WHERE THE LOTUS GROWS

BIRTHDAY: TURN UP OR TURN DOWN

Karen woke up in a good mood. It was her birthday and a Friday. What could be better, right? She had called her mother that morning and had even spoken to her father. It was good to feel and know that you are loved. The bubble of happiness she was basking in lasted throughout the day at work. She had even smiled at Dr. Henshaw and greeted him first. She could still remember the surprise that passed across his face as he asked her if she was feeling well.

"Why not? I haven't felt this good in a long time sir. Isn't life just beautiful?" She flashed him another smile.

"Hm-hm" He answered staring at her as if she had suddenly grown a tail. She chuckled at the memory as she picked her bag preparing to leave but paused as her phone started to ring. She checked it and saw an unknown number. Curiosity got the better of her as she picked it.

"Hello, who's this?" she asked.

"Hi Karen" Taiwo's familiar voice came from the other end of the line. He didn't need to identify himself, his voice gave him away.

"How did you get my number? As far as I can remember, you have never called me before. You always just show up at my workplace unannounced." She asked, surprised.

"That's not really the issue, Karen." Taiwo answered in his usual cocky manner.

"It is, in my book." She retorted. She smiled as she remembered that just a few weeks ago she had been missing his witty tongue which was one of the reasons she liked him so much. They engaged in a war of wits almost every time they spoke.

"Fine. Since you really want to know, I got it at the front desk of the hospital last week when you were away on a medical trip to Jos." Taiwo gave in. A witty retort was on the tip of his tongue but he was too focused on his reason for calling her to bother with one right now.

"How did you..." she began.

"The same way I got your number, Karen. Now, if you stop talking long enough, I will tell you the reason I called." He cut her off smiling to himself.

"Okay." She conceded. She could grill him later.

"Remember I promised to make my bad behavior up to you?" he started.

"Yes actually and you have made it up to me twice already." She was glad he couldn't see the blush that colored her cheeks. "Let me see. You took me to watch a movie and on a double date with Dapo and Kike. I think I can safely say I get the gist." She finished with a small smile on her lips.

"And I want to do it again. I want to make sure you get it into your strong-willed head that I am really sorry." He pressed.

"Who in their right senses wouldn't believe you now? You and I both know that that's just an excuse to see me again. And a poor excuse at that." She could almost see him narrow his eyes at that last comment. "But I'm curious. Tell me; where are we going?" she asked enjoying herself.

"Maybe it is. But this time, it's a surprise."

"It is? I'm interested."

"Good, what I need right now is your interest. Are you still at work?"

"Yes, but I'm leaving soon."

"I'll pick you up from work then." He said getting up and packing up his briefcase with some paperwork he hoped to finish off at home.

"No, I'll go home and change. Just give me a second to save your number and I'll text you my address."

"Okay. That's fine too." He was curious about what type of house she would be living in. Glancing at his watch, he saw that it was already 06:30. "I'll pick you up in an hour. See you soon." He said before hanging up.