From This Day

Lanre was busy talking to Sharon and the rest of the workers. She was already visibly angry by the time Chidinma got back from the office. Sharon had explained to her how the police came in and scattered some of her things and when they did not see her, they immediately took Chidinma with them without telling anyone why they were doing that. Of not for actress Timitola who was their saving grace, Chidinma would have slept in cell the previous day.

“Because of this thing, that woman will refund the money I paid for Chidinma’s one year training. She will also pay fine for assault and physical abuse on a minor. She’s mad!” Lanre said. Just then she turned to see Chidinma.

“We are closed for today. Cancel every appointment for today. You all should go home”. Lanre said to her workers. And when she was asked if everyone should come the following day to work, which was Wednesday, she told them it will be the usual two persons.

“Sharon and Aaron, just the two of you”. Lanre said.

“But madam, tomorrow supposed to be me and Pascal turn”. Uduak protested. Lanre eyes her disapprovingly. Uduak lowered her head.

“As last week supposed to be me and Pascal turn and everybody come last week because say everywhere tight, I kon think say we go stay this week. No vex madam”. Uduak explained her outburst to Lanre. She was thinking since their Wednesday’s were rotated, then she and Pascal was supposed to be at work the following day. But it seems Lanre would prefer Sharon and Aaron alone.

“From this day, no more madam! Call me Lanre! I’m sure some of you are older than me here. And please no pidgin is allowed here. Let’s act like professionals. Let’s work like a team. Is that taken?” Lanre said. Everyone answered yes in unison. Then she nods her head and walked into her office without much ado.

“Do you mind telling me what’s going on?” K asked her. She shook her head telling him no. Then she told him to leave as she was going to leave as well. K asked her if she was going home but she did not reply.

“I will drive you home”. K said to her. She abruptly throws her bag on the table. She forcefully pulled her hair screaming, all to try to stop herself from transferring her aggression on K.

“Do not worry about me. Just leave”. Lanre said to K. Then she sat on the table blowing out air from her mouth to help her relax a little. K stood up from the chair he was sitting on. He placed his hand on her shoulders and gave her a soothing massage.

“It’s okay if you don’t want to tell me. But you have to if it is killing you, so you don’t get depressed”. K said to her. Lanre asked him if he thinks he is the right person for her to tell her problems. K didn’t reply.