IN QUEST OF A SOULMATE

A BLESSED DAY

I went to bed contemplating my life; in just a few weeks, I will turn twenty-eight, and I have accomplished nothing, I thought to myself with a sorrowful sigh.

Everything is wrong in my life, and my romantic relationship is even worse.

I turned and turned on the bed, angry with myself, hoping that my twenty-eighth birthday would bring an end to the misery in my life.

I was startled out of sleep when my alarm went off because I knew my sister would be upset. I hastily turned off the loud alarm clock.

I put on my glasses and wait for my sister's usual ranting because I'm sure she would be unhappy and pissed off already. Well, I was right; she turned on her side of the bed and glare at me in anger ready to throw insulting words at me as usual

"You don't have to disturb the whole community with that thing before you get ready for work" she snapped at me and I stood up ignoring her.

I went to the bathroom, followed my daily routine of washing my hair and clean the toilet before getting dressed in my usual baggy clothes, picked up my bag and put my glasses back on.

I came downstairs and the table is already set for breakfast, Mum always made it her duty to make breakfast for everyone every morning without asking for help.

Let me quickly introduce myself, my name is Rhoda Brown, I am the first child of Mr. Morris and Mrs. Judith Brown with two sibling, Sarah and Damian.

I am a nerd, an introvert and physically ugly, I receive a lot of attention from my parent because of my physical state which becomes one of the reasons my immediate sister hates me and she never fail to tell it to my face reminding me about how ugly I look

Coupled with the fact that her marriage with her long time boyfriend, Smart is being delayed because I am yet to get a spouse, she takes out her anger on me anytime she has the chance...

I had a quick breakfast of sandwich and a glass of milkshake, pecked mum on the cheek and hastened to meet up with dad so I can get a ride with him to work.

I got to the building where I work as an attendant and rushed down the stairs after finding out that the elevator is down, in an hurry to get the door, I bumped into someone and my bag fell to the ground.

I lifted up my head and my eyes met with his dazzling and beautiful eyes, the annoyed look on his face after bumping into her seems to make him more attractive and I couldn't help but stare at him dazed.

"Hmm" he cleared his throat obviously embarrassed by my ogling and I quickly stood up to apologize but he beats me to it and mouthed a sorry in a calm and deep voice, I stared done at him plump pink lips and noticed that his beautiful blue eyes are still staring at me.

"Will you get your butt here?" The manager of the library tells at me as she approaches us and that jolt me back from the fantasy world i already created in my head.

"I am so sorry" I also apologized to him and pick my stuffs from the floor then hurried through the stairs inside the library.

My only friend and best girl, Leah walks up to me and inform me on the mountain of work pending for us. I quickly changed into my vest and get to work.

~

Work was really hectic that day because we have to arrange the new books on the shelves and some people need to borrow and also return books.

Despite being the receptionist, I sometime help in the main library if the workload is too much and today is not an exception

During our lunch break, we head to the office cafeteria and order our usual.

"There's a new manager in the library" Leah spoke after a while

"His name is Jake Smith, a handsome man in his thirties, he's the dream man of all ladies here, I'm sure you will like him" she said her eyes beaming with excitement.

Leah and I did practically everything together from high school until now, we became seatmate after our sitting was arranged based on our grades and end up becoming best of friends since then but Leah is a total man lover.

Her beautiful face and figure didn't help things as she is always surrounded by men and has a long line of boyfriends

"I can wait to see him I hope he hasn't asked about the receptionist yet? I can't afford to lose my job" I emphasized

This is the only job that keeps me sane at home, because staying at home and seeing my sister will be hell for me. That is why I hardly go on leave.

"Rhoda, don't look at your right side someone is coming here" Leah said hitting my shoulder slightly, looking smitten

"Hello ladies, may I share this table with you?"

I rise up my head to look at whoever it is that offered to sit with us and I am stunned by his looks again, I wondered what luck I have today to be able to come in contact with two handsome faces in just a day and giggled silently to myself .

Leah was quick to regain her composure

"Yes, you may sit here" she answered him and I quickly adjusted my chair to give him space to seat.

" My name is Jake Smith and I am the new manager here" he said.

"I met with you already, I was at the formal introduction meeting this morning" Leah told him flashing her seductive smile at him but he is not taking the hint.

He smiled politely at Leah and turned his face to look at me, I was busy with my hamburger when I noticed the silence at the table and raise up my head to see four eyes looking at me intently.

He asked for my name and I quickly introduced myself, he stretched his hand towards me and I was so nervous to touch him, he smiled at me and I gently stretched my hand to touch his...

"Can we be friends Rhoda?" He asked still grinning at me and I blushed

This is the first man asking to be my friend aside my younger brother, I couldn't contain my joy. Not because I was expecting more, but because I am even getting a male friend, another friend other than Leah.

I was sat there shocked when Leah tapped me gently on the lap; I jerked back to life and quickly said yes trying not to sound too nervous.

He smiled at me and I saw the most beautiful set of teeth ever.

"Since we are officially friends, can I have your number?" He asked again causing me to choke on my drink at the unexpected request.

I coughed so hard and only calmed down after drinking a cup of water on the table then dropped the cup.

"You want me to give you my phone number?" I asked to be sure I didn't just imagined that and he answered positively

I quickly nod my head like a lizard. I gave him my contact and he saved it as Cute Rhoda, he smiled at me again and I tried so hard to give the most beautiful smile I have.

He asked if Leah can be his friend too since he's new in the state he will be needing company. She quickly agreed and she put her line on his phone too.

He saved her contact as Leah and I noticed my friend's face dropped. He stood up, took his plate and promised to see us later. We returned to the office and continued the day job.

Settling down on my chair, I saw the guy at the staircase walking directly to my table.

"Good afternoon" he greeted me and I quickly replied him.

"You work here right? Can you suggest books on crime and romance?" He asked

I gave him the names of four interesting novels on crime and romance that I know and he also asked if I know some about laws, I suggested two and he took six out of my recommendation promising to return them as soon as possible.

Leah rushed to my table asking me if the guy who just left dropped his phone number and I said yes, she begged me to give it to her and I blatantly refused. We attended to other customers and we closed for the day.

THE BEST FRIEND

We walked to the bus station together and I keep telling Leah how handsome Jake looked and how much I like him. I told her it was love at first sight and it was due to the fact that he's the first guy to ever ask to be my friend.

I kept on laughing sheepishly and Leah told me to stop being childish because Jake is just like every other guy. She said he's just here to manipulate me and nothing else. I felt bad about her comment and keep quiet, I mean she might not be wrong, my look said it all.

We got to the bus station and I went in biding her goodbye. She doesn't go home in bus because her boyfriend always brings her to work every morning and pick her up after work. I looked at her, thought about how lucky she is, looked at myself and sighed.

I alighted at my bus stop and started walking home, my phone rang and I brought it out of my bag only to see that it's an unknown number, I picked and I heard Jake's voice at the other side. I couldn't hide my excitement and screamed so loud.

He asked why I didn't wait for him to drop me off and I stood there at the spot thinking about what he just said.

'We are friends now Leah, let's build this friendship, I want to see you always, I hope you don't leave without me tomorrow'.

I finally regained my composure and I said "I'm so sorry I left, it won't happen again".

I started jerking home joyfully not minding the funny looks I was getting from passer-by, I was climbing the staircase hastily when I collided with that heavy chest again. I looked up and I met the guy I saw in the morning.

I was really surprised because we are meeting at the same spot the second time today. I looked at him dreamily and he snapped his fingers at my face bringing me back to reality. I stopped staring and he asked me to make way for him to pass. He left and I couldn't stop looking at him till I couldn't see his back anymore.

Immediately I stepped in, I greeted mum and she replied smiling at me. She picked up her bag and told me she's out to see a friend.

I went to my room and met Sarah on the bed working on a file from work l, I greeted her but she never replied that is how much she hates me. She never talks to me unless she wants to bitch me out.

I undressed and entered the bathroom to freshen up. I put on my usual baggy dress after my bathe, picked up my phone and headed to the kitchen. I'm not hungry, just need a glass of water to hydrate myself because the weather was really hot today.

I was gulping down the third glass of water when my phone rang; I quickly dropped the cup to check my caller. I was surprised to see Leah calling me because we separated not quite long.

She called to invite me to the birthday party of her boyfriend's friend Andrew.

'Rhoda it's weekend, let's hangout'. She tried to convince me but she never won.

"You know I don't like parties" I kept on repeating the same words. After few seconds, she hung out.

Leah is the only daughter of a business tycoon. Her parents were hardly home since her childhood and this gives her a lot of freedom, she grew up with a nanny.

Leah has a perfect life, she has grown to love parties and she can't but go to the club every weekend. Leah has two cars and over five boyfriends and she still get angry if she's not being noticed, she loves attention.

Leah wasn't really smart in school, she literally begged her dad to bribe her way in so that she can work in the same office with Rhoda. She got in and was given a position higher than that of Rhoda because of her father's connection.

She made so many friends when she got employed but never left Rhoda, she made sure that Rhoda remains her best friend. Is been two years since she started working in the library, she was loved by few but hated by many because of his arrogant lifestyle.

Leah always gives the cleaners, attendants and other junior staffs a hard time anytime she's around. Rhoda is the only junior staff who doesn't suffer in the hand of Leah courtesy of being friends. Sometimes, everyone wonders how a gentle and kind Rhoda is able to tolerate Leah a saucy and arrogant person.

***

My friendship with Jake keep growing as the day goes by, we do eat lunch together with Leah and he always drop me off every day after work so I don't need to stress Leah walking me to the bus station anymore.

I'm kinda fond of Jake and I'm always looking forward to seeing him every minute at work. He does smile at me each time he passes by my desk and a best always skips.

During lunch break, Jake couldn't come with us because he has a business meeting to attend. So I have the opportunity to talk to Leah.

"I think I'm in love with Jake".

Leah choked on her drink and coughs.

'what do you know about love? Have you ever being in love?'

"So you're planning on throwing yourself at him like a cheap gala? You better have a rethink, guys like Jake Smith can't stop so low to date a nerd like you".

"What?" I bellowed overwhelmed by her words

"Rhoda, have you seen yourself in the mirror? You look horrible! Your glasses is scary, I am the only one who is so kind enough to be friends with you, look around" she gestured.

My mouth went wide agape when Leah was pouring out those words, I was shocked to my bone marrow. over 10years with Leah and this is what I get?

I can't believe this was how she think of me, a pathetic loser! My eyes start to get clouded and I raise my chin up to stop it from pouring. I was forced to look back down when I heard her laughing like a maniac.

I waited for her to stop laughing because I want to hear what else she has to say to me.

Right there, I have decided in my heart that we are no longer friends but I still sat down to hear what else she has to say. When she eventually stopped laughing...

" Rhoda why are you so vulnerable? What if those words I said to you is what Jake will say to you, is this how you will be crying like a baby?"

I was confused

"You have to be strong and always expect anything. Also my dear, don't tell Jake how you feel, it will make you look easy and naive"

"Place yourself high, let him come by himself. Don't forget this darling; don't ever cry in front of anyone no matter what they say to you. It shows you are weak and can be bullied. Do you understand me?"

I couldn't wait for her to finish, I stood up and hurried to her seat, pull her up and gave her the tightest hug ever.

I can't say how long I hugged her with my eyes closed until I heard her telling me that I'm choking her. I quickly disengaged from the hug and peck her face all over and both of us started laughing.

Don't blame me, I really love Leah, she has been my best and only friend since forever. I don't think I can do without her.

Yes, Leah always teaches me a lot of things. Today, I have learn about self esteem and boldness. That is one of the reasons why I can't let Leah go. I really love her. Leah taught me ways of showing Jake that I care about him but not tell him I love him.

She promised to follow me to the mall after work so that we can pick few things that I can present him.

Luckily for me, Jake wasn't back from the meeting he went to so I have to go home on my own. Leah quickly put a call through to her boyfriend not to come pick her up today because she has somewhere to go.

We board the bus to the mall after work and Leah helped in buying the stuffs. She picked a nice belt, a perfume and roll-on and a tie. She wanted to pick more but I was bothered about the money because their prices are too high. I love saving a lot.

We left the mall after packing and paying the bills, Leah ask me to give it to him the next morning at work. I was so exhausted when I got back home.

I fell right on the bed and slept off.

PUPPY LOVE

I woke up late in the evening and I took a shower. One thing about Leah, she really love shopping, I don't like following her because Leah can shop for hours, now my legs aches really bad. I went to the dinner to get dinner but mum isn't around so we have to make dinner by ourselves.

Entering the kitchen, Sarah is already cutting the veggies glance at her with a sneer

"you finally wake up, I thought you are dead". I stared at her knowing she just find pleasure in hurting me and ignore.

I joined in cooking the meals and we set the dining. I ate my dinner in silence and packed my plate when Sarah's voice came up again.

"When will you get yourself a man Rhoda? You will never know peace in this house as long as you keep delaying my life".

"I wish I was born before you, now I have to wait for your old self to get married before I can be with the love of my life". she ranted on her usual

I ignore again not letting her get to me this morning and took my plate to the kitchen, washed and dried it and I returned to the room.

Immediately I sat down on the bed, my phone beeped, I picked it up and there are six messages on WeChat.

Two from Leah and four from Jake, I quickly replied Leah she was asking if I got home safely, I thanked her for helping out today and I promised not to disappoint. I adjusted my seating for a good long chat with Jake because that has been our routine since we became friends.

He told me he missed me so much today...

And he apologized for not dropping me home, it was because the meeting got delayed. We talked about other things and I yawned, I have a routine of going to bed at exactly 9pm. So I told him it's time to sleep and we both said goodbyes and I slept off.

I woke up the next day before my alarm could ring. I off the alarm and excitedly ran to the bathroom to take my bath, I was dressing up when my sister woke up and was looking at me weirdly.

"Rhoda is everything okay?" She asked.

"I'm fine; I'm just excited" I answered her.

"Can I borrow your lipstick?" I reluctantly asked her?

"Okay you can use either the pink, red or nude". I picked the pink and quickly applied it and thank her.

I left the room with the package I want to present Jake and got stopped by Sarah

"what's in there Rhoda?"

"Nothing of importance" I shuddered.

I rushed out of the room to the dining table where I met mum and I greeted her.

"Someone woke up from the right side of the bed today. What's happening Rhoda?"

"Nothing mum" I beamed

I rushed my food and gulped down a glass of water and waited for dad to finish his meal.

I've been standing for just 2minutes and it feels like an hour. I stomped my feet on the floor feeling so impatient. I will make sure I stop riding with Dad to work I said inwardly.

I glanced at my wristwatch for the third time and my dad voice came up.

"Is something new happening at work today Rhoda?"

"No, nothing" I nervously answered.

After what took like forever, dad finally finished his breakfast and I left him to pick his bag.

I was rushing down the stairs hating the elevator for not being fixed yet and bam! I missed my step and I was expecting a loud thud but instead a strong hand caught me halfway.

I opened my eyes and I see the same guy again, our new neighbor. I quickly shift away from his embrace and adjusted my dress.

"It seems you're the clumsy type" he spoke for the first time.

I just adjusted my glasses awkwardly. I said a thanks to him and he walked pass me.

I turned back unconsciously to look at him when my eyes met with my Dad's two furious eyeballs and I quickly turned to the front and hurried downstairs.

"What were you doing with that boy? haven't I warned everyone that he's a bad influence?"

"Do you want to disobey my orders now that you feel you are grown up?" That was how dad gave me an earful till I got to work.

I was a grown up years ago but to him I just became one last year.

I alighted and adjust my glasses feeling really nervous and hurried to my desk expecting Jake. I checked my face in the mirror and reapplied my lipstick. I went to Leah's office to say hi and she burst into laughter immediately she saw me.

"You look like a clown Rhoda, aren't you doing too much? Where did you get the lipstick?" she asked?

"Well I will help you look good" she sat me down and adjust a lot on my face

I went back to my desk waiting anxiously for Jake. I took another glance at the wrapped gifts and smiled.

It was time for lunch and Jake hasn't show up. I have dialed his number severally but he's not taking my calls.

"Rhoda, you have to cheer up if he didn't show up today, he will definitely come tomorrow" Leah tried to encourage me.

I smiled and nod my head.

We had lunch and returned to work. The day was slower than usual, I was really bothered. I couldn't fathom what could have happened to Jake. I can't wait to get off work and go check up on him.

We were done with work and I rushed out of the office forgetting about Leah and the package. I was rushing to the bus station when I remembered that I don't have the address to Jake's apartment. He always drop me off at home but I haven't been to his house and I never asked, Poor me! I face palmed.

"Where are you rushing too?" Leah asked

"I wanted to check up on Jake, I have a feeling that something is wrong but I don't have his home address".

"Oh! Well, I know where he lives".

"Really? take me there Leah please". I pleaded trying to act cute though it might have looked rather unappealing

"No babe, I have to hang out with my boyfriend, I will just send you the address".

Almost immediately, my phone beeped and Leah's message popped on the screen.

"Thank you so much". I was so excited and give her a peck before hurrying away to catch the bus.

I got to my destination and knocked on the gate. A young boy of about 15 years opened the gate.

"Hi, please is this Jake's apartment?"

"Yes, and who are you?"

"His junior colleague. Please tell him Rhoda is here to see him".

"Okay, wait here a bit".