Chapter 3

"Mama, that's enough with this rub, it pains the hell out of me," I said to my mom who was busily rubbing my wounds preciously.

The coffee burns had given me a great wound. My skin had peeled off, I wonder what degree that man had allowed the water to boil. I had some of the stretches on my laps, shoulders, and above my chest. Sighing, my mum waking up with the rub, to place it on the head bed.

My room wasn't a big one, and I shared it with my kid sister. We didn't own enough money to rent a comfortable apartment and live a luxurious life. Mum was our sole breadwinner ever since dad had died seven years ago, with only her little trade, her hands could not reach everywhere, like making us live our dream lives or having the comfort of a beautiful environment. I had just graduated from the University of Douala with a certificate in Mass Communication and was opportune to have the job on trial while I prove to them I am worthy of the job.

"Please Megan, be more careful when next you enter an office. This isn't a sign of a good reputation. Maybe when next you go to an office, you might come home with a broken arm or leg. I do not want that to happen to you". Staring at my ever so caring mother, I smiled apologetically. She had a reason because I wasn't been careful enough.

Waking up from the bed, I went into the bathroom to take a cold bath. Exactly what I needed to relax my body. Putting on a pair of tailored skirts, I matched them with similar material. African wears are always something I love the most. I could sew a few designs, but I wasn't a professional. Mom was a great tailor too, besides been a businesswoman, so I had learned a few tricks from her. Wearing my balleries, It was getting smaller as the days went by. Didn't have a better pair of shoes so, that was my only choice.

Today was make-up-free day, so I just looked at my smooth chubby face in the mirror and admired it. I wasn't perfect, but I could boast I was pretty enough

"It is the only money I need for my circle to be complete" I whispered to myself.

I have grown fond of that sentence, and I worked so hard for it to be a reality and not only a motivational phrase.

"Mirror, Mirror, Tell me I am the prettiest lady in this Douala, at least It should have been in Cameroon if not for these ugly wounds on my upper chest". It was so visible my dress couldn't hide it. I wonder what I will tell my colleagues at work today.

Rolling my eyes I carried my handbag and placed my transport fare in it. Picking up my cell phone, I was ready to move.

"Mum, see you in the evening" giving her a peg, I left the house.

"Take care of yourself, and no more accidents" mum said at my back while I left.

'The Cameroon Talk', the newspaper house that I am working with, is located at Ndokotti, which was quite a long way from my home. About forty to forty-five minutes on a bike, that is, if there is no traffic. Entering my workplace, was busy as always, everyone doing his or her own job in the communication domain.

I hurried to my office, or I will rather call it my stall. It wasn't even a bit comfortable. It was just separated by a thin wall of plywood which made it look personal and not eavesdrop on another stall. Since I had just started work with this company, I had only a small work desk and a Computer, and a fixed phone that hung on the stall nonchalantly. Beside the desk was a dustbin, Plus two chairs. So thoughtful of them to put a second chair for me.

Seeing a man pop his head from his stall he started a discussion;

"Good morning, my name is Mr. Frederick, nice having a nearby colleague". He said flashing all his teeth as he walked into my stall. He wasn't ugly at all, but his handsomeness didn't strike me though.

"Megan, I am called Megan Arrey," I said taking the hand he had offered for a handshake. It was firm enough, exhibiting his force. Releasing my hand, we sat back in our different stalls to start our work.

Looking at my work schedule, I had an article to write and submit before closing time. So I, therefore, set to it. Typing on my computer and putting my head up only to steal a look at the time, I worked till 11 a.m. My break time was at twelve, so I still had much to wrap. The company was serene like everyone was so gross in their work, when all of a sudden, I started seeing people move in a disoriented manner. It didn't bother me, not until Mr. Frederick pokes his head into my stall to gist me. He shrieks like a good gossiper.

"Megan, come on, look out from your desk, It seems we have a guest in here today. It surely is an unexpected guess. The Manager and proprietor of T and W is here. Mr. Larry, visiting our agency unannounced, this is hilarious…" at the mention of that name, I stopped listening to what this man was saying.

My heartbeat accelerating, I wondered what that man had come to do here. Maybe he had come to warn me about the disgrace I had given to him yesterday. I couldn't even concentrate anymore.

"Hey Megan, are you listening?" Mr. Frederick asked with a concerned look raising his eyebrows to see if I was fine. I really needed to stop acting foolish and behave myself for one.

"Yes Mr. Frederick, I am on track" I smiled so he wouldn't think I was lying. Nodding, he continued from where I do not even know. I could only hear part of what he was saying because I was completely lost in thoughts.

My heart paralyzed when my stall phone started ringing. Answering it, I heard the voice of Mrs. Lydia, piercing through "Ms. Arrey, report yourself to Mr.  Nfor's office". The call ended and I rather wished it was my life that had ended.

I didn't know what was going on but I wasn't ready to face it. Why would the second in command want me in his office? Standing up from my desk, I waddled the stairs and met Mrs. Lydia. Her face betrayed no mood so I got scared even more.

Knocking twice, I entered the office, and… a grave silence greeted me. The chattering that was going on died out. Curtseying, I greeted "Good morning Sirs" they hummed a greeting. Looking up, The Vice President, sat behind his huge desk, and opposite him was Mr. Larry. My heartbeat accelerated not knowing what they had been discussing before my arrival.

Breaking the Ice, Mr. Nfor was the first to speak "Is this the young lady you were talking about? Because she happens to be one of our recent recruits, and hasn't even been fully integrated as our journalist". I stood head down sweating despite the Air conditioner that was in the office.

"She is the one. If you do not mind, it is almost noon, I will have lunch with her". I was so confused about what was going on but then Mr. Larry standing up gave a handshake to Mr. Nfor.

They both smiled, turning to look at me in the eyes, he said: "After you miss".

I had a confused look and to clear of a bit of my doubt, the vice president said "Please follow Mr. Larry, you have my permission to go with him, see you after your lunch break". The man chuckled. I was really in the dark because I seemed like the only person who didn't know what was going.

Mr. Larry opening the door, showed me the way to proceed, walking out I made a silent prayer wondering what this visit might hold for me.