*EPISODE 7*
(LOVE AND DECEPTION)
7 years later.
Belinda who was already 25years, had graduated from one of the prestigious universities in the country where she studied Business Management.
Her four years in the university wasn’t all rosy as her mom was not financially bouyant enough to see her through school. She then decided to assist her mom by investing into different petty businesses. She did all manner of legit works to see herself through school. And finally, she made it out of the university in flying colors.
It’s been 3 years Since she graduated. And she had applied for jobs in different firms yet, there were no positive results. Instead of sitting at home doing nothing, she then decided to venture into the business of selling ladies thrift wears.
Her mom had tried everything possible to convince her into applying for a job in Johnson’s company but she kicked against the idea because she didn’t want anything that would connect her with Beatrice ever again. Her mom didn’t know why she had been avoiding Beatrice as Belinda was yet to reveal to her, the things that happened between them 7 years ago.
Her mom finally heard about the Gideon’s company and brought it to her notice but she waved it off saying she doesn’t want to go back to her past. As it would only reopened old wounds that took 7years to heal.
Meanwhile, Benjamin had returned to the country after being away for 7 good years. His father wanted him to return inorder to get acquainted with his company’s affairs.
While his driver was driving him home, they drove to a point where there was a traffic jam. While they were waiting impatiently for the traffic congestion to reduce, Benjamin saw Belinda crossing the road with her goods well balanced on her head.
“Belinda?.” He asked in disbelief. He quickly got off the car and kept stretching his neck looking from one side of the road to another hoping to see her but he wasn’t able to catch a glimpse of her again.
“Maybe it’s Someone else. The Belinda I know would have gotten a good paying job by now or probably she might have been happily married to the man of her dreams.” He said to himself as he sat back in his car.
When they finally arrived at the Gideon’s mansion, he alighted from his car. Taking a deep breath he said.
“It feels so good to be back. Indeed, there’s no place like home.” He said smiling happily.
Entering into their exquisite sitting room, he was warmly welcomed with a warm embrace from his parents and his younger brother (Victor) who was also done with his studies and was currently working as the managing director of the company.
Benjamin’s father did not hesitate to reinstate Benjamin as the vice president of Gideon’s company. On his first day at work, he learnt that the person that was supposed to be his personal assistant, had relocated to another state after securing a different job. He then instructed his brother (Victor) to go through the lists and details of job applicants and forward the names of three persons with good qualifications to him. So he can make his choice from there.
That very night, Belinda’s mom secretly logged into the Gideon’s company website and applied for a job. She uploaded the qualifications and details of Belinda and kept it as a secret from her.
While Victor was going through the lists and details of job applicants, he came across Belinda’s curriculum vitae (CV). He was surprised to find someone who attended same school with his elder brother.
Early the next morning before they went to the company, he came knocking at his brother’s door.
“Yes…come in.” Benjamin said adjusting his neck tie.
“Good morning bro.” Victor greeted shutting the door behind him.
“Good morning Victor. Aren’t you going to work today?.” Benjamin asked seeing victor in his night wear.
“I didn’t get enough sleep last night because I was trying to do what you instructed me to do.” Victor lamented yawning as he sat on Benjamin’s bed.
“Why did you do that in the night? You would have taken your time. Anyways, the deed has been done already. So tell me how did it go? Were you able to find anyone?.” He asked spraying his perfume.
“Yeah. I selected three people like you requested. But while I was going through the lists and details of the applicants, I found something that I think you would be interested in.” Victor said tapping his system.
“And what could that be?.” Benjamin asked curioused.
“I came across the application of one of your former female class mates. In Unique high school.” Victor said.
“Really? And who could that be?.” Benjamin asked putting on his wrist watch.
“She goes by the name….Belinda Kennedy.” Victor said tapping on her information.
Immediately Benjamin heard that name, his whole body stood still like someone who was struck by lightning.
“Wait a minute!.” He said turning Victor’s laptop towards his face. He clicked on her information and quickly went to her relationship status which said single.
“You know what? Just add her to the list and send the interview invitation to the four of them. Cause I doubt if she would show up this time around too.” Benjamin said recalling how she didn’t show up at his father’s birthday party and the day he waited for her before traveling out of the country.
Victor sent the email as Benjamin had instructed. When Belinda’s mom viewed her email messages and saw the message, she was over the moon that she prayed so hard for her daughter to pass the interview.
“Belinda!.” She called barging into Belinda’s room.
“Mom what is it? You are shouting.” Belinda said trying to calculate how much sales she had made for the day.
“I hope you still have white and black cooperate wear?.” Her mother asked ransacking her room with her eyes.
“Do you know anyone who is in need of it? I haven’t restocked it yet. Maybe I will do that during my next purchase.” Belinda said still counting her money.
“Restocker. Almighty investor. It’s high time you got a good and high paying job for yourself.” Her mother said.
“There she goes again. Mom aren’t you tired of stressing yourself over this employment issue? You of all people should have known that this country and its labour market favours only the rich and those with connections. I have already given up. Because I have tried my best.” Belinda said rearranging her money.
“Well, I just found you a good paying job in one of the biggest and high paying companies we have in this country. As a matter of fact, they just sent me an email which states that you are qualified for the job interview which will be taking place tomorrow at the company. So you better start ironing your white and black cooperate wear.” Her mother said.
“No way! Mom? Are you for real? This is not one of your expensive jokes right?.” Belinda asked standing on her feet.
“I’m one hundred percent serious. You can review your email for confirmation.” Her mother said.
“So which of the companies did you applied for the job?.” Belinda asked curioused.
“Gideon’s company of course.” Her mother replied.
Hearing the name of the company, weakened Belinda’s body. As a shudder of fear came upon her for the first time in 7 years.
“Mom? It can be any company but not Gideon’s company. Please. I’m not going for the interview.” Belinda said sitting back on her bed.
“Why? You have never told me the real reason behind your constant refusal to apply for job in those two companies. At least the first one was because you didn’t want to run into Beatrice again. Fine accepted and understood. So what then is your reason for not wanting to work in Gideon’s company? Does Beatrice’s father owns there too? I honestly do not see any reason why you should run from them. If they hurt you in time past, then they should be the ones running from you. You should be the one walking with your head up high. They might be rich but that doesn’t make them any better than you. If they can walk around without running, then you should be able to do same.” Her mother said.
“Mom….” Belinda said in a low tone.
“It’s fine my child. I won’t force you to face your past and fears. Whenever you are ready to overcome them, just know that I will always be here to support you all through the way.” Her mother said tapping her at her back.
That night, Benjamin couldn’t sleep as he kept staring at Belinda’s CV. He was eager to see how much she had grown and changed in the past 7 years.
Belinda on the other hand, was also restless as she kept pondering on whether to go for the interview or not.
Early the next morning, Belinda’s mom was getting ready to go to the market when Belinda stepped out of her room wearing a black skirt and a white long sleeve button shirt. With a black leather heel shoe and a black handbag. With her files on her left hand.
“Mom, how do I look?.” She asked smiling.
“You look beautiful my child. Thank you so much for agreeing to this for me. I pray the interview favours you. And don’t forget. You didn’t do anything wrong. You are not supposed to be running from other people’s mistakes. I wish you luck my princess.” Her mother said embracing her tightly.
Belinda hurried off to the company and was slightly late due to the traffic jam. She arrived at the company walking so fast like someone was after her.
That same morning, Beatrice who had returned from the states the previous night, decided to drop by and say hi to Benjamin. She was already on the stair case that led to the waiting room when she saw Belinda rushing into the company’s building.
“Is that not Belinda?. What in God’s name is she doing here of all places?.” Beatrice wondered in disbelief.
After Belinda was directed to the waiting room where the interview was to take place, she was to climb thesame staircase where Beatrice was already standing thinking of what to do to get her out of the building.
“Longest time old Friend. You don’t look bad for a lady from a poor home.” Beatrice said as soon as Belinda walked into the waiting room.
“Neither do you Beatrice. Money surely looks good on you.” Belinda responded.
“What brings you here of all places?.” Beatrice asked curioused.
“I don’t think we have the relationship to reveal personal matters to each other. And the last time I checked, this company is not owned by your father. You are just a visitor here just like I am. So why should I answer your question?.” Belinda asked rolling her eyes at Beatrice who burst into laughter.
“Wow! I love to see this version of Belinda. Too bad you weren’t all these outspoken seven years ago. You let me do all the talking my self. And it was hell lot of boring. Anyways, I don’t care to know what brought you here but I will advise you get lost before I show you the other side of me.” Beatrice threatened.
“Hahahaha. You mean your witch mode? Come on, I’ve seen it all in life little girl. There’s nothing that scares me anymore. And my mom was right after all. I didn’t do anything bad and I’m not supposed to be the one running away for other people’s mistakes. You did me wrong in so many ways and it’s only fair if you should be the one running. So, please get out of my way. I have an appointment to catch up with.” Belinda said.
She tried pushing Beatrice out of her way but Beatrice forcefully pushed her so hard that her heels bent over and she fell on someone’s body scattering all her documents all over the place.
When she finally opened her eyes to see whose body she fell on, Lo and behold, it was none other than that of Benjamin’s.
“Isn’t it ackward and funny how we keep meeting and introducing ourselves in such a dramatic way. You did same on your first day in school 10 years ago. And here you are repeating it again. You still haven’t changed a bit Belinda.” Benjamin said smiling at Belinda’s clumsiness.
“Benjamin?.” Belinda managed to voice out in shock.
As she tried to get off his body, he pulled her back to himself on the floor and said.
“It’s nice meeting you again after 7years. How have you been Miss Belinda Kennedy?.” Benjamin asked with a broad smile.
