Chapter one

Like a garden of pink asters, her face shone brightly in a soft

tone of gloss. All smirk and plush, Grace Anslem walked out of

her apartment. Her attractiveness adds colour to the serene

atmosphere in view. The morning sun kissed her skin causing it

to glow and radiate in-between of her dress puckers. While she

worked the locks, her face caught the mirror of her door frame

and soon became null, as though devoid of emotions. In a flick,

a telephone call came in; the loud noise from the device stabbed

the quietude that blew tenderly with the gentle wind. It was

Richard calling. She attended to the call after the door was well

under lock and keys.

“How’re you doing, Richie?”

“Great, I must confess. What’s up?”

“Nothing serious. I’m just stepping out”

“Anything special?”

“Not really. Missed you a lot. So, I considered checking up on

you”

Richard has a way of making her feel special. Like a satellite in

space, she was lost in a trance - letting out a smile and blushing

in the same instance.

“Thank you, dear. I miss you”

Richard Walter has a wholesome smile, one that made his

dimples come out clear. Whenever he smiled, a sparkle reflects

in his dark eyes. He passes for a dream man and has

unimaginable attributes. He has an athletic body, a handsome

look, shiny dark hair and a glowing lips. Grace could not help but smile at the thought of his finesse. Though, Richie had

attitudes that seem unfit for a guy like him. He detests teases,

gets upset easily and is mostly unforgiving. She recalled a cool

Saturday morning, when she called him to know if they could

hang out.

"Hello Richie, how're you doing?"

"Fine, I guess," he answered.

"Where are you?", Grace inquired while straining to hear the

unusual sound in the background.

"In the grocery store. Mum needed a few things."

" Wow. This sounds great. My lovely grocery guy. That shows

how good you are."

Her phone beeped, indicating that the call ended. Did she run

out of airtime? No, she did not. Then why did the phone go off

like that? She should call back immediately.

"Hey babe, what's wrong?" she asked rather loudly.

"How dare you call me a grocery guy? You obviously lack

respect. What makes you think you could say whatever you

want? Listen here, don't you try that with me ever again." He

hanged up almost immediately.

Grace became more confused and did check the number on the

screen, was Richie's. She could not say a word before he hung

up. Her heart began pounding heavily. She never had a plan to

make home angry, not at that point, never. Her hands fumbled with her mobile device as she initiated a call to him but he was

not picking up. The glitch lasted for over three days. It was then

obvious that Richie never wanted to speak with her, not even a

text came from him.

After a serious tug with the demon that pushed her to jerk him

off, Grace decided to send him a text.

I am sorry Richie, I never knew it would hurt you. I was only

joking and that is it - She hit the send button.

This is one problem she had with Richard; he takes everything

extremely personal. He never tried to see things from another's

perspective. Grace peeked at Richie's message.

It is okay. I will call you tomorrow. (his response reads).

Thank goodness, he finally responded. This is relieving, though

she blamed herself all through. This is just one out of the many

experiences.

The following day at noon, the gray skies and the feel of rain

chased her down the walkways towards the awaiting vehicle.

Grace lifted the duffel bag higher and hopped into the car. The

door snapped shut behind her. Therein, Richard sat looking

dashing in a blue T-shirt and a pair of jeans. She was smiling,

sitting next to him and the vehicle lurched to a rumbling start.

"How's everyone?" He asked.

"Doing great. Thank you."

"I'll be traveling in two days. There is something urgent I need

to attend to at Port Harcourt."

It sounded rather too sudden to Grace. But she would not dare

object after all. The air-conditioned emission from the car hits

differently on her ear flaps, causing her a chill.

"How long are you staying?" she struggled to question.

"A few days."

"Alright. Let me know when you’re ready to leave and when

you get there.” Her reply came reluctantly.

"Definitely." He answered with full assurance.

Grace really thinks he has forgotten about the incident. It is

unusual for him not to talk about it. She prayed he never brings

it up. If he does, she doesn’t know how she’ll feel, and she

doesn’t want another argument either.

In two days, Richard travelled. She tried calling him to be sure

he has gotten there safely but could not reach him. Her

persistence blinded off the reality, she had called too much than

necessary. If he was safe, she will for sure have queries to

answer when he arrives. However, the scary thing was that his

phone rang each time she called. Is there a problem? Was he

involved in an accident or kidnap? Hell no! She should not be

thinking negatively.

“Maybe I should try one last time. I could get him.” Grace thought.

She did and just then she heard a voice from the other end of the

phone.

“Why have you been calling this phone?,” a male voice

questioned.

“Who are you please? I want to speak with the owner of the

phone.”

“He’s unavailable. And please don’t bother calling this line

again.”

The masculine voice reeked of horror, terror and a bit of

frankness. This sent cold shivers into Grace’s spine. She feels

something must have happened to Richie. Her anxious self

quickly settled for sending a text as a rejoinder.

Hey babe, hope you are fine? I am worried and sick about you -

She hits send.

Soon, her phone rang. It was Richard calling.

“Why do you keep bothering me? I’m only giving you the

privacy you demanded. I suggest you let me be.”

That was Richard’s voice. He went off instantly. His call was

terrifying, but that was the last she heard of him for the next

three days. Her head could not process the shock.

“Something isn’t right. He promised to take good care of my

heart. Why treat me this way?” Grace uttered in soliloquy. 

Sadly what she dreaded the most crept into their lives. How it

did, she does not know. Her weak body could not restrain the

ocean of tears that flooded her face. Why? He suddenly grew

weary of her. Her presence got him nauseous. It was apparent

that the light of the love they shared has fizzled out. What did

she do wrong? She laments and weeps in silence.

Four days after the incident. She received a text from Richard. It

simply reads

"I’m on my way back."

Grace felt he regarded her less because he knew how much she

loved him. Her anger rose to the peak and she vowed never to

call him again. If he ever wanted to have a word with her, he

should do the calling. As it stands, he was clearly preying on

her emotions.

Richard has ego, he would never apologize for being wrong and

so the whole drama continued and lasted for nine months.

Between, there were no calls and messages. They simply were

not on the same page anymore. Their story of love had ended

and the one whom she entrusted her heart with carelessly tore it

into shreds. She became a woman who cared for nothing and no

one, all she understood was that her ship has been wrecked.

She could vividly remember what he said to her before he

travelled.

“You’re way too inquisitive, authoritative and overly curious,”

he stated angrily. 

“How do you mean? I only told you that alcohol has negative

effect on your health and you should try to limit its intake. Did I

commit a crime for that?” Grace rooped.

"What's your business with how I live my life? How does it

affect you? I've told you I don't take so much of it, just a little.

Listen, stay clear off my business?, "Richard roared back at her.

She would have understood it better, but she could not read the

hand-writing on the wall. Shadows from her past clung unto her

like a plaque, sinking her further into the sea sand.

"I could not reach you on phone for a few days now, are you

fine?" She'd asked.

"Yes I am, I've been busy." He replied.

"I ha-d Wa-nt-ed to...", she stammered.

"I just said I'm busy, don't you get it. My phone was with a

friend".

"I'm lost here. You're phone was with a friend or you're busy,

which exactly is the truth?"

"Are you calling me a liar? That is exactly my problem with

you. Don't bother me please, I'll call you when I'm less busy."

He said and hanged up.

This was part of the scars that she tried to conceal but all were

fruitless because they were all over. At the end he never calls back. She could also remember how his elder sister Rebecca

called.

"What's going on between both of you?" She asked

"Nothing at all, we're fine."

"Don't give me that nonsense. My brother told me how you get

him all worked up constantly. Listen good, I want to make this

clear to you. My brother does not like nagging girls. He wants

you to live your life normal and not to get stuck with him

because he's dating you." Rebecca explained harshly.

While Rebecca spoke, Grace was far in thought. What did

Richard tell her? If really there was a problem, why would he

discuss it with Rebecca and not her?

"I take responsibility for whatever it is. I have heard all you've

said and I promise never to bother him anymore. My sincere

apologies, please." That was all Grace could say before she

went off.

***************************************************

Dead memories of the past came flashing back in sequences.

Grace kept wondering why she stayed in the relationship for so

long. Only then did she realize that he had taken a part of her.

Grace was totally broken, she thought again of an occurrence

which took place at Jummah foods.

"What would you care for?" 

"Anything soft will do," Grace responded.

Just then his cell phone rang. He was reluctant to pick up the

call, but her presence forced him to.

"Hey, my guy. How are you doing?" He asked the caller."

"I'm fine and you?" A lady's voice responded.

"Can I talk to you later?" "I want us to talk.

I've missed you so much," the voice from the other end replied.

Surprised how she got to find out? The phone was loud enough,

you could hear the conversation as well to recognize the voice.

"Why would Richie call her a male? Is he hiding something

from me? Does it mean that he's been cheating on me?"

She had thought quietly. She did not need an answer to all these

questions, it's crystal clear. Grace only wept secretly because

she did not want anyone to find out what was going on.

One night, she recalled what she had said to herself before she

met Richard. She never wanted to see herself drown in the river

of emotions. Made simpler, she does not want to fall deeply in

love. However, that dream never through. When she met him,

he tore the corroded walls apart effortlessly and erected a four

lettered tower on her world. The foundation was hinged on an

unknown silent strength. It was so easy for him to plant a seed

in her; a seed of love, but he never cared to nurture it neither 

was he there when it grew. How hurtful it is.

Grace Anslem was the first child out of two. A graduate of 

psychology from Lagos State University. She is based in Abuja 

with her friends. She has exceptional qualities. She is someone 

everyone longs to be identified with. She is loving, 

accommodating, focused and purpose driven. She was different, 

an epitome of beauty, the envy of women. Her hair, brownish 

and soft was as a new baby's. Her charming eyes attracted all 

and sundry, men could hardly stand her gaze. For her lips, they 

were as red as scarlet. She has the identity of an amazing lady 

and appears more like a media darling. Her friends teased her 

over her finesse and would always say she is a one million wife 

material. It was almost impossible to let go of Richard, there 

was no other choice. She had to let it go and move on, after all 

he has moved on already. This is going to sound funny but it's 

the truth, Richard was her first love. She determined to find 

ways on how to forget about him totally, and right then she 

spotted something on the internet reading 'how to forget your 

ex'.

"Oh my God! This is great. I'll need this to work on my 

emotions."

She clicked on the link quickly and the page opened.

"It really hurts to get dumped without saying how you feel. This 

is a good way to create your own closure..."

Stage 1 

Find a picture of the person and place it on any object. Now say 

anything and everything you want to say, but mind you, do not 

be nice or polite.

She quickly ran into the bedroom, brought out a picture of

Richard and placed it on a dull. "You annoying cheating idiot!

You think you can do whatever you wish and break my heart

the way you want. I gave you my time, my everything. What

makes you think you could just make a fool of me? Huh? Did

you say you are sorry? No, you should not. Wasn't I enough for

you, I gave you my all you pathological liar! You never loved

me, did you? You Know what? You're not worthy of me."

Stage 2

Grab everything that reminds you of him and quietly dispose

them all.

She took everything that belongs to Richard, including all the

gifts he had bought for her and burnt them. Then she went on to

check out the next stage.

Stage 3

Tell yourself how much you worth it and how you deserve better

and more.

"I am worth it, I deserve to be loved, cherished and valued. I

deserve better than what it is now, I will find love again" she

said confidently.

Stage 4

Try something new; like a new hobby that can distract you.

"Taking up catering classes will be a perfect distraction for me.

Moreover, I love creativity. After work I will simply try out

new recipes. Oh, this is amazing." She thought "catering it is then". She started catering classes and it was much more

educative than she thought.

Stage 5

Admire yourself, love yourself for who you are.

"I was born to succeed. I won't let anyone ever dull my sparkle.

I am confident because I can admit who I am, what I've done, I

love myself for who I've become. My value does not decrease

based on someone's inability to see my worth. Nothing is

impossible because the word itself says I'm-possible.

Confidence is the ability to feel beautiful without needing

someone to tell you. I am a work in progress."

At the end of the fifth stage, Grace Anslem was already a

sparkling cider. She was practically glowing, even her cliques

noticed it.

"Hey, sweetheart! What's the glow I see all over you?" Becky

asked.

"Oh yes! I see a different Grace. What's the secret?" Laura

added.

"My dear, there's nothing special. I'm only a work in progress.

You see girls, I deserve to be loved, treated like a queen and

that's simply what I'm doing for myself."

"I love this new version of you, you're a beautiful soul. Who

would believe you'd survive that heartbreak! I'm so happy for

you dear". Laura commented and hugged her. 

Becky Lawson is the second out of three. She doubles as the

only female child in the family of Mr and Mrs Lawson. Becky

has a great personality. She studied business administration at

Lagos State University and is currently undergoing her Master's

programme at University of Abuja. Mr and Mrs Lawson have a

joint business enterprise called "The Lawson's Enterprise".

They deal in importation, wholesale and retail of electronics. As

the only female child, she could demand for anything and she

would get it on a gold plaatter. Of course, this made her a spoilt

brat while growing up. But when she began to mingle in the

face of class and class struggle, her attitude and mentality about

life changed. Grace Anslem met Becky during their second year,

first semester to be precise. It happened that they were in the

same group which was created for a presentation. As a result of

the regular meeting and study for the presentation, they became

best friends.

"Hey girls, I've made a resolution not to go into any relationship

henceforth."

"Are you kidding me? Why would you say that and for how

long would you keep up?" Becky asked in a quiver.

"Babe, are you sure about this? Do you really intend being

single all your life?" Laura inquired too.

"Why the surprise? I just said no more relationship. I did not

say I was dying anytime soon. I need to enjoy my singleness. I

must love myself first for who I am. So, I really need to keep up

with this No-Relationship policy. Okay?" Grace replied

emphatically. 

"I understand exactly how you feel, but do not shut the door to

your heart. You never can tell who the right person is. Well, I

trust you can handle this." Laura commented, letting out a sigh.

On the other hand, Laura Anderson is the only child of Mr. and

Mrs. Anderson. She is of a royal blood and a descendant of

Oshimili LGA in Delta State. She is one of a kind. Though from

a wealthy background, she has all the humility you can ever

imagine. She is a graduate of political science from Lagos State

University as well. She is a great friend, a braniac and a smart

type. We met at a church concert during our 300L days. She

was always willing to go to walk miles to see a person happy.

Her character is worthy of emulation.

"I got to go. I have lectures by 8am tomorrow." Becky said

checking her wristwatch.

"I'll have to leave as well. We'll talk on phone." Laura said

while she stood up with her black bag made of leather.

"Alright girls, I appreciate this visit. Do take care, okay."

"Bye." Grace sighed.

In short moments, she started collecting reasons why she was

not going to listen to her friends. She had to stand her ground

about this relationship thingy. It is true there is a Mr Right, but

is she ready to believe in that fairy tale? Hell No!

Then, Grace realized how late it was when she flipped the

curtains only to see that the sun had already descended into the

catacomb of the dark clouds. She went slowly into her room.

After her prayers, she slipped into her blanket and went into

dream land.