City Tales

A young man enters the lobby of a building, the elevator ride down, felt literarily like he was going down in his life's trajectory, his mind is on refreshment though he hadn't decided whether to go for beer or soft drinks but snack definitely a hot meat pie, so pie and beer don't go quite well for him, but a burger and a cold beer now that a mid-day refreshment. His mood is melancholy all day up till now, he will hold that burger in his hands and life will feel right even if only for a moment.

In reality though, he's been dealt a terrible hand.

The pandemic got his office downsizing, and he's been cut their department just announced the position of the board to them and well why did they keep them all day to tell them they'd been fired, the department was all let go. Must have been a hard one for the company to sell. What are my options he thought but again his belly had the louder voice

He thought option 2 beer and burger is better after all, as he approached the exit, an alert on his phone he scrolled the screen as he walked on. Then saw someone it made his head flip a surge feel for involuntary smile rushed into him, jump and jelly fishes, he exclaimed.

There's no way this is real, he was still saying, she said his name Herrick Dustin. She wasn't sure to be mad or pleasantly surprised, for sure they both weren't expecting to run into each other.

There was an awkward silence as still as the angel passing, Herrick got himself together and with each breath words flew out. How are you here I mean this is absolutely suppressing Bibi, I can't believe you are right here, me too she responded, so what are you up to?

I mean what are you doing here? she asked, he gestured with his hands I work here or so to be used to work here.

He returned with a question of his own, what about you? I mean you are standing right in front of me and on a day as this, something or someone is definitely at work here.is this a sign he thought as he spoke.

The melo in him got kicked out,

I'd thought this was a dream but obviously it's not. She stopped him hand gesture, we are acquiring this company.no shit he slurred! Then followed with excuse me.

She checked her wrist watch, I have to go got a meeting in less than 5minutes. She paused here's my card call me Here's my card too it's good to see you, Bibi.

As she walked past him, his thoughts go to the thousand and one things he'd want to say, plus what are his chances after the Acquisition is done, will she be graceful?

Surely, she must have gotten past the breakup in school, oh men I fucked up he kicked himself only in his thought. Though right now that drink is looking good to calm down and think.

He sat at his desk to continue his language learning app; the pandemic provided a work from home community lots of online lobs.

The app will help him communicate with the international Translator virtual assistance program[i1] , it helps users talk to each other seamlessly across several languages. The program will do this by translating every request to users in the primary language selected during registration.

Days have turned to weeks and Herrick still thinking the right approach should he have to gravel or be casual and so he had continued to procrastinate the call its seemingly more and more he may have to gravel to keep his position the office has few days announced to everyone the merger which is going to cause a major change and many will ultimately be kicked to the kerb. He felt agitation in his belly is it hunger? or a disgust for his disdainful behaviour.

The dreaded moment he broke it off the relationship, the memory of began to play back in his head, it laced unto his mind like a twine he couldn't unwind, its eating him up maybe he is just hungry.

As he sat down to eat dinner, I must go see her he concluded. if distance had not played a part, he would have probably gone to get her back he would have tried to make it better he was talking to himself now this is the excuse he used to convince himself he's not atall a bad guy. It was a carrier move for him he felt back then she was a dead weight but now she's acquired the company for which he put in blood and sweat, everything he's done for in the past eight years. Dinner wasn't so palatable anymore he shoves it aside picks up the phone Nope! Nothing he yelled, she's probably threw my card in the thrash, he puts on the tv. To change his train of thought.

Political news every channel everywhere and Covid-19 reports aren't going to do it either he made up his mind tomorrow I am going to see her and apologise and see what happens next.

The upgrades to both aesthetics and interior of his former office building looks absolutely amazing he was received by a smartly dressed young lady, as he stepped off the elevator on the fourth floor. The people that are walking past him all look very busy some manage a smile as they pass him others just ignored but non look familiar, they'd all been kicked he thought everyone he knew here got kicked out maybe he is not too much a loser. well maybe I should have Resigned a while back.

As he was pondering this he was jolted to reality, by a familiar voice Amazing what a few millions can do right? I mean look at this place exquisite wouldn't you agree? quite so he concurred, a few steps short of the new waiting lounge that wasn't there before, you have really turned this place around, Ms Bibi ma'am, Mr Herrick as you requested the smartly dressed lady said and took a leave thank you Bibi responded got it from here. Herrick straightened himself what is going on here? You guys totally changed everything. I mean I don't see any of my former colleagues.

Well, we tried to keep some but apparently having a female boss is a tough pill for most to swallow so I fired them Bibi cut him off.

Female boss you mean your boss is female too, that stereotype of yours, there it is again. You men think you own this world.

Do you mind to tell me what are you doing here and for your information this is my company. The Boss here is me she glared at him with wide eyes.

Wahoo! ok I am sorry could we talk in your office ma'am boss lady he gestured to her to lead the way as they stepped in the door with her name on it.

When he had taken a sit, the office has Blasted glass a touch of red and gold framed windows new massive windows brought in the sunlight, Wahoo! he exclaimed, one can see the top of the other buildings from here what a view, he pointed outside trying to break the ice, well it'll do Bibi sat too closing some of the files on her table.

Herrick what can I do for you? alright he started I admit, he started I pegged you wrong I didn't see this whole side of you earlier and I am indeed sorry for earlier my attitude leave less to be desired he was gesturing with his hands as he spoke, I mean the past what I did I am sorry talking and getting to the point are two different things.

He felt uneasy and cleared his throat, well am saying I need first ask you to forgive me before I can go on alright haven't said that, could you tell me the magic you used to acquire a company I worked in for the past eight years which was when I saw you last.

She let a moment pass, you see she started the thing is her voice clear as crystal your company got sloppy doing business the same old method really bumps out customers, so when we came up with a better way it was a matter of time, she leaned into her sit and let it relax she sat back made herself comfy, as you know you guys exported coal for years right? But we found a way to create a more efficient fuel you heard of Biomass gel, right? Herrick nodded to agree, so you see it cost less to produce, and easier to package and customers can't get enough of how efficient it is, so your sales plums she did the thumbs down and ours went up and here we are.

He had not stop nodding but he spoke okay but why fire I.T your company still needs that to keep up with global practices.

She smiled, well we had outsourced our I.T to a firm before we acquired you guys and the guys are really good, she showed the thumbs up.

Right! Herrick exclaimed I should have branched out years back and start my own I.T firm, he was in his own head. Bibi's voice kept him present in the room.

Well then time is money if there's nothing else, Herrick raised a hand look I am sorry but am really in a bad place, could you give me something to do here? I promise I won't be a problem. And you know I am dedicated to my work I will work as a professional.

She stopped him look I told you I.T is already in good hands, I know you need help I will like to help you but I don't have a spot, her table phone rang she picked it and after some exchange she said send an email to H.R to replace her asap, she dropped the call, she paused and thought for a second, then asked Herrick do you have your CV with you, she didn't finish the statement he already produced one from the folder he had with him all along he had placed it on his legs as he sat down.

One of our supervisors has not reported to work for over a week I'm not sure but maybe that something you can handle.

I'll do it thanks so much she picked her phone again tell H.R to come up right now.

How fortunate for him a spot just opened up the same day he showed up, it's a sign he was meant to be here, its all good he's getting an employment steady pay, his bills will most certainly be paid that's all that matters.

The H.R staff came in Bibi just ordered face fixed on her laptop screen take Mr Herrick here with you document him and he'll start tomorrow if that's ok by you fill him in and get back to me the H.R staff responded yes ma'am, Herrick got the words thank you together as he stood up and followed the dark skin man who led him out, as he closed the door behind him his voice again was clear thank you ma'am it nothing Bibi responded, Herrick closed the door behind him.

This is the new normal he thought on the way down the elevator Bibi is my Boss well I have no problem with working with a female boss or someone younger its what it is a job and he is really willing to learn how this new company was able to buy out the old competition.

We are here the H.R announced they got off the elevator and stepped into the department his CV was taken and snapshot also, you come highly recommended so we skip the petty questions just fill out these forms and we can get you started an Id card will be made for you, it registers you in and out morning and after work, you must scan your card to enter and leave the building or when entering or exiting any parts of the building. The production departments are off limits to all non-factory employees.

I will show you your station and team tomorrow when you come in resumption is 9 am punctuality is required.

All supervisors have, a mid-week meeting every Wednesday 1: pm to streamline the weeks progress so everyone can be on the same page. You have an assistant who will fill you in on the rest, and here he was handed a binder Hand book your job description, company ethics etc. advice you study it well, as they discussed the further an id card was brought by another staff, done with the snapshot that had just been taken, nice pic the H.R man joked thanks Herrick responded, well I think you are all set. we'll see you bright and early tomorrow. You may take your leave now thanks again Herrick said as he was leaving. I will scan you out today but remember you must scan to enter from tomorrow.

Sure, he said and entered the elevator pressed ground floor button.

Right, I am really in for it he thought. The binder is heavy he skipped through to see how many pages, it is about 200 pages each section spelt out the duties and responsibilities.

A whole section on sexual harassment in the work place listed several dos and don'ts these guys are not messing around he said as he exited the elevator at the ground floor.

Hailed an uber headed home. The section on benefit of the supervisors was particularly interesting it covered housing and car etc, but he needs to have worked for a year before he will be qualified for those.

The preceding weeks and months were very productive he fit into his new role very well he considered it a promotion from his previous post as I T officer to lead a team his job here is in quality control the products that's are packaged must be inspected for final checks to be sure everything is in order before they are tagged and labelled for onward to shipping out department.

His skill in Microsoft Excel really came to life here, he presented a few adjustments to the spreadsheets and this was approved Bibi was pleased to have him there he didn't see her every day but they see every week and at the monthly meeting with all supervisors. They both keep it just business even though every time he sees her its obvious, he still wants her as his heart paces irregular and he usually had to affirm to calm himself before the monthly meetings.

He has been working for several months, he has settled in very well. The end of the year gala the company had arranged a retreat for the staff to party like never before this year profits rose even more than ever and bonuses and benefits were splashed on everyone.

At the Cresson a private lodging that had been booked for the event sinister plan and events begin to unfold.

Masked gun men invaded the building and now they have everyone divided into two groups men on one side women on the other. They barked orders at everyone, wallets phones jewelleries in the bag. The leader of the gunmen kept repeating as two of the bandits held out sack bags to the groups of people to put their belongings in it comply or you will be shot.

His plan to try and get Bibi back is blown now the party, he'll have asked her for a private chat out on the terrace, it will be the perfect opportunity to as her for her hand.

He had got a ring and hoped it was enough to secure her answer, the bandit were searching now to ensure no one is keeping anything hidden, he got to Herrick and started to frisk him, Herrick spoke out I have already dropped my phone there's nothing else just leave me alone he shove the bandit there was struggle and then a loud bang filled the hall deafen and confused people scatter the leader of the bandits shot into the air severally and asked everyone to stop and get down on the floor. The running stopped and the bandits the bandit leader came close to the one who had alti cation with Herrick and demanded what happened here?

Herrick on the floor out cold I try search am e wan collect my gun and the gun go off boss, Shit mother fucker mess everything up, he swore without remorse, okay two minutes carry everything let's go. He screamed the order again one-minute lets go boys this party is busted. And just like that they disappeared into the night.

Herrick was rushed to the hospital Bibi who was luckily late to arrive at the told the driver to hurry to the hospital, where Herrick had been taken.

She got in the emergency ward the hospital her personal assistant catching up as much as she could, what's her hurry the P.A muttered as she tries to breathe through the pacing.

Bibi met the front desk; she spoke quickly a Mr Herrick brought in here gun shot wound how is he can I see him you are family or friend? the front desk staff asked

A few clicks on the computer the front desk told Bibi to hold on a doctor will be out to see her, less than two minutes a young doctor approached and Bibi stood up to meet him, the doctor spoke first I am surgeon Oluwaniyi, your friend is going to make it. He said assumingly, we have quickly performed minor surgery on him indeed he is a lucky fellow Bibi finally took a breath and asked can I see him, he is in room 3a in recovery wing.

She started to walk towards the direction pointed by the doctor, she's walking and thinking how I got myself into this, he had come to ask for a job but it wasn't that simple.

After he left that day Bibi called him asked, they meet to celebrate this led to a meal and wine was involved.

Afterwards they had met a couple of times in secret of course it became an affair as both were available since their love lives was seemingly empty.

Call it fate, but they were both unmarried young adults. And there's that saying about the old itch or old log catching fire thing definitely not a baby maker deal. So now she's about 3 months pregnant and has not told him.

Whatever will she do if he died? she calmed herself as she reached the door of his then entered expecting to find him on his back, she was surprised he's on his feet. They hugged in that moment Herrick knew he was in love his fences melted.

He said her name in full Bibiane I love you; her response was shocking you better because I am Pregnant and don't ever pull anything like that again trying to be a hero, I mean what could the thieves take.

Herrick was frozen in time for that moment he didn't hear anything else after I am pregnant, he exclaimed What!! Am going to be a dad. He responded is this for real whoa!! what a coincidence because the ring I bought for you saved my life he put his hand into the hospital robe he had on brought out a ring having a bullet stuck in it.

The doctor says I am very luck the ring caught the bullet though the force from the shot pushed the bullet into my chest it only wounded me it didn't damage anything the doctors were able to remove both bullet and ring, as he explained Bibi jumped on him and kissed him deeply, he held her tightly for the moment.

You know I think I am ironman he whispered jokingly, there's only one thing left to do

when they let go each other he bent one knee and presented the mangled lucky ring. Will you marry me, Bibi was in tears yes, I will of course I will. He stood up put the ring on her finger it didn't go all the way in some way the ring resembled the story of their love precious but marred by events that overtake them but somehow, they have found each other and this time definitely for ever if such things exist.

Or at least this moment seems to last forever.

This time Bibi voice came clear the tears had stopped and the moment had sunk in properly,

We are naming him Andrew after my grandpa you know because he brought us together, yes, he came to check on me in school and had asked you where my classes were been held you took your time to bring him across the campus and even helped him up the stairs to surprise me when you left, he said the words that made me like you, Herrick asked what exactly did he say, hmm, ell he said that a fine young man with character.

Herrick laughed, said plus I am handsome…... and smart and lucky to have you they kissed the doctor says I can leave today this is nothing I beat a gunshot.

she hit him gently, he coughs in a bit of pain, men are babies they both laughed and kissed.

The End

Written by Moses Araba Dexstar

Xters list

Herrick ----

Bibiane -----

Grandpa ---

Doctor ----

Hospital front desk ---

H.R staff ---

Bibi company --- front desk

Extras --- others at the Bibi's company

People at the hospital

[i1]