POLLEN “Why did you lie to me?” Mia’s face was right in front of mine as she outlined my eyes with a brown eye pencil. “What do you mean?” “You said Raymond has no friends when I asked you to introduce me to one of his friends” “That’s because I never saw him with any friends. I got back from the beach last Sunday to find tons of them in the living room, I was too shocked to utter a word myself ” “Am I supposed to believe this?” Mia paused with the eyeliner trapped between her fingers. “Believe whatever you want” I joked. “You know you are under my mercy, right?” “Talking like I can’t decide to go to the book launch with a bare face. I have a great skin you know” I winked at her. “Keep that ugly of face of yours let me finish what I’m doing” She placed one hand on my head while the other carefully drew a line on my eyelid. “Why do you want a man when you have one already?” “I have told you countless times that Jeff and I aren’t dating” “What are you doing then?” “Using eac
NATASHA“It’s been a whole freaking week and your sister’s daughter is yet to find any dirt on that pauper”“My sister’s daughter? That’s your cousin, Natasha. Can you be serious for once?”“How sure am I that she didn’t lie about attending the same school as that girl to get my attention?”“Your attention, huh? You think we are still at the top of the social hierarchy, don’t you?. The earlier you wake up to the reality that we are no longer as influential as we used to be the better for you”“With or without money, I am still Natasha Strefield!”“Is that what you think? Why don’t we tell your cousin that her uncle is no longer the owner of the numerous properties which her parents told her about. Let’s see if she still grovels to get your ‘attention’ ”“Really? Is that all you have to say?”“What do you want me to say? I wonder why you are even bothered with Raymond. We have gotten what we wanted, shouldn’t we be thinking of how to be happy now that your father is stuck in there
POLLENAs I stepped out of the evening sunlight and into the pristine, modern venue,my eyes scanned the crowded room.Not like I was looking for anyone in particular, I just wanted to give off a confidence that was befitting for my appearance.I had never been to a book launch before, but have heard rumors about the extravagance of such events.Even at that, nothing could have prepared me for the sea of expectant faces that spun my way as I made my entrance.My red flowing dress seemed to shimmer in the light, the one shoulder strap drew attention to my toned arm, while the daring cutout on my side flaunted a glimpse of my delicate skin. The dress was a bold choice, and I knew it.Mia had spent days deliberating over my outfit, and finally decided that this was the one. I was left with no choice, but to go with itAs I strode my way through the horde of guests, the room fell silent. Conversations hung in mid-sentences, and heads spun to take in the sight of me.My heart pounded wit
ERICI was at the dining area waiting for my mother to come down for breakfast while scrolling through my phone. “Good Morning, Poppy” I looked up when I heard her foot steps approaching.“Morning, Eric. Did you sleep well?”“I did. Never slept this good in a long while”“Really” I got up to pull a chair for my mother as she got to the table.“Thank you”“You welcome”“Is it because you are looking forward to the book launch?”“Nah. Has nothing to do with that”“That’s cold” My mother made a sad face.“Sorry, I didn’t mean it that way. It’s just I dreamt of some one all through the night, and now I can’t seem to get her out of my head”“Who is she? Should I be expecting to see her soon?” She leaned forward to ask.“Not sure if she will be coming to the book launch, but if she does then you will definitely meet her”“Wait a minute? You invited her to the book launch?”“No. Kira did”“Oh, I see” My mother tilted her head as if to recall something.“What’s this young lady’s name?”“Why
NATASHA After hearing the maids sing praises of the pauper while making ridicule of me, I knew it was time to be more intensional about my actions.More than anything, I wanted to go in there and confront them, but what happens after I do? Not like I can ask Raymond to fire them. Apart from the fact that he is a logical person who doesn’t just do what he is told, his attention has been swayed by the ongoing scandal and being petty was only going to work against me.As I made my way upstairs, to where I knew I was going to find him, the crashing sound of ceramic caught my attention.I turned around to see what happened. It was Lily, she looked petrified while standing there. She must been shocked to find me in the mansion, more concerned that I might have overheard them.“Good day Ma’am”“Hello” I gave her a weary smile and continued my way up.I knew she was confused as to whether I heard their conversation or not. Well, I guess that’s enough punishment for the moment until I’m in th
RAYMOND“Miss Pamela, do you think…” Pollen paused halfway when we nearly bumped into each other at the kitchen entrance.“Sorry, I didn’t see you —coming”I trailed off when my eyes fell on her.All I could do at that moment was stare, I was too dazed by her intoxicating beauty to mutter anything. How can one person possess different appealing kinds of beauty. Not long ago, she looked very innocent and charming in a pair of black sweat pants, white tank top and messy bun, now this?Alex who had came over to help me sort some files came out of the kitchen too, bumping into me in the process, as I was still by the door.He stopped in his tracks when he saw her, I wouldn’t blame him. She looked too good in the red gown with cutouts that revealed the right proportion of delicate skin.“Pollen, is it you??” Alex turned to me with a broad smile on his face.I pushed Alex aside, a subtle way of telling him to go do something with his life.“Okay Man. I’m going” Alex walked away grudgingly
I barged into Pollen's room, my anger smoldering just below the surface. She was sitting in front of her laptop, totally immersed in her little video call. I didn't bother knowing what the video call might be about, even though her tone and facial expression indicated it was something serious. I needed to use this room, and she was in my way."Get out, Pollen," I snapped, my patience getting slimmer with every passing second. "I need to use this room."But instead of scurrying away like she usually does, Pollen had the audacity to politely ask who she was talking to, wait a moment, and then turn to me with a firm tone. "I'm in my own room, Natasha. If you need to use it, please ask nicely and tell me what you need it for."My eyes narrowed, and my anger was flaring. What gave her the nerve to think she could talk back at me? Who does she think she was, speaking to me like that? I lunged at her, my hand reaching for her hair, but she sprang up, her eyes flashing with a fierce rage. I
POLLENI was totally buried in my video call with my writing critique, analysing my work and offering valuable insights. When Natasha barged into my room, her rude carriage startled me."Get out, Pollen. I need to use this room." She demanded, her voice dripping with entitlement.I smiled at my critique, asking for a moment, and muted the call. "I'm in my own room, Natasha. If you need to use it, please ask nicely and tell me what you need it for." I said.Natasha's face was distorted in anger, her eyes flashing with irritation. "You seem to have forgotten your place. Who do you think you are, talking to me like that?" She sneered, taking a step closer.I stood my ground, trying to appear saner than I was. "I'm simply asking you to respect my space, Natasha. I'm in the middle of an important call."“Do I look like I care about your flimsy video call? Get out this instant!”“What if I refuse?”Natasha's face contorted even more as her anger heightened when I said that. She charged tow