A woman's dilemma - Episode 6

 

Francesca:

"Okay, that was satisfactorily exhausting." My mom giggles like a high school girl as she collapses into the plosh furniture she had my father import last year. It's damn comfy though.
"Paulette! Come take this things upstairs and bring me my slippers." My mom yells for her personal help. I watch her take off her sandal heels and push them aside.
"You're awfully quiet." She says when she's done with disposing her shoes . I paste a smile on my face.
"Like you said, that shopping spree was exhausting. I'm just rightly exhausted." I say to cover my tiredness.
"No. That's not it. Usually, you bicker on and on while we shop but you've been quiet since you got here this morning." My mom says. I shrug nonchalantly.
"Didn't get much sleep I guess." Mom can we just drop this? My smile was getting strained on my lips while my mom studies my features.
"Is that a bruise?!" My mom screams in horror while pointing her polished nails at my face. I throw my hand up to cover my face on impulse.
"Frances?"
"Can't believe it's obvious under my concealer!" I laugh nervously and hope my mom don't catch on.
"How did you get that?" The maid comes in with mom's slippers and I clamp my mouth shut then rummage my head for what to say. The maid picks mom's shopping bags and leaves too soon

All episodes of this story can be found here >> https://www.ebonystory.com/story/a-woman-s-dilemma

. Mom's attention is back on me now.
"Speak." She commands.
"It's nothing mom. Ola was playing with that enormous toy you bought for him last Christmas. The noise from that toy just grates on my nerves. I hid it in Francis' study. On the shelves. It fell on my head few days ago." I'm out of breath when I finish my fib.
"Oh no. That's awful. I'll have to buy him something less dangerous to replace that one then. And I'm getting you the concealer I use before you leave. We can't have people thinking your husband hit you!" She says thoughtfully.
"Francis?! No!" I wave my hand in mock horror.
"You know these gossips trying to spoil his name because he's running for governor in the upcoming election. Like the scandals they keep posting about affairs that never happened. These journalists are ruthless." Mom says and shakes her head.
"Yeah. Tell me about it." I say quietly.
"I know what would help with your mood! A party!" My mom claps in glee. I groan inwardly. A party is so not what I want tonight. My mom pulls her phone out to make preparations and stuff for a night out.
"Mom, I don't think..." My mind reminds me of the angry husband waiting for me at home and I pause. Mom pulls her phone away from her ears and look to me.
"You were saying?" She asks.
"Nothing. A party is just what I need." I say cheerily.
"Awesome! It'll be a girl's night out. I'll just get our invite." She says and goes back to her phone call. Now that she isn't looking at me, I release the breath I have been holding. I guess I'm going to a party.

*********

Claudia:

"Claudia!" My dad's voice bellow through the house. I groan and clasp my bracelet on.
"Coming dad!" I grab my purse and hurry downstairs to meet my dad waiting on the bottom of the stairs. He looks quite healthy, unlike years before when things were hard on us. Good living looks so good on my father. I give him a wide smile.
"There you are. I have your mom's shoes. You said you want to wear them tonight?" He pulls a pair of stiletto up for me to see. They still look so new. I'd saved for months to get her these shoes almost eight years ago. She was fighting with cancer back then and losing. I wanted to give her something nice for her birthday and really worked my ass off for these shoes. She never got to wear them outside the house. She died few months after her birthday that night.
"They are beautiful." I say and dab the corner of my eyes with my handkerchief.
"You look beautiful." My father says and hands me the silver shoes. They go perfectly well with my offwhite bodycon dress. I slip both shoes on. They fit me perfectly. I swirl around for my father to see.
"How do they look on me?" I ask.
"Ravishing! Just like your mother. I wish I had enough money back then to take care of her." He sniffs back tears and I come down to hug his tall frame.
"She was happy with you dad. Without the money." I assure him.
"You know just the right thing to say. You're the perfect daughter." My dad praises and I grin. He says that to all six daughters of his.
"You know what would make me happy now?" He asks as he gives me his hand to walk me to the door.
"What dad?"
"A man. To take you to events like this." He says and I frown.
"I don't need a man for that. I'm happy on my own."
"You're telling me, you never feel lonely being alone? A woman needs a man. You aren't getting any younger. All your elder sisters are married and even your immediate younger one." He says. This is not the first time he's pointing this to me and I've been here two days. I think I should hurry up with getting my own house. Somewhere closer to my new place of work. Speaking of work.
"Daddy. I have to go now. I'm going to be late." I say and place a quick peck on his rough cheeks. I dash out the door without waiting.
"We will finish this discussion later!" He yells after me as I make for the Uber waiting for me.
"I can't hear you dad!" I grin at the Uber driver as he lets me in. He closes the door and I let a shaky laugh out. Now that I am away from my father, I feel nervous about the party tonight. I don't really like parties much. I prefer my own company. But what can I do? My new boss insists I attend so he can introduce me to the Elites of the city. I'm supposed to be meeting my first client there. An actor who wants to build a new house. I'm to be his architect and interior designer. My very first gig in Nigeria. I'm a little bit anxious.
"We're almost there ma'am." The Uber driver says from the front seat. I give him a small smile then pull out my lipstick from my purse. I apply a light coat unto my lips and pat my lips a few times. My mirror tells me I look great but I still dab powder on my face.

Read " Intoxicated Romance " by the same author ( Ameh juliet )

. The Uber slowly pull into the hotel's premises and I push all my make up back into my purse.
"You look great." The Uber driver says when he brings the car to a stop.
"I know." I place a few naira notes on the passenger's  seat then help myself out of the car. I take in the night's cool air and get my wits about me. I notice the multitude of people walking into the hall. Most of them with a partner. Why did I notice that in particular? Yeah, my dad is getting into my head as usual. A few paparazzi flash their cameras at the entrance.
"Claudia!" My boss makes his way towards me.
"I got this." I say before taking the few steps to meet him halfway.
"You ready for this?" He takes my hand and I nod. Oh I'm ready!

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