DAMSEL

I can't believe I am late again today . I don't have money to pick a taxi and I just missed the bus. Hazel signed with frustration. I will have to trek. She thought sadly and began walking. Hazel hurry the boss is angry. Can't believe you are late today too. Paul Hazel's best friend and only friend gave her a comforting hug. Hazel hurriedly went to the boss' office. I am sorry Mam. She said to Miss Betha her boss. Look young woman, you can't be coming to work late everyday. You should be lucky you are my long serving worker. You are suppose to be here at 7am and that's it. Nothing more than that. Yes mum she said and hurried to the kitchen. Working as a supervisor at Eat Rich restaurant is not or shouldn't be anybody's dream. Miss Bethels is a human form of wicked and ungrateful. She is selfish and greedy. Hazel even though a university graduate couldn't secure a good job in New York. All her previous employees were always after her beauty and body.

At age 24 , she possesses the kind of charm and beauty that every man wants from a woman. Her only living relative is her uncle Bobby as she calls him. Bobby always tells Hazel that she took the beauty of her mum who was a Mexican model. She lost her mum at an early age and her father who served as both parents made sure to educate his only daughter with all he had. However , death laid its icy hands on her father after her college. Bobby wanted to take care of her , but he was also unemployed and did petty jobs. He however send her some dollars once in a blue moon. Hazel loved her uncle just as she would love her parents. She struggled to see herself through the University by taking up menial jobs. She combined working and studying at the same time. Bobby use to meet her at a junction to their house every evening and they would walk home together. You will be a great person. He always tells her. My daughter if your brains doesn't get you the dollars your beauty will. He always tells her teasingly anytime she dresses for work.

Bobby had to leave town due to a huge debt with a loan shark. His addiction to gambling made him borrow so much that he had to run away from the city. Life after Bobby left hasn't been easy for Hazel. She works day and night to pay Bobby's debt. She has been given an ultimatum of three months to pay or she would be forced to marry Stefan the drug lord. The mere thought of marrying Stefan makes her nostalgic. Over my dead body will I marry him . She told Paul one evening as they were walking home. Then accept Richard's proposal. Paul advised. Paul please don't add more fuel to the fire. You and I know I don't have any romantic feelings for Rich. He is my childhood friend and will always be. His mum also don't like me . She said with a smirk. I wonder why his mum doesn't like you. Such a beautiful damsel!