One

ADURE’S POV

‘’Hmmm’’ by my count this was the fifth time I’ve sighed ‘’hmmm’’ and its six now. Gosh I feel so numb, it feels like I no longer have control over myself, I feel like a ghost in my own body. Its morning already, I’ve had my bath, eaten, dressed up, done my makeup and here I am still lying on my very comfy bed gazing at nothing in particular. I let out another sigh as I watched the continuous motion of the stars dangling on my ceiling. I couldn’t sleep, couldn’t move, I just stayed still looking so pale. The striking sound of my ringtone brought my heart beat to an abrupt stop, just the sound of her voice brings chills down my spine. ‘’hey I know, I know how important this is for both of us, especially for my career. And i promise to make it on time’’ I didn’t let her reply before I ended the call, I still couldn’t feel my heart beat but hey, I’m still breathing. ‘’arise, arise, arise’’ I muttered. if anyone should see me now, with just one look they could tell how miserably scared I am. yea I’m scared, I’m so nervous. though I’ve done a lot of interviews, I’ve hosted and I’ve been hosted, this one show still somehow frightens me till now. This is one show, one host which I’ve always dreaded and wanted since the onset of my career, I had mixed feelings towards it, I mean this show is every writers dream show in Nigeria, who wouldn’t want to be hosted in ARISE NATION, talk more of being hosted by the best host they’ve got, she’s literarily the best host in the country, Nancy Isime. I’ve always admired her, I can remember I always used to talk about her in class back then in school, how I used to daydream of being in Arise nation with Nancy. and look here I am now, Adure Badmus , one of the best selling authors in the country, a successful entrepreneur, one of the most popular actress , oh and best therapist you could ever find here Lagos though am just twenty one. Here I am finally invited to The Arise Nation. Isn’t it amazing? Well two weeks ago I will say it is completely. But now that the day is drawing nearer am starting to chicken out thinking of the different questions that might be thrown at me. Most of the shows I’ve been hosted, they don’t go too deep into your root. But you see Nancy, trust me when I tell you, if possible, she could even go into your mum’s womb just to fetch details about you. She goes deeper into your life and that is what am trying to avoid. I’m scared she might reopen deep wounds that has not fully healed.  

‘’Adure", Yusuf asked to inform that your car is ready” Folake said as she knocked on my room door but I didn’t reply, I just laid still. ‘’Ma’am, can I come in?’’ she asked again and before I even knew it she was already in my room without waiting for a reply.

“Hey I didn’t say you should come in”

“No but your silence did” she responded with a knowing smile.

“I can sense something is off with you” she added.

“You meant you can see, because its so obvious” I responded rolling my eyes.

“duh, so what’s up, why are you so down? I mean its your big day this face of yours should be beaming with smiles right now.”

“yeah I know right, but here look at me I look so miserable lying on this bed counting three plastic stars over and over”

“hmmm you are so nervous Adure, come on chillax, its just a show. You’ve nailed other shows better than this, the Macwilly show at the Bahamas, now that was a show I thought will weigh you down a little but you scaled through it like it was nothing. This is just Arise Nation, Naija’s Arise Nation. This should be a breeze” she emphasized taking a seat next to my bed.

“You say it like its some dumb ass show. Sweetie this is Arise Nation, like The Nancy Isime’s Arise Nation. Trust me when I tell you its not a breeze” I replied.

“Oh now I see where you are driving at, you are not scared of the show, you are scared of the host” she chuckled.

“Hey don’t laugh at me”

“No no I’m not laughing, I understand you perfectly. Look Adure I know you better than anyone else, and girl, you are stronger than this. She’s only human and no matter what happens I will always be here, so…..’’ I didn’t let her finish before I cut in. 

‘’last time I checked I didn’t sign up for a therapy session and yes you are right she is only human, phew’’ I sighed ’’ I can do this’’

“that’s the spirit, now I want you to get your pretty self out of this bed, go outside, get in the car and show the world that Adure Badmus is a strong woman, the strongest of them all.” Folake cheered me on, pulling me up.

“Wait, what are you doing” I asked as I watch her drag me towards the door. “Folake” I called again.

“Of course am taking you down stairs to the car so I can drive you to your destiny.” She said in a deep tone trying to mimick Arjuns voice in the Stolen Gem movie.

“Stop that silly” I playfully hit her on the head and we both burst into an outrageous laughter. Oh Folake, literally the only close friend I've got. Hey,I know you are still confused of why she called me ma'am a while ago,well let me explain better. She used to be my house help,like she's been working for me since I became successful .anytime I move from an apartment ,she always moved with me. I don't usually talk to her that much,some times I act cold towards her .I could remember one time I was really pissed and she came to serve me water,I angrily poured the whole content on her , raining insults on her life aswell .I had actually thought she would quit after that but to my surprise she didn't,plus she didn't even react. Well I apologized and as the darling that she is, she forgave me easily. Since then I started showing her little sentiments ,I didn't know if it was because I still felt guilty for my actions or I was actually starting to like her . We somehow became closer as time went by and I discovered a whole lot of talent in her. Folake is a blessed soul ,she's so talented and unique but her best was at giving advice ,cus at a time when my past was eating deep into me more and more clouding my vision and my thoughts, Folake was the only one who could tell I was not fine, though my smiles were the broadest outside ,but inside I was this broken girl who really needed help.