A new day

She is Mine

By Obodozie favour chioma.

Chapter one

(Out on the streets)

The loud noises from the trailers, moving cars and motorbikes was all I could hear.

My eyes were fixed on the road but my mind wasn't. Catherine wasn't the usual subject I liked discussing about but today after getting me this worked up she has to be.

"What wrong with you fix your eyes on the road?"I heard and I turned to see an old woman trying to cross the road.

"Am sorry ma" I echoed.

I was heading for a traffic light so I stopped, Catherine words still lingering on my mind.

"You aren't the type of man I want to be with. I hate men who can't satisfy me, I am not some virgin Mary who would wait all day for you Jake"

*What did she mean by that*

I mean I have given her all I could.My heart, Love, Money all I could but not Sex.

I wasn't even ready I explained to her that it was something I wanted to keep till marriage.

I kept my virginity for our marriage.

It hasn't been easy for me but I did only for her to cheat on me like that with my best friend.

*Ew*

I can't deal with this, I drove my car off the road and drove off to a bar close by.

"It best I drink my sorrows away"I told myself.

I walked in watching some strippers dance and Men throw money and dancing along with them.

"Sir make your pick"I heard a woman say.

"Am..am..a..m okay"I stammered.

I watched her smirk slowly.

"Okay enjoy yourself"She said giving me a seductive look.

I knew I was in for it.

I walked straight to where a bar attender sold drinks.

"What your choice?"A female voice came through.

"Anything that could take my sorrows away"I responded and she gave me a soft chuckle.

"Sir you are asking for much"She responded.

"Just give me what you have"

"Alright. Have this"She said giving me a smile.

I took it and sipped the bottle to half of it.

"Slow down Sir"Her voice came through again.

"How I drink isn't your business"I responded rudely.

"You are right"She said and looked away.

I continued drinking watching the female dancers dance.

"Sir."I heard.

"What!"I said upset.

"I know I don't have the right to ask but please tell me what is bothering you"

"Like I said before mind your business"

"Hmm ok"She said and walked away.

Jake what up with you today. What did the pretty lady do to you that been rude is your only response.

Catherine is the one that hurt you not her.

"Catherine..."I blurted out almost in tears.

"Who is she?"She asked stubbornly refusing to go.

"My girlfriend"I said and recalled what I had seen in her room.

I witnessed her in bed with my best friend sadly.

"My Ex"I corrected.

"Ex?.. I see"She said her eyes watching me.

"Yes she deserves to be that"I was already raising my voice.

"May I know why?"She asked and I gave her a frown.

There was silence for a while...

"I caught her in bed with my best friend"

"That huge"

"Yes..today I walked in her house with some flowers and a proposal for marriage. A diamond engagement ring only to get invited to their courtship"I responded sacarsticly.

"Courtship?. I see you hurt real bad"

"I am"I said and she held my hand.

"I feel your pain"She said.

"I also got rejected and I even ended up here because of it"

"Don't you like working here?"I asked and she gave a long laugh.

"Who wishes for this kind of Job?"was her response.

I didn't quite understand what she meant by that.

"Look sir,let me tell you a little secret here..those ladies dancing over there. Not all like what they are doing"

"Why?"I pressed on.

"This job only insult women and their dignity. Watch closely how those disgusting men treat this ladies here and see".

I kept mute watching and knowing I needed to be here to understand what other people go through.

"Why can't they quit?"

"If they see better opportunities they will"

"All you rich men spend your money lavishly instead on focusing on helping out the poor".

"Your suggestions are?"I asked.

"They start by helping the community around them. If this community has better roads, schools and hospitals there wouldn't be need for women to lavish their dignity here".

I nodded already feeling dizzy.

I closed my eyes resting and all I could hear later on was a loud cry.

I opened my eyes slowly feeling a slight headache.

"Good he is awake"I heard.

"Mum what happened?"I asked trying to get up but drawn back by the pains.

"Relax son. Doctor tell me how is he?"I heard and watched the doctor go with my mum who cried her eyes out.

*What going on?*

I tried getting up but I couldn't.

"Mum why are you crying?"I asked a bit worried.

"Sir please relax"the doctor replied.

"Mum. Tell me why I can't feel my legs".

"My son"She cried.

"No I can't do this"She said and ran out.

"What going on doctor?"I asked worriedly.

"Sir you were involved in an accident due to been drunk while driving and it appears that your legs were paralyzed in the process".

"What did you just say?"I asked almost in tears.

"Am sorry sir"She said and I cried out.

"No o"!!!!!!!!

I watched silently how I was carried and placed on a wheelchair.

I was told I walked out of the bar and drove out only to be involved in an accident thankfully rescued by a girl and God knows who.

I was pushed to my room and I requested the curtains to be placed down and never allowed to see the sun again forever.

I hated life itself and to worsen I got to know Catherine was married to Desmond my best friend.

Life had turned dark to me and I could only stare and watchfully hope for death soon.

I was ashamed of been seen like that so I asked for my company to be in my Cousin Frank's name till I could walk again.

I knew it was just a dream that would never be fulfilled as all doctors that came my way told me there was no hope that I would walk again.

Accepted faith I would always sleep on my bed,take my drugs and sit on my wheel chair watching time passed by.

A few months later....

"No. I can't see my son like this"Mrs Smith cried out.

"Ma what do you intend to do?"Jessie a little girl who served her said.

"I don't know Jessie but I will have to bring him out of that room. There is more to life than darkness".

"Such wise words"Jessie said.

"Jessie I have always treated you as my daughter and I would require a favor from you".

"Yes ma anything"the little girl replied.

"I need a maid for him. His personal maid. One that is of a good heart and would take him off this misery".

"I will try my best ma"

"Hmm. Can you help me with that?"

"I wouldn't say I can but I have a suggestion"the little girl said smiling.

"What do you propose?"

"We announce of a new maid and see if any applicants would come then we select those of your choice"

"Your intelligence is something I really appreciate"

"Thank you."

"Go hurry and get it printed out and paste it across".

***************************

"What this Lord?"I asked almost in pains.

"Hey you. Move that thing you call a car"I heard immediately.

"I will. Hold on"I said driving out.

"You go dump that in the trash can that where it belongs"

"What!" I said rather upset.

I drove home parking the car at a nearby building.

I walked out starring at old suzzy.

She had been my only support since i lost my sister. Mum had died and Dad never knew me till date.

My mum had given me this car long when I turned sixteen but now it looks like a piece of junk as so people called it.

"Jane why are you riding around with this piece of junk?"

"Throw it"

"No burn it"

"Better still try selling it"

"Who would buy such a car?"

Then a loud mocking laugh would come through.

Arghhhh

I can't deal with this. No food and rent almost expired I need to do something and fast so today was the last time I was to ride around with suzzy. Her days with me are up and by tomorrow she would belong to someone else.

I took a deep breath and walked into my neighborhood.

"Hey Jimmy"I called.

"Oh hi Jane"

"Why the long face?"I asked.

"Business has been slow. Wait you still ride around with old suzzy"He asked.

"Well, tonight is her last night with me"

"You have got a buyer for that piece of junk"

"It not junk and yes"

"How much are you selling it?"

"Enough to pay my rent and buy some food"

"Go on your knees and pray for God's help as that car is only going straight to the dumpster"

"It isn't. Give me some bread"I said almost irritated.

"How much you have?"He asked.

"2 dollars"I responded.

"2 dollars aren't going to buy you anything"

"Hmm give me something else instead"

"Were your ears closed when I said your money isn't going to take you anywhere"

"Okay. Give me the bread I will pay later"

"Sorry love but my bread aren't leaving this place"

"Why?"

"You are still owing for last time besides I told you business was slow yet you also want to starve me"

"Alright how much do I owe?"

"250 bucks"

"Wow that a lot"

"Yes it is. I also have rent to pay for"

"I know Jimmy"

"How about you get a better job with a better pay"

I watched him with my eyes giving him a Stern look.

"And where the hell will I get such a job. I tried searching. No job available,it not like a job vacancy will just appear from somewhere and I will see it"

"Maybe. Trust your luck".

"Sure. It about raining see you tomorrow"I said and ran in.

I knew I was going in to drink water and nothing more as there isn't any drop of grain in that house.

"God please do something for me"

A wide breeze came through and it carried a few dirt in it.

A paper came across my face and I held it trying to remove it when I saw a job vacancy.

"The heavens has answered my prayers"I cried out happily.

I went through it and opened my house and walked in only to hear the loud drops of the rain.

It dropped non-stop.I searched through for the light immediately my eyes caught something,I drew it close and pressed a button and the light came on.

I took the paper and sat on the couch and smiled reading every word slowly.

*A job vacancy is here. A personal maid needed. Commission: 5000 dollars*

"God thank you"I said jumping up.

I reached for the water happily it. I concluded I was going to apply for the job as early as possible tomorrow.

"Jane where you off to this early?"Jeremy asked concerned.

"To find better pastures"

"Hmm that good but where?"He questioned.

"Am not sure. I will explain later am In a hurry"

"Okay. Good luck"

"Thanks"

I heard him mumble a few words to himself.

His words were;

"Good she finally would pay me for all her debts and she would quit being lazy"

I frowned wondering if I had been lazy I wouldn't have go this far in life.

I just needed this job it my only way of shutting people up.

I boarded a cab taking me to the address written down on the vacancy paper.

"Ma we are here"I heard and I walked out of the cab.

"Here have this"I said opening my purse giving him the last money i had on me.

I knocked on the huge gate hopeful that i get answered by someone.

"Yes"I heard.

"Am currently looking for a job here"

"So you are an applicant"

"Yes I am"

"Hold on I will be right there"

"Come in"

"Thank you"I said walking in.

"Wait here while i inform my boss you are here. She is having breakfast".

"Sure. I don't mind waiting".

"Come in".

"Good morning ma"I said watching her walk out with a beautiful dress.

"Morning dear. You are here to apply for the job right?"She asked.

"Yes ma"I said and she smiled.

"You look familiar. Have we met?"She asked.

I watched her closely and recalled I had seen her at the hospital when I rescued a man.

"Yes ma"

"You were the one who saved my son right?"

"Yes ma I did thanks to God Almighty"

"I can't thank you enough my dear. I owe you a lot"

"It nothing ma"

"You know my son got crippled due to the accident"

"Oh my gosh"I exclaimed surprised.

"Yes dear"

"How is he coping?"I asked concerned.

"Really bad"She said shedding tears.

"Am really sorry ma"

"Now you are here I really believe that if you take care of him he would be better"

I stared at her wondering what she meant.

"My dear my son no longer stays with us. He moved out last week saying he wants to be on his own. To worsen the situation he no longer believes he has the right to live he feels he is a shame to us and nothing more".

"That cruel"I said and she held my hand.

"Please help me dear"

"What can I do?"

"Help my son.I need you to be his personal maid,help my son come out of that depression he has imprisoned himself in. Bring him out of his misery I really need my fun loving son back. He is all I have since his dad and sister died In an accident".

"Ma.."I said wiping her tears.

"I will try my best"

"Thank you my daughter I promise to pay you and if your job is successful then I will secure you a great job and house that I promise".

"The salary would do ma"I said and she hugged me.

"You are an angel from God and I promise to do it regardless"

"Thank you ma for your kind words. I promise to try my best".

"You start tomorrow infact give me your address and phone number and I will send my driver to take you to his new home".

"Okay ma. I will be on my way now".

#### #### ####

"Hello baby"

"Hi mum"

"Have got news"

"What that?"I asked rather coldly.

I only wanted to go back to starring at my face in the mirror reminding myself that am useless now.

I can't even get up to get the t.v remote someone has to do that for me.

"Have got you a new maid"She answered in a happy tone.

"Have got Mary"I reminded her.

"Yes but she is your personal maid"

"Oh I see"I replied sarcastically.

"She resumes tomorrow,be nice to her okay"

"I don't want ..."I tried saying but she interrupted me.

"Love you baby"

"Mum!"

She hanged up.

"Gosh. This new maid just has to go".

*** *** *** ***

"This woman is relying on me and I don't know what to do. I need you God"

I woke up the next day only to hear car horns.I quickly rushed to the bathroom and got dressed. I had parked my bags and was ready in a couple of minutes.

"He awaits you"The driver said and I tried smiling.

"Good morning"I said and he smiled while closing the car door.

He drove off while I wondered how my new boss would be.

"How is he?"I asked the driver.

"Boss. He is really nice"

"That good"

"Yes,but now he has changed and he is colder to us"

"Any reason why?"

"He doesn't say but we are guessing it is the current situation"

"Oh"

"Before his accident he used to be so cheerful and playful but now he talks rudely and sometimes he doesn't come out of that room"

"What room?"

"His room"

"Can't anyone bring him out?"

"His mum had tried but all to no avail"

"Hmmm"

"We are here"He said opening the car door.

I walked into the huge mansion wondering what was in for me in there still not sure I knocked.

"Come in"I heard a deep voice say.

"Who are you?"The bodyguard asked.

"Am his personal maid"I replied wondering why it fell off my mouth.

"Come in. He is waiting for you".

The bodyguard offered me a sit and walked out.

I noticed the whole room was a bit dark but it was sunny outside. I stood up and reached for the curtains.

I smiled opening it up.

"This looks better"

***. ****. ****. ***

"Where is she?"

"I left her in the living room"

"You can go. Make her comfortable"

I held the switch in my wheel chair and it moved to where she was.

"Why was the curtains up?"

"Why is there light in here?"

"Who dare open up the curtains?"

I watched her smile.

"Good morning Sir"

"What good about the morning?"I asked upset.

"Am sorry I rolled up the curtains there wasn't much light in the room"She said while I gave a Stern look.

"Close up that curtains. In this house the curtains are better off down than up. Hope you get that?"

"Yes"

"It will be better for you if you behave according to the rules. Mary!!!"I called out.

"Sir!"

"Get her the maid clothes to wear"

I moved away and straight to the garden to relax a bit.

A new day here and she already has her head flying on the clouds. What gave her the right to do that?.

"Jane you have got a lot of work to do here.I mean who doesn't like the light"

I got dressed and walked to the garden.I needed breeze and time to gather my thoughts and put them in place.

"What sort of a boss am I going to have God?"I muttered slowly.

"I mean he talks rudely and doesn't mind if you are hurt or not"

"What did you just say?"I heard and I laughed.

"Jane your mind is playing tricks on you again. Am sure the boss isn't here?"

"Hmmm"the voice came again.

I turned to see the boss there.

"You aren't real don't worry. You are just an imagination. But tell me why do you prefer darkness over light?"

I watched him closely wondering why my imagination was silence.

"That my personal problem"He said and I knew I was in for it.

"You have started again. First you almost screamed your head off because I lifted the curtains now you are been secretive"

He stared at me and I knew he thought I was drunk.

"Alright. Keep it a secret. I will go in search of my new boss"I said and walked away.

"Ma, um Mary right?"I asked.

"Yes dear".

"Please where's the boss?"I asked and she stared at me confused.

"Didn't you see him in the garden?".

"Gar...gar... garden?"I finally said.

"Yes. He is there"She said and I knew I had bitten up more than I could chew.

I walked back to the garden begging God to help me out.

"You are back"He asked his eyes fixed on me.

"Am sorry sir"I begged.

"Hmm..it okay"

"Okay?.Am sure am getting fired"I said coming close.

"You aren't".

"Why?.I asked a lot"I said confused.

"That because you asked what no one cared to ask"

"Ohh?"I said and came close but my leg hit a stone and I tumbled and fell on his wheelchair.

We both made eye contact while I was on his lap.

"Am sorry sir"I said standing up.

"It's okay"He said starring at me.

His tone of voice had changed towards me.

"What's your name?"He asked and I smiled.

"Am Jane sir"

"Don't call me sir. Everyone here calls me Jake"He said softly.

"Alright sir. Sorry Jake"

He smirked and I knew I was getting somewhere.

"Why did you come here?. Did my mum force you?"He asked shockingly.

"No. I can't tell you my purpose of been here for now but I can only say am glad am here"

"I see"

"Yes Jake"

"What did you do for a living before you came here?"

"I worked as a driver"

"What?"He asked in shock.

"What wrong in being a driver?. It a lucrative work"I said wondering why he was surprised.

"I didn't say it wasn't. Just that a woman in that aspect, nah it won't work"

"So you are one of those men with lame mentality?"I asked rather upset.

"Excuse you I only said what I thought"

"Well don't. It way worse been criticize than being embarrassed".

"Relax I meant no harm okay"He said and I looked away.

"It my time to question you"

"Hmm go ahead but don't go too far"

"I will try not to and if I do say skip"

"I don't think you value your job"He said and I gave him a stern look.

"I do. Anyways, don't you have a wife?"

"I don't"

"A girlfriend?"

"Just an Ex"

"Why?"

"Skip"

"Alright. Why do you prefer darkness over light?"

"That how I like it"

"Why?"

"Skip"

"Hmmm. Why isn't your mum living with you?"

"I prefer been alone"

"Why?"

"Just got used to it"

"I heard you were nice to talk to why did you change?"

"Who said so?"

"Your employees?"

"I wanted a black out from life"

"Hmm why?"

"Skip"

"Don't you have intentions of getting married?"

"No I don't"

"Why?"

"Who wants a crippled Man?"

"No one is judging if you are a nice man with a good heart"

"Oh really?"He said and dragged me close.

"So you don't mind marrying me?"He asked his eyes fixed on me.

"I.."He interrupted.

"Shssshh"He muttered slowly.

His hands reaching down my waist.

"Would you like someone like me?"He asked his hands touching my lips slowly.

Our eyes still in contact with each other.

I closed my eyes slowly hearing my heart beat.

"Jane.."He said slowly.

"You haven't answered my question"

*How could i? He was this close to me, no man has ever been this close to me*

"Si..r..sir..ja..Jake" I couldn't say much I was scared.

My heart had never raced like this before. It was my first time been this close to a man and it was all happening fast.

"I can't"I muttered slowly when his lips were almost on mine.

"You can't"He said and shifted away from me.

"That what I thought. Good night"

He said and moved away and straight to the house.

I meant I couldn't kiss him.We are both not In love and I couldn't take that risk of losing my virgin lips to him.

*I was sure I could marry him if I was in love with him but now I only see him as a boss nothing more*

That night I couldn't sleep my mind kept flashing back to how we almost kissed.

"My boss and I"

***. ***. ***

Jake you went too far. She just arrived and you couldn't stop yourself from almost kissing her.

*How could I?*

Her blue eyes, Curvy brows, Straight nose,pink lips,long straight hair were just so perfect and beautiful.

I can't fall for her no. We just met today. I can't.

That same night.

I couldn't sleep that night the thought of him almost kissing came through.

I stood up and walked straight away from the maid's Courters to the living room surprisingly the light was turned on.

"Who turned on the light?".

Normally the light isn't usually on nor is the curtains put up.

I walked in only to find Jake here.

"Sir"I called and he stared at me.

"Why are you up? it late"He asked concerned.

"I couldn't sleep"I responded and sat close to him on a couch. He was on the wheel chair.

"Why?"He asked softly.

*Should I tell him I couldn't take what happened off my mind?*.

"I..I think am stressed out"

"Hmm hope it not about the whole kiss situation?"He questioned.

"Um.. no"I lied.

"Good because I didn't mean it. I just wanted a response from you and I got it"

"No you didn't"I responded quite upset knowing he tried using me.

"You said you can't marry someone like me so what more is there to ask?"

"I didn't"

"You said you can't or didn't you?"He asked and I stared at him.

"I meant I couldn't kiss you. If I was in love with you I won't mind marrying you"

"Regardless of this situation am in"

"Yes"I responded.

"I will be on the wheelchair forever hope you know that?"He asked to be sure.

"Sir if I love you I won't mind. Love solves all problem"

"You are right but then it gives one pains and makes them end up in a wheelchair"

"What do you mean by that Sir?"I asked and he stared away.

"You could tell me I promise I won't tell anyone"I tried persuading him but he refused.

"I don't share my personal issues with just anybody. I like been private"

"Hmm I won't say anything then"I said and he muttered

"Thanks for understanding"

There was a moment of silence.

"So tell me does your parent know you work for me?"

"Ohh. I lost my parents to an accident years ago"

"Am sorry"

"Don't be. Death was the one who left me shattered to take care of my little sister"

"Good you have a sister"

"Yes I did"

"Meaning?"

"I also lost her to death"

"Wow that horrible"

"Yes. She had conjectival. An eye disease which rendered her blind when I left her for a while to get her ice cream, she walked to the streets and right there her dead body was on the ground".

"Am really sorry"

"I cried for months punishing myself as I felt if I had taken her with me or did something she wouldn't have died".I said wiping my tears.

"I can't believe you are all alone now"

"I am,just got to live and move on that why am surprised you are punishing yourself this way when there is more to life than it's problems".

I watched him stare away.

"I will go to bed now see you tomorrow"

"Alright"I said and followed put.

"Sweet dreams"He said and closed his room door.

*Did I just hear 'Sweet dreams'?*I asked confused.

The maids counters were far from the house though it was also built in the same place but it was made far.

I walked to my room and closed my eyes and I fell asleep.

"Rise and shine new girl"Betty who I heard was known for making troubles said.

"Morning"I said smiling.

"Who cares about your greetings?. I hope you know it almost time for the boss to have his breakfast and you have to go prepare his meal".

"Hmm okay. Where is the kitchen?"I asked and she pointed it out.

I wondered what he likes eating and what I should prepare and that to fast.

I reached out for the big slice of bread and I decided to make egg sauce to go with it.

I put on the gas cooker and began to whisk egg while I added a pinch of salt to it.

After that, I sliced onions placing the fry pan on the gas to hit up.

I added vegetable oil and then the onions,egg and watched it cook.

I brought it out and poured it to a plate and I reached for the tea cup adding hot water,sugar ,milk and tea.

I brought it down to the dinning room and served it on the table.

I rushed to freshen up in the bathroom and when I was done I came down to the dinning hearing a loud noise.

"This food is delicious"A familiar voice came.

"Yes mum it is"I heard and I walked close to the dinning room.

"Good morning ma"I said and she smiled.

"Morning my dear"She said and smiled at me.

"Come join us"She said and I watched the boss look at me.

"No mum. She doesn't belong here"He replied and I felt embarrassed.

"What do you mean Jack?"His mum questioned.

"She is a maid. My personal maid so it rather uncomfortable if she sits where she isn't wanted"He said shocking me.

I almost cried right there.

"Jack?. Mind your words"

"Sure. Look go get us water please"He said watching me.

"Okay sir"I said running to the kitchen.

I couldn't hold my tears anymore I cried my eyes out. Have never felt so ashamed and embarrassed before. Never!

"Where is the water?"He ranted.

"Am coming sir"I said cleaning my tears.

His mum watched me closely and she could guess her son had hurt me that much.

"Am sorry on behalf of my son"She said and Jack just continued eating.

"Am not offended ma"

"Wow. This is really delicious mum"

"Hmmm how about you kiss the hand of the woman who prepared it?"His mum said and smiled at me.

"Sure. Mary!!!"

"Sir!"

"Give me your hands you deserve a kiss for making this delicious meal"

"Sir I didn't prepare it"

"Who prepared it then?"He asked and Mary pointed at me.

He just stared at me surprised.

"Give her a kiss son"His mum said and he asked me to come close.

"It okay ma. I don't want any kiss just your happiness"

"Hmm"He said and looked away.

"He will have to give you the kiss.Give me your hand dear"I tried resisting but she held me.

"Here. Give her a kiss"

He stared at me and then held my hands making me shiver. He noticed it and smirked.

He bent down and kissed my hands.He didn't let my hands go after that and I wondered why.

Somehow it felt good he had bent down to kiss the woman's hand of which he had insulted.