The Odds Are Against Me - Episode 11

It was 12:00AM on Monday's morning, and I received a call from Funmi first. I was so happy that she called first. It reassured me that our future was still bright.

"Hello, Happy birthday dear", she said. I thanked her, and she started singing for me, after she was done, we talked about other things. I was happy that she called first and was the only one that called at the wee hour. Others were just birthday messages on my social media pages. They kept me awake for longer time till I slept off.

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I woke up so late in the morning. I checked my time and it was 8:00AM. I smiled. My body adapted to a day off my MD gave me. I checked my phone and there was three missed calls from Dozie. I called him back and he picked. We greeted and he wished me happy birthday. Emeka called also. Families, friends and colleagues called too. I put on my data and all the messages on the social media were wowing. I smiled like a goat eating its favourite shrubs while scrolling through them. I started feeling hungry, I checked my phone and it was 9:30AM. I went to the kitchen, boiled water and made a tea. I moved to the dining table and sat down on the chair, and continued staring at my phone. My phone started ringing and it was Funmi

All episodes of this story can be found here >> https://www.ebonystory.com/story/the-odds-are-against-me

. I answered.

"Hello, dear", I said.

"Hi, I need you in my house around 8:00PM. I'm currently not at home; busy with works. I have something to discuss with you. It is really urgent for you to be there that day", she said and hung the call. Her voice sounded like someone that was sad. I shook my head and took another sip of tea. And there was a knock on the door. I ignored at first, and the person knocked again.

"Come in, it's not locked", I said. The door cracked open and I saw Lola carrying a cake on her hand. She came to the dining area I was sitting, and dropped the cake on the table. I gazed at her but didn't say anything.

"Happy birthday, long life and prosperity", she said.

"Thank you", I replied and continued sipping my tea slowly.

"I brought this as a birthday gift to you", she removed the cover of the cake's pack. I took a peep into it.

"That's quite big. You spent a lot on this?. Well, more like you added money to the five thousand I gave to you the other day to buy this", I said.

"Noooo....", she stuttered. "Err...okay?", I said.

"It's from my heart", she replied. I dropped the tea on my hand and laughed.

"You didn't go to work? Don't ask about me. Today is my off", I said.

"I have two girls who work for me and they are in my shop taking care of it", she replied and sat down on the chair.

"Okay, I see. Thank you for the cake. I appreciate", I said.

"What do you have for me?", she asked. "Like?", I replied.

"Anything I can drink", she said. I told her to check the refrigerator. I concentrated on my phone as I kept gulping down my tea. She came out with a juice from the kitchen, to the dining table and asked if I could join her. I told her No. After she was done drinking, she requested I hugged her. I hesitated before I did. She smiled, and left. In less than five minutes after she had left, there was a knock on my door.

"Who is that?. You can enter", I said and positioned to see who it was. It was Ms Awoyemi, I stood and hugged her. Her driver who entered with her, dropped two packs of gifts on the table, while she still had one on her hand.

"Thank you for giving me a day off. I have been here enjoying my life. I have been focused on my phone and television as I pointed at the TV hanging on the wall. Her driver immediately left by her command. She started her birthday prayers and other wishes.

Read " The Missionary's Journey " by the same author ( Obinna Tony )

. After she was done, I asked about my colleagues at work because they were all surprised that I was given a day off. She brought a cake, pizza and pack of rice. On the bag she had on her hand, was a shirt, singlet, trouser, pair of shoe etc

"Thank you for this food. I have been hungry, though social media kept me away from boredom", I said. She watched me as I devoured the rice. I opened the pizza and we ate it together.

"You are still single? Who would you go out with on this your birthday?", she asked. "You know birthdays are not celebrated alone", she said again.

"I think I have one now", I said.

"Really? You didn't tell me. So, that's how I lost out. But i still love you. You need to see my sugar son one of these days", she said.

"Really?", I said. We both laughed.