Lizzy

As Jewel drove into her workplace, the security guard hailed her as usual.

"Madam d' Madam! I dey loyal, Ma. How body? How family? Madam, Madam!" He continued to hail her.

Jewel knew what he wanted, so she dipped her hand into her purse and handed him some cash.

"Madam! May Allah bless you. Beautiful Madam. Na only you I like pass for this place.

As she drove on to her parking space, a call came in. It was her Dad, Alhaji Kareem.

"Hello Daddy, I have missed you so much. I can't wait to hug you again." She chattered endlessly, making it almost impossible for the elderly man to reply.

"Jewel, I miss you too. My one and only baby. How's your work? Hope you're feeding well? Kindly send me some of nice pictures when you're less busy. I need to flaunt my gorgeous baby....you know???" He laughed softly.

"Ok, Daddy"

"And I need to see you too, baby. Please, kindly spare a day to see your old man"

"Okay, Daddy. I will. I love you so much! See you soon."

"Thank you, dear. Bye."

With that, she parked properly, adjusted her dress in her car mirror and stepped into her office humming a random song.

*******

"Ms. Jewel, a minute, please." The manager of Jewel's company beckoned.

"I will be with you in a moment, Sir." she replied

While sitting in his office, Jewel waited patiently for the manager, whose face is buried into the documents in his hands. The man, fondly referred to as Mr. Adegoke, is a nice and soft spoken man. This made almost everyone to like him.

Removing his reading glasses, he beamed a smile at Jewel.

"I called you over, Ms. Jewel, to thank you very much for all the quota you contributed to our estate management company."

"You are strong, smart and beautiful. You have your way of bringing wealthy and reliable clients to us. You are a very remarkable person. Please, keep it up."

"Thank you, Sir." Jewel replied

"When are you going on a leave? You never had one. I want you to take some weeks off. Is that okay by you?"

"Yes, Sir. Thank you for your thoughtfulness. May Allah bless you, Amin."

"Amin." he replied

Jewel left his office and upon returning to her space, she discovered that her lunch pack is reduced. Rolling her eyes, she turned to her coworker and friend.

"Lizzy, dem send you to me?"

"(Lizzy are you sent to traumatize me?)"

"Even if you have 10plates of food before you, you won't be satisfied till you touch mine."

"Òré mi!" (My friend!)

Lizzy threw her arms around Jewel and pecked her as usual.

"You know I love you" Lizzy continued. "If you were to be a man, I will marry you for real."

Jewel closed her eyes and could feel the genuineness in her hug and vibes.

"Just leave me alone." Jewel pushed her away playfully.

"You love me pa! I know you do." Lizzy smiled naughtily and this melts the insides of Jewel.

The two have been inseparable since University days and the bond remained thicker till date.

"Will you eat the rest? I will get another one for myself." Jewel suggested.

"No, I am filled already." Lizzy replied.

Jewel finished up her lunch and continued to type the unfinished documents while Lizzy gave her funny glances which made her laugh from time to time.