The Odds Are Against Me - Episode 5

 

I woke up in the morning and did some morning rituals, before going to work. I had already finished dressing and was knotting my tie when my phone beeped. It was a text message.  After I was done, I picked up the phone laying on my bed, and checked who it was. Funmi was staring at the screen.

"I hope your night went well? Have a wonderful day ahead", she wrote. I smiled and dropped the phone . I could have called but I didn't want to waste any bit of my time talking. I decided to send, "I love you" to her. I picked up my key and dashed outside after I'd locked my door. I entered my car, the gateman opened the gate and I zoomed off. The road was free and there was no congestion.

I got to work, everybody was smartly dressed and looking really good. We all smiled, waved and greeted each other and went to our respective units. The pleasantries were clichés. Throughout my stay in the office, Funmi kept replaying on my mind. I tried every possible best to get her off my mind, so I'd concentrate and execute my works. I tried my best, but it didn't work out, though I was able to carry out some activities. Instead of my normal seven o'clock closure, I begged my manager so I'd leave by three because I needed to cool off my mind on what I was thinking. My wish was granted by my manager

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

. She was just a sweet soul. A single young woman in her early forties. She was married for ten years, before her marriage crumbled. She has two children; two boys. Many told her that her feminist ideology with her independent woman fight crushed her marriage, but she'd always shush them whenever they bring it up. During one of our numerous conversations, she found out I was a feminist and was happy. I always told her that she wasn't the one who didn't make her marriage not to work if she did her best to protect it, but her husband who was adamant in not compromising. I learnt she was at fault and has a nasty attitude, but she hasn't exhibited any to me. Maybe because I mind my business, do my works and agree with her on many ideologies too. But I felt she has a bad attitude which anyone can't keep up with, even if she was a submissive wife. I was twenty nine, and she had made advances on me at several occasions, I usually pecked her before telling her it's not really right. She would always frown. She always said she needs a serious relationship.

"All the men I see out there are after my money. I wish I was an American, I'd find a handsome young male who is responsible and care about me only", she would say.

"You'll find", I will say in return to her.

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She told me I could leave by three o'clock and smiled to me. I smiled back. "Thank you, Ms. Awoyemi", I said. I entered my office, picked up my laptop, other things and my suit that laid on the chair and dashed outside. I got to where my car was packed. Immediately, I wanted to open my car, a hand covered my eyes.

"Funmi!!!", I shouted, and turned back freeing the grip. It was Ms Awoyemi. I was surprised.

"Funmi?, who is that? You are going to see a girl. Thought you were single all this while. Well, why hide your status to me when we are not dating?", she muttered all at once.

"She is not my girlfriend.

Read " Living In The Ghetto " by the same author ( Obinna Tony )

. Let me say she is the closest female friend I have. That's all", I replied.

"I believe you", she said and smiled. I thought in my mind that this woman desperation is out of this world.

"Why are you out here?", I asked.

"I wanted to stroll out and couldn't help talking to you after I saw you", she said. I smiled and rubbed her back. I entered my car and bade her goodbye. 

In our office, people were always surprised on why we get along, and they all get backlash and condescending remarks from her. I told them maybe because I mind my business, do my work and live my life. A colleague once disagreed and said it was more than that. I laughed. I told her maybe that's one of the main reason MD doesn't like her; she doesn't mind her business.

"You see, I see lot of your flings here, but I dont get worried about your life", I said.

"But you are getting worried now. So, you are guilty", she said angrily.

"No, in life we are not blind. Observations are likely and always to be made, but what matters is, minding your business", I said and walked out of her immediately.