I stood in front of my mirror, looking at the shadow of myself I had become in just the first three months of working in Lagos. I sighed loudly and prayed that somehow Mrs Ayo would just grant me my leave request without a second thought. This was my second time requesting a leave from her, and this time, all I had left in me was faith and prayers.
Already, I knew she thought I was in a competition with her for Kunle's love after she found out that Kunle had once asked me out. Luckily, I overheard their discussion in the bathroom about their affair and how she would deal with me if I didn't back down. Immediately I cut it off even before any fire would ignite between Kunle and I. And ever since, I have stayed far away from him so as not to lose my job.
But somehow, I still felt within me that Mrs Ayo still harboured some grudges for me. So even with a letter she asked I write for the leave, I had this strong conviction that she would decline as a payback, but considering how I felt that morning, I had no choice.
I added the last make-up to my already padded face, trying so hard to cover my sick face and walked out of my house.
As usual, the office smelled of paper and different types of cologne as I walked in that morning. The humming from the air conditioner sounded soothing. I tried keeping a smiling face, but the fatigue within me was gripping my bones. It screamed at me with every step I took.
"Morning, Zerah." I heard Kunle greet me from his side of the cubicle as I dusted off my table and set my bags down. I could feel his eyes lingering all over me a little too long.
I avoided his gaze and muttered back, "Morning, Kunle". I was in no mood for friendly chatter.
I slumped into my chair and held my head in my hands. I made a little prayer, and then I stood up and walked to Mrs Ayo's office. My stomach was churning, and my hands were sweaty.
"God, I leave this in your hands" I continued whispering silent prayers, hoping for the best.
I knocked at the door, and when I was sure I heard a reply, I opened the door and got into Mrs Ayo's pristine office. A definition of eloquence and comfort. The floors shined like it was polished, which made me wonder if the cleaner used a different kind of detergent for her floors. And, of course, it smelled of lavender.
"Good morning, ma'am", I greeted with a big smile.
But Mrs Ayo's expression wasn't inviting at all. "What do you want?" She asked, keeping a mean face. She was sorting some documents.
“Ma'am, I wish to request a few week's leave. I'm not too strong, and I need to go treat myself," I replied, trying to be as gentle as I could be while dropping the letter on her table.
Mrs Ayo kept mute and continued sorting the documents without looking at my letter for what felt like minutes.
"Ma'am" I called again to be sure she heard me.
“You're just three months with us and you're asking for a leave. If you're tired of working with us just let me know. There's a whole lot of people willing to take your place, Zee.” she looked up; her eyes had this fire and hate in them.
"But ma'am.. all I'm trying to..."
"Leave my office" she cut me off before I could finish.
Without arguing, I walked back to my cubicle. My tears threatened to betray me. Luckily Kunle wasn't on seat, so I had time to get myself together.
Taking a deep breath, I got to work. I was ready to fight my weak body to deliver so that I wouldn't lose my job just as Mrs Ayo had threatened. I knew how I dreamt of it and how I cherished it. Losing it was the last thing on my bucket list.
It wasn't long before Kunle appeared with two bottles of water.
“Here,” he said, setting one down on my table before I would reject it.
"Thanks" I mumbled under my breath.
"You should take a leave," he spoke, his eyes fixed on his computer.
"Sorry?" I replied, with all calmness in me.
"You're sick. You're just covering it with heavy makeup. Why not ask for a leave to go get treatment".
“I’m fine,” I replied too quickly, looking over to him. I noticed he had a new haircut and couldn't help but drool at how handsome it made him look. I shook my head, trying to get him off my thoughts, and went back to working on my computer.
“You know I’m good at spotting lies, right?" I heard his voice again. "Even if we're not on good terms let me know how I can help".
I stopped what I was doing and shut my eyes. I felt a teardrop "Mrs Ayo denied me leave. She asked I write it in a letter. I did and gave it to her today, but she still denied it again", I answered with a teary voice. I couldn't hold how I felt anymore.
By now clients were already trooping in. I quickly stood up, excused myself and ran to the restroom to get myself for the day.
Over the next few hours of work, Kunle was my lifeline. He helped and covered for me when I needed to rush to the restroom. On the other hand, grateful for his help, but made sure to tread carefully and keep it all platonic.
By the end of the day, I was already packing my bags to rush home and get some rest when Mrs. Ayo called me from her office door.
"Zerah to my office now!" She called with a bit of a softer gaze than earlier.
Yet my heart sank into my stomach as I walked to her office shaking and sweating. With no idea of what was going to happen.
“Ma'am" I greeted as I walked in.
"I can't believe I have to say this." She spoke, her fingers tapping her table. "You can take just one week's leave. Go and treat yourself". She added leaning back into her swivel chair.
"Oh, my goodness. Thank you, ma'am," I said, eyes widened as I turned to leave.
"Maybe you should thank Kunle for pleading on your behalf. He's your saviour today," she added.
I nodded and walked out her door to meet Kunle, who was already packed and about to leave the door.
"Hey Kunle", I called out to him.
He turned. "Hey", he replied, smiling.
"Thank you".
"For?" He feigned ignorance.
I couldn't believe he said that, but I played along. "You know what for?" I replied.
He smiled. "Go home and get rest, Zerah", he added. Waved goodbye and walked out the door.
I returned his wave while I stared at him leave. I didn't know the trick he used on Mrs Ayo but I was sure happy and thankful to him and God for using Kunle to answer my prayers.
