EMMA CHAPTER FIVE

Chapter Five

'Hello...May, What's up with you? Yeah, I'm in the office. Really? Aren't you coming today? Oh...okay o'. Emma ended the call in disappointment. How could Mabel of all people not remember today? Has it come to that? That she was so busy she forgot? It was so unusual of her friend to do that. And then, her students were yet to resume at that time of the day; quarter past nine, when they were supposed to be at the institute by eight! There was something really odd about today, in fact, very frustrating too. She picked up her table calendar and checked the date again, perhaps she was mistaken. Of course, it is today- 25th August, she wasn't mistaken. Just then, she heard a mild knock on the door.

'Yes, come in', She adjusted in her seat as she tried to put on a bright countenance.

'Happy Birthday!!!', cheered Mabel and Emma's students as they came in with a fantastic birthday cake.

Emma was dumbfounded, and at the same time overjoyed as they all embraced her one after the other. She later found her voice. 'Thank you, thank you everyone, I wasn't expecting this surprise package', She confessed, beaming with joy, 'I really appreciate it'.

'And happy anniversary ma', one of her students added..

'Oh, that! I had totally forgotten', she said with an admitting smile. 'Thank you Aanu'.

It was her birthday, and her fashion institute anniversary- Vogue Emporium. She had established the institute cum fashion house three years ago, but officially commissioned and registered it on her birthday last year, after she bought the big edifice that now housed Vogue Emporium, and had employed experienced instructors. In no time, her fashion institute had grown to be one of the best in the city of Ibadan.

The students left for their training classes, leaving Emma and Mabel in the office. Emma soon recieved a text message alert on her phone and smiled. 'So mum was also part of this coup?!', she shook her head as she read the text aloud; 'hope you have gotten you surprise package? happy birthday my princess. From mum with love'.

'Hmm...I trust Aunty Nurse', Mabel grinned.

'I actually thought you all forgot'.

'Oh, sorry to disappoint you then, no one forgets the birthday of such a charming princess'.

'There she goes again!', Emma rolled her eyes.

Yes of course. and mind you, this is just a tip of the iceberg. I'm taking you out, so get up and let's go'.

'You can't be serious!', exclaimed Emma, her eyes widening with surprise.

'Try me', Mabel said as she pulled her by the arm out of her chair.

'Haba! May wait now', she struggled, 'At least., I wont go bare footed, let me put on my shoes jor!

'Good, put them on and meet me downstairs'.
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The duo were just leaving the restaurant they visited and were about to enter Mabel's car, when an ash color Toyota jeep swerved into the parking lot, splashing muddy water on them.

'What's the meaning of this?!', Emma squeaked in annoyance as she challenged the car owner who pretended to be oblivious of what happened.
Mabel tried to caution her but it was too late, Emma had already walked up to the jeep. The driver's side door swung opened, and out came a tall, dark skinned, young man.

'Do you mean to say you didn't realise what you just did?'

'But it wasn't intentional', the young man shrugged, unconcerned as he got out of the jeep.

'Obviously, the more reason you don't feel the need to apologize!', Emma fumed, holding up the hem of her pink linen dress the culprit had soiled with mud.

'Ok Ok', he raised his hands in surrender, 'I'm sorry, if that is what you want to hear!', he sassed, laying emphasis on the sorry.

'No, it is not what I want to hear, it is what you should say!'

'Come on young lady, why are you so hot-tempered?'

'Really, am I?', Emma interjected, banging her fist on the bonnet. 'You dare say that to me again, and I'll dip this soiled part of my dress into your mouth!'

'What! You wouldn't dare!'

'Try me!', Emma spat, infuriated. 'And that's how you rich guys behave, especially when you have the opportunity to get hold of your fathers' car keys!'

The young man grinned spitefully. 'Like seriously? you talk like you really know me, have we met before?'

Emma hissed and went back to the car after Mabel had pleaded with her endlessly to pardon him. They got in and swerved off as the man stood rooted to the spot with mouth agape. He had never seen such boldness and desperation before. What a lady!

'You should have let it go Emma, why that awkward performance?' Mabel expressed her disapproval, as she changed the gear when they got on the road.

'He had to realize what he did was wrong'

'Emma! When are you going to change?!' Mabel stressed. You should drop this tomboy character, I tell you, you are not getting any younger'.

'The man just ruined my special day!'

'Come on Emma, you are stronger than this'.

Emma didn't respond and just looked outside the window, pretending not to hear what her friend said. She usually hates it when Mabel plays mommy on her, no wonder she was so fond of Aunty Nurse- both of them really have a lot in common. Should she have held her peace and let that arrogant guy get away with it?

Mabel on her part shrugged and continued driving. She just hoped her friend won't regret her being too rigid and uptight.

-Temi