"History is often the tale of small moments-chance encounters or casual decisions or sheer coincidence-that seem of little consequence at the time, but somehow fuse with other small moments to produce something momentous, the proverbial flapping of a butterfly's wings that triggers a hurricane." ~
Scott Anderson
.....
Nothing beats a good bedroom with the morning light shinning through it's windows. Extending a tired groan, Yaayi stretched with her arms raised above her head, glad to have slept early, for she felt so rejuvenated and relaxed.
Some minutes later, having bathed and had a change of clothes, she went about the house doing her daily chores and not forgetting to hum her village tunes. That was what makes her feel connected to her root.
Not long after, Mrs. Yomi came downstairs looking refreshed with her perfect make up and her always flowy dress. The perfume emitting from her could make the rats vacate the house for days. So strong it was.
"Good morning, madam! Yaayi burst out almost shrieking. "You look gorgeous, ma'm" not forgetting to complement her boss. She sure liked people doing that. Maybe that would make her calm today.
"Thanks" She replied with the flick of her left hand and the other supporting her Iphone with her eyes fixed on them.
"Set the table. But my beverage first" She commanded while drawing back the dinning chairs and dropping into it like a tired mule.
"Ok! Yaayi retorted as she partially flew towards the kitchen; her madam's voice could sure turn a simple walk to a flight.
Not long, the booming sound from the DSTV could be heard loud and clear with the land lady probably languishing on the cushion after having her wishes met.
"I'll be right back ma'm. I'd like to get something at TWINS FAJA" Yaayi informed her boss referring to the nearest supermarket along the street, though a little distant from the house.
She probably groaned, for Yaayi did not hear her answer. Her gaze was fixed on the morning news being broadcast on the television.
Yaayi left home but not without extending an heartfelt good morning to Mr. Charles who always fiddled with the generator. Probably to polish off his skill so he wouldn't forget what he learnt in Imo.
It didn't take long for her to get to her destination. She went in, ignoring the admiring glances she got from some security men at the entrance. Only God knows what attracts them in her long flannel skirt and baggy top.
She strolled towards the section tagged "Female accessories" and happily picked her favourite sanitary pad. Smiling, which was quiet becoming of her these days, she turned towards the counter to pay and collided. No. Stumbled upon a hard wall which was bemusingly someone's chest. A male one at that. A lady couldn't pack such amount of muscles.
She let out a shriek and presented the Mr. Muscle with her most feared glares. "You should watch where you are going Mr. Muscle! Wait, did she just say that aloud? She wished some magic could just take her from there right away, from such embarrassment.
She glanced upward to see the unfortunate man actually grinning. She flushed the more. Her eyes went red.
"Wow! Mr. Muscle indeed! Have been called many names but never that", the yet to be named man replied, his smile stretching out the more.
Yaayi could spot a dimple appearing on his left cheek. How could she even note that right now? The man was making jest out of her after almost toppling her to the floor.
Gripping her purchase more tightly she intended to bypass him. "Excuse me, sir. Since you can't even say sorry and probably lack manners, you are blocking my exit to the counter!" She said firmly. Making her voice go hard.
She realized the man wasn't someone to smile at. He would definitely take one for a fool.
"I'm not blocking your way you just refuse to pass" The man bit out, referring to the small space that extended from his side to the counter. Which Yaayi knew undoubtedly would make her rub off on him if she tried.
The man was a pervert! Really!
Yaayi didn't know where the power came from, but she successfully pushed passed him with an angry hiss, coming to stand in front of the counter. She paid for her purchase and hurried out, feeling the man's eyes on her back.
.....
"
Nothing beats a well-lit bedroom in the morning. Yaayi let out a tired groan as she stretched, feeling rejuvenated after a good night's sleep.
After bathing and changing clothes, she hummed her village tunes while going about her daily chores, feeling connected to her roots.
Soon, Mrs. Yomi appeared downstairs, looking refreshed with her immaculate makeup and flowing dress, her perfume filling the air.
"Good morning, madam!" Yaayi exclaimed, admiring her boss. "You look gorgeous today."
"Thanks," Mrs. Yomi replied absentmindedly, engrossed in her phone.
"Set the table, but fetch my beverage first," she commanded, sinking into a chair.
"Sure!" Yaayi replied, darting towards the kitchen, spurred on by her boss's authoritative tone.
As the TV blared in the background, Yaayi informed Mrs. Yomi of her quick errand to the nearby supermarket, Twins Faja.
Yaayi greeted Mr. Charles, the handyman, on her way out then made her way to the store, ignoring admiring glances from security guards.
Inside, she headed for the "Female accessories" section, smiling as she picked her favorite sanitary pads. But her smile faded when she collided with a muscular man.
"You should watch where you're going, Mr. Muscle!" Yaayi blurted out, feeling embarrassed.
The man grinned, amused by her nickname for him. "Wow, Mr. Muscle indeed! I've been called many things, but never that," he joked, his smile revealing a dimple.
A dimple? She wondered how she could even note that right now. The man was making jest of her after almost toppling her to the floor.
Ignoring his teasing, Yaayi firmly requested passage to the counter.
Gripping her purchase more tightly she intended to bypass him.
"Excuse me, sir. Since you can't even say sorry and probably lack manners, you are blocking my exit to the counter!" She said firmly. Making her voice go hard.
She realized the man wasn't someone to smile at. He would definitely take one for a fool.
"I'm not blocking your way you just refuse to pass" The man bit out, referring to the small space that extended from his side to the counter.
The man was a pervert! Really!
Yaayi didn't know where the power came from, but she successfully pushed passed him with an angry hiss, coming to stand in front of the counter. Still feeling the man's gaze on her as she paid for her purchase, she quickly hurried out.
...
Really? Folu. How could you! You almost gave that young lady a scare. A smiling man who had seen what happened came out just behind a door that led into the supermarket.
He was Folu Yomi's friend and the manager of the company.
"I didn't scare her, just teased her a bit. She's interesting," Folu replied, dismissing the incident.
Though more confused that a little thing as that lady could make him react that way.
Make him banter like a kid.
Definitely someone to avoid. With her long ugly skirt covering most of her, Folu believed she couldn't be more than 19 years.
A girl just out of the school room.
Just what his Mama would frown upon. She wasn't his type at all. He went for sophisticated and gentle lady. Not one full of fire and easily shared glares. That one was even out of sophistication. She moved as if something was chasing her.
Meanwhile, Yaayi's encounter left her flustered, while Folu, amused by the encounter, shifted his focus back to his friend that always made Nigeria fun for him when he came and swung his long arms across his shoulder, pushing him back into his office.
"I'm sure you have a lot of paperworks lieing on your desk. Why don't you go sort that out? I'll visit you again when I'm chanced. I believe I was about to go before you came out. And you know my mom. She prized a lot on punctuality. I don't want any of her dramas"
Folu urged his friend, helped him slam his office door while he turned his back and left, but not without seeing his friend watching him with his mouth hanging open. He sure knew he had avoided talking about what happened.
He smiled within himself and hasten his long legs towards his packed SUV. And more happy than ever to see his mom after 4 years.