Protected - Episode 22

MAGIC.

Am so nervous, Jesus, we got to this shindig about 20 mins ago and I feel so out of place.

Even though am wearing a kick-ss gown and I look pretty enough to eat, am just still me a green girl from a backwater village in onitsha.

I sigh softly.

Am on justice arms and that alone should have been enough, but the looks am getting are not helping.

He has stepped away to talk to some acquaintances.

I know what julliet said and I understood but it so hard you know.

I walk to the bar, am feeling kind of dizzy.

I signal for a waitress and she steps forward, she is wearing a black gown, I notice the catering staff are wearing something similar.

"Good evening ma'am, how may I help you?"

Am instantly taken aback, me ma'am?.

If I hear.

"Oh, please just call me magic, I love your dress by the way"

"Thanks ma'am, am zinny, am the head waiting staff, those guys over there are with me, they are Abdul, Fabian, Carmen, Mandy, godiya, ola, Vicki, Amma and Dare, we  were just admiring your dress, 

They want me to let you know that you look beautiful and we are prepared to serve you well this evening.

If you need anything just signal"

I almost die, am overwhelmed, I can't believe people think am pretty, I mean, what?

"Thanks Zin, I will let you know, right now can I please get a glass of sparkling water?"

"Right on that"

She steps away and returns and she gave me a sweating glass of sparkling water, I take a sip, refreshing.

As I take another I feel Justice's presence beside me and I turn.

"Am so sorry about that bitty, I had to make the rounds with some of my colleagues"

I nod, I understand.

"S'oright, I made a friend"

I signal at Zin and she steps forward.

"Hi, zinny this is my.....this is justice,my ... guardian, justice, zinny, my new friend".

He throws her a nod and she looks starstruck.

I won't blame her, she looks exceptionally handsome tonight.

I can't believe we haven't placed a label on what we are, I was almost going to call him my boyfriend.

Thank God I saved my self from experiencing that embarrassment.

I mean what would I have done if he had said we were not dating.

Somebody shoot me.

I take another drink and he gently massages my neck.

Hmm.

Soon we are approached by an older couple.

Justice stands straight and I know, I just know this are our guests.

The man is tall and Noble looking, like he is from old money, he has dark hair with some streaks of white.

In his days am sure he sowed some wide oats.

The woman on the other hand looks like a force to be reckoned with, she has attitude.

She breaths and walks it.

Her head is held high, she looks to be in her late 30's but I know she is older, much older.

The thing that strikes me most is her silver eyes, they looks like molten silver.

I can see pain in there depths, deep pain, she has experienced a loss.

A staggering one.

I can see the same pain mirrored in the man's eyes.

But when they see justice, they smile, they respect him.

And he respects them too I can see, the way he is standing changes, his demeanor changes too.

He drops his arrogance.

They get to us and he bows waist deep.

I like I should curtsy.

"Maxwells my man, bring it in"

The man says in a boisterous voice.

Justice embraces the man, I mean a full embrace.

"George, it's so nice to see you, thanks for your invitation"

He separates and turns to the woman, he bends and kisses her cheeks, both cheeks.

"Margaret, you look stunning as always"

"Oh justice, flattering will get you everywhere"

She says in a surprisingly soft voice.

They turn to me and am assaulted with nerves.

"Margaret, George, this is my girlfriend , Emilia."

Apparently he has no misgivings on giving our relationship a label.

I feel good.

I smile and I give a little bow.

"Good evening madam and sir, thanks so much for having us, it's a great party"

Am surprised when I am pulled into a hug by Margaret, ha.

"You look so beautiful my dear"

 She says this while kissing my cheeks.

I smile and blush.

Magic style.

"Thank you madam"

"Please call me Maggie or mother, am as well a mother to your boyfriend"

I smile, pleased.

George shakes my hand and I greet.

Justice leads all of us to some seats and I seat beside him.

"So tell me magic, where are you from?"

She says this while reaching for her husband's hand and immediately I can see they love themselves.

Where was Selene spawned from?

"Am from ontisha ma, my name is Emilia magic obi"

I say and I see her exchange looks with her husband.

Am sure they don't approve, now that they've found out am not from a wealthy socialite home.

But surprisingly they don't let it show.

The conversation goes on and am instantly pulled in, soon am bantering with George, am siding with Maggie.

I laugh, I see we get some looks from the other guests.

Time flies, justice gets me a drink.

We talk with the Efosa's some more.

I find out they are from a part of Edo State but settled in Lagos State because their company is doing good here.

They are so warm, making me feel welcomed.

We even exchange numbers, Maggie and I.

I ask again, where was Selene gotten from?

A ditch?

Then again the snake has not shown herself yet.

My gauze pulls at me, making me remember the pain of the glass embedding itself into my fingers.

As if I conjured her up she shows up.

Magic why?

"Greetings parents"

She says as she leans and kiss George's head and kiss Maggie's cheek.

She settles  herself in a seat beside justice.

I don't like that, i lean forward and  I place my hand on Justice's arm, he turns to me and kiss my cheek.

 I glance at the Efosa's and they look uncomfortable.

Poor people.

"So justice, fancy seeing you here"

He just turns to her and gives her a cold look.

She places her hand on his arm too and I clecnch his arm.

"I would appreciate Selene if you don't touch me "

She looks taken aback and she drops her hand, looking pissed.

I swallow a laugh.

The conversation is dead.

This woman singlehandedly ruined the mood.

That's a fit.

 We are approached by a man.

"Congrats, Selene, on the baby, that's a wonderful news"

I frown.

What?

The man walks away and she looks at him as he goes with a frown.

Her parents frown too.

A woman in a blue dress comes up and she hugs Selene.

"Selene!, You are having a baby! such a good news, but wait,...."

She mocks whispers.

"........

All episodes of this story can be found here >> https://www.ebonystory.com/story/protected

. What are you going to do about the herpes?"

"Herpes?!"

Maggie shouts.
 
The woman walks away and I finally get what was happening.

I almost smile.

"Mama....."

Selene begins but another, wait about  5 people approach us.

 All around  I see people whispering about the sickness Selene has.

Selene is looking around and I see maggie looking around pissed.

"What is going on?"

Selene shouts and I hear laughter.

Maggie is so embarrassed George is looking disappointed.

"Selene Imade Efosa, you have herpes?"

Maggie scream.

"Mama, I don't....."

"I am so disappointed Selene, I can't believe I gave birth to this excuse for a child"

George says.

"This has to stop, Selene, your accounts are frozen, your houses and cars you can't use, untill you cure your self, until you become more responsible, you are cut off, better go learn how to work"

Maggie says and I was correct, she has attitude.

"But mama...,papa...."

"No buts imade, you are cut off, I can't believe this."

George says.

It pains my heart to cause this people pain but Selene deserves it.

It will be a sight to see the princess reduced to a pauper.

She growls and walks away, on her way she slips and falls on her face, the tray a waiter is holding tips and falls on her body.

Embarrassment complete.

Burn.

Justice pulls me to my feet after that.

"We will take our leave now, am sorry about this evening"

We stand .

"Am so sorry about this justice,we will talk tommorow in the office"

Justice nods and pulls me outside.

When I get out I burst out laughing.

Yup, tonight was a good night.

A/N

Herpes.
) A viral infection, caused by Human alphaherpesvirus 1 and Human alphaherpesvirus 2, marked by painful, watery blisters in the skin or mucous membranes or on the genitals

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