Chapter Thirteen

I awoke to the sound of a knock and Harriet's voice announcing what I had ordered had been delivered and she instructed them to set them up in my closet. I frowned at the intrusion of my peaceful sleep and groaned as I climbed out of bed to prepare for work. Stepping into my bathroom, I stared at my reflection in the mirror, checking for positive or negative changes in my body. Nothing seemed to have changed although I looked a little healthier than before. I stood upon the weight measurement scale just to verify I was in better state of health. It turned out that truly, I had added a few pounds, though not healthy enough but what mattered was my wellbeing had improved. While I showered, I heard footsteps in the closet however, I was reassured that whatever was going on, Harriet was right there with them, supervising it all. When I was done, I brushed my teeth, gurgled a mouthwash and combed my hair. My afro curls were getting fuller, reminding me I need to trim my hair soon.

All freshened up, I walked through the door adjoining the bathroom and closet. There, I found two men and three women setting things in order. Harriet nodded as soon as she saw me and then left to go prepare breakfast. I invigilated them noting that they had also brought in products from Nike as well. I was just about to inquire when one of the women walked up to me to explain that my Personal Assistant had ordered both casual wear and footwear/Sportswear from Tommy Hilfiger and Nike respectively. Alexa must have known I loved Nike footwear so much. She was truly efficient and deserved a raise.

When they left after turning down my breakfast offer, I thought about what to wear to work today. Getting a tad spontaneous, I took out a black tracksuit with orange strips by both sides of the arms and legs. Then I complimented the outfit with a pair of black stockings and black Nike Air Jordan sneakers. Judging my appearance as I turned to stare at the mirror, I looked more like a relay race athlete than an actual business man. I was unable to fathom how astonished my employees at the office would be.

I got a taste of the supposed astonishment when I got to the breakfast bar the same time Harriet walked in from the kitchen carrying a tray of freshly baked honey doughnuts. The delicious aroma floated easily around the room, making me slobber. However, her expression turned from surprise to curiosity as she enquired if I was going to the gym on a weekday. I almost laughed as I explained it was what I had opted on wearing to work for the day. She however, didn't believe me. Nevertheless, I ate my breakfast zealously, took my medication and grabbed my suitcase, all set for work. By the door, Harriet called out to me, hot on her heels, holding a see through plastic cup with a straw placed through the opening on top. I made a face in disgust at the greenness of the drink inside of it. What on earth was in it? I doubted I had the strength to eat or drink any crazy concoctions, all in the name of living a healthy lifestyle.

"Here, this is a smoothie. A green apple and cucumber smoothie and it doesn't taste as bad as it looks. Try it!" she compelled while handing over the cup to me. I tried to hide my grimace but failed woefully as I took a sip of the so called smoothie. Hot damn! It actually tasted yummy. There was a blend of yoghurt and ice cubes that elevated its sweetness.

"Tastes mouthwatering, doesn't it?" She asked with an all-knowing look. I concurred with a thumbs up. Just as I was about to head out, she shouted "Great. Make sure you drink it all. I poured all my love into it." I stopped on my tracks and moved around just in time to catch her wink. If I made no mistake, this was the second time she had mentioned those words. Even my uncle, Gerald, had said the exact thing on one occasion.

"Curious! Uncle Gerald also said the same thing the other day." I commented. She had a look of shock but regained composure and smiled her usual adorable smile.

"Its the truth, son. We both want what's best for you." I reciprocated her smile and hugged her this time, planting a swift kiss on her cheek before leaving. My journey to the office was filled with smiles. I had no idea they both loved me that much. Harriet demonstrated her love for me by making sure I had access to all the most tasty and wholesome food I could ever want, whenever and wherever. However, Uncle Gerald hardly showed signs of love but recently, with how concerned he was over my health, the truth was glaring. I was beyond grateful for them.

There were droplets of dew on the streets and glass windows when I got to the office. Knowing I was quite tardy—for the first time since I could remember—I pulled over by the side of my company and tossed the car key to the Valet available so he could help me park at my usual secluded parking spot. The Valet bowed in greeting and walked past me to get on with his duty and in accordance to yesterday's decision, I walked up to him as he was about to get into my Bentley Mulsanne car, dipped my hands into my pockets and brought out a hundred dollar bill. Shaking my head that it was too little, I brought out two more notes, making three hundred Canadian dollars. As I handed the cash to him as a tip, he jumped up in genuine excitement, thanking me profusely. I smiled at his reaction and left to start off the day.

The moment I stepped into the lobby using the revolving door, everyone and everything stopped to stare at me, no doubt astonished over my new office attire. As a man used to so much attention and limelight, I exuded confidence as I was ushered into my private elevator. Arriving at the top most floor of the building, Alexa was already a few feet away from the doors of the elevator, patiently waiting for me, her Apple iPad Air (2020) Wi-Fi + Cellular tablet, pressed firmly to her bosom. She had a bright smile waiting for me as she pushed her dorky glasses farther up the bridge of her nose. As I predicted, her warm, cheery smile transitioned into a dumbfounded expression as she appraised my outfit. To add more poise, I turned around and made a pose familiar to Afro-American rappers.

"Good morning sir, I hope you slept well last night?" she greeted as soon as she found her voice, still awestruck. I duplicated her charming smile which she earlier greeted me with.

"I had a blissful night, thank you." I answered, pausing to remember how blissful indeed, the night had been and how much of my mother's presence I had felt.

"Permit me to ask sir, but what in God's name has gotten into you recently, sir? You've been acting so different lately and your tracksuit on a weekday seems so weird and unlike you! Are you all right sir?"

I shrugged, definitely not expecting her to take note of my weirdness nor asking me such questions.

"Change is the only constant thing in life, Alexa." was my response.

We walked into my office together as she gave a run through of my schedule for the day. Sitting comfortably on my chair, I ordered her to purchase the best and most solid truck which I would gift to Malcolm. She scribbled my order down and was about to leave when I stopped her.

"Can you also get me two women's purses from a designer brand of your choice?" the purses were gifts to Samira and Rose. I figured Alexa, as a woman, would know the right choice of brand. She nodded and jotted it down as well. Instantly remembering, I said "Oh and I have decided to add 10,000 dollars to your monthly salary. You've done so much for me Alexa and I believe you're long overdue for a raise."

She stared at me in disbelief and all of a sudden, shrieked! I covered both of my ears to ward off the noise she made. She ran over to me and gripped my body into a rather happy but painful hug. I had to maintain calmness so I wouldn't shun her off.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you! Oh thank you so much sir. You're the best boss!" She commended with a thumbs up. Great news; her smile had returned.

It felt so fulfilling yet again that I had put a smile on her face. I never expected cheering people up and helping them could bring me so much peace. I could almost feel my heart give a sigh of pleasure. If it meant feeling this way, then I'd help these people for as long as I lived.

***********

I pressed the horn button of the truck and through the window, watched as its blaring sound alerted them of my presence. They were all cleaning the shop, ready to close for the night but paused to watch me get down from the vehicle. I marched to the passenger side of the vehicle, opened its door and brought out both purses then closed the door and then walked up to them. Unwontedly, I grew apprehensive over how they'd react to my gifts. I hoped they liked and accepted my offer.

"My man." I shook hands with Malcolm and then we did the bro hug. He was so exhilarated to see me. The ladies were difficult to read. It seemed as though they knew how nervous I was.

"What have you got in there man?" Malcolm, a man of no filter, quite blunt, asked straightforwardly, pointing at the purses I held.

"They uh, they belong to these beautiful ladies." I stuttered. Lame, lame, lame.

Oh well, that would do.

I handed one to each of them and they both collected it with light in their eyes that they couldn't hide. I held my breadth, afraid of what they'd do next. Their shrills of laughter and excitement were a stream of relief to me.

"Oh-My-God! This isn't real! Someone tell me I'm holding a sack of potatoes rather than the latest Hérmes purse collection." Rose screamed with joy. It was a funny sight to see.

"If this is a dream, no one should dare wake me up." Samira added while closing her eyes and opening them to affirm it was actually a reality and screamed quite louder than Rose did. Rose joined her and within seconds, it became a Scream battle.

I caught Malcolm watching them as well, a little weary and a sad light in his eyes. I tossed the key of the truck to him and at his perplexity, I pointed at the vehicle.

"That baby is all yours!" I explained. That seemed to evoke silence amongst them. With mouths agape, they stared at me like I was a clown or something.

"What??? You can't be serious!!" Malcolm said with a raised voice but then he was already running towards the vehicle. I shook my head and grinned. The rest of us joined him to appreciate the Toyota Tundra SR in all its glory. The shining black SR trim with the smaller Double Cab, the 6-foot-6-inch bed, rear-wheel drive and the seats which were capable of accommodating five passengers, was a sight to behold. Everything about it spoke comfort, class and beauty. I had an inkling that I would be buying one for myself soon. I mean, it was too beautiful and safe a car, to pass off.

He gazed at me, seeking permission to get behind the wheels and I nodded, my grin still in check. He shuffled into the car hurriedly and excitedly, as if wanting to test drive before I changed my mind. As the car roared to life, we applauded in glee.

"Damn! She's so magnificent, I could drive her all day and not get tired." Malcolm bellowed while patting the dashboard. I nodded in affirmation. All too soon he turned off the engine and walked out of the car. I grew worried that perhaps there was a fault and he didn't quite like the truck.

"Hey man, wassup?" I asked in concern. He shook his head, unable to come up with words.

"This is too much, I just can't accept it." Even as he said the words, his eyes said otherwise. He wanted the truck badly.

"It's a gift, please accept it. I saw how battered your truck was and I knew deep within me that I didn't want to hear any terrible news about you getting hurt through that old thing, therefore, I got this for you." was my down to earth—I hoped—response.

Suddenly he came barreling towards me, he carried me, my feet above the ground, to my shock. For a lanky man, he was strong or perhaps he was able to lift me up because of my weight loss. Either ways, I was in the air for seconds while he chanted thank you, again and again. Immediately, he put me down, Rose ran towards me, hugging the life out of me. There were tears in her eyes but they were happy tears. I love happy tears, I realized to myself. When she pulled away, it was Samira's turn. Somehow, I anticipated hers more and when she eventually put her arms around me and I breathed in her coconut fragrance, I felt actual butterflies in my tummy. I realized that the feeling of her arms around me was my asylum. I felt safe.

I felt loved.

She pulled away all too soon and left me deprived of her warmth, of the softness of her body. Nevertheless, I was content that she broke off when she did. I didn't want to end up doing something utterly crazy like hugging her tighter or leaning in for a kiss. That would be terrible, wouldn't it?

"This calls for a celebration, don't you think?" Rose suggested and the rest agreed. I was almost nodding my head when I remembered Harriet had made a special dinner for me back home. I couldn't invite them over right now because I was certain she had made the special dinner for just one person, that is, yours truly. But then I had already been aware of this all afternoon so I had orchestrated...

"I can't stay much longer here but before I leave, Malcolm, can you go to the back of the truck and bring along whatever's lurking there?" I requested with a goofy smile.

"Another surprise? Hot Damn!" he said as he rubbed the palm of his hands in delight. He returned with an ice bucket nestling a bottle of champagne.

"Et voila!" I said in French, elated once more at their shock. They jumped up and down, throwing their fists in the air. I found their actions infectious and joined them to do the same thing.

"Malkie Darling, please get some plastic cups let's get this baby popping!" Rose, with her funny term of endearment, requested her boyfriend to get the cups. He did that in a haste. While he did, Rose grabbed the bottle and unscrewed it, making a loud pop and rose the bottle in the air while the contents fizzed out. She proceeded to pour some into each cup.

I knew I had vowed to stay off alcohol but this was a celebratory moment and a sip or two wouldn't hurt. I downed the contents of my cup at a go and asked her to pour another. She did and I gulped it like the first and asked her yet again for one more round. She obliged but this time around, I took slow sips. I would be going home soon and I didn't want to show up tipsy.

I pulled out my phone and texted Philip to come pick me up. He was at the office with the Bentley Mulsanne I had driven to work in the morning. He replied, stating he was on his way and while I waited, I engaged in a conversation with Samira.

"So, how did I do?" I enquired, thirsty for her approval like it was my lifeline. In a way, it was.

"You did so much more than I expected. The purses, the truck, the champagne... I am beyond amazed! Thank you so much Chiké! I haven't felt this exhilarated in a long time." her words were a fur on my bed of thorns.

"I also feel a burst of something I can't explain." I added, searching for the right words as she gazed at me, hoping I'd continue explaining. "All I know is, I wanna keep this up. I want to help all the people I can before..." I luckily stopped myself from saying, before I die. I had not approached that subject with her yet.

"Before what?" as the smart women she was, she caught on to my hesitation. I had no valid words to add.

"Nothing. It's just a new dream of mine to do the best I can for others." just then, a car horned, startling me. I looked back, relieved to see that Phillip had arrived.

Saved by the bell.

I announced I was leaving for the final time and received the warmest group hug from all three before I turned to leave. Phillip greeted me whilst opening the passenger door behind and making light steps to his side of the car to take me home. I waved one last time at my new friends as Phillip drove off.

New friends. That had a nice ring to it.

However, on my way home, the most fearful thing happened. I was humming to myself, a silly song about birds falling in love and wearing berets and scarves around their necks while they flew over the Eiffel Tower when the need to cough seemed too strong to keep in. I kept on coughing and coughing for seconds. Each dry cough seemed to come from way deep in my body. It came with a sudden fatigue that had me almost losing my breadth.

"Are you all right sir? Should I take a detour to the hospital instead?" my driver asked, all panicky as he glanced at me through the rearview mirror. Since I couldn't talk, I rose the index finger of my right hand and shook it, answering No to his question. I knew that as my driver, he knew something was wrong with me for it was he who drove Uncle Gerald and I to the hospital the day I went for my checkup. Moreover, I was certain he had seen me take my medicines in the car on my way to and back from work on numerous occasions. He was well aware that I was sick!

I coughed more rounds and soon felt something sticky rise at the back of my throat. I just couldn't swallow it because I knew whatever it was, was responsible for the coughing session. I had to let it out. Grabbing my handkerchief from the pants of my tracksuit, I spat out the substance and got the fright of my life. It was what I hoped wouldn't resurface again or at least, not so soon. It brought back all the fears and sadness I had tried to quell all these while.

It was... blood.