Rita
I didn't know when I fell asleep on the couch the previous night.
As I slowly opened my sleepy eyes and my glance stopped exactly at the mini wall clock.
" Christ! " I exclaimed and jumped up immediately.
10:25 am?
How can it be 10:25am already? when I'm supposed to be at work by 9am unfailingly.
"Oh My God!"
I stood up, confused on what to do first..
Was it to run into the bathroom or to quickly make my breakfast?
I rushed into the bathroom, pulled off my undies and littered them on the floor.
Life of a lonely spinster, I'm careless with my undies and panties.
No guy will visit is a key assurance.
*
Immediately I ran out of the bathroom hurriedly, I wore a simple outfit -a baggy blouse and a somewhat loose knee short after all, my job does not require an elegant or gorgeous dressing and it’s not like I’m having a date with a boyfriend.
*
I ran into Beauty and Cosmestic company. It’s a big company which deals with import and exchange of facial care products to younger industries. And there’s a small studio departmentwhere I work situatedright before entering into the main offices where paper work and computer works are done.
It’s a little tad bit unfortunate that I do not work at the classy office but a mere make up artist,etcetere in a small section.
"Hey! Calm down Rita" I bumped into Evelyn at the entrance.
Like I said, Adam and Evelyn are my colleagues, we work at the small department.
Adam works at the male section, ~ to curl, perm, trim or dye guys' hair or eyebrows etcetere whichever way they want it. Guys also have their own make over and a special way to look more handsome too.
"Oh Goodness!" I was breathing too fast because I've been running ever since I alighted from the cab.
"Relax" She patted my shoulder and giggled.
"You're lucky Mrs Blakeston is not around," She led the way.
Mrs Blakeston is the owner of the studio, she is the managing director and she's a no nonsense one at that.
I sighed again but this time, it was a heave of relief.
Mrs Blakeston is so mean, she treats us like we're under 18 and anyone bold enough to confront her or dares not to follow the stupid company rules is surely ready to lose his or her salary.
"So why did you come to work late today, it's not as if you've got a man who doesn't want you to leave him. " Evelyn teased me and I rolled my eyes at her.
She's so fond of disturbing me to get a man ~ just like my parents.
"You know what Rita, A man won't walk up to you when you are dressed like this. Baggy and not sexy. Duh," Evelyn stood in front of me and accessed what I was putting on. She shook her head disappointedly.
"Seriously Evelyn! It's not like guys don't come my way. I don't feel a thing for every single one of them. How many times do I have to tell you? Oh please Evelyn, It's still early and I just came in and you're already talking about men. What's wrong with you?" I shunned.
"Allow me have this life-changing conversation with you" She scorned.
"We’ve been having this same conversation every single day, every time!" I fired back at her.
"Well, We're not done ‘cos it hasn’t changed anything yet" She said.
"Evelyn, you seem to be forgetting that I'm way older than you" I said having a tone of maturity in my voice.
"Right! Onlyfive years older than me. You don't even have a man friend and I already do have a boyfriend....!" She said then paused instantly: "Oops. Let...Let's just go to our seats" She suddenly stammered and walked ahead of me.
"Oh really?" I obstructed her way and stopped her from diverting away from the topic. Good thing, She brought it up in the first place.
"You are seeing someone? Who is he?" I knew she was gonna say something when her cheeks turned red and she began to blush heavily.
"I think I'm so shy right now" She flushed.
"Oh well, you weren't shy when you were blabbing just now"
She rolled her eyeball then said: "Adam"
"What about him?" I asked her, confused.
"It's Adam, he asked me to be his girlfriend now then later his fiancé and sometimes in the future, I'll become his wife. That was how he proposed to me yesterday " Evelyn crowed.
"Oh my God! So you two had a thing for each other and I never noticed? " I said even though I have suspected something fishy between them lately.
"Well, I'm so happy for you" I hugged her sincerely.
"So back to you Rita, are you ready to find real love?" Evelyn resumed her love sermon.
I rolled my eyes and hissed. I'm trying to; Love doesn't just go my way.
"Stop speaking to me like you’re older Evelyn!” Now I tried to change the topic.
"Sorry" She grumbled.
"Hmmm, alright" I arranged the littered make over equipments into their various cases and bags.
"So Adam and I went on our first date last night. It was a sweet long night”
"Uhm. I see the reason why you both weren’t active on kikachat last night” I responded.
"Oh sorry about that, I know your single-ass was so bored last night” Evelyn said and I hissed. “Could you please cover up for me? I heard from the receptionist that Mrs Blakeston wouldn’t be around throughout today and I… I really want to spend the whole day with Adam”
I smirked jealously..
“Uh, I was thinking of spending the whole day here with you but of course, you can come over to my side instead; every wish way” Adam overheard as he walked towards us.
“Oh! There you are darling” Evelyn ran towards him, gave Adam a tight hug and a mushy kiss on his cheek.
They intertwined arms and stood right in front of me like I’m a parent, waiting to grant them the permission to go out together.
“Oh my God, you two look so compatible. Just go, have fun”Of course, permission granted.
“Before you even say” Evelyn responded rudely and I rolled my eyes.
“However, what I meant by cover up for me includes helping me attend to my clients”
“You want me to do your work for you too?” I furrowed my eyebrows.
“You can just send the clients away then, the company’s loss not mine”Evelyn replied and Adam laughed.
“Bet it, I'm gonna make you run down here like cinderella who left her prince charming in the middle of the night" I pulled her legs.
I watched the two young lovers walk away humorously.
I smiled.
Although Evelyn can be so annoying but she has this interesting vibe that I cannot resist.
I thought of what being in a relationship with someone you love felt like. I really wanna experience this feeling of love again, I want this lovey dovey stuff too.
I huffed, feeling lonely but I quickly snapped out of it by shoving out my cell-phone and a pair of earpieces.Thrusted in the earpieces into my phone and began to listen to some cool music instead. This helped to kill boredom and all these lonely thoughts while I awaited the arrival of customers.
“Hmmmn, melodious!” I hummed the song, nodding my head, vibing to the soft rythming tune.
I wanted to click on the Kikachat app but I suddenly remember last night conversation with a total stranger.
She probably must have sent me a lot of messages; Janet or whatever her name is. Never have I ever met a nosy old woman before, Ugh!
I glared at my phone screen instead, doing absolutely nothing but enjoying the music playing from it.
"Hey, Hello" I heard a muscular voice only after he removed one earpiece outta my left ear.
"Oh sorry?" I said to him.
"I had to do it since you didn't hear me call you several times" He said referring to the action he just did~(Removed my earpiece)
"It's nothing" I said, removing the other one from my right ear and pausing the music.
"How may I help you?"
"I'm a new customer here and I do not seem to get where’s the male saloon department’’ He said.
"Oh, just follow the stairs right there" I pointed at a corner where there was a staircase.
"Okay. Thanks I'll do just that" He said and then began to walk away.
I watched him only to make sure he's going the right away . Just after he took some steps, he suddenly stopped walking and turned to look at me. He smiled widely, I wondered why.
"Your earpiece, continue with the music" He gesticulated.
“Oh!” I nodded awkwardly and stopped glaring at him.
But through the corner of my eyes, I could still see him staring at me.
He better not be falling for me at first sight ‘cos that’s what men says. Jared still occupied my heart, it’s really not easy to totally forget my first love.
*******
To Be Continued
FINALE“We find love in unexpected places, trust me” Rita remarked after she and children had just finished watching a love movie."Oh wow, so that's how you met dad, in an unexpected place?” The sharp little boy who was named, Anthony blurted.Rita laughed softly as she snuggled deeper into the couch cushions, her kids perched on either side of her. "Indeed it was, my darling angels. Your father and I met at the same place of work” She briefly told them.The little boy furrowed his brow, still struggling to comprehend how his parents' love story began in such a mundane."Actually, we met before we met" Rita said, even making things more complicated for the children."Mom, I'm still having trouble picturing this," the little girl named Lily, who looked like her mom chipped in. "What kind of workplace was it? How do you mean you met him before you met him? What does that even mean?” She questioned."And how did you two even start talking?" Anthony added.The little children questioned
Epilogue 5:As Rita drifted off to sleep, a smile still lingering on her lips. Finn stood in front of the bassinet, gazing down at the two tiny bundles of joy. He reached out and gently ran his finger along the little boy’s cheeks, marveling at the softness of his skin, the delicate curve of his nose. He did the same for the little girl, admiring her dainty fingers and her rosebud lips; she looked like her mom while the baby boy looked like the father, Finn.He carried the little boy since he was awake and playful. He held their son in his arms and sat on the rocking chair next to Rita’s bed. He gazed down at the tiny baby, his heart bursting with love and wonder.All of Finn's previous doubts and fears about fatherhood had melted away, replaced by a fierce, all-consuming love for his children. He couldn't wait to watch them grow and develop, to be a part of their lives every step of the way. As he rocked his son gently, Finn thought about all the things he wanted to teach his child
EPILOGUE 4:Rita climbed the bed, wrapping her hands around her husband and resting her head on his chest as though she was meant to be there. Finn, on the other hand draped an arm around her stomach, gently touching her big baby bump.For a while, they remained in this position, a comfortable silence descending over them. Finn was never this quiet in bed. Was something bothering him?“What's wrong with you Finn?” Rita asked.Finn sighed heavily after staring at her for a while. Without uttering a word, he leaned into her to claim her lips but she pulled away.“What's bothering you Finn?” She asked again, her voice came out soft, laced with concern.For a moment, he was quiet but then, he spoke."Nothing," Finn replied with a weak smile. "I'm just a bit nervous about becoming a father. I mean, what if I'm not good enough? What if I mess up?"Rita laughed softly. "You're already the best husband and friend anyone could ask for. I have no doubt you'll be an incredible dad too. And remem
Epilogue 3:A few months had passed since Madison and Alex's engagement at Finn and Rita's gender reveal party, and now it was time for their wedding day. The sun shone brightly as Madison walked down the aisle towards her soon-to-be husband, looking radiant in her beautiful white gown.Alex waited at the altar, beaming with joy and anticipation as he watched his bride approach. He thought back to the day they met, and how he'd fallen in love with her from that moment on.As Madison reached the altar, she took Alex's hand in hers, and together they turned to face the officiant. The ceremony began with a heartfelt exchange of vows, each expressing their undying love and commitment to one another.As they exchanged rings, the crowd burst into cheers and applause, their love for the newlyweds evident in their smiles and tears.The party was in full swing, with guests dancing and celebrating, their happiness for the newlyweds filling the air. Not only did the newlyweds shared their first
Epilogue 2:As everyone was sitting around the patio, Rita stood up and announced, "Finn and I have something to share with you all." The guests turned their attention to her, curious about what she was about to say.As the applause died down, Finn stood up next to Rita, beaming with pride. He looked around at their family and friends and said, "We're so happy to announce that we're expecting a new addition to our family.”With a grin on Rita's face, she lifted up her shirt to reveal a small but noticeable baby bump. “we're just so thrilled to be able to share this news with you all.”Evelyn suspended whatever she was doing and ran to embrace her best friend. The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, congratulating the couple on their exciting news. Everyone began to chat excitedly, asking questions about the baby's due date, whether they knew the gender yet, and what the baby's name might be.“I and my husband has just scanned the baby, we are yet to check but then, we pleased and
Epilogue 1Ding Dong Ding! The church bells began to ring, signaling the start of Finn and Rita's wedding ceremony. A sense of excitement filled the air. Rita, dressed in a stunning white gown, was surrounded by her bridesmaids, included Evelyn, her few close friends and few nieces, all of whom were helping her to look her best. And Finn, in a sleek black tuxedo, stood at the altar, eagerly awaiting the arrival of his bride.Suddenly, the church doors opened, and everyone turned to see Rita begin her walk down the aisle.Finn walked to meet her on her way to the aisle, interlink his arms with hers and walked together with her.Everyone turned to watch the couple walk down the aisle.The priest continued with the ceremony, his voice booming throughout the church."Finn, do you take Rita to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"Finn, his voice filled
“So since you resigned, do you stay at home all day, doing nothing?”“Yeah, I already sent my application letter to some companies and I just hope one of them accepts me” Rita yawned.“Hmmn, I'm sorry about everything that happened to you” Evelyn said empathically.“Thank you Evelyn, I'm back to square one now”“Since you are searching for another job, are you as well considering moving on because you lost both a relationship and a job” Evelyn began to tease.“No Evelyn. I am done with love” Rita rolled her eyes.“Done with love? What the heck is that?”“Do not provoke me Evelyn!!” She warned by pointing a finger at her, reminding her of those days she badly wanted me to be in relationship and then Love messed me up.“Fine, at least you need to forgive Finn and get this grudge off your chest” Evelyn urged her.“And then the next minute, my nudes will be flying around the internet.. while his’ not there”“No such thing is gonna happen because Finn took them down already”“What?”“I mea
Tears rolled down Rita’s eyes and she kept on replaying the memories with Zane, comparing it with that of Finn and the fact that they turned out to be the same person was now glaring. Even when she tried to push the thought aside, she just couldn't. Why did Finn play games with her? Did he truly love her? Same Finn was Jared too.She had sent her resignation letter to his email and he had called and called. He had also been here, knocking and knocking on the door but she wouldn't open the door for him.She read their conversation over again on Kikachat and scrolled through the gossip/gist feed, thinking she’ll just bump into some of her nude pictures since Charles had said he would release it soon. While she was at it, the application suddenly began to glitch and malfunction and then, it finally crashed. Kikachat was no more.***“I did it! I did it finally!!” Alex announced, screaming.“You did it?”“Yeah, not only did I wipe the pictures, I took down the application”“Oh My God!”
“Finn is Zane”“What..what did you say? What? How can Zane be Finn? Can you even listen to yourself?” Rita shook her head continuously.“Finn himself will explain to you better”“You mean Charles is the nternet god, the popular founder of Kikachat?” Evelyn asked to confirm.“And Zane Is Finn?” I uttered unbelievably.“Remember I told you Zane and I are buddies at college, I recongised him the first day he stepped into his office. He told me what he was up to and wanted me to play along and that's why I was always concerned about your complicated relationship with Zane and with Finn because they are the same person…” Before Adam finished explaining, Rita stood up and dashed out of the restaurant quickly.****“Charles security is pretty tight” Alexander said as he battled with his laptop while Finn stood impatiently behind him.“Are you sure you don't need my help? I can help you get his laptop, passport, his signature or some of his important documents” Finn said.“No, I don't need an