The Irony of Life (17)😔😔

THE IRONY OF LIFE (17)😔😔

Duration: 4mins

                           

Work at Mrs. Penelope’s place had been all well and good except that she either took Oreoluwa for a eunuch, or a mannequin. The fiftyish woman looking thirty was fond of going about in cropped, skimpy wears that bare her cleavages or in a see-through robe that left just little to the imagination. 

It was when he first began working there that her appearance disturbed him. Over time, in the space of four months, he had learnt to look away and mind his business. Still, he couldn’t help wondering,

If she is this scantily clad in my presence, she would probably go about in her birthday suit when she is all alone.

From the look of things, it was simply Mrs. Penelope's way of life and nothing more.

“Ore,” she called as she descended the stairway leading to the Living room where Ore was cleaning and moving some props to an assigned room. She was dressed in a pink, net-like, flowing gown.

“The film production crew took a break yesterday. It was decided that the few episodes already produced be aired to observe the reaction of viewers.”

Ore wondered what that portends, hoped it wasn’t what he was thinking.

 “Resumption is till further notice,” she added.

Meaning?

As though Mrs. Penelope could read his mind, she dropped the bombshell,

“Your service will no longer be needed.”

The news felt like a blow below the belt. Ore suddenly couldn’t feel his legs. He made for the nearest couch before he collapsed. Blood seemed to be draining from his face as his mind raced to his empty pocket. He remembered he had blown his savings chasing Cecilia. He was hoping to put together his earnings for the next 4weeks to at least send something home as promised. His dream wasn’t just shattering before his eyes, but he was back to status quo—waiting with others till they had worked at the factory enough to be rid of Steve's deal, and start receiving their wages. It felt as though he had fallen from grace to grass.

“I could retain you if you don’t mind cleaning the house of dust, cobwebs and every other thing necessary.”

Ore was many distance away from his body.  He heard her faintly, but it felt like he was hallucinating he had to request for a recap.

Mrs. Penelope was still halfway repeating herself when he jumped at the offer with a hearty thank you. He couldn’t even hide his excitement and desperation. He would learn to. But then, it would be too late.

Few days later, at about 3p.m, he was at the living room watching TV with other housemates when he felt his phone vibrating in his pocket. Trying as much as possible not to draw attention, he slipped off to a hidden corner at the back of the house. It was a private line calling. Fatima was the only contact saved on his phone, she wouldn’t hide her identity. Wondering who was calling, he picked and couldn’t believe his ears. It was Cecilia.

Cece?

She was calling to thank him for the flowers and perfume. Fatima said she would, but he wasn’t expecting it.

"Don’t mention. I'm glad you like them.”

Ore wasn’t going to let such rare opportunity slip by. Quickly he added,

“I was hoping the Valentine’s day would be my lucky day, when you would at last be receptive to going on a date with me. Can I still get the pleasure of that? There is this Chinese restaurant I discovered down town. I bet you would like their meals. What do you say?”

“Cece, are you still there?” asked Ore after a long silence.

“I am sorry, Ore,” she responded. “If only you…,” she was saying when the line suddenly went off.

If only I what?

Spontaneously, Ore went for his dial button, then he remembered the caller ID was hidden.

What was she trying to say?

He needed an answer. He needed someone to talk to. He had no other person but Fatima. At a speed dial, he put a call across to her.

“I have no idea. If she were on duty, I could try interacting with her to see if could get something out of her,” said Fatima. “However, from what you said  transpired between you two, all I can deduce is that CeCe is beginning to soften towards you.”

“Really?”

Ore longed to hear that said again.

“of course. For her to have phoned and listened to you to that point, it could be nothing than feelings starting to set in. As it is, I suggest we shouldn’t rush things, let’s give her some time to deal with whatever is on her mind. Yet, we shouldn’t drag it, so we don’t quench the kindled fire even if it’s just a spark. Let’s strategize how to bring the both of you together in a comfortable place where you can freely express yourselves.”

Thereon, Ore and Fatima began spending more time on phone, talking night and day on how to help get one another's heart-throb.

One of those nights, during  break at the factory, Jamani walked into their usual restroom and met Ore on the phone.

“Who are you talking to?” he whispered.

“Fatima. Talk to her,” responded Ore, stretching out his phone.

Jamani left his hand hanging, hissed and walked away.

Could Jamani be jealous I'm talking with Fatima?

That moment, an idea dropped on his mind, rouse Jamani's jealousy and drive it to a point where he would see what he is missing and want to get back with Fatima. He would intensify their communication, phone Fatima at times when Jamani is at close range, make it look as if a relationship more than ordinary is beginning to form between them.

Yes!

He wouldn’t share the thought with Fatima so he doesn’t end up shooting himself in the foot.

Unknowing to him, Fatima had conceived the same idea—phone Ore more often in order to stir Jealousy in Jamani.

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To be continued same time, next week. Hope you enjoyed the read? Please leave a comment. Thank you.🙏🏻 MERRY CHRISTMAS 🎄