Chapter Two

Time and tide are synonymous. For every minute spent, there is 

a lesson learnt. And for every turbulence, there is a mix of sand 

and moist. This gives an indication that relationships amongst 

humans are sure to come with several glitches. It takes a good 

head and peace of mind to level up the stress. For Grace, the last 

few days has been a mix of bitterness and super sweet emotions. 

Like an assemblage of words on a print, she sits comfortably on 

her cushion holding a tub of buttered popcorn. She was seeing 

an interesting movie, while she also surfed the net in the passing 

hour. She was with her mouth full when her phone chimed. It 

was a text from Laura.

I'm at your doorstep. Where are you?

Coming. She answered and stumbled into the bedroom where 

she left her keys. Her phone beeped again

Whew. Still waiting.

After a peep through the spyhole, she spotted Laura and Becky 

standing. She unlocked the door after a deep sigh.

"I considered keeping both of you outside really." She jerked, 

standing aside to let them in.

They laughed as Grace accepted the pizza and ice cream they 

brought. 

"You're great, Laura. So you are, Becky. Bringing me goodies 

and making my day is a whole lot."

"We just wanted to have the best evening together. It isn't too

much, I guess."

"Yea. It feels right."

She pulls three ice cream spoons from the drawer.

"Here I was, worrying about what to do with my evening and

it's all working out now."

"I know it would." Becky handed over the full ice cream bowl

while she fills another.

"Thank God for friends like you two. Let's enjoy the evening."

She scoped a spoon of ice cream.

"Oh, I love you girls," Grace fantasized as she wobbled on a

slice of the freshly baked pizza.

"Laura, I do hope you remember tomorrow is Grace's

birthday?", Becky alerted.

"Tell us Grace, what's tomorrow going to look like?", Laura

teased with a trace of fervency in her eyes. She expected the

unleash of a big plan or some sort.

"Like every other day," Grace mumbled.

"What is that suppose to mean? Laura asked.

"It means there would be no party and no cake either. Period!"

"And you think we're really going to let that happen?" Becky

chipped in.

"So?", Grace questioned as she made into the kitchen and

dropped the ice cream bowls, while Becky and Laura cleared

the living room.

"I think we're going to have a small party. Just few friends,

refreshments and maybe a few other stuffs. And listen, there's

nothing you can do about it." Becky stated.

"Can we not just do this….," Grace objected.

"No one is seeking your opinion. All you need do is, to get

dressed beautifully tomorrow. The bill is on us." Laura noted.

"Oh yeah, it's party time. Ha-h-aha."

"I'll be coming with Chris. I'm of the opinion that you come

with Dan." Laura told Becky.

"Of course. We're coming to embellish the party."

"I haven't agreed to this whole party thing, you know."

"And who's seeking your opinion on this, Miss?" Laura fired

back "Just mind your business. Keep this house clean against

tomorrow and do not even think of running away. I guess you

know what I'm capable of."

"Yes ma'am. I’ve heard you."

"Can we now talk about something else aside the party?"

"What do you want to talk about? Like you getting a man?" 

Becky replied, causing an irresistible laughter.

"What's up with all this man stuff? Can I not have a breather? I 

already told you girls, no relationship. I am simply not 

interested in any man. Loving myself is all I want to do right 

now. So, please don't force me," Grace posited.

"Babe, I know how it feels to be hurt. But you're a beautiful 

lady. I'm sure you'll find someone great soon, just open up your 

heart".

"I'm enjoying being single, seriously. End of discussion. I'm 

done with this topic."

"Baby girl." Laura tried to cajole her

"There's no way I'm giving in."

"I'll let it slide then."

"Let our madam be, Laura. She will get to understand how it 

feels to be in love soon. Anyway, I’ve got to leave. I have a date 

with Dan, wouldn't want to keep him waiting." Becky said.

"Alright, lover girl. Bye."

"I met Chris when I had given up all hope about love and 

decided I wasn't going to be fooled into trying to date anyone 

again. We became friends suddenly and then best friends. Ibelieve you can find love again. I am so sure of it but just take

your time. It's worth the wait." Laura narrated.

"Thank you, dear. I appreciate. Can you sleep over please?"

Grace pleaded.

"Grace, I never planned to pass the night here today."

"I know.... But you can. I need you around. What are friends

for?"

"Don't even go there"

"Please.. please"

"Alright. You win. And that's because it's you're day

tomorrow."

"Whew! Thank you." She hugged Laura so tightly.

A new child in the hands of a mother is more like gold. The

smile of the baby equals the glint, the comfy of which can drown

one in an ocean of emotions. When one ages, it is a wonderful

thing and one that one can be delightful about. Today, 9th of

July, Grace Anslem is a year older.

At exactly 8:00am, she was awakened by a call from Becky

wishing her a happy birthday. Laura was already up and, in the

kitchen, making some preparations.

"Hey babe! Did you sleep at all?", Grace asked.

"Oh yes! I did. Happy birthday, love."

"Thank you. This is nice. When did you wake up because I'm

seeing a whole lot of goodies here?" She dipped her hands into

the carrot bowls and picked a dice.

"Yes! We'd be making fried rice, chicken barbecue, smoothies

and cake."

"Huh! All of that? It's too much for just a small party."

"I didn't complain. It is my friend's day. I will have to do

everything possible to make it worthwhile. Or do you have a

problem with that?"

"Hell no! Ha-ha-ha-ha…. Please go on."

Grace’s phone made a jingling sound and Becky’s message

popped up.

“Becky is at the door”, Laura yarned with excitement as she

handed the phone over from where it was on the kitchen

cabinet.

"Alright then, I’ll get the door,” Grace said as she removed the

dowel.

"Happy birthday baby girl. More cash in your account". Becky

said as she pecked her on the chin, letting the door open wide.

"Thank you dear. What is all these?" Grace inquired, pointing

at the bags she carried.

"It's your cake and some chicken barbecue, so we don't need to

make another. This will save time."

"Oh, this is beautiful"

"Just as you are, dear"

"What would I do without you?"

"Absolutely nothing" she laughed loudly. Let's head to the

kitchen please, we need to fill the nose of your neighbors with

great and pleasant aroma."

Again, Grace fell in a trance about her first love. The birthday

aura brought back some memories. She does want to do away

with the party principally for this reason. Thoughts about him

are bugging her and making her feel a bit bad.

When he was busy, she waits and understand what his schedules

are like. She calls him, he picks up after the second or third ring.

"Hello dear"

"Babe, I'll call you back in five minutes."

She understands and she waits patiently. It's five minutes

already. Most times, the minute count extends into hours. If she

tries to call again, he picks up often after a third ring. 

"I'm sorry, really busy now."

"It's fine. I know you're busy now. I just wanted to say I love 

you." She said almost whispering.

"I love you" he said 

"Call me when you can"

"Definitely. I will." He replied

It's 8pm and he hasn't called back. Thank goodness, he is online 

they could chat then. She's being waiting for him all day, now, 

he fights sleep and it conquers him. She understands that he's 

tired. 

"Just go to bed we'll talk tomorrow." "Good night, love."

"Sleep well dear. She said."

The next day, same scenario. She is always worried and 

thinking. "What could he be doing? Is he okay? Is he also 

thinking of me? Has he eaten at all? I worry so much." This was 

how terrible she felt waiting for Richie's call or text. 

"Why am I thinking of Richard now? He's gone. He never 

appreciated me in anyway. So why even think about him? Life 

is that way sometimes. I have to live for myself and the people 

who loves me most. I am a work in progress." 

"Hey pretty lady, still dressing up?" That was Laura speaking. 

She doesn’t wants her to be alone. She's a friend indeed.

"Almost done."

"Our guests are arriving already. We need you soon."

"Coming dear. You know how it is with us ladies"

"Yea baby, you look so gorgeous"

"Thank you. You both made today"

"Don't start, you're worth it remember"

"You're right. Guess I’m ready. "She said standing up"

"C'mon. Let's present to the world this beauty"

They both walked straight into the living room. Grace's red

gown was awesome, but she wearing it, beautified it more. She

looked so elegant, stunning and confident. That's the lady Laura

and Becky wanted to see.

"Hello Chris, I'm glad you could make it"

"My pleasure. You're graciously beautiful"

"Thank you. Please enjoy" she walked gracefully towards

Becky's boyfriend

"Dan, I'm sorry Becky had to drag you all the way here,but I'm

glad you're here"

"C'mon, you don't have to apologize. It's your day, so I choose

to be here" Dan replied and hugged her.

"I'm sincerely grateful"

"Always welcome"

"Wait! Laura, you never told me you were inviting those two"

pointing at Alicia and Julian "thought you said it was a small

party"

"Small party with chairs or humans?"

"I just wasn't expecting them"

"Now they are present. Stop being dramatic, please. They're our

friends. I know things didn't turn out fine between you and them.

You should learn to forgive, girl."

"And who said I'm grudging?"

"I did. It's written all over you. Let's go talk to them, you're way

bigger than that".

"Do you have any idea of what they did to me? I was accused

falsely. How could they accuse me of having an affair with

someone aside Richie just for their own selfish reasons? Do you

have a clue of what I went through?"

"Of course I know. But it didn't break you, it only made you

stronger, better and wiser."

"So?"

Let it go and say hello to them. See how pitiful they look. They 

feel sorry for everything they had done. Please, let it slide."

"You think it's that easy?"

"I know it's not but I believe it's possible. So go on."

She wondered why Laura wanted to do this, and if she really 

wanted to.

"I want to reconcile all of you. I love peace and I want it to 

reign"

"You read my mind. I've always listened to you and i won't stop 

listening either. But you're definitely coming with me"

"Hahaha I know you would say that. Let's go then" 

"Hello, ladies" Laura greeted.

"Hello, Laura. Happy birthday Grace"

"I'm grateful, Alicia. You're both welcome"

"We're sorry for everything. You're a nice person. We shouldn't 

have lied against you. You deserve better and we regret every 

role we played. We hope you'll forgive us." Julian pleaded 

"There wouldn't be forgiveness, if they were no room for 

mistakes and wrong doings. It's fine. I totally understand, feel 

free and enjoy the party."

"You don't know what you've done. A burden has just been 

lifted off my shoulders. Thank you" Julian and Alicia 

appreciated.

To err is human they say, and to forgive is divine. Do I really 

have the nerve to hold grudges? Certainly not. Let the past 

remain in the past because that's where it belongs. At least, no 

matter how sinful we are, God still forgives us, cleanses us and 

make us whole again without any judgement. Then who am I 

not to forgive? She thought to herself.

"Grace!" Becky called.

"Over here" she was sitting quietly in her bedroom

"What are you doing? I've been looking for you. The party just 

started"

"I'll join you guys soon. When exactly is it ending!"

"Really? We just got started and you're asking when it's ending. 

Cool, the time is 6pm" looking at her wrist watch "we should be 

done by 8pm"

"I'm sorry. I needed to know how long it will last, nothing 

serious"

"Fine. Are you sure you're okay?"

"Sure I am. Shall we?"

"Of course"

The living room was so adorable, decorated with balloons and

cotton. Music on the background. It felt like heaven. All thanks

to Laura and Becky. The celebration was a wow! She had to cut

the cake, then a wine toast. Everyone took turns to speak about

the celebrant. The moment was incredible with friends and

loved ones all around. At exactly 8pm, everyone dismissed and

went to their respective homes. Her friends stayed back to clear

up everything and later, they had a great night with lots of ice

cream and barbecue.

"Grace! You've got a call" Becky shouted from the living room.

"Coming. who's the caller?"

"Unknown number" She took the phone from her.

"Hello, good evening"

"Happy birthday, dear"

"Thank you. Who's speaking please?"

"Don't you have my digits? Well, it's Richard."

"Huh!" She was surprised "Richard?"

"Yes. How are you?"

"Very well, how are you doing?"

"Well enough. I thought I should wish you well on your

birthday"

"You did well. I'm grateful for the call"

"You don't need to thank me"

"Why?"

"Don't bother. Hope you're fine?"

"I'm perfect. Thanks for the concern"

"Alright. That's okay"

"Bye"

"Take care of yourself, Grace" Richard said and hanged up.

“What was he thinking? Why did he call her? Guess he's trying

to find his way back to you" Laura said mindlessly.

"I don't agree with that, definitely not Richard,” Becky fired

back.

"Just be careful and mind you, don't think about him"

"Yes ma'am" grace replied.

Sundays are always so incredible. The worship service each

time definitely had great impacts. It was an awesome

experience. She had to say hello to few casual friends, but then

someone approached her.

"Hello, Miss. I’m Henry," he extended his hand for a hand

shake.

"Grace. Nice meeting you"

"Pleasure all mine." He wondered how he would go about this.

"I'd better leave. Enjoy the rest of your day"

"Sure. Thank you". He couldn't get her number. If he decides to

ask, what would she think of him? She's a lady with class, she's

not like other ladies, he can vividly see the difference. He'd

behave himself, moreover, there would always be another day.

That guy is he normal? He acted really weird. She thought

silently when she got home. Why do I care? I've got more

relevant things to think about.

<Phone beeps ... Call from Laura>

"Hey girl, you good?"

"Yeah. Hope you are?"

"Perfect. What's your schedule like next Saturday? Would you

mind launch?"

"Oh no. Can't make it."

"Why? I need you there"

"A friend is wedding. I have to be there. Can we make it

Sunday noon?"

"Alright. Deal"

"Thanks dear. You're a darling"

"That reminds me, I didn't see your sister at the party"

"I didn't tell her about it"

"Meaning she wasn't aware of your birthday party?"

"Absolutely"

"Do you have any reason for that?"

"Best known to me"

"And what exactly do you mean?"

"It simply means, I don't want to discuss it"

"But why? She's your sister for heaven's sake"

"Can we not talk about her. This topic isn't what I want to 

discuss, please"

"You're hiding something from me, Grace. I am your friend, 

who's being a sister to you. We've been through thick and thin. 

We share every secret no matter how little. Why keep this one 

from me?"

"I'll tell you, not today though. Some other time will be fine. 

Are you satisfied now?"

"Not until you tell what it is. Have a good night rest."

"Good night Laura" she knew she was not happy with her, but 

that wasn't an issue to be discussed over the phone. Even if she 

tells her, of what use is it? It doesn't change anything.

It's a sunny Monday, Grace had a long list of things to do for 

the day; like getting to the office on time, run a few errands on 

her way home from work. But one less practical item on the list 

was to hang out with Laura and Becky.

She poured milk on the cereal, closed the milk top and returned 

it back to the refrigerator. Picked a spoon, shoveled the cereal 

into her mouth while standing. She mustn't be late for work. She 

was done within few minutes, took her bag and had the door 

locked before leaving. About thirty minutes ride to her office 

and here she was. Thank heavens she had few minutes left 

before the line was ruled. 

"Hello gorgeous! How was your weekend?"

"Never wished it ended. How are you?"

"I'm okay. I apologize for not attending the party. I was very 

busy"

"Fine. You don't have to apologize"

"Thanks. Could you sought out this files please? The board 

meeting will commence soon."

"That won't be a problem. I'll do it quickly."

A few hours later the meeting commenced. She wasn't part of 

the meeting for today, so Ernest couldn't concentrate. He kept 

on sending messages to her.

Hey you! How is it going down there? 

Would you concentrate Mr - She hit send.

They aren't saying anything serious here. This meeting is so

boring - He typed back.

Oh my gosh, MD will be mad at you when she finds you sending

messages. I'm sure you're aware of that?

It doesn't matter. Talking to you is the only reason why I'm still

seated here. Can't wait to come downstairs - He'd written.

She smiled. Ernest is a great guy. His eyes had a great and

friendly sparkle which went along with his killer grin. But the

more handsome a guy the more trouble he was. Richie had been

handsome, look what it turned into. Maybe she wasn't just lucky.

She's not ready for another heartache, Ernest definitely has to

stay off her mind because she's got to face her life squarely.

"Pretty damsel, done working?"

"Not yet, but soon" Grace was packing up some of the files she

has worked on.

"Care for some?" He stretched forth the cake wrapped in foil

"No. I pass" deep within her, she knew Ernest wasn't going to

take this lightly because it wasn't the first time she had rejected

something from him.

"Tell me exactly why you never take anything from me?" He

sounded so heartbroken

"Don't see it that way, I'm simply full. I wouldn't want to take it

and not eat it"

"You're always full I guess. Suit yourself"

"C'mon Ernest, I ..."

"Don't bother yourself." He interrupted "This isn't the first time,

neither is it the second. Just let me be". She could see the

sadness in his eye 

"Can I have the cake please?" She extends her hands. He smiled 

so widely and handed it over to her.

"Happy now?"

"Sure I am. But this happiness will only continue if you'd never 

reject anything from me again"

"Alright, your Excellency" they both laughed loudly. She 

peeped into her wristwatch "what? Is it 7pm or my eyes are 

deceiving me?"

"Of course, it's 7pm. But you aren't leaving until I say so." He 

wondered what was going through her mind. He likes her. How 

will he come closer to her, he really needs to know her more. 

Despite knowing the fact that he likes her, he still doesn't want 

to admit to himself that he's fallen head over heels for her. 

Weird right?

"That's not good. Why would you say that? I don't have any task 

left. Please just let me go home."

"Because I'm your superior" that was the only instrument he 

could use on her " don't forget, you'll get a query if you leave 

without my permission"

"Are you been serious now?"

"Trust me, I'm absolutely serious about this"

What is wrong with him? He never wants to give her some 

space, he complains about everything she does, now he will not 

allow her to go. Is he insane or something else is wrong?

"Fine. That's what you want." She sits down angrily. 

"Don't get so angry please. We could talk you know"

"I don't wanna say a word. Let me be please," she said out of 

rage and throughout they were both silent.

An hour later, certainly he was done with his work. "Can we go 

now? I'm done"

"You actually kept me waiting for you?"

"Isn't it worth it? I perfectly enjoyed your company"

"Oh yeah, you did. I never knew"

"Yes, and I hope we'll do this again, what do you say?"

"No way! Having a silent night with you?"

"But to me, it didn't feel like we were silent."

"Spare me that. I'm going home please".

"Hey! c'mon" coming close to her " you know I enjoy 

everything about you."

"We're in the office, so you behave yourself and don't come any 

closer" she could not place her hands on what he was thinking 

or planning either.

"Alright. I won't come closer then. Let's go" they walked quietly 

using the back door and they parted ways and waved goodbye 

to each other.

She got to Laura's place pretty late. She decided to spend the 

night there. Her weary hands tapped the door bell.

"The door is open. Come right in" Laura called out 

"Oh yeah! I’m in. I thought you wanted standing me up 

forever"

"Sweetheart, my apologies please. How are you?

"Very well. What's up, how was your day?"

"My dear, I had a stressful day. What's up with you? Why are 

you looking so pale? I'm sure someone has crossed the line" she 

said mockingly

"You apparently won't believe what happened today"

"Please, I'm all ears. You know how I love the news in details"

"Could you imagine that Ernest had to make me wait for him 

after close of work"

"This is interesting. But why? Why would he do that?"

"I don't know. I can't seems to be able to explain the whole 

thing". 

"Hahaha... Are you sure that guy isn't in love with you?"

"That's utterly impossible. What would he like or love about me? 

He virtually picks offence in everything I do. Nothing I do ever 

pleases him, even when he knows fully well that am done with 

my work, he still finds a way to make me feel I'm useless. So 

please don't say the word love again"

"Grace, you're pretty and unique. You're beautiful. Who 

wouldn't want a queen like you? The truth is, he's doing all that 

because he loves you."

"But he told me he's dating someone already. Why would he 

admire me still?"

"You're irresistible, girlfriend"

"Don't say that. I don't want to think of relationship not to talk 

of being someone's side chick".

"But, what do you really think of him?"

"What exactly do you mean by that?

"You can't tell me you don't feel for this guy. He's a good guy.

You like him, don't you?" Laura stands up to take a drink from

the refrigerator.

"I like him but that's nothing anyway"

"She finally agreed. That means you're in love, dear"

"No, I'm not. I just like his personality. I know the difference

between love and like. Moreover, he's got someone like I said

earlier."

"What if he declares his intentions?"

"Can we stop talking about the impossible" she unzipped her

gown " I'm famished, what's in the kitchen?"

"You're obviously trying to change the topic, Grace."

"Let's stop this. I seriously don't want to talk about this anymore.

You're forgetting something here."

"Which is? I'm only sensing that he might be the one".

"You're forgetting I said no relationship. I'm not ready for

another heartbreak." She dished her food and brought it to the

living room

"Please, let me eat my food in peace. Can I?

"Sure you can, go on. What's on your list tomorrow?"

"After work, I'm heading home. Thereafter, i need to work on a

project."

"Not bad then. I'm having a date with Chris, 9pm tomorrow."

"Sweet. Have fun then".

"Thank you dear."

Grace shouldn't be considering what Laura said about Ernest 

being in love with her right? Of course not, why should she? No 

relationship and that's the perfect way not to be hurt. Whatever 

it is, she can't be bothered about this. Her policy stands.