The Corporate Diary of Eniola Fayola

Friday, 13th November 2015.

I walked quickly along the sidewalk. Well, as quickly as I could in the pair of red heels I had specifically purchased for the occasion that night. I cast a wary glance at the slouched, hooded figure of a man who stood a little way off, my heart pounded against my rib cage wit fear. When I caught up to him, I saw he had a questioning look on his face, like I was lost, crazy or something.

But how could I blame him?

After all, I was the one walking home at midnight, dressed in an elaborate evening gown and as I stumbled down the road in ridiculously high heels. It was the third time a person had given me that same look like I had a neon sign flashing over my head that attracted attention. The mascara stains from my tears that evening also didn't help the situation.

I sighed in relief when I saw the familiar building ahead of me, I was so close to home where I could finally get some sleep and forget all about the horrid night I had. It was a long walk home and my feet ached mercilessly. I got a couple offers for a ride home but there was no way was I wanted to take my chance with these creeps. One can never be too careful these days. Of course, I rejected the first guy who had stopped and asked me if I was available for the night and how much I cost. I just stood there, appalled.

Did I look like a prostitute?

After I gave him a very detailed piece of my mind, he drove away so fast his tires left skid marks on the road. I also rejected the second offer because it was from the very reason for my current state of misery. I stiffened when I heard the familiar engine and tried to walk faster only to slow down again when my ankle twisted on a loose pebble. The vehicle slowed down to a halt beside me.

"Eni, come on, It's late. Let me at least drop you off at home," Akin said as he leaned out the window of his Prado jeep.

I remembered that I once felt so happy when I rode in it, me in the passenger seat with him at the steering wheel. At the time, I thought I was the luckiest girl in the world. I glanced at him once before I hissed loud enough for him to hear. He didn't even have the decency to leave the other woman behind. There she was, beside him in the passenger seat as she watched the whole scenario play out. It was obvious she found it entertaining.

I shook my head. So I had been reduced to free entertainment for her.

"Akin, do us both a favour and leave me alone." I snapped my gaze forward. I planned to simply ignore him, yet I could not even succeed at such a simple task.

"What would your parents say?" He sounded tired.

I glanced at him and scoffed in disbelief. He had the nerve to bring my family into this. Did he think of what they would say before he embarrassed me and brought the woman into the picture?

"My parents would have a few choice words to say to you. Lots of colourful insults and curses might also be involved when they find out you were just cheating all along."

"Please Eni, just let me drop you at home and we will sort this whole thing out tomorrow. What do you say?"

"I say," I leaned towards the car window. "Stay the hell away from me."

I straightened up and continued the walk towards my house, satisfied that I had the last word. I didn't even turn to look when the Prado picked up speed and zoomed past me. Its red tail lights glowed visibly in the dark.

I sighed in relief as I dug out my keys from my clutch bag and unlocked the gate that led to the compound. My house was more of a guest house or boys' quarters really. I made sure I locked it behind me because security was very important, especially at night, although my actions earlier didn't exactly preach it. Immediately I stepped in through the door, I tossed my shoes into a corner. They weren't so loved right now. I rubbed my feet as I walked and stretched my toes to help ease the pain. The thought of a warm, refreshing shower before bed helped to calm me down.

I whispered a quick prayer to God for delivering me from shady-looking street urchins before I reached behind me for the zip of my gown to undress. The zip was halfway down my back when I noticed the figure on my sofa and let out a blood-curdling scream.

The figure rolled off the sofa and fell on the floor with a loud thud.

When I recognized her, I instantly released the breath I held and sank unto the nearest surface while she got to her feet.

"Why would you scare me like that?" My sister, Laide, groaned. Her eyes held an accusing look.

"What do you mean?" I retorted. "I'm the one who came home to find someone sleeping in my house, on my sofa. What are you doing here, Laide?"

I crossed my arms and waited expectantly for her response.

Laide Temidayo Fayola was my 16-year old younger sister. She was in SS2 and was usually quiet but with a good sense of humour when she wasn't nose-deep in a book or off in her little world of science.

"Well, surprise!" She said with weak enthusiasm.

I just looked at her and let my eyes do the talking.

"At least I used the spare key you gave me this time." She waved it in the air.

I sighed and rubbed my forehead.

Her previous visits were made possible by picking the locks. Where she learnt the skill, I had no idea. I didn't want her to be mistaken for a thief by my neighbours so I gave her a spare key. Besides, she was at my place more often these days than back at our parents' house anyway.

I looked at her with narrowed eyes. Ever since we were little, I had always been able to tell when Laide was keeping something from me. I raised a single eyebrow as I waited.

"Alright," she sighed. "I left because they've started their fights again."

Immediately, I understood.

Since we were little, our parents would constantly argue. One day could be worse than the other with doors slammed shut, tears shed or broken household items. Sometimes, it was only about minor issues but within those few days of nagging and arguments, the house became unbearable to live in. Over the years, Laide and I were able to create various means of blocking out their arguments. We lived in the bustling city of Lagos and it was a miracle when I got my place in Surulere. It became a haven for both of us. I decided to get accommodation that was only a couple of hours away from home because I didn't want to be too far from my little sister. She still needed me.

"Do they know you're here?" I asked.

"I highly doubt they even notice my existence let alone my absence," Laide replied as she made herself comfortable on the sofa again.

I smiled sadly and pulled her off the sofa while she grumbled in protest.

"Have you eaten?" I asked.

"Well, if the two slices of bread I had in the morning count as substantial food, then yes."

I stared at her in shock.

"That is all you have eaten all day?"

She shrugged.

"Mom was too busy accusing dad of wasting money on frivolous things, to go to the market this morning and when I got back from school, there was no food at home and we both know that I am constantly broke, so broke it has nearly become an occupation."

"Come on," I chuckled as I led her into the kitchen. "You need to eat. Then you'll have a shower before, oh, wait did you bring extra clothes?"

"Yeah I brought some clothes," she said as she pointed to a small bag in the corner of the room. "Along with two pairs of my school uniform."

It seemed she planned to stay for more than just the weekend. When she was well-fed and fast asleep, I remembered my plans with my comfy bed for the evening and finally changed out of my clothes, showered and collapsed unto the bed in a tired heap after I said my night prayers.

Laide was in the guest room which was the only other bedroom. I thought the little house was just perfect when I first found it and very affordable too. I had a cosy living room and an improvised dining area, a small kitchen, one bathroom and my bedroom.

There was a tiny yard where the soil was fertile, so I turned it into a miniature garden where I planted some vegetables like ugu, lettuce and waterleaf for quick, easy access. Plus, it was a good way to save some money. Just as I closed my eyes, my phone rang.

Terrible timing!

"Hello maami, good evening." I yawned sleepily, although I should have expected the call. Despite what Laide thought, our parents would notice that she wasn't home.

"Eniola, sorry if I woke you up, dear. How are you, I hope Laide is with you?"

I softened at the concern that was evident in her voice.

"Yes she is, don't worry. But she says you and dad have started arguing again. What is it about now?"

At the age of twenty three, I was already tired of playing the peacemaker during my parents' frequent disagreements.

"Eniola," she sighed. "This time it seems beyond me. If Laide doesn't want to come home quickly, I understand. Just tell her that I'm missing her and well, I-"

"It's okay, I'll let her know."

"Alright dear, have a good night."

I knew my parents loved us both, despite being so caught up in their problems almost all the time but Laide needed to be convinced of this fact. They did their best to support us. It was even more difficult to support me when I was pursuing my business degree at the University of Lagos. We weren't wealthy but we did not lack and we lived within our financial capabilities. My mom was a trader, while dad was a civil servant. Asides from his job, he also had a small business where he sold furniture. He was a carpenter back in his younger days but still retained the skill.

I had just put the phone away when it rang again, it was dad who called the next time. Another thing about my parents was that instead of them to do something together, they preferred to do it separately, especially when they were in fight mode. This caused a lot of repetition and general annoyance. After repeating the same thing to him about Laide being fine and we were both alright, I finally put my phone down and tried to get some sleep. I growled in frustration when it rang again. But this time, a glance at the caller ID made me switch it off.

The next morning, I stirred awake and rolled over in bed. With a wide yawn, I stumbled to my feet and went into the bathroom. I splashed some water on my face and brushed my teeth before I went to check on Laide. I found her awake so I called her to the living room for morning prayers, it was something our parents had taught us when we were much younger. We were Christians and had practically grown up in the church.

"So, what are your plans for the weekend?" I asked as we sat down to a breakfast of boiled yam and fried eggs later in the morning. I boiled the yam while she fried the eggs.

"Nothing special, I've just got a truckload of homework to do." She shrugged.

"Alright, when you're through you can come with me today to see mom and dad. They're worried about you, you know."

I watched her expression carefully as I said this. I didn't miss the way her eyebrows furrowed together and the slight roll of her eyes, as if she had already dismissed the whole idea.

"Laide, how many times have we talked about this?" I sighed.

"More times than I can count," she said.

"You're going home and that's final," I stated firmly.

"But I want to stay with you." Laide crossed her arms and leaned back into the chair.

I sighed and set my cutlery down on the plate.

"Listen, your school is farther from my house than our parents' house. You're always welcome here but I don't want this to get in the way of your academics. Besides, I have spoken to them and I am sure home will be peaceful... at least for this week."

"I'm only going because of you." She frowned.

"It's a good thing you know me well enough to understand that there is no point arguing."

Her bottom lip jutted out sulkily but she didn't argue any further.

Laide went back to our parents' house. I gave her enough pocket money to last for at least two weeks. I had just gotten myself a cold glass of water after walking about in the hot afternoon sun when the doorbell rang. My bare feet padded silently against the tiled floor as I went to check who it was. I glanced through the peephole and hissed.

"Eni, please open the door!" It was Akin.

I contemplated for a moment before I opened the door reluctantly.

"What?" I asked as I leaned against the doorpost to prevent him from coming in. I couldn't let him think that he was welcome in my home anymore.

"You weren't answering any of my calls then later your phone was switched off. I was worried and I didn't know if you had gotten home safely," Akin said in rush.

Hm, he truly seemed worried. Too bad he was a cheat.

"Well, as you can see, I'm fine, thank you. Goodbye." I moved to slam the door but he put his foot against it and held it in place.

"Eni," he said desperately. "Please let me explain what happened. It's not what you think. Well, not exactly what you think."

"Tell that to someone who cares." I kicked his foot out of the way, slammed the door in his face and locked it while I ignored his pleas. He had to leave if he didn't want to draw the attention of the neighbours.

On Sunday, I came back from church to find a parcel at my front door. I slowly picked it up and glanced around. The postman must have delivered it. I was yet to install a mailbox, so I was used to his method of delivery.

I walked in and set the parcel down on the coffee table before I changed out of my outfit into something more comfortable to lounge in. I opened the package to find a white envelope and a brochure. My heart suddenly skipped a beat.

Could it be...?

I opened the envelope and read the letter. Halfway through, I screamed and jumped up and down on my already battered sofa.

I got the job. Oh my days, I actually got it!

I collapsed onto the sofa with a crazy grin, giddy with excitement. But then, my euphoria slowly faded. Akin had said that we would celebrate together when I got the job offer. I was so insecure when I applied and even after the interview but he supported me all the way and reassured me that there was no doubt I would get the job.

I sighed and let my gaze wander to the ceiling where I noticed a large water stain. Hm, that had to be fixed soon. I hated to admit it but I wished that I could share the good news with him.