NewStats: 3,263,464 , 8,180,208 topics. Date: Friday, 06 June 2025 at 03:40 AM 25c51

[11/23, 8:30 PM] RiverFire❤️💻👩🏽‍💻📚: As she strolled around the greenery of Udo Udoma Park, Helen couldn't help but adore the still quiet pool and the white birds that floated above it. She enjoyed serenity, there was so much peace in being alone. Well, she'd been alone almost all her life. Her heart shuddered as she spotted some raffia huts at the park which had golden bells, mistletoes and the little Santa toys that were picturesque of the Christmas season.

"Damn!" She gritted her teeth and quickly looked away. A deep sharp pain cut through her...the season where she would relive all her pains was here again. She had lost her parents ten years back on Christmas day. For some reason, each Christmas season came with its own gift of doom for her family.

Helen decided that her little tour of her new environment was over. She had just moved to Uyo and had gotten a house around the park area. By Monday, she hoped to attend an interview at the famous Chocolito Enterprise, it's Uyo branch.

"Chocolito here we go," her lips moved as she tried to distract herself from the obvious Christmas decorations that littered about.

"Aunty! Aunty!" Tiny voices laced with an innocence that only angels could recommend called.

Helen turned to face the children with a smile. But they giggled mischievously and dispersed, but one remained.

"Hi... I'm Helen." She flashed a smile that showed her deep dimples. She lowered her body to a full squat, so she could reach the level of the girl who she assumed was about five or six.

The light skinned girl grinned, her front teeth had gone on sabbatical.

"My name is Elvina. But my friends call me Uduak. Here...have a Christmas Barbie." Elvina pointed a polished sweet looking doll that was adorned in a red dress and golden shoes.

Helen's hands trembled as she accepted the doll. How she hated Christmas and anything that had to do with it!

"Thank you Elvina...I have to go now." Helen's fingers clutched tightly around the doll as she marched briskly out of the park. She will throw that doll away. Nothing related to the season of bad luck would be found in her new home.

Well away from the verdure park, Helen looked around the scanty street of Eyo Avenue...

"Perfect!" Her eyes discovered a huge plastic trash pan. Hurriedly she tossed the doll in and hurried home.

Chocolito was one of the biggest food brands in Nigeria and Africa. She was applying for an advertising role...Aniekan Martins was the C.E.O. It was rumored that he would be at the interview hall. The thought of beholding such a powerful and attractive bachelor whose name was always on the lips of ladies made her more anxious.

"Welcome Madam." The security man waved at her as she opened the gate.

"Thank you oga..." Helen thought that his belly carried all the economic problems of Nigeria. Surely, he was a beer drinker.

When the smile vanished from her face, she continued towards the string of flats where she stayed.

"Madam... please wait." The chubby man moved towards her.

"Ehn?" Helen's bushy brow erected in wonder.

"Na you be Madam Helen abi? I never too grab your name wella." He smiled.

Helen nodded, she noticed that he was holding a fancy bags. It looked like there was a parcel inside it.

"Person say make I give you this gift...I bin no wan collect am o. But the small girl tell me say na her mama send am to deliver the gift." He explained while offering her the bag.

Helen scoffed. Definitely there was another Helen in the vicinity because she wasn't expecting any parcel. Her sister, Idara was far away in Lagos and wasn't comfortable enough to send gifts. Her older brother was married and had cut them off. Her best friends, Hilary and Ndueidem wouldn't dare send her a Christmas gift.

"Look am. Just take..." The man's hands insisted.

Reluctantly, Helen took the bag and looked inside. Clearly, it was a parcel concealed in yet another plastic bag. She pulled out the parcel and almost screamed.

What was inside was an exact replica of the doll she had thrown inside the trash pan.

Hi guys. Good evening. Let's enjoy this beautiful story together. I post everyday. ♥️♥️♥️

Helen’s arms trembled as she continued to stare at the mysterious doll. She could swear that she’d thrown the doll she was given by the girl into the trash bin. She blinked twice and stared at the package again.
“Madam, everything dey alright?” The security man had been watching her.
“I don’t think this parcel is for me.” Helen quickly shook her head and quickly returned it. Before he could protest, Helen had marched briskly towards her room. She sighed with relief as she opened the door and sighted her large bed. Finally, she could relax, then later prepare for her interview that was on Monday.
Her lips parted as she yawned and stretched on the blue bed. A sense of peace overwhelmed her now that she was far away from the Christmas spirit and activities that saturated the air. She scoffed as she ed someone inviting her to the famous Uyo Christmas Village, still around her neighborhood…Christmas, while it represented light, love and joy for others, it was a period of darkness and gloom. She had lost both parents during Christmas; there had to be something dark about the period, there just had to be.
She rested her head against the pillow,and gently closed her eyes, hoping that sleep would come take her away. For some reason, she felt disturbed by the strong harmatan breeze that blew through the open window of the room.
“Not now…” She couldn’t risk catching cold. She had to best and healthiest for the interview. With solid determined steps, she reached the window and was about to force it shut when she caught sight of a little girl.
“Elvina?” She spotted the girl from the park who’d given her a doll.
“Bye aunty!!!” Elvina called back, waved and scurried towards the yard of the compound.
Helen scoffed and thought that it was weird that she’d seen the same girl twice. Then it hit her. Maybe Elvina lived in the same neighborhood? And had probably seen her dumping the doll? Then had fetched it out, parceled it and dropped it with the security man?
But that would be too fast! Helen decided that all things would be clear once she awoke from sleep.

What the papers said about the C.E.O of Chocolito Enterprise were true. That Aniekan Martins was one of the most hard working business owners in the country, and was the fifth richest man in Nigeria. It was also true that he was one of the youngest billionaires in Africa. His worth ethics of consistency, diligence and ion for duty were worth emulating. That Aniekan was an extremely attractive and powerful man, women couldn’t help but adore him.
“The rich also cry…” His lips moved slowly as he stared at the photograph of Naomi and her little princess.
Carissa’s large brown eyes ran over the naked form before her. She ate him greedily with her looks, while secretly hoping that the ionate lovemaking would bear fruit; that would be the fastest way to cement her position in Aniekan’s life. Even when he was completely relaxed, and didn’t need any effort to stay attractive, Aniekan’s godlike handsomeness still shone like a radiant white light in darkness.
The man was tall and slender, 6ft plus. His deep chocolate complexion made added to his sweet allure. Whenever he smiled, his dark eyes would lighten up and start a fire in the heart of the woman that was watching him.
“What do you think? Should I interview the rookies myself or let my team do it?” Aniekan spun around to stare at his lover.
Carissa felt her heart pounding abruptly as she stared at his hard body, his taut nipples and the proud length of his lower member. How could one man be so perfect?
“Um…” She looked away and tried to think. Dating a man like Aniekan wasn’t an easy task. He loved intelligent women. His late wife Naomi was just as cerebral as he was. She was so accomplished and responsible that she ran a half of Chocolito. Carissa understood this. The fastest means she’d employed to get him to notice her was mirroring everything that her late best friend was.
“Interview them. It shows that you’re interested in Chocolito Uyo. This would keep mangers of other branches on their toes, knowing that you could show up at any time to peruse through their activities.” Carissa straightened on the bed, and kept her eyes on his face.
“Okay, I’ll think about it.” He turned around and stared at the picture of his late wife, Naomi and his late daughter Uduak. Although they had died five years back, the pain of their loss still haunted him.
Carissa’s jaw tightened as she noticed he was still staring at Naomi’s picture. She hated that. Why was it so hard for him to get them out of his mind?
“You know…after they both died, I never thought I’d know happiness again. Thank God I found you.” Aniekan pushed the dark memories aside and moved towards the bed.
“But your family don’t see it that way. They see me as a betrayer. They feel I am betraying my best friend. But I love you darling…I want you to see that.” Her stomach fluttered as his fingers cupped her left cheek.
His voice was husky and broken, “I know you do. You guide me just as Naomi did, and every step of the way.” Aniekan suddenly stood up when a knock sounded on the door.
Carissa ed him on her feet. She stared at him in confusion.
“I’m not expecting anyone. But dress up. Stay here.” He moved towards his wardrobe, snatched a bathrobe and slipped it on. Aniekan gritted his teeth as he marched towards the door. Whoever had intruded better had an important explanation to make.
“Bassey?” Aniekan bit his lip to prevent from yelling at his younger sister.
Bassey’s smile faded when she caught the scent of a familiar woman who was trying to con her way into Aniekan’s life.
“Don’t tell me that bitch is here!” Bassey advanced towards the door yelling.
“Carissa bitch! You shameless LovePeddler! Naomi was your friend, you shouldn’t be sleeping with her man bitch!” Bassey angrily pushed against her brother who blocked her from getting into the bedroom.
“This is getting old. I might get you arrested. Carissa is an adult, so am I. We’re free to date whoever we want to. And prepare yourself, one day Carissa would become my wife. I wouldn’t entertain any wrong treatment of her.”
Bassey’s nostrils flared in anger. She decided that it was best to ignore Carissa and focus on the message she’d come to deliver.
“I don’t mean to hurt your feelings brother, but someone suspects that Elvina may still be alive.” Without waste of time, she unzipped her bag, then fetched a white envelope containing pictures of the child that one of her friends had spotted playing around Udo Udoma Park.
“Carissa is after your wealth. I wish you could open your eyes to it.”

Hope your article gets better and better! www.onebirthdaywishes.com

The days of the cursed month she hated most flew like they had double wings. Weekend was over already, and there she was standing in front of her mirror; all dressed in a tight pencil skirt, and a yellow top which highlighted her brownish complexion. As Helen applied some perfume to her ensemble, she began to wonder if she stood a chance.
“Chocolito, Chocolito,” it was one of the biggest food brands globally. As she grabbed her bag and marched towards the door, she began to wonder what would happen if she didn’t get the job. It would be a disaster! She had taken a huge loan to rent a house, to buy dresses that she couldn’t ordinarily afford just to fit the part.
She had just stepped out of the gate when her phone buzzed inside her bag.
“Ndueidem?” Helen picked out impatiently. One of her best friends was calling, but this wasn’t a good time! Already, sweat glided down the sides of her face as tear drops, almost destroying the classical career woman look she was trying to portray.
“Hey babe…how are you preparing for your interview?” Ndueidem could sense the anxiety in her best friend’s voice, but she didn’t care. Helen was the nervous one. Well, she didn’t blame her. After losing two of her parents during Christmas, life wasn’t entirely a pocket of roses for her.
“Can we talk later? I’m so scared Ndy. Like…I know I have tried my best to look good. But I know I wouldn’t be the only one. There are people far better than I am.” Helen’s wrists began to tremble as she spoke.
“Just breathe darling. Everything is going to be alright.” Ndueidem whispered.
“I’m breathing. I have to go now!” Helen flagged down an orange minibus.
“Aka uke?” The grumpy old man barked at her.
“Um…Chocolito.” She replied and got in without waiting for his approval.
“5000 Naira!” He returned, his eyes slowly taking in the pretty young lady.
“Oga…please drop me!” Helen cut in abruptly.
“Chocolito far from here. E be like you need get there on time. I no go carry any other enger but you. 5000 dey okay.” He ignited the power of the engine, but hesitated to move the car, still waiting for her agree.
Her nostrils dilated as she inhaled deeply.
“2000. That’s all I have.” She nibbled her lower lip, while watching the driver’s face.
“Add something abeg. Add something.” He insisted, his frown softening as he began to chuckle.
“2500. Please let’s go!” Helen snapped at him.
Once the journey had started, reaching a comfortable distance, he began to talk.
“That man don suffer o! Fire burn him wife and pikin, one night!” The driver adjusted the volume of his radio.
At first, Helen didn’t pick interest. All she could think about was the interview. Will the be harsh? Will they throw difficult questions?
“Erm, which man be that?” Helen decided she was too harsh on the man.
He shrugged, “The Chocolito man now. Aniekan Martins. The man na very good somebody o! Him dey help plenty of our people, both in Akwa-Ibom and outside, but that bad tin still come do am…” He ended the conversation with a sigh.
Helen was shocked to hear the news, because as popular as Aniekan Martins was, that aspect of his life was scarcely reported. Her breathing doubled as she sighted a gigantic golden building that absorbed all the glory of Utuk Industrial layout. Everything about Chocolito screamed pedigree and class. Her heart sank as she spotted hundreds of sparkling tear-rubber vehicles.
Did she really belong here?

Helen hurriedly paid the man and scurried towards the entrance. There, she found a long queue of applicants. Heart was heavy as she realized that it would take days to get in. Just how many people had heard of this interview?
“Ouch!” Helen staggered, almost falling as someone pushed her from behind. The applicants were starting to revolt against the security officers that stopped them at the gate. Helen knew that she had to find a way to get out of there as there could be stampede anytime.
Hurriedly, she took off the stilettos that she’d chosen for her look. She unzipped her bag and took out a pair of blue slippers with ribbons that dangled in their front.
“Hello Aunty!” A soft hand tapped her from behind.
“Geez! Elvina!” Helen was shocked as she turned around. The little girl that’d given her the Christmas Barbie…
“Um…what are you doing here?” Helen raised a brow.
Elvina shrugged, “Um…my uncle works here. I follow him sometimes when there’s no one to stay with me at home.” She explained, and gestured with her small hands.
Helen tried guessing her age as she spoke.
“That’s great. But I have to go now.” Helen’s eyes boiled with tears as she realized the job situation of the country.
“You’re going? I…I thought you came to attend the interview…” Little Elvina scratched her head.
“There’s a way to take you inside the building.” Elvina smiled, hoping this would make the lady happy.
“A way? How?” Helen scoffed.
“Trust me. I’ve been around here very many times. Now come!” Elvina wriggled her way through the thick crowd, leaving Elvina with two options: to stay back, or to allow a child she barely knew lead her. Well, she needed the job.
***
Aniekan’s thick dark brows met at the middle of his polished forehead. He leaned against the window and wondered how news about the interview had leaked. His blood boiled as he waited for his petulant secretary to report. Uyoima was in charge of the communications team. It was her job to protect information like this.
“Are you still angry with me?” Bassey’s tall heels clicked in announcement of her entrance.
Somehow the sound of his sister’s voice decreased his annoyance. He was supposed to stay mad at Bassey Martins for interfering in his relationship with Clarissa. But this was not the time or place to challenge her.
“We need to sort this out! My name, the brand name will be in the mud! Uyoima was supposed to handle this. We had hundreds of applicants, but she’d sent invites to only hundred after going through their resumes and validating it. Now we’re going to lose everything…” Aniekan hated incompetence. He marched towards the refrigerator and quickly grabbed a bottle of water before he got man.
Bassey stood calmly and watched her brother. Everyone inside the building was terrified of the enormous crowd outside. She leaned against the window and wondered how best they could handle it.
“I will address the crowd. I think you should start screening, interviewing those that managed to get in. For the hundred we were hoping for, I doubt we could get to them. But whatever happens, we must maintain the image of Chocolito.”
Aniekan affirmed all what she offered with a nod, before proceeding to open the bottle and empty the icy water into his mouth.
“Expecting someone?” Bassey’s brow erected as a loud knock sounded on the door.
Aniekan ran his tongue over his wet lips.
“Probably Uyoima. You just saved her ass. I was going to fire her!” He dropped the bottle gently on the table.
“Come in!” Bassey continued to stare at her brother. Sometimes, she wondered how he found strength to live without his beautiful wife…and Elvina? She hadn’t completed the talk about his daughter whom a certain photographer had claimed to see somewhere.
“See you later. Time to address the crowd!” Bassey marched towards the door only to stop abruptly as she door opened and an extremely attractive woman rushed in like someone had pushed her from behind.
“Elvina! Wait!” Helen beckoned on the little girl, but she scurried through the lonely hallway.

Helen bit her lip, unsure of where she was or how to begin. But she was certain of one thing, she had seen the handsome billionaire, Aniekan Martins face to face. The pictures had lied, this man was far too attractive for his own good. It began to make sense why even her best friends always talked about him.
“Who are you?” A chubby dark skinned woman, with the same sharp nose as Aniekan fired her an icy stare.
Helen pulled in a deep breath, at least that would help her steady herself before she thought of what to do to Elvina! How could a little girl be so mischievous? She’d hoped that Elvina would lead her to the right place, instead of shoving her into someone’s office and then disappearing without a trace.
“Helen ma. The name’s Helen…” She felt like saying more but stopped. She tried to fight it, keep it down but her anxiety got the best of her. Her stomach began to boil and make noises.
Aniekan had been studying the lady carefully. He thought she was demure. Pretty yes she was, but not to his taste. Why was he even concerned about her looks? There was just something about her that he couldn’t place a finger on. He ignored the women’s conversation, turned his back and moved towards the fridge.
“Don’t you have a surname?” Bassey’s brows erected, she scoffed. From the way the lady dressed, and the large brown envelop that stuck out of her bag, she was clearly an applicant. Not impressive, Bassey thought. First, the girl lacked the confidence for someone that desired to work with a big brand like Chocolito. Secondly, staring into Helen’s golden brown eyes sent a shudder down her spine. There was something about her that was all too familiar. She hated to say it. Or to even think about it. But she had a slight resemblance to Naomi.
Helen could tell that the woman was sizing her up. Was her inferiority complex that obvious? In that moment, her shame and weakness began to vanish, bit by bit as painful memories of poverty and harsh times flashed thought her mind. She had struggled through school without help from any source, especially after losing two parents. This was her dream. This was the moment she’d always wanted-a chance to shine, to make it. She had a life to live! She had siblings to cater for!
He knew why he’d turned his back on the lady. From the moment she’d walked in, he’d caught her perfume. That alone had sparked a curiosity in him. He had decided that his heart would be for Clarissa after losing Naomi, and he was a man of his word.
“Why are you here?” He cut in, uncomfortably shifting his gaze from the cheap looking weave she had on. His eyes travelled from her roundish forehead, to her large golden brown eyes that were shaped like almonds. They shone like stars upon a very dark night. Her broad nose sat proudly above a pair of deliciously pretty thick pink lips. His adoration stopped at her unique skin tone- she stood in between brown and light, white chocolate.
Helen’s nostrils dilated as she stared from Aniekan to Bassey. She had to sell herself! She had prepared for this. Away with shyness, Helen marched towards the glass table, hurriedly dropped her bag, opened the envelop and brought out two white sheets.
“Have this please…” she rushed towards Bassey with one, before reaching out to Aniekan.
The Martins exchanged glares.
“Good morning everyone, my name is Helen Akpan. I am sorry for wasting your time. I was invited to be interviewed for the position of Project Instructive Manager for Chocolito Uyo. I am here for innovation. Before applying, I have spent almost 18 months monitoring the growth, and studying business patterns of Chocolito enterprise…” She paused to see if she got their attention.
Aniekan dropped the soda can, and caressed his chin as he watched her.
“Yes, Chocolito has dominated many Nigerian and African markets, and is quite successful…”
“Quite successful? That’s insulting. We’re the best!” Bassey scoffed.
“Bassey!” Aniekan raised a hand, he was enjoying this.
“But not as big as Unilever…I want us to go global. To be known in major markets and superstores in Europe. America. Asia!” Helen smiled.
“How do you plan to do that as project manager?” Aniekan spotted her dimples and thought she looked prettier when she smiled.
“Simple. Chocolito needs a face. That’s how brands are made. That’s how they are sustained.” Helen replied.
“Whoa…I didn’t see that coming. You’re really good with words.” Bassey was surprised that the timid aura had completely disappeared and was replaced by this confident saleswoman.
“I like your ideas. I’d like to employ you.” Aniekan’s heart skipped and she flashed another smile. He quickly looked away and fixed his eyes on his sister.
Bassey understood and rushed towards him.
“Let’s hire her. We need fresh ideas.” Bassey liked Helen already.
“I…I have to speak to the team.” Aniekan stuttered. Right now, he depended on Clarissa for major decisions. She’d come to play a pivotal role since he’d fallen in love with her.
Bassey’s teeth jammed as she frowned. Her hatred for that two faced woman increased.

“Tell Clarissa that if she tries to interfere, I will deal with her.” Bassey angrily swirled round and walk past Helen without uttering a word. How could Aniekan be so blinded by love? First, Clarissa had somehow manipulated him to hire her as a staff of Chocolito Uyo, and now she was determining who gets hired?
Helen had a feeling they’d just spoken about her. Gingerly, she swept her bag off the table, wondering why the lady walked away seemingly angry.
“Um…Helen?” Aniekan held his breath as their eyes met.
“That would be all. Drop your documents on the table. We’ll get back to you soon.”
“Okay sir. Thank you sir.” Helen quickly dropped the envelope then rushed out of the cold office.
She didn’t know her fate, but joy welled up inside of her. Quickly, she unzipped her bag, fetched her phone and got ready to dial her friends. While searching frantically, she felt to see the slender woman whose face was in her own phone.
Gbam! Both women clashed into one another.
“Geez! Are you blind?” Clarissa staggered while angrily staring at the shabbily dressed lady.
At this point, Helen’s bag was on the floor and all its contents scattered.
“I…I am sorry Ma.” Helen fell to her knees and began to gather her things.
Clarissa eyed her angrily, then paused.
“Are you new here?”
“Um. Yes. No. I…came for the interview.” Helen managed a smile.
“Really?” Clarissa bit her lower lip.
“And have you been interviewed?” She held her breath.
“Yes. I did a presentation of what I hope to achieve when I’m hired.” Helen liked that the woman was interested in her.
“The interview hall is downstairs, why are you on this floor?” Again, Clarissa was surprised.
Helen shrugged, “I…don’t really know. But I presented before Mr. Aniekan Martins and he said he’d get back to me.”
Clarissa’s red mouth parted, showing a clean set of small and scattered dentition. She chuckled at the thought of the billionaire reaching out to this cretin.
“Darling…” She slowly covered the little gap that stood between them.
“The fact that a dove has wings, doesn’t mean it should fly amongst eagles. I doubt if anyone told you how ugly your wig looks, and how bad you smell. Chocolito doesn’t approve of tacky and shabby. Thanks for coming, but you won’t get the job.” With an impish wink at the lady, Clarissa spun on her heel and marched towards her lover’s office.
Sometimes she had plans of her own-she had relatives that were unemployed, and all the slots would be for them. And sometimes, she enjoyed stepping on toes because she had the power to do so. She had Aniekan eating from the palm of her hands, nothing could stop her.
But something else bothered her…Bassey had claimed that someone had spotted Elvina or Uduak as the girl was officially known, somewhere.
***

Time had ed. After struggling for hours to get out of the crowded building, Helen had decided to stop by a local restaurant in the neighborhood to rest. She had fought the urge to cry after her encounter with the mean lady. For a woman of that standard of beauty, she was evil. From the way she spoke, she held a lot of influence at Chocolito; her dreams of working there were gone with the wind.
“Hey…” Helen beckoned to the waiter. She’d sat at the lonely corner for two hours, taking occasional sips of the bottle water she ordered. From where she sat, she could spot the eerie darkness of the evening approach. She decided to spend a little more time, maybe by the time she got home, sleep would come and she’d forget everything that had happened earlier.
“Good evening Ma.” A scrawny waitress wearing a funny looking beret approached her.
“Do you have pepper soup?” Helen scanned the place. It seemed the crowd was doubling now that evening had come.
“Yes Ma. We have goat, catfish and beef.” The waiter returned.
“Catfish is fine. A little rice too.” Helen looked up from the surface of the plastic table.
“That’s 3500 Ma.” The girl said.
Helen shrugged, “That’s fine.” She pushed a smile as the waiter left to prepare her order. Her thoughts were whirling. Her heart ached from the disappointment. There was only one way to keep her thoughts intact, before she slipped into depression again. Drawing. Helen loved to draw, paint or even create doodles whenever she was bored.
The first idea that came to her mind was drawing Elvina’s face. She couldn’t explain it, but the thought of that little girl made her happy, albeit briefly. How would little Elvina feel if she didn’t get the job?
“I’m sorry sweetheart…” Helen pulled out a clean white sheet from her bag, grabbed a pen and began to draw.
She had gotten the shape of Elvina’s young and roundish face. But suddenly paused as she felt an odd sensation rising from the back of her neck. It felt like she was being watched…
She dismissed the feeling and returned to her work.
“Good evening aunty…” A small voice called.
When Helen looked up, her heart missed a beat.
“And I was just thinking of you Elvina. Where have you been? Why did you leave me back at Chocolito?” Helen pretended to be angry.

@Junaina please continue. I'm intrigued.

bigbauer:
@Junaina please continue. I'm intrigued.

Wow. I will. Thank you

“Make it two plates!” Helen raised a finger as the waitress approached her.
“You like pepper soup don’t you?” She turned to Elvina, who eagerly watched her face, and stole glances at whatever Helen was trying to draw.
“Yes. Aunty.” Elvina smiled.
“So…tell me, where did you go?” Helen quickly turned over the sheet she’d been doing the drawing on, Elvina couldn’t know that she was trying to draw her. While waiting for the little girl to explain, an idea suddenly popped into her mind! If she was called back for the interview, she would suggest that they use a child’s face to promote Chocolito cereals, after all, a facial brand was all what they needed to push the brand forward.
Elvina inhaled deeply, then placed her small hands on the table. For the first time, Helen was able to take a closer look at the pale looking child. She had roundish shiny eyes whose color moved between blue and deep brown. She just couldn’t add a name to the color.
“I…I forgot to do something. I was sent on an errand.” Elvina stuttered.
“Oh really?” Helen stared at the tip of her smallish nose, pointed and strong. In all, her large colorful eyes were her finest features and maybe her light honey complexion. Helen decided that she was the perfect face for Chocolito brand! She couldn’t wait to share her idea.
“So…how did it go?” Elvina shifted closely, eager for details.
Helen leaned forward and took the little girl’s hands. They seemed abnormally cold, like she’d been stuck in a freezer for years.
“I don’t know how to thank you Elvina. I met face to face with Aniekan Martins! The CEO!” Helen replied. But she suddenly stopped when she noticed the sad look in Elvina’s eyes.
“What is it?” Helen caressed her cold hands gently, hoping rubbing them could make them cold.
Absent mindedly, Elvina’s lips moved.
“He’s in trouble. You need to save him.”
“What did you say?” Helen scoffed.
As if out of a trance, Elvina pulled her hands away and sat straight.
“That means you’ll get the job right?” Elvina whispered.
It was Helen’s turn to be sad.
“I don’t know yet. I was sure before, until I bumped into one mean woman.”
“Can you describe her?” Elvina bit her small lips.
Helen thought she acted more mature than her age.
“Tall. Very light skinned. Has red lips and small scattered teeth. How old are you again?” Helen asked.
Clarissa! Elvina’s thick dark brows connected in a frown that ate up her entire face. The betrayer had the nerve!
“Madam Clarissa. Be careful of her, everyone is afraid of her except…” Elvina paused. It was not yet time to reveal everything.
“You know so much.” Helen kept observing the little girl.
“If you really want this job Aunty Helen…please go to Bewet Estate, where you’ll find the Martins Mansion. Find Madam Bassey Martins, all workers at Chocolito like her. Tell her I sent you, and you’ll get the job.” She was still speaking when her toes began to tingle. It was time to return. Quickly, Elvina stood up and rushed out of the restaurant before Helen could call her back.
“Elvina! Hey!” Helen rushed after, but Elvina succeeded in outsmarting her.
“Madam Bassey Martins…” Helen repeated the words. Was she desperate enough to take instructions form a little girl that was shrouded in mystery?
And what did Elvina mean by “Aniekan Martins is in danger?” By the time the waiter had returned, she’d lost her appetite.
“Please package for me. I really need to go.” While gathering her things, she knew the best people to talk to were her best friends.

Getting rid of the crowd hadn’t been an easy feat, but Bassey Martins had proven herself capable of the job. With her friendly nature, and kind gestures, she’d been able to encourage the teeming population of unemployed youths to try again the following year. Now she was in her brother’s office cooling off with a bottle of red wine.
Although Clarissa was in the office, she’d decided to ignore her, and whatever she was trying to suggest in low tones to her older brother. When they were finished, Aniekan, decided it was best to gather all those involved in the employment process for a meeting.
“Can you fetch Uyoima? I’ll need Andre and the rest.” Aniekan drummed his fingers nervously against the table.
“Sure.” Clarissa pecked his head lightly before strolling out casually.
“You’re sweating. The AC is on. Weird if you ask me.” She savored the sour taste of the wine as she fixed her eyes on her brother. She could read him like a book. Something was bothering him.
Aniekan forced a smile, “Can you mind your business sis? I promise you that I am alright.”
“From my investigations, Uyoima and the others were able to interview 50 people who had applied. Somehow, they were able to sneak into the building. From the 50, she claimed ten were qualified.” Bassey caressed the wineglass as she explained.
“That’s a good development. But right now we can only hire ten people. And…Clarissa already has ten.” He shifted uncomfortably.
Slowly, Bassey’s chubby fingers reached out for what was left in the bottle. Then she suddenly paused, dropped the bottle and faced her brother.
“Can you repeat that? I don’t quite understand.”
Aniekan felt his chest heating up. His love was Clarissa was so strong that he hated to refuse her of her demands. Deep down, he knew that Helen, the lady that bumped into his office had everything they needed. In fact, she was the new face of Chocolito, Uyo. He hadn’t come across such a smart and talented job seeker for a very long time. But Clarissa had strictly warned against her…he had to listen. Everything Clarissa always pointed was true.
“Clarissa has candidates too. They are most qualified from her ratings. Surely, you don’t expect me to trust Uyoima after what she did. Her carelessness had led to the leakage of sensitive information which led to a mammoth crowd coming to Chocolito. I don’t think I want to hire anyone from her end.” Aniekan rose from his chair and moved towards the window.
“Fair enough. Helen Akpan has to be amongst the ten. I like her. She’s competent in her presentation, and I believe her input will improve Chocolito’s chances globally. Now that she mentioned that we don’t have a face, I believe that is what other brands use against us.” Bassey returned.
“Other brands like?” He pinned himself against the wall and stared down the street. The truth was that he couldn’t stop thinking about Helen. There was something immensely mysterious about her…yes, she was smart, but Clarissa was smarter. For a long while, he hadn’t found himself thinking of another woman apart from Clarissa.
“From the news, Sugar Bites is fast rising and is next to us. We should step up with fresh ideas. I hate to see that bastard gloat.” Bassey abandoned her wine and ed her brother by the window.
“Are you afraid of Ekerette Jordan?” Aniekan scoffed at one of their biggest and fiercest competitors in the food production market.
“No. We need Helen to brand Chocolito.” Bassey replied.
“I’m sorry. We can’t hire her. Ten people from Clarissa are enough.” Aniekan gritted his teeth.
“Is that what that witch sent you to do?” Bassey started calmly, not wanting to raise her voice. It was now clear what Clarissa had been discussing with her brother in low tones.
“Yes. I trust her.” Aniekan hated to be undermined by his sister.
“Did she interview Helen herself?” Bassey chuckled.
“Yes. I trust her instincts more than yours. You’re always emotional where Clarissa is logical!” Aniekan snapped at her.
“Really? If you think, I’ll let that bitch of yours take up any more space in this company I struggled to build, you’re joking. If Helen isn’t hired along with the ten, I’ll raise hell!” Without waste of time, Bassey spun on her heel and moved towards the door.
Just in time, Clarissa walked in with Uyoima and other of the employment team.
“Where are you off to? We’re about to have a meeting!” Clarissa stared from Bassey to Aniekan who appeared helpless.
Bassey paused and pointed at her.
“If you value your peace and safety, stay out of my path. If Helen isn’t consulted and called up on Monday, I will make this place a living hell for you, and everyone!” Bassey barked angrily then strolled out of the office.
“Are you threatening me?” Clarissa’s voice trembled.
“You’ll find out!” Those were Bassey’s last words before she left the room.
Aniekan was torn between his sister, and the woman that he loved. But he knew Bassey all too well.
“We’ll have this meeting later!” He quickly dismissed the others.
“Are you going to hire that tacky lady? What does Bassey see in her?” Clarissa grumbled.
“I’m sorry darling. I have to disobey you this once…just this once…it will never happen again.” Aniekan pulled her into his arms.
“You’re letting her control you! Bassey doesn’t have your interest at heart. You’ll regret hiring that woman.” Clarissa’s chest tightened. She was losing control, and that was bad. The creator wasn’t going to be pleased.
***

“Are you saying you saw, and were interviewed by Aniekan Martins himself?!” Ndueidem nibbled on the spicy goat meat that Helen had brought for her. She was thrilled that her friend was getting a shot at the biggest food brand in the country and beyond. At first, the journey had started out blurry, bit things were getting clearer by the day.
Helen smiled, “It was just like a dream. I still find it difficult to believe…but.” She fetched a glass of water from the table slab in Ndueidem’s spacious kitchen.
“No buts! I hate it when you become pessimistic.” Ndueidem raised a finger in the air.
“It’s serious Ndy. There’s a woman I bumped into shortly after the interview. I thought that as one of the most beautiful women that I have ever seen, that she would be as pretty in character as her looks. She assured me that I wouldn’t be getting the job because of my tacky looks.” Helen led the glass to her lips and sipped calmly.
Ndueidem stopped chewing, “Who is she?”
Helen shrugged, “Someone told me her name is Clarissa.” Thinking of Elvina, Helen decided not to tell her best friend about it. It would be laughable that she was relying on a little girl to take important life decisions. She decided to check the Martins mansion the next day. She really needed a job. In fact, it was for that reason that she’d relocated.
“Girl, that’s a bad one. Working at Chocolito is going to improve your ratings. Why would anyone be mischievous enough to stop that?” Her friend asked.
Helen exhaled slowly and started to smile. She soon realized that sharing her problems made her feel lighter. She bit her lip and looked away from her best friend’s penetrating gaze, not wanting to lay emphasis on how the little girl had helped her.
“So tell me…is Aniekan Martins as handsome as the papers say?” Nduiedem dipped a fork into the bowl, it clutched another flesh piece of meat.
Helen’s heart leapt like a young goat learning its first hop upon a hill. The negative energy that Clarissa had sent her way had doused her iration for her soon-to-be boss.
“He’s extremely attractive, but strict. I see why ladies fall for him.” Helen knew deep down that if she wasn’t careful, her heart could start straying to thoughts that didn’t concern her. But she was certain of one thing…a man like Aniekan could never approach a woman like herself. The gap between them was too wide. A classy and elegant belle like Madam Clarissa was all what he needed.
“Sad. He lost his wife Naomi, and his daughter Uduak, in a fire many years back. Hmm!” Ndueidem looked away from her friend and moved towards the sink to wash her hands.
“Enough about myself. How’s your company?” Helen had always ired her friend’s hard working nature. In fact, Ndueidem’s devotion to her own food company was what had driven her to Chocolito. As a sales representative and brand manager, Ndueidem was very ionate for Sugar Bites. The only difference was that where Ndueidem was reckless, brute and ready to do anything to promote her business, Helen was reserved and contemplative.
“Sugar Bites is fine.” Ndueidem pushed a smile. She suddenly recalled that she was supposed to be in a Zoom meeting with the creator and the others.
“Um…are you staying the night or?” She asked Helen.
“No. It’s just 7:00PM. I can find my way back, I’ve got some business to handle very early in the morning.” Helen responded.
“Great then! I’ll walk you down my street.” Nduiedem offered.
The friends walked silently until Helen was able to flag down a vehicle that would take her to her street. She waved at her best friend and burrowed into the tricycle. It was when the trip had started that she soon realized two rough looking men.
“Um…” She couldn’t explain what she felt, but she had a feeling that she was in trouble.
Helen bit her lip and tried to think of a reason to stop the tricycle driver from continuing the journey, but it was too late. Suddenly, a darkness overwhelmed her and all that was left was a sharp and piercing scream.

“Jesus!” Aniekan screamed and straightened in the middle of the bed.
“Honey?” Clarissa was a light sleeper, so she awoke from his startling scream.
“What happened? You alright?” She quickly rushed out of bed, and towards the fridge at the far end of the room to fetch him some water.
“I…had a dream. It’s Helen. She may be in trouble.” He spoke in a rush, sweat gliding the sides of his face.
Clarissa walked slowly back with a bottle of cold water in her hand.
“Helen? Which Helen?” As she handle the bottle to him, she raked her brain, trying to recall if he had any friend or loved one by the name Helen.
Aniekan bit his lip, almost regretting why he’d shared the dream.
“Helen Akpan, the lady I interviewed. The dream troubles me. I don’t know why I should be having nightmares about strangers.” He rolled back the thick sheets and got out of bed. Before now, he wasn’t a man that believed in the supernatural. But shortly before his wife and daughter lost their lives in the fire, he’d dreamt of seeing his wife, Naomi, being consumed by flames. He’d kept the troubling dreams to himself, only for them to come to reality.
Clarissa managed a smile, but her stomach was turning. Her head was heavy. Her chest was itching with the urge to scream, smash his head into the wall for thinking that she was a fool, a gullible one at that.
“Why would you be dreaming of a total stranger? Are you attracted to her? Have you been lusting after her? Do you want to sleep with her? Damn!” She blurted out.
“What?” Aniekan was stunned by her reaction. Before he could recollect himself, to offer the best answer he thought was suitable, she grabbed her pillow and marched out of the room. For the first time, Clarissa’s anger meant nothing to him. He pondered on his troubling dream, and hoped that no harm would befall the young lady. But what if Clarissa was right? What if his dream was born out of his thoughts of her?
He was about to go back to bed when his phone beeped. Aniekan collected the device from the dwarfish wooden table by his bedside. At first, he’d wanted to ignore the notification that’d just popped on his screen for the numerous Whatsapp messages that awaited him.
Tapping on the notification made his heart stop.
“Sugar Bites!” He clenched his teeth as he studied the article.

Junaina, Nice updates, wish they were longer.

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Hi Junaina, I hope you're doing alright. We're waiting for the updates. If you have the completed version for sale, share the link. And have a merry Christmas

bigbauer:
Hi Junaina, I hope you're doing alright. We're waiting for the updates. If you have the completed version for sale, share the link. And have a merry Christmas

I was ill. I'm fine now. Expect episodes today. Thank you so much for checking up

Junaina:

I was ill. I'm fine now. Expect episodes today. Thank you so much for checking up

Wow, I had no idea that you were under the weather. Glad to have you back.

junaina happy new year to you. I hope that you're doing alright. You have been silent for a while now. I'm hoping that you are fully recovered.

Junaina it's been a long time, are you doing alright?

bigbauer:
Junaina it's been a long time, are you doing alright?

I'm amazed at how much you care. This means a lot

Junaina:

I'm amazed at how much you care. This means a lot

When the writing is this amazing, caring is easy! Thank you for sharing your talent with us, but we need more updates. Meanwhile, can you confirm that you're doing alright? The prolonged silence is concerning. I would've sent you a pm but...

bigbauer:
When the writing is this amazing, caring is easy! Thank you for sharing your talent with us, but we need more updates. Meanwhile, can you confirm that you're doing alright? The prolonged silence is concerning. I would've sent you a pm but...

I am fine. I'm back now and we'll continue the story. Thank you so much for checking up on me. Going through the story again, I realize just how ionate you were towards it. I won't stop the story in the middle. Thank you so much Bigbauer for motivating me all along.

Junaina:


I won't stop the story in the middle.

I'm glad that you're doing alright. And i appreciate your commitment and promise to complete the story. Shoot me a dm.

THE CHRISTMAS BARBIE- CHAPTER 9 By Rose Akpabio
Bassey Martins groaned as her alarm went off the third time. She’d forgotten to turn it off, knowing the next day was work-free day for her. Saturdays were her precious days and she cherished them greatly. As one of those playing key roles in Chocolito, her weekdays were choked with work. Now recently that her brother had gotten entangled with the snaky Clarissa, she couldn’t even bother taking leave. She had to be by Aniekan’s side to monitor everything he was doing, especially the decisions he was taking as she was certain that he was no longer in his right mind.
Once the alarm had stopped crying, what was followed was a loud and intrusive knock. Although the Martins mansion was the most enormous structure on Bewet Estate, and all the siblings, grandchildren and every member of the Martins’ household was entitled to a room, some of her siblings and cousins(whenever they visited), found it difficult to keep to themselves.
“Come on! Open up. I have something important to share!” Eno continued to knock.
Bassey grunted, “You always have something important to share. The only problem is that they’re never important!” Her younger sister, Eno Martins was the extrovert of the family. Where she, Aniekan and Mmeyene were deeply introverted, Eno took their shine and retained the spotlight.
“Come on Big sis! I know many don’t take me seriously in this family, but this news is authentic. It has to do with Sugar Bites!” Eno insisted. She was the only member of the family that wasn’t interested in running the family business, both local and outside the state. She had other interests which her family often looked down on: Psychic studies.
Right from time, Eno had always felt different from her older siblings. The only luck she had was that as the last child of her parents, she had freedom to pursue her ions unlike Aniekan and Bassey whom the crown of the Martins family ed to with automatic effect. At first, her family had avoided her for studying something they considered highly demonic and against their religious beliefs, but with time, everyone began to mind their business.
“Sugar Bites,” was enough to propel her out of bed. Bassey quickly rolled off the thick duvet and rushed to open the door.
“What’s this about?” Her brows came together as she noticed an annoying grin on her sister’s face.
Eno ignored the question, and moved into the room without invitation.
“I don’t think this is going to be good for Chocolito. This article has five thousand shares and almost a million views promoting Sugar Bites as the most life changing Food factory not just in Akwa Ibom but also in Nigeria and many parts of East and West Africa!” Eno offered Bassey the phone so she could check it out.
As Bassey collected the phone and ran her eyes over the screen, she bit her lower lip as she realized that this was a win for their fiercest competition, Sugar Bites.
“Ekerette Adams is at it again! If we’re not careful, he’ll be dominating major trends and conversations on food industries, and that means more followership and investments for them.” Bassey felt her head pounding as millions of tiny ideas to remedy this came to her mind. This has always been her greatest fear: Chocolito being in the shadows while Sugar Bites is being celebrated.
Eno could tell that Bassey wasn’t happy with the news. Hell, she wasn’t either. Though she ran a different type of business, she loved and adored her family empire. Chocolito was a brand and it meant so many things to her.
“We can’t let this happen!” Eno stamped her feet on the ground.
Bassey angrily tossed the phone upon the massive bed while roaming around the room. Eno was right, they had to come up with a swift solution. An idea that would water down the existence of Sugar Bites. Suddenly, a radiant light of wisdom pierced through her mind. Bassey paused in the middle of the room and began to laugh. She laughed with so much ion and gusto that her chubby body began to tremble.
Eno moved closer to her, worried perhaps her older sister had lost her mind.
“What’s going on Sister B?” Eno searched Bassey’s face worriedly.
“I know the perfect solution to this. You know…Clarissa tried to undermine me. We were supposed to hire a certain person but she stood against it for her own selfish reasons. And that lady had generated very wonderful ideas that would serve us as a brand. I have to find her.” Bassey began to pull off her Pajamas. She had to find Helen Akpan.
Eno sighed with relief, “That sounds nice. Who is she?”
“Her name is Helen Akpan. I must find her somehow. I could stop at Aniekan’s home and search his laptop for recent applications. She’s the one that will give Chocolito a face…I strongly believe her.” Without wasting more time, Bassey dumped her clothes on the bed and rushed towards the bathroom.
“Thank God!” Eno hopped on the bed, landing on her back while staring at the ceiling. Now that she had told Bassey about that issue which had bothered her greatly, she was greatly relieved. Now she had time to face her own clients. As a graduate of Psychic studies, her major preoccupation was understanding spiritual things as related to physical things. Currently, she was helping her clients to solve the problem of a haunted house.
Once she ed Mrs. Fatima Yohanna, she quickly got up. She had to prepare her items and visit the haunted mansion that had been abandoned for many years.

Helen had cried and screamed till she had no strength left in her. Insomnia had become her best friend as she searched for light in the dark room where she’d been kept. Who were the men that had abducted her? Why did they kidnap her? What were they doing against her? All through the time she was kept there, she’d strained her ears to hear. But no voices came up. Or had they left her alone all in this darkness?
Suddenly, she felt something vibrating next to her hip. She couldn’t believe it at first…how could they kidnap her and let her keep her phone? It was impossible, except maybe they had no intent on hurting her! Quickly, Helen followed the sound of the vibration until she touched a hard surface in the thick darkness: her phone.
“Jesus…thank you Jesus.” Quickly she tapped the screen and the dark room was immediately illuminated. Helen blinked many times, just to adjust her eyes to the newfound light. Quickly she turned on the torch of the phone and began to point at the room where she’d been held hostage. The walls smelt of dust and dampness. Albeit once brightly colored with an arrogant red paint, it now suffered the company of mildew. She guessed this building hadn’t been occupied by people in a long while. Now that she had her phone, she’d quickly checked the time. It was morning. There was no better time to attempt an escape but now…
Helen’s heartbeat doubled as she noticed that the door to the room where she’d been bound was left partially open. What sort of trick was this? She inhaled deeply and waited, wondering what would happen if she tried to escape and those men found her? She was still staring at the door when her phone rang again…it was a strange number so she didn’t bother taking it.
“Whatever happens, happens!” Those were Helen’s last words before she moved towards her only real chance of true escape.
As she moved through the narrow opening, a sea of bright fluorescent light nearly burned out her eyes. Then she found a sight that would never leave her memory…that pushed her into one careless act of screaming.
“No! No! No!!!!” Helen was so traumatized by the brutal picture before her that she fainted.
Her abductors had been cut into four parts and their blood was leaking on the dusty black marble floor of the big mansion.
“Hello…” A figure that drifted like air looked down on her.
“You’re here now with me. I’m not alone anymore!” The gentle voice whispered, and the shadowy form continued to hover above her unconscious heard. However, the unholy romance that was about to take place suddenly came to an end as the phantom heard approaching footsteps…it quickly faded into the bright white light.
Outside the building owned by one of the richest men in Uyo, Lady Fatima stood observing the once majestic-filled structure with trepidation. Her hands trembled. Her wrists were unsure as she fetched the keys from her bag.
“Are you sure you want to do this? Once we go in there…there’s no turning back.” Eno Martins tightened her own grip around the little box she carried whenever she was ready to banish a malevolent spirit.
This mansion was rumored to be inhabited by wild unfriendly ghosts and spirits due to years of being abandoned by its inhabitants. But when Eno had begun her investigations, she realized that those that lived there hadn’t willingly abandoned the house. They had begun to experience strange things…loud voices at night, screeching, shattering of mirrors and dead animals.
“Please help me! This haunted house has put a stigma around my late husband’s name. They say the house is responsible of the death of my three children in recent times. Something has to be done!” Lady Fatima responded, tears already welling up in her eyes.
Eno was listening carefully, when she suddenly sensed that they were being watched.
“We have to go inside now!” She announced.
HAPPY READING! ***

To be continued.
For other stories, follow me on FB @rose the-storyteller

Junaina:
To be continued.
For other stories, follow me on FB @rose the-storyteller

That was a great update, and you ended it in a way that ensured i check this thread as often as i can. Welcome back.

Junaina:
To be continued.
For other stories, follow me on FB @rose the-storyteller

We're hungry, please come feed us with updates.

Clarissa paced in the living room, fuming inwardly but crafty enough to hide it. For the first time in a long while, she suddenly felt like she was losing control over Aniekan.
“That’s not good. The creator wouldn’t like this.” She whispered, chewing her lower lip effectively. The creator held them all to a ransom; thankfully, they’d created an internet buzz to satisfy the man’s greed and sense of dominance. But that wouldn’t be all. They had one major goal: Chocolito.
“What’s not good?” Aniekan strolled lazily into the living room. Sweat drops glided down his shiny black skin after an hour doing planks and push-ups. Whenever he was disturbed, exercising usually helped to keep his mind in place.
Clarissa’s frown straightened into a bright smile as he lips opened for a show of her tiny teeth.
“Darling…” She began. She pulled in a deep breath, adjusted her bathrobe and moved towards the man she loved, the man she owned.
Aniekan sighed, his hands worked with the green towel about his neck.
“You look happy…” he dabbed the sweat from the sides of his face with the towel. The switch in Clarissa’s nature was worrisome. He hadn’t really realized how short tempered she was, but it dawned on him. He had shared a dream about the applicant, the one with the striking golden brown eyes, whose face wouldn’t leave his imaginations; the one who shared a strong resemblance to his late wife. Helen. Yes, that was her name. But Clarissa had exploded in unfounded rage and accused him of lusting after her.
“Shouldn’t I be?” She leaned her head against his powerful chest. They stood silently. Aniekan smelt the rosy fragrance of her hair, while she listened to the melodious music of his chest.
“The richest and handsomest man is in love with me. What more can I ask for?” Clarissa’s voice was dreamy, alluring even. It sounded like the gentle cry of waves at midnight, in need of nocturnal company.
As he continued to stare down at her head, he wondered how best to handle this. He loved Clarissa, but he was uncomfortable with her jealous nature.
“I want you to know that there’s no one else baby. No one else can take your place.” He touched her hair and began to caress it gently.
“But you were dreaming of another woman while in bed with me!” Clarissa quickly raised her head, and then moved away from him. She fired him an accusatory glare, while watching his face closely. In that moment, their eyes met together. She felt Aniekan’s love and interest all over her. A wave of warmness spread from her feet to all parts of her body. He loved her still. She was assured of this. But she felt a distraction…someone was distracting him. She had to handle that rat, Helen.
Aniekan tossed the towel on the nearest couch and moved to get her.
“I love you.” He pulled her closer to him and began to gently caress her back.
Suddenly, the door was pushed open and an angry click of heels followed.
“You both should better put a stop to that foolery!” The chubby dark skin woman tossed her bag to the floor and advanced towards her brother.
Clarissa’s cheeks flamed, she curled her fists and watched as Bassey had come to interrupt their special moment.
“Well mannered people don’t just turn up in other people’s houses without announcing!” Clarissa hissed.
Bassey scoffed, took one look at her, and then turned her attention to Aniekan, “Have you seen the news lately? Eno showed it to me. Sugar Bites is trending both on national and international platforms and that doesn’t mean well for us.” She lowered herself, picked up her bag and fetched her phone.
Aniekan sighed, “I know…Bassey I’ve already seen it. Do you think I had any sleep last night? Ekerette Adams is working hard, maybe we should work twice as hard.”

“You know we work very hard Aniekan. We just don’t have a face to market our products. Our brand is not alive! And I strongly suggest that we follow the suggestions of Helen Akpan. That lady said things that made me have a re-think. Yes we put in the work, but is it the right away? You have to hire her right away. She’s what Chocolito needs right now. With her ideas, we’re going to counter every effect of Sugar Bites.” Bassey was certain that Helen could pull this off.
Clarissa gritted her teeth, “Honey you can’t hire her. She’s not a Chocolito product, she doesn’t even look it. And she was very rude to me. You have to listen to me. I know this better. I have always suggested to you who should be employed or not.”
Aniekan moved away from the women, towards the fridge and fetched a bottle of water. Deep down, he knew the truth. Even if he didn’t hire Helen Akpan, the woman whose brown eyes tormented his sleep, he knew that Chocolito had no face. And that was what Sugar Bites capitalized on to make a brave online presence.
“You’re so bitter, mean and full of yourself! How dare you stand to counter me when I am speaking to my brother?” Bassey’s eyes bulged out as she advanced towards Clarissa.
“Helen Akpan will not work in Chocolito!”Clarissa fired back. She knew that Aniekan’s family didn’t think much of her, but from the very beginning, Bassey had played the role of a thorn. As she considered the chubby ball of fat, Clarissa decided that it was time to put her in place.
Aniekan gulped the first round of icy water; he was certain that would help him clear his head. His mind had travelled while watching the women quarrel. The memory of Helen, confident, simple and yet elegant telling him and Bassey about her plans for the company replayed in his mind.
“Hire her. She’s good for the company.” He blurted out without considering his lover’s feelings. He quickly turned and walked away knowing that Clarissa would be very mad at him. This was the first time he had gone against her wishes.
Bassey began to laugh after the announcement.
“I told you Clarissa. Don’t you ever stand in my way again!” Bassey waved a finger over Clarissa’s face. She needed to get Helen’s details from Aniekan’s computer before leaving. She couldn’t wait for Helen to resume.
Tears welled up in Clarissa’s eyes as she watched Bassey leave. Something had changed. Aniekan took her side ALWAYS. He never took decisions randomly without consulting her. Everything changed when Helen Akpan had walked into Chocolito.
She was thinking of ways to deal with her new reality when her phone rang.
“Hello,” her hands shivered as she noted the caller identity.
“Hotel Pontiac Sunshine, RM 79. 8:00Pm tonight.”
***

“What do we do next? We’ve been standing here for over an hour!” Lady Fatima tightened her grip around her purse, while stealing glances at the psychic that was to help her restore her haunted home.
Eno Martins couldn’t explain what she felt the moment they had arrived on that property. She had done exorcisms and even banishments for years, but she’d never experienced cold feet, the way she did now. Whenever she held onto the crystal ball, the transparent energy ball that helped to determine if the atmosphere was right, it gave her a cold response by maintaining its same silvery complexion. If the energy ball turned dark red, it meant they were to go in.
“Something is wrong…” Eno whispered. But she knew leaving there without entering the spot could cost her reputation in the state. Already, people who were interested in spirituals knew how important her work was, she had built a name. She had to do something before Lady Fatima lost all of her patience.
“You assured me that you could do this!” Fatima sighed, and then adjusted her headgear.
Eno dropped her toolbox gently on the floor, and then opened it to scrutinize the contents. Without waste of time, she quickly removed a tiny scroll of psychic rules which she carried about. When she opened, she began to read through the various rules and approaches applied to banish malevolent spirits away from a house.
“A neutral glow from the energy crystal ball shows there could be a new element to be dealt with…” Eno read aloud. She began to wonder if there was a new phantom in the mansion. But she couldn’t ascertain for sure without first going in.
“Have this, chew it at all times and make sure you stick close to me.” Eno handed the lady some garlic. Phantoms were terrified of the garlic scent and wouldn’t go near a person holding the scent.
“I hate it!” Lady Fatima wrinkled her nose.
Eno picked a torch, and a silver cross from her box, “If you really want this house to be redeemed, you have to chew it and to stay close to me!”
Hurriedly, they advanced towards the faded white mansion now overcome by weeds and thistles.
“Lead me to the front door.” Eno instructed the woman.
“This way!” Lady Fatima pulled out a bunch of keys, and waved it over to Eno.
“Open it…” Eno fingered the trigger.
She had fumbled at first, but when she took deep breaths, Lady Fatima inserted the key into the cobwebbed keyhole which had almost immersed itself in dry rust. From where Eno stood, she could hear the whirling and screeching of the phantoms.
“You must hurry! Hurry!” Eno screamed.
Suddenly, the door gave way and Eno rushed forward and fired the gun. A loud human screaming followed.
“Was someone inside this house?” Eno held her breath, hoping she hadn’t killed anyone. There was no answer. When she turned around, Lady Fatima was nowhere to be found.
“Help me please!” A soft female voice called from inside. But Eno made ready to shoot, knowing that the evil beings trapped in the mansion were trying to get into her head.

Junaina great delivery. I hope it's not too early to ask for more updates

bigbauer:
Junaina great delivery. I hope it's not too early to ask for more updates

Hahahaha. Oliver Twist