Empire Hotel

            Four years past, I graduated three years ago and got a job at a hotel in Logon. Life in London wasn't easy at first, coupled with the breakup. But I finally moved on and started life all over. I won the hotel's best talent for that year, slowly I was beginning to make a name for myself. But I miss home, I missed my mum, my aunt and Olivia.

            It was in the middle of July when I got an email. It was a job offer from not other than Empire itself. One of the best hotels in California. The Hotel is owned by my Ex's family. Why would they email me? Why would they give me a job? They offered me a job as Chief Concierge. The head of all Concierge. Why would they give me such a job? I only graduated a few years ago and don't think it was appropriate to be given such a job at an early stage of my career. It was a very good offer and a wonderful pay but I turned it down. I didn't want to have anything to do with that family again, I didn't want to have anything to do with Viktor and also. The job offer seemed scary. 

           But they didn't stop there. I kept getting emails every two weeks for two months and it was beginning to get creepy. I reached out to Olivia to seek help and to my surprise, Olivia told me to accept the offer. It was about time I came back home and settled down, she said. The one person that I thought would be against it, surprised me and she went to the extent to tell my mum that I was returning home in a few weeks and with the joy I saw on my mother's face, I had no choice but to return home. I missed her so much anyway.

           Walking out of the airport. That familiar environment hit me, the weather was warm, Thank goodness I wore something light. The street was busy as always and the sky was a perfect blue. I lift my head to look at the sky, using my hand to protect my eyes from the sun. '' Wify '' that familiar voice interrupted from a distance. I turn to see. That 5 feet 9 young lady, running towards me and as she ran, the sunlight hit her beautiful golden hair, making it Spackle and pop out her hazel eyes. Her smile was enough to brighten the peaceful town and make one feel like it was Christmas all over again. Olivia. I felt overwhelmed with joy at the sight of her '' Olivia '' unable to hold back my smile. The moment she got to me, we crashed into a hug, trying hard not to lose balance and fall. And laughter filled the air. We didn't care if people stared at us like we had lost it. I mean? Who wouldn't I haven't seen my friend in almost five years so I have every right to rejoice.

    '' I've missed you '' she says to my ear and I laughed

    '' I don't think words can explain how much I've missed you, Wify " pulling away from the hug. I watched her size me up

    '' Looking good '' she compliments

    '' So do you '' I say back, observing her '' I see you've been eating all of Mother's porridge    alone

    ''Those have been my best days '' wiggled her eyebrow and I laughed '' Oh come, let's get you home, it's pretty hot out here '' she said and reached for one of my boxes while I held the other and we headed for her car. A dark blue Maserati Levante. Obviously a new car. I watched her put my luggage in the boot.

    '' You got a new car didn't you?'' crossing my arm and she rolled her eyes

    '' What.. did I do wrong '' She got into the car and I did as well

    '' No you didn't '' I responded '' I just admire your courage. Spending money when you don't even have a stable job ''

    '' I am working on it OK'' sounding like a kid who was avoiding getting scolded. '' Ok '' she starts the engine '' let's go '' With that, we took off, heading home '' So what do you want to do first? Stop to eat something or... ''

    '' I want to see my mum '' I said, looking out the window as I responded

    '' Yeah.. that's nice but Mother wouldn't be back from work by now. Or would you like to go see her at work.... ''

    '' How has it been for her '' I turn to look at Olivia, who had her eyes focused on the road, waiting for her answer

    '' You know how it is at the hospital.. she is barely home. Always on one patient to the other. It's better now thou. She doesn't always get night shits and when she comes home, she complains about body aches and I would have to give her a massage before she goes to bed ''

    '' hh '' I sigh '' I have told her to quit but she doesn't want to ''

    ''It's a good thing you are back... you would be able to help her with one or two ''

    '' I can't ''

    '' I don't understand ''finally taking her eyes off the road to look at me '' Why can't you ''

    '' I am going to take the job offer '' a bright smile of victory appeared on her lips

    '' You finally made up your mind '' she says

    '' yes ''  and the hotel is like 50 miles away from home. In the offer, I am given an accommodation. After I get my letter of employment, I will move and I know very well that Mother wouldn't want to move with me. She is obsessed with that hospital.

    '' Being a nurse is her passion '' Olivia says with a smile

    ''whatever. What about Aunt. '' asking about her mum

    '' she is good. She is also like your mum. I am beginning to think that she would run that company till death. '' she whine

    '' I was your mum, I wouldn't give you that company as well '' I said looking away not to see that familiar reaction

    ''Hey!! '' she barked

    '' what '' I turned to see that frown and I smiled '' am I wrong '' You can barely maintain your writing careers

writing career. How the hell are you going to run a whole, writing industry '' trying to make her understand my point

    '' I told you... I am working on it... I just haven't gotten good inspiration in a while ''

    '' yeah, yeah.. whatever you say ''

    '' I am serious ''

    '' I heard you ''

    '' I hate that you two don't believe in me ''

    '' I do believe in you, Wify ''

    '' NO, you don't '' focused on the road '' You are just like my mother... I think you two are supposed to be twins ''

           '' So, when will you be leaving '' I stopped at the hospital to see my mum and she took a break to come hand out with me at the garden. We sat on a bench and watched. Patent walk by, some were taking a walk with their close ones while some were alone. I didn't really understand what my mother enjoyed in working at a hospital. I always felt tense whenever I came around. Knowing that some of the people I see may die in the next few hours, or some may live long but never get to leave the hospital. Some may give up on treatment and end their own life. Doctors work hard in tension, knowing that the lives of patients rest on their hands. Some doctors will traumatised after losing a patient. There was no fun in that.

    '' In a week '' she faked a frown at my response

    '' I was so happy that my daughter was coming home. Now she tells me that she will have to move far because of work '' I saw sadness in those forest green eyes. Those eyes that were a lot like mine

    '' Mum.. '' faced her properly '' You can come stay with me '' She shacked her head immediately

    '' No... It's too far ''

    '' You can get a transfer to another hospital so something '' I suggested. Silence took over. I watched as she observed the environment, then smiled

    '' No... I have stayed too long to leave. The place holds too many memories '' those words I understood. We grew up in this small town. I understand if she didn't want to leave

    '' Mum.. It's not like I am leaving the country again... I am here to settle.. so we are still together ''

    '' I know '' she smiled and looked down '' my baby is all grown up now she giggled

    '' what's funny?'' her giggle made me smile

    '' I just thought of something ''

    ''What is that ?''

    '' In maybe a year or two. You would bring a man over so I can bless your marriage '' My eyes fell wide open at her words

    '' what there ?'' shocked '' why would you suddenly think that '' I frowned

    '' But it's the truth... do you plan to remain single forever

    '' I don't want to have anything to do with men again '' I said

    '' Life is unpredictable Elena.. it is one crazy ride '' she smiled

    '' whatever I am not getting married.. never ''

    '' that is what they say''

    '' Mum!! '' She busts into laughter.