Newfound Destination

~ 25 ~

I'm in trouble!

Something is wrong with me...

I knocked on his door and walked inside as I heard him answer.

"Sir, er...Mustapha, I mean." I fumbled with my words.

Without even looking up, he said, "Go straight to the point, Karimah. Do I have an appointment? A meeting? What are you here to report?"

Oh, and just when I came to actually chat with him...he's being cold.

I had nothing to report so I didn't need to be here, I guess.

"Nevermind." I turned to leave and paused, waiting...wishing for him to stop me. To call me back and try to make small talk.

But he didn't. He didn't spare me a single glance.

I walked out.

What was up with him today?

I made my way to my desk and just as I was about to take my seat behind it, I heard the office door open behind me.

"Come in." His deep voice muttered.

I couldn't fight the smile that suddenly crept onto my face but I shook it off before turning around and walking towards him.

He motioned for me to sit on one of the cushions surrounding a coffee table.

Then he poured out a cup of coffee for me and set it in front of me before serving himself as well.

He got seated and for the first time ever, Mustapha Sani was quiet.

He had his hands intertwined and his elbows resting on his laps as his hands held up his chin.

But he wasn't looking at me. He was just staring down at the cup of coffee.

With a heavy sigh, I asked curiously, "What's wrong?"

He seemed startled at my sudden question as his eyes averted to me, "What do you mean?"

I knew he knew what I meant.

But I still gave in, "You look down and you're unusually quiet."

An amused grin appeared on his face, "Why? Do you suddenly miss the unquiet me?"

I chuckled, "Oh trust me, if that were the case, I wouldn't even bother caring."

His face kind of lit up but it dimmed again almost immediately. He exhaled and calmly picked up his cup of coffee.

He took a sip and cleared his throat, "Then I guess I'll just confide in you."

I sat upright and looked at him in anticipation, and a little bit of interest.

He laughed quietly, "Remind me why I even trust you so much?"

"Well, I'm guessing it's because I'm trustworthy. Tell me have I ever betrayed you in any way?" I said pridefully.

He shook his head, still smiling, "That must be the reason then."

His face went serious, "But do you really want to know what's going on?"

I nodded, "Of course."

"I'll be getting engaged in a month. I'm having an arranged marriage with Jennifer." He said to me.

I felt my heart ache just as he mentioned Jennifer's name.

Oh, why her of all people?

Why not you, huh? My subconscious teased.

Okay, I did not just think that.

"Why?" I asked him.

I tried hard but I just couldn't conceal the disappointment I was feeling at the moment.

But why was I so concerned?

"Her father's company and my company will benefit from it. It's my Dad's biggest dream." He told me.

Oh.

"I see. Well, congratulations?"

"Don't congratulate me if you don't mean it, Karimah." He sighed.

"I..."

"You don't mean it. It's obvious that you're not comfortable with this news...look into my eyes and tell me what's on your mind." He said quietly.

I looked in his eyes, "I feel pitiful for you. You clearly don't want this and you're not happy so...I'm not happy either."

"Although I can feel that you're beating around the bush, I'm happy to know that you care for me." He smiled.

I smiled back, "That's what friends are for."

Suddenly, the door flew open and the little brat, Jennifer strutted her way into the room, approaching Mustapha.

She threw her arms around him from behind, literally choking the poor guy with what she called an embrace.

"Musty!! I'm so happy today, do you know why? I just received some good news and guess what - I'm saying yes to your proposal!" She squealed happily.

Mustapha flung her arms off him just as he heard her say that.

About time...

"Who said I'm proposing to you? Please keep in my mind that this is an arranged marriage and we're not even engaged yet. Hold your horses, Jennifer." He snapped.

She frowned at him before her eyes trailed to me.

She pointed her nastily manicured finger at me, "You! What the hell are you doing here?! Babe, why is she here?!"

"Jennifer, get out of my office." Mustapha hissed in anger.

"But baby-"

"Get out before I lose my temper!" He yelled at her.

Her expression showed that she was convinced enough and she quietly backed away from him before leaving completely.

As she closed the door and we were alone again, I felt uncomfortable and I was constantly fidgeting in my seat.

The tension in the atmosphere was nerve-wracking.

"Should I leave?" I asked him.

He only stared at me blankly.

Then with a small smile, he shook his head, "Jennifer comes here and gives me a headache so I need you to stay as the remedy."

A tingle of...what I can't describe jolted through me as I heard him say that and my cheeks started to feel hot.

I was blushing again, but why?

"Then I'll stay and help you get better." I said proudly.

"Good, because I'll always want you to stay behind. No matter what." He said so seriously, I couldn't even laugh.

I simply nodded with a smile.