Chapter 2 * * * * *

Mary took the microphone as they reached the podium . On either side , they were flanked by both of their parents , Mr. & Mrs . Jaz and Mr. & Mrs. Morgan .

" Our invited distinguished guests , ladies and gentlemen , it is our humble pleasure to welcome you to this launch of our very unique wonder drug . The significance of your presence here today cannot be overemphasized . Foremost , I would like to thank our parents for denying themselves the luxuries of life and working hard to see that we never missed school due to lack of school fees . As peasants doing menial jobs , my parents , Mr & Mrs. Jaz , worked tirelessly to not only provide food for us , but also towards providing a roof . They never waivered in their efforts to support my education despite our cultural barriers that have condemned many a girl to lives of misery and dependency on their husbands . I personally experienced numerous discourteous behavior while undergoing my medical studies . On the other hand , my partner's parents , Mr & Mrs. Morgan , went through similar struggles to make sure that their son got the best that he deserved . Would you please indulge me with a round of applause for these wonderful parents ? " She did not expect the reverberating response that she experienced .

The parents were then asked to waive to the audience and say a few words . All waived their acknowledgement except Jaz who decided to speak .

" Ladies and gentlemen , am the happiest parent ever on earth ," he said . " I would have loved to say much , but it's not possible to describe my feelings in one sitting . However , I just want to say that there's no situation that is permanent , except change ! Thank you all ." He passed the mike to Mary amidst thunderous laughter from the guests . She invited the guest speaker , Bary , Cabinet Secretary for Science and Technology .

" Ladies and gentlemen , indeed no situation is permanent , to borrow from the most distinguished parent , Mr .Jaz . Social stratification and cultural practices should not be used to curtail development . Am aware that most of us have failed to rise above their social status because of improper mindsets and mythical beliefs . Personally , I grew up in a society where educating a girl beyond the basic levels of learning was highly frowned upon . The medical profession was surrounded in deep-seated myths such that it was unheard of to find female doctors in the exclusively male-dominated field . Most of what we call terminal illnesses have been in existence for as long as I can remember . My question is , why would their maintenance and treatment negatively transcend all the world's qualified males untill we find the antidote in the hands of a female ?

" That am pleased to say that this particular invention has made us proud as the first nation to develop cures for the three lethal diseases in the world , cannot be overemphasized . The proceeds from the sale of the drug , which am sure will be stratospheric , besides improving the living standards of many , will also contribute to the national gross product income . As a nation , we are really indebted to your brilliant innovative minds ."

He paused to invite his colleague , Hose , to say a few words .

" Ladies and gentlemen ," Hose started , " if we had just a hundred scientists like these two , we would be a leading world economy ! However , I must say that we are on the right trajectory to becoming one . They have set the pace , and it behooves us all to support technological innovations for all our children , regardless of gender or social status .

" 'Unique Rojas four-in-one ' has been patented and copyrighted by our government since it was approved by the Academy of Sciences , and subsequently , by the World Health Organization as an undisputed cure against Cancer , Diabetes and the Human immuno-deficiency virus ( HIV ). I will not mince any words to say that it is a wonder drug of its own kind . As a government , we are completely incapable of thanking the two of you enough . Suffice it to say that we are greatly appreciative of your work ."

It was now their turn to officially launch their product , the 'Unique Rojas four-in-one' . It had taken them a whopping five years of hard work and dedication to invent this drug that had a multi-curative ability . There had been many discouraging comments from their contemporaries , among many other obstacles . They worked through the patience of a praying mantis . Only when it passed the excruciating testing by the Academy of Sciences did they rest easy .

" Ladies and gentlemen ," Mary started , " I have the pleasure of presenting to you the ' Unique Rojas four-in-one' curative drug !" She paused to let the deafening applause to subside . " As the name suggests , it is the unique and only cure against four deadly conditions . These are Cancer , Diabetes , Human immuno-deficiency virus and accelerated aging .

" This drug , completely developed from a wonder plant that's indigenous to our beloved country , has zero side effects . Tests carried out show that it has hundred percent efficacy against these ailments within a period of seven days . How does it work ? I will now let my partner explain its pharmocokinetics ."

" Thank you ," Mike said to her . " Ladies and gentlemen , I also take this opportunity to register our gratitude for finding time to be part of this auspicious occasion . Indeed , right attitude and focus have no limitations in relation to what they can achieve . Without belabouring the point , suffice it to say that we have come a long way as the human species .

" 'Unique Rojas four-in-one ' is a versatile drug that works in diverse ways to bring about perfect healing . It first detoxifies the body by purifying the blood . In relation to the various types of cancer , it not only kills the malignant cells , but also replaces them with normal , boosted and rejuvenated cells . This brings total recovery of the affected parts within seven days .

" Diabetes , whether genetic , or secondary , is completely eliminated by the drug's efficacy in not only repairing the pancreas's ability to regulate insulin production , but also by stimulating the synthesizing of the protein necessary for insulin production . Again , complete recovery is assured within seven days .

" It is trite knowledge among the medical circles that the human immuno-deficiency virus has been quite evasive in treatment due to its rapid mutational ability and high resistance to drugs . However , this is now a thing of the past as 'Ultimate Rojas' does not only stop its mutation , but also kills it completely by permanently binding its deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA ) . Consequently , the virus is possibly cleared from the blood within a period of seven days .

" All the above healing measures against the three conditions are brought about by the rapid regeneration and replication of new cells of the body . This precipitates an overall effect of reduced aging and wearing out of body cells , tissues and organs . This sums up into slow , or anti-aging properties . Thank you ."

The solid silence in the hall could almost be cut with a knife . People were so mesmerized that they did not realize that he had finished his elucidation untill Mary took over . It is when they started clapping .

" Currently ," she started , " the main method of administration of the drug is orally . It is both in syrup , for children , and tablet forms . Finally , as a form of appreciation for your presence here today , we have free doses for anyone willing to start on the journey of complete healing from the stipulated maladies . Thank you all !"

Members of the fourth estate had booked an interview with her . So , she invited questions from them .

" Seeing that today is specifically a day for celebrations , I would wish to respond to a few questions that you might have ," she told the battery of journalists who had attended the occasion .

" Hi ! Am Zora from the Ladies Journal . Given that you have come from a humble background , is it true that you were depressed at one time when your parents could not afford your University education ?"

" That's not far from the truth . Who couldn't be overwhelmed by such happenstances ? In life , sometimes everything changes . Things change in a way that we could have never predicted and we find ourselves rocked to the core. But there's nothing more beautiful than rising up everytime you fall . Those are magical moments in life . Always rise to levels that scare you ."

" Magical moments , indeed ! Am June from Celebrity Magazine . We all are aware of the cultural bottlenecks that hinder the girl-child from full realization of their dreams . What would you advise such girls who are struggling to overcome such impediments ?"

" The world is evolving very fast that if we don't take cognizance of the fact that women are equipped with twice as much wherewithal as men , we will always be lagging behind as a society . Had my family heeded such form of counsel , I couldn't be here today , nor would the world have gotten this ingenious invention . As women , we need as much support from our male counterparts as much as they do , and we can do as best as they do , if not better , in improving our lives in tandem with the changing world trends ."

" Margy , from Lifestyle Magazine . What would you consider as your major weakness and strengths ?"

" No one is perfect . Not you , nor me , neither them . Relax . Accept your shortfalls and work on improving on your weaknesses . It doesn't matter the number of mistakes you made in the past or the sort of difficulties you're struggling with right now . Just know you've been destined to win if you're consistently determined to win . You may not be all you want to be , but at least you can look back and say you're not what you used to be ."

As the interview ended , Max , accompanied by his father , sought her out from a group of people wanting to take selfies with her to offer their congratulations .

" Am in total awe of your ingenuity ," started Max . " Are you always this good in everything ? I mean , with the inventions to the excellent skills with the media ?"

" Am flattered by your compliments . However , am sure am a pale shadow of you and your father ."

" Still , that doesn't erase the fact that I envy your eximious skills ," commented Kim . " I will be really honoured to have someone as you in my network , and the other young man , your husband ?"

" No , but we are very good friends . His name is Mike . Why , hasn't he told you ?" She asked , looking at Max .

" Didn't know that I was in your public relations department ," responded Max . " Nevertheless , I didn't have time to because my eyes and mind have been glued into you , sorry , your presentations since then ."

" I prefer getting first-hand information . Besides , I don't know what has gotten into his minds from since you gave him a tour of your facility . Nevertheless , we would be hosting a meeting of experts next week . We will be honoured to have your presence , both of you ." He gave her the invitation card . " If you excuse us , we would wish to take our leave now ."

" So soon ! Sure you don't want to take anything more ?"

" Thank you , but your cuty tidings are enough to fill even our stomachs . See you soon , gorgeous !" Added Max as they turned to go .

Again , something turned inside her , a feeling that she had suppressed for long . " See you soon , gorgeous !" She mimicked him .

Mike had been watching this exchange from nearby . He was irritated by the way in which Max kept looking at Mary . This form of irritation was new to him . At no time in their long journey together had he felt like he wanted to own her . Was he becoming jealous as she had observed a few hours ago ? He felt a strong urge to be close to her , but before he could move , she gently tickled him on the side . He had been so engrossed in his thoughts that he didn't see her struggling her way into him .

" I wish you knew that this kind of tingling might cause a volcanic eruption in my physiology ," he enthused .

" Would it now ?" She asked , tickling him again secretly .

" Mmmhh ... I wonder why it is triggering a peculiar feeling now . Just stop it before I cause a scene . So , what's it with those guys ?"

" You mean Max and his father ? They are inviting us to an experts conference they are hosting next week ."

" I didn't know he is called Max . He seems not to get enough of you ."

" There you go again , Mr Jealousy . Shall we talk about it later ? For now , we have guests to see off ."

" Yes , my love ... I mean , my lady . Excuse my confusion ." She looked him straight in the eyes . For the first time in their long journey together , she realized how handsome his eyes , nose and moustache were .

" You have a lot of explanation to do , my love , I mean , my Lord !" They both burst into laughter as they started to move to see the guests off .