CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE

*CAUGHT IN👌🏿 THE MIDDLE*

CHAPTER ONE

I walked along the road with my box of possessions i carried from the office. It was just one small box. I never had much things in that stinking office anyway. Images of the memories I had in that office flashed through my mind. I had been working for Julian and co. for about five years now,I was a very Jovial and friendly person so all my colleagues liked me. Hmm not all though .Back the MD was Mr Winston. He was a very harsh and bossy man but he was always lenient with me cause I was hardworking and loyal .Even though he was a big grump,I preferred him to Mr Tim. Mr Tim was the kind of younger,handsome and flirty type .He was a hot cake and some of my female colleagues were ready to do anything to get his attention even as far much as sleeping with him. Yuck!But well who are my to judge. I never fancied him one day. He was too cocky and lewd for my liking .Too bad he had to look at me. I mean I dress pretty decent. No skimpy or extremely tight clothes but I did have this killer figure that I tried so much to conceal. I am not the kind of person who likes attention. I never knew Mr Tim had been lusting after my body.

"Sir,I'm sorry but I cant do that"

"Oh please Kyla .Is it much of a big deal. You cant tell me you haven't done it before" He said chuckling.

I looked at him irritated .No I haven't done it before. Firstly the thought of it alone disgusts me. Secondly I wasn't ready for heartbreak and lastly it was against my religious beliefs .Only married people were suppose to do that so I'd wait till I get married that is if I do.

"Sir whether I've done it before is of no concern to you but my answer is no.I cant do it"

"Not even if i promised you a fat reward?He asked with a sly smile .Did he think I was cheap?I kept quiet for a while and he began grinning like a fool .He thought he had caught game but then I smoke with a firm but calm voice.

" Not even if you promised me the whole world"

He seemed shocked at my answer. I got up gently and arranged my outfit.

"So if you excuse me sir I've got some paper work I have to tend to"

I walked out the office feeling victorious. He better go find some other chic cause this chic was a no man's area.

I wished that could have ended it but Mr Tim tried his very best to get me. He gave me time offs,increased my salary and incentives but I still stood my ground. There are a lot of things that were more valuable to me than money. My dignity and my values were some of those things. A few weeks after that I was given a dismissal letter stating that my services were no longer needed. I confronted Mr Tim as to what had I done to be dismissed. He gave a stupid lie that clients had been complaining about me. I begged him to re consider but he said the only way he would, was if I give him what he wanted. I refused vehemently. In fact before I left the office I made sure I told him what I thought of him. Such a shameless man. He thinks I cant get another job. He'll see. I stopped in front of a big apartment building and got in. I tried not to make it obvious I had lost my job. I tapped on the elevator button. The elevator opened and I got in .I saw my crazy neighbour from a distance along with some of her equally crazy friends .Oh Good Lord. Why today?Charlotte was a nosy poker. Always snooping around people's business and personal life in an uncomfortable way. I desperately hit the elevator buttons continuously wishing earnestly that the door would close and she wouldn't get in with me .I know it might sound pretty wrong but trust me, no one would want to be anywhere with Charlotte for a long time.

Unfortunately Charlotte and her friends came before the door started to close.

"Hey .Girls its my hot neighbour. Hey Kyla" Charlotte said loudly in her always annoying voice .I tried to be nice.

"Oh its you and your friends"

"Yeah. we are just coming from an awesome party .It was wonderful except there was no hot drinks" Charlotte complained creasing her face like a child.

"At least that hottie gave you his number" One of her friend said chewing gum like a prostitute beckoning a client .

"Yeah. You know Kyla there are a lot hotties .I could hook you up with one .I know one he's a ride!Charlotte said smacking her lips.

" You know you need someone to take care of you. A big strong guy to hold on to .At least then you wont be so darn lonely"She added. See what I meant. Oh God why was this lift taking forever?I ignored Charlotte's last statement but she continued unperturbed.

"I mean who doesn't need a man. Right girls?

They all agreed with her unanimously.

Yeah. yeah. Totally!

" Like me I don't think I can survive a week without a man. How do you do it?Isn't it boring being a loner?

"Nope" I said straight and indifferent .I enjoyed my peace and quiet .I don't need so much drama and headache in my life.

Charlotte looked at me carefully.

" By the way,why are you back so early?

What I really wasn't ready to talk about neither lie about .I prayed for the lift to get to the tenth floor quick.

"And whats with the box .Is it a present from someone?Pls show me .I wont tell" She reached for the box .The door opened that instant and I rushed outside.

"See you later Charlotte" I said as I walked towards my apartment .Hers was just after mine .I quickly opened it to avoid any talk from Charlotte. I walked inside and shut it.

"Wait Kyla you haven't shown me the gift" I heard Charlotte shout from outside .I sighed .If I didn't answer her she'd keep bugging me.

"Later Charlotte"

"Okay .Don't forget! She said and I heard her door shut close .Thank God.

I dropped my box on the table close to the sofa. My place was well furnished and organized. I lived alone. But at times my younger sister Kiki comes over .I love it when she's around .We'd do a lot of things together to kill boredom but when I'm alone and bored, I just sit and watch TV. I sat carelessly on the sofa. I sighed. I'll get a new job soon. I hoped so. I got up and went to my room. I seriously needed a shower cause I smelt like barf. I got into the bathroom and turned on the shower. I felt a cool feeling as the water made contact with my skin. These were the moments I wished my annoying siblings were around to comfort me. To make me smile,laugh and forget my problems. I felt the aura of loneliness around me. I was lonely . Suddenly I felt the need to have someone who'd always be there for me. Maybe I did need a man in my life. Nah! I was just letting Charlotte's nonsense get to me. I'm better off on my own. Being my own boss and you know what I deserved a good pampering right about now. An exquisite dinner .So I should enjoy myself. I turned off the shower and decided to take a soak. I would give myself real Spa treatment.

After my long soak,I went out to this fancy Italian restaurant and had a terrific dinner all by myself. See I didn't need nobody cause I was okay with being all by myself. I was okay being all alone.

Tbc

CAUGHT🤏🏼 IN THE MIDDLE

Chapter Two

It had been months since I got fired and I still haven't been able to get a job yet. Its like any office I go to. I'm just not what they're looking for. It was frustrating. To make it all worse I was given a quit notice to leave my apartment in a month's time since I haven't paid the rent for like two months. Oh jeez .I had to look for a place to squat for sometime. My siblings were all students who lived with friends so that was a no no. My parents were far away. As in outside the country. Besides I would never go stay with them .If I did I would never rest cause they talk too much. My parents are always telling me.

"You aren't getting any younger Kyla .You are twenty five already and you have never had even just one boyfriend!

" Women your age are already married. When are you going to settle down?You are our first child Kyla at least let us see our grandchildren before the awful clutches of death come"

Yep. That's what I hear every time I go for a visit .I was sure I would get a job soon so I didn't bother to tell my parents I was fired and the reason why. I could have asked my parents for money but that was unlike me. I believed in doing things for myself by myself either that or it was my massive ego preventing me from asking my parents.

I was seriously broke and choked to the next. I came in the house one hot afternoon after coming back from an interview disappointed. I flung my shoes and bag to a corner and went straight to the fridge to eat ice cream .Whenever I was frustrated or depressed,I stuffed my face with Ice cream. It was a habit I found impossible to stop .It gave me joy. Even if I was to be diagnosed with diabetes believe me,I would still eat ice cream. It was literally worth dying for.

I opened my refrigerator and searched frantically. There was no ice cream. What? I bought a lot of ice cream two days ago. Suddenly I remembered I had been stress eating the night before. I must have finished the whole thing without realising. But I needed it right now. I also needed to be frugal with my money. Should I go get some ice cream or save the money. My love of ice cream over powered me so I decided to go out to get some but not too much.

I put on a white jean,a white sleeveless top and a denim jacket and looked at myself in the mirror. I looked okay. I picked up my bag stuffed my phone and some money in it .Soon I dashed off.

As I walked along the busy sidewalk its like all my problems started coming back to me. If I got kicked out,where would I stay .I couldn't go to my parents. I wasn't ready for their mouth thrashing and I had too much pride .I had always let them know I didn't need anyone's help and I could do all things by myself,which they always told me otherwise. Going back to them would be a disgrace and it would mean I was wrong. I didn't want their 'I told you so' kind of treatment .I had gone to some of my friends but none of them were of any help .Most were married so wouldn't let me stay for a short time . I'm sure they are just scared I'll their husband's eye which shows their lack of trust in them .I don't blame them anyway I was just too pretty.

I wish I had any guy friend. They don't have a problem but the ones I have as friends are half normal and I couldn't trust them.

After getting my ice cream,I ate it while walking. Even though people looked at me like I was crazy,I didn't care. They had no idea what I was going through right now. I was really enjoying the ice cream cause I could feel the sugar rushing to my brain. But my sugar joy was cut short when I bumped into someone or rather someone bumped into me. My ice cream fell .That was my only source of comfort. I was in a fit of silly rage. I looked at the man who had bumped into me .He was just looking at me.

"Hey Mr. That ice cream was my only source of comfort and because of you the ground got to eat it instead! I snapped at him.

" Whoah. Relax it was just ice cream"He said in a cool voice which was not too deep.

"Just ice cream. That was a triple vanilla,double chocolate ,triple banana strawberry ,creamy and sprinkled ice cream!I screamed at him. He looked at me bewildered like I was some kind of mad woman.

" Okay. How about I get you another one"

" That ice cream was like no other cause it I bought it with my money and it was served in a very fancy bowl" Could I hear myself speak?Why was I so angry over ice cream?I think the sugar did get to my head. The man stared at me for a very long time before bursting into laughter. Was he judging me cause I was very passionate about ice cream . I felt like I had heard that annoying laughter before. It annoyed me the more.

"What are you laughing at?

" You haven't changed .Not one bit"

I looked at him confused .

"What ...are you talking about?

" Wow .I cant believe you don't remember me Teeny"

Teeny. That name was from my childhood .I had very best friend back them. He and I were inseparable. We knew each other for decades. Went to the same kindergarten,the same elementary and highschool. He was one boy I knew I could trust with my life and he always called me Teeny cause I was so small back then. I looked at the male figure standing and smiling in front of me. It couldn't be. I suddenly opened my mouth in shock.

"Oh my gosh Jayden,is that you? I asked.

" The one and only Teeny" He said with a broad smile and I hurriedly embraced him squeezing him tight .My joy knew no bounds.

"How did you know it was me?I asked wondering cause I had changed tremendously over the years .He smiled that cute smile of his.

" Why wont I .You're still wearing that bangle I made for you"

Yeah I wore it all the time .It was the only one of its kind made out of some metal wires, beads and lots of love.

"And why wouldn't I recognize my Cleopatra .You are even more beautiful than before .And besides you are still an ice cream addict"

He said and I couldn't help but laugh. If there any guy I liked so far it was only him but not in a romantic way. More like a brothers sisterly love.

I folded my hands and looked at him playfully.

" well now that I know its you. Your penalty is going to be heavy"

"Hmmm,let me guess .Tonnes and tonnes of ice cream?He asked raising his eyebrows in a funny way . I nodded laughing and he laughed too. We both walked together to the ice cream shop.

Tbc

CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE

MEDDIE'S WORKSHOP

Chapter three

Jayden and I sat opposite each other at the ice cream shop. I was eating my fifth bowl of ice cream even while talking to Jayden. He kept quiet for a while and I could feel his eyes on me. I looked up from the bowl of ice cream and asked mouthful.

"What?

" If I know any better. Anytime you eat this much ice cream,it means something is wrong. C mon tell me .What's wrong?

He asked looking at me with a very concerned face. This was the first time we were meeting in years now .I didn't want our first conversation to be about my problems but Jayden knew me too well even if I said there was no problem he'd still insist that there was .I decided to open up to him.

"Well there is a problem. I got fired from work for a very stupid reason and it's been months now .Right now I'm broke and sooner or later I'm gonna get kicked out of my apartment. And I've got no where to go"

"Wow. That's tough. Wait hold on .You live alone? He asked surprised. I knew what was in his mind already.

" Yeah yeah I know .I'm single"I said freely.

" whoah .I cant believe you are still single Kyla . So you don't even have a boyfriend?

'Ugh. No and I don't need one." I said indifferent.

He smiled.

"Kyla. You really haven't changed .Still the same boss lady I knew back then"

"And always will be JJ" I winked and we both laughed.

"So what about you ?Are you hitched already? I asked. I really wanted to know. I mean any lady who had Jayden as a spouse would live in paradise .He was such a good person and really good friends.

" Well I'm engaged. My fiance and I just moved in town recently"

"Wow that so nice. I would really love to meet her. I mean she is one lucky lady to have someone like you" I said and he blushed gently. Jayden was such a shy person at times.

" Oh cmon I'm not perfect. You know"

"Oh please. You are girl's fantasy. I could remember how girls were literally tearing themselves apart because of you. It was always funny to watch" I said laughing.

"Yet among all you were impossible to impress"

I smiled a victorious smile.

" You know I really missed you. I never forgot you" Jayden said softly.

"Me too. I'm so glad I met you after so many years. If only we had met when I wasn't broke " I said with humour and he chuckled .

"Relax Kyla. Its just for a while and besides if you really need a place to stay ,I've got an extra room in my new apartment " He said and eyes lit with such joy.

"Really! I mean you are serious right. Don't pull my leg Jay" I said serious.

"I'm not. You can stay. I finally see you after so many years Kyla. Its the least I can do"

"Oh my gosh!!I squealed excited but my excitement suddenly plunged when I thought of something.

" Wont your fiancée have a problem with it? I asked anxiously.

"Clara? Nah. Why would she? There's nothing between us .We re just friends "

"You sure? I asked raising a brow. I mean I was just being cautious. I wouldn't want to cause Claire any discomfort although I didn't plan on staying long.

" Yeah. You can stay. Clara will be happy to see *you I'm sure. She has been complaining about being lonely when I'm not around. She cant stay a day without seeing me" He said and I smiled lightly. Is it me or did Clara sound a bit clingy. I just hoped we go* t along which I was sure of because I was a very accommodating person and extremely friendly.

"I cant thank you enough Jayden. I promise when I get a Job I'll definitely pay you back "

He raised his eyebrows.

" Did I say you were going to pay back?

"C Mon if I didn't I would feel guilty "

Off course I knew he would reject it. Jayden never took anything in return when he did something for me even if I tried to force him.

" You are one in a million Jay. Cant thank you enough"

"What are friends for. At least this will make up for all the lost time "

"Yeah"

"Are you done with your gigantic bowl of ice cream Milady? Jayden asked me jocularly and I looked at him with an 'I don't care' face and buried my face in my bowl of ice cream. He laughed and shook his head.

" I hope you font get diabetes one day "

"Hmmph as long as I have ice cream I'll be fine .Now don't disturb the queen while she eats" I shushed him and continued eating.

* * * * *

Jayden walked me down to my apartment. We talked and laughed through out the whole journey. I was actually the one making most of the jokes. I was a funny person. I stopped at my door and turned to face him.

"Thanks a lot for walking me home Jay"

"Anything for my Teeny" He said and touched my cheek gently. I smiled.

" So anytime you wanna come just call me. I'll come help you pack your stuff"

"Aw thanks a lot. You are the best of the best" I said and hugged him tightly. This was the first time I was hugging him in years. He still smelt of that same Cologne. I sniffed his shirt a bit.

" You are such a weirdo. Done sniffing?He asked when we disentangled and I grinned weirdly.

" Its just you still use viral?

" Yeah. I told you back then that only death could part us" He said and we laughed. He had always loved that perfume. Back then in high school Jayden could do anything for a bottle of Viral. He could even jump in a pool. He loved it in a way I found very stupid and bizarre. What a crazy guy!He still loved it till date and I thought my obsession with ice cream was worse. I punched him playfully.

" You need serious help Jay"

"Says the crazy ice cream queen" He said and winked. I rolled my eyes.

"You better go home Jay .Your phone has been ringing like crazy. Your fiancée must be worried sick "

" Believe me that is something she is tremendously good at. See you later Teeny"

" Good night my knight in shiny armour "

He started walking away but he turned and blew a kiss at me. I caught it and placed it on my chest. He smiled and continued walking. He was such a wonder. I moved into my apartment to have a good night's sleep.

Tbc