This is funny. He sounded sincere 

and timid as well, evidently, he wouldn't have had the courage 

to say a thing. Lord have mercy.

"Hey girls, sorry I'm late. Traffic issues" Grace told the girls

"Did I miss anything?"

"Sure you did. I just had fresh lemonade without you" Becky 

mocked her

"What took you so long to get here anyway"

"I can definitely guess what it is. Ernest must have kept her in 

the office again," she said, laughing out loudly that people on 

the outside could hear her.

"C'mon, he was just talking. He needed a company that's all".

"Oh, I sense true feelings here. I see, no one is able to resist 

your company. Yet you keep saying you're a boring person" 

Becky replied.

Grace's phone beeped, a message from Annabel.

Mum wants you to come over for dinner

Tight schedule, can't come - She hit the send button

"That was my sister. She said mum wants me over for dinner"

"When is that?"

"Can't make it. There's no point asking"

"Seriously. You won't attend?"

"Yes, you won't understand how busy I am lately. I don't want 

to get myself all worked up".

"Babe, you can make it if you really want to"

"Can we stop this, it's not taking us anywhere. I ain't going 

nowhere. And please don't spoil my night," she responded, 

receiving a message.

You're a darling. Thanks for the wait. He'd written

Anytime. Sleep tight. She typed back.

Her friends got a glimpse of her smile. "What's that smile for?" 

Laura asked

"Meaning? I wasn't smiling please"

"Fine. Can I have the phone" she stretched her hands "let me 

have it"

"Stop it. It was Ernest, he wanted to thank me for staying back 

with him. Nothing serious"

"Someone is blushing really good. Wait a minute, your sister 

wasn't at your birthday party, right?" Becky inquired.

"She wasn't aware"

"Like you literally didn't tell her"

"Yes. It was just a small party, no need for all the invitation 

stuff"

"Really? Is there something you're not telling us?"

"Grace, how could you? She's your sister, the least you could 

have done was to invite her. It's left for her to attend or wave it 

off". Laura said passionately

"Oh! I think am lost here. What's going on?" Becky said 

anxiously

"It's not something I want to talk about tonight"

"Hell no! You'd better start talking because I can't wait for 

another night"

"Becky, why are you been so hard on this one? We could talk 

about this some other time"

"There's no way I'm giving in, so speak up"

"You're only being difficult Becky, alright. I and my sister 

aren't close"

"You aren't close? Ah! I should have known that something was 

fishy. Go on "

"We are not just close that's it"

"Why am I feeling like you're protecting her"

"That's what she does always. She wants people to think her 

sister has no faults nor wrongs in any way. So, she'd hide it" 

Laura chipped in.

"Don't say that, Laura. We have our differences just like other 

sisters. They are not something that should worry me much. 

Though, when we were much younger, she was always allowed 

to have her way. She had never run errands, do the dishes nor any cleaning in the house. She had a way of accusing me

wrongly and she constantly got away with it, simply because

she was younger. Then it continued, what I had, becomes what

she wants. I remember that whenever it was time to share

goodies, she had more because she was younger and when it's

about responsibilities, I had more because i was older, and that

was what I was made to understand. So I had more

responsibilities. Whatever she tells my parents were the truth

most times. One of those days, she didn't want to help out with

the chores as usual, so we had an argument and right to my face,

she said I’ll tell mummy you slapped me. Seriously? I thought

she was joking, I told her not to say something I wasn't guilty of.

Few minutes later, my mum came in and you won't believe the

next line of drama,"

Grace narrated.

"She must have fainted and said you knocked her out" Becky

said mockingly.

"That's way too much too think, Becky. Well, she held her face,

began to scream that I had slapped her".

"Don't tell me she believed her?" Laura said with her mouth

wide open.

"Sure, she did. Mum was mad at me. She said I couldn't look

after a child she kept under my care but rather I resolved to

beating her. I felt so bad, but what would I have done?"

"You should have simply said the truth"

"What truth Becky? I never had a chance to explain what

transpired, then how do I tell her that she was lying against me"

"Oh my God! This is crazy"

"It is dear. There's more I can't say. As we grew older, we began 

to meet people and as well make friends. Funny as it sounds, 

she knows my friends but I don't know hers. Something very 

strange keeps happening each time she comes in contact with 

my friends"

"What exactly?"

"Enmity erupts immediately between I and them"

"How possibly is this?"

"Hmm, how do I say this? Alright. I'll give you a few instances, 

so that you can get the picture of what I'm talking about. Lawal 

was a good friend of mine. Met him at a cafe few years ago and 

since then we've been great friends. One of the holidays, I came 

back for semester break and I came across him somewhere on 

my way back from church. As a friend, I tried saying hello, he 

bluntly refused to answer."

"Why?"

"On another occasion, when I tried to greet him, he snubbed me. 

The attitude was quite unbearable for me. I could not help but 

imagine if I had done anything to him in the past. To be frank, 

but there was nothing I could think of."

"Just like that? So, are you saying he knows your sister?"

"Few days later, while I was talking to my mum about it, she 

told me that he once visited my house. He came to see my sister. 

To crown it all, he was waiting for her so they could go out".

"As what? Waiting for her?"

"I don't know. I was just as surprised as you are now."

"This is serious! Maybe she told him something ill about you. 

So you mean after the visit, there was no communication 

whatsoever between you both?"

"Exactly. I cannot confirm if she said something bad about me, 

I can't really tell. But that was how that one ended. I had a 

similar experience with someone else named Victor."

"And these people literally stops talking to you?"

"Yes, Laura. Without a reason for me, but maybe they have 

their own reason. Great was another friend I had; we were good 

pals. He started visiting our house because of me. Sometime 

during a particular festive period, he took I and my sister for 

swimming. Gradually, we became closer and during one of my 

birthdays, he bought me a gift. My sister was never happy about 

it."

"But he is your friend and not hers. So why is she stressed?," 

Becky asked in utter confusion. 

"How would I know Becky? I never knew she was angry".

"You just said she wasn't happy that he bought a gift for you, 

how would you not know?"

"Great told me. She practically told him to get hers. She said he 

only gave me gifts and never bothers to give her. He tried 

explaining to her that it's because it was my birthday, but she 

refused."

"Wow! I didn't see this coming"

"Neither did I. I did not want to take it to heart, so I waved it off. 

Little did I know that a lot been going on behind me. Whenever 

we visited his place, I might be helping mum with a thing or 

two, while him and my sister would be busy doing something 

else."

"What were they doing? And was this guy your boyfriend?"

"He would carry her, flirt with her and I never knew. That

wasn't really my problem. He made his intentions known to me.

He claimed to love me but obviously he doesn't know what he

wants."

"You mean he made his intentions known and still went ahead

to flirt with your sister? This is frivolous."

"I recall a day when he came to my house from work, he handed

me a pair of black sneakers. When I asked him what for? He

said he wanted me to have it. Would you believe me if I say that

she refused to have dinner that night?"

"Oh God, because it wasn't hers?"

"Yes, because it wasn't given to her."

"I can't believe this. What nonsense."

"You are yet to hear the story. She goes to his house even

without my knowledge. They discuss relationships and others. I

came back from school and heard something very surprising.

The news was that he was trying to get intimate with her."

"Nooo, this is not happening"

"My sister according to her said that, he made advances at her

first while he on his own part claimed she did first. I was

disgusted, he could not stand my face. In short I was

embarrassed. That was how the friendship between us ended."

"I never knew it was this bad. Why didn't you address this issue

from the very beginning".

"Who told me it will ever get to this? I had no clue of what was

going on until this last encounter."

"How could you be this cold towards this type of situation?"

"What would you have me do? She is still my sister after all"

"Just hear yourself speak. Someone is bent on destroying you 

and you're so calm. You need to brace up and fight for yourself 

girl."

"I know and that's why I choose to let go, correct my mistakes 

and move on"

"This is way too much. I'm sure she rains insult on you, isn't it?" 

Grace was silent "Your silence has proven me right. Stop being 

the sacrificial lamb"

"I won't ma'am. Thanks"

"I'm sure there's more to this. You don't just want to spill it out"

"You see, our relationship can never be cordial. We would 

always be two different people with different views. I love my 

sister, but we can't be close ever again".

"Has it actually gotten to that?" Becky asked.

"It is way bigger than that. It isn't what can be repaired. I'm 

totally free, Becky. Can I enjoy this Friday night peacefully".

"Why not open up dear. We are here for you. What are friends 

for? It's for moments like this. Trust me, you can always talk to 

us anytime."

"I understand you both, you've being immensely helpful. I think 

that there's no need crying over split milk. Let the past be. The 

cloudy sky is wide enough for all to move freely, methinks".

"No wonder you look depressed most times. I'll let you be for 

tonight, but you do owe me a lot of explanations by morning"

"C'mon, I thought it's all over. Fine. Can I get some sleep now?"

"Sure. Goodnight".

Grace slipped into her bed, covered herself properly, said a

prayer and was about to sleep; she felt bad talking about her

sister. Maybe she shouldn't have spoken ill of her "Oh God! I'm

just tired of everything". She remembered the words of Laura....

Whenever I'm afraid and tired of life, I look up to God and I

trust him to lead me... These words stayed with her through the

night and into the next day as she joined Laura and Becky for a

sumptuous breakfast.

"Is Mr Anslem your biological father?" Becky asked not

minding the heaviness of her question.

"What does that mean?"

"I just feel something is odd. Don't get mad at me, okay?".

"Yes. He is my father. Please, don't ask such a question again"

"Alright. It's fine. Let's enjoy our meal"

Grace could not imagine why Becky would ask such a weird

question. Why would she even think of it? But, what if the

assumption is right? No way! I should not be giving it a thought

in the first place, it's ridiculous.

"Hey. What are you thinking?" Laura cleared the dishes

"something is going on in that head of yours, so spill it out"

"Was just thinking about what Becky said earlier. Do you think

there's something she wants to tell me? Like maybe I should

make a few inquiries?"

"I don't think that's necessary. It was just a mere question. It

shouldn't bother you"

"You're right then. Thanks"

The past few days has been wonderful. An awesome weekend

spent with amazing friends. Yea! It's a new week.

"Thought you'd have visited during the weekend" he gradually

arranged his files.

"For what? Moreover, we never discussed that"

"I'm asking now. Would you visit me?"

"No I won't . I've got busy schedule"

"Or you simply don't like me? I really want us to hang out"

"Maybe some other time. Definitely, not this weekend" she has

work to do, it's obvious Ernest won't let her be. How long is he

going to taunt her? He's been sending messages to her, yet, he

has another. I wonder why men aren't satisfied with the woman

they have. Her phone giggled.

Dinner after work?

"Can he just leave me alone"

Please, I won't take much time. He'd written

U win. She typed back

She liked Ernest but she wouldn't want to admit it. She wanted

to tell herself it was because she had a few minutes, but really,

that wasn't the truth. Yes. The truth was complicated. She

couldn't understand why the clock ticks so fast. It was close of

work already.

Can't wait. Ernest message reads

You better. She typed

What do you think about Roops

Great!

They both headed out of the office and straight to Roops

restaurant.

"What would you like to have," Ernest said flirtatiously, rolling

his charming eyes.

"Salad is fine"

"A plate of salad for her. I'll have basmati fried rice" the waiter

took their orders.

"So tell me, what do you think about me?

At the arrival of their order brought in their order, there was

still no response from her. Not even a blink.

"I'm waiting," he distracted her after a few moments, he knows

fully well that the question was going to cause some issues, but

he had to start somewhere.

She cleared her throat "you're a nice guy"

"Just that" he was expecting more.

"Great guy"

"Only that too?"

"What else? I think I'm not in the position to answer that

question"

"Why?"

"Ernest, you've got someone else. We shouldn't be doing this"

"I love you, Grace. It's true I met you first but I never had the

courage to speak to you."

"But you had the courage to speak to another right? Why would

you even say that?"

"Yes! I wasn't able to approach you nor tell you how I felt about 

you"

"You must be joking. Why are you telling me now? How about 

your lady, you love her, don't you?"

"I don't love her as much as I love you. That's why I have to 

confess my feelings to you"

"But she loves you, what would you do about it?

"She can cope without me. You're the one I want, Grace"

"I'm leaving. And please don't discuss this again. Good night"

She left hurriedly. She didn't see that coming. Laura was right 

about this all along but she didn't want to believe her. No, she 

can't fall for Ernest, there's no way she's letting herself down. 

He is being so insensitive. How can he be with a woman and 

still desire another. Who does that?

"How was your day baby girl?" Laura asked while she stuck the 

dishes into their rack. 

"I am freaking tired of all this. What exactly is wrong with 

Ernest"

"Hey! Calm down. What happened?"

"He said he loves me. Can you believe that?"

"What? Thought he's in a relationship"

"Yes, he is. That's the most confusing aspect. He claims not to 

love her that much"

"So why did he confess his love to her in the first place?"

"He said he couldn't approach me".

"Ha-ha-ha. For real?"

"Yes. Anyway, that doesn't change anything. I don't want to

have anything to do with him"

"You're not serious, are you?"

"I'm dead serious. My resignation letter will be ready tonight"

"I don't understand"

"I'm resigning tomorrow. I've had enough, need to get a better

job"

"Why the sudden resignation? Is this about Ernest?"

"I told you because you're my friend. It's my decision to leave. I

need a better job, that's all."

"C'mon babe, why take things this way?"

"I'm pleading the fifth on this"

"Fine. You win. But girl, how about Annabel?"

"What about her? I don't understand your question."

"I mean, what's your plan about you two?"

"I still don't get it."

"Don't you think you both could work things out? I mean, be

more closer. Though a lot has happened, i think she must have

changed now."

"You really think that's possible?"

"Sure. Why not?"

"I have tried all that. Getting close to her, caring for her, letting

things go and moving on, but, all these are not working. We are

way apart already. She's old enough to make her decisions and

she is not working on changing either."

"How old did you say she is?"

"She's 21. She is grown and it is evident that we can only be just

the way we are now. Trust me, I have tried. Laura, nothing can

be done about this. She has chosen her own part already, she is

not willing to change, but then, it does not stop me from helping

her when the need arises. She is my only sister." Grace stood up

and left for the bedroom.

The next day

"Why this?" The managing director asked pointing at the

resignation letter.

"Nothing really, ma. I got another job"

"Congratulations dear. We'd really miss you here. But it's fine,

we always pray for a higher level for all our staff"

"Thank you ma. I'm grateful"

"You welcome. Call in the auditor"

"Right away ma." She couldn't imagine what she wanted to tell

him but she had to call him still.

"Hey! Ernest, MD wants to see you"

"Okay, thanks. I'll see her right away" "Sure" few minutes later,

he came out furious, she knew the MD must have shown him

the letter.

"Grace, what is this? He said showing the paper to her

"That's my resignation letter"

"I know what it is. My question is why?"

"I got another job," she was trying so hard to hide her

countenance.

"When? You never told me anything about the job".

"Can we just let the sleeping dog lie? Let it be please".

"Why are you doing this to me, Grace?"

"I didn't do anything wrong, Ernest. We can talk later, okay"

"You've only succeeded in destroying my emotions" he walked

away almost immediately.

She felt guilty, but that was the only alternative. Ernest had to

live his life and love his woman, she cannot interfere. That's

final. Her phone beeped

Can we meet at my place?

Why? Something wrong?

He has to talk her into accepting his proposal. He can't afford to

lose her

We need to talk. Is tomorrow evening fine?

Good. Send in the address.

I'll let you know by tomorrow

Alright.

Why would he want to see her? She can't accept him. It's way

too risky for her. In reality, life is the body and humans are the

wheel. Our actions, decisions and inactivity pulls it to work.