The Republic of ARMY

11. Busy Days

My visit to Geneva was pretty short.

I attended a few of the presentations that Dr. Ban got me into. I listened and took notes for my own good. The presenters were only too happy to meet up with me and him after their presentations. In due time, I had about twenty new contacts from these people at the WHO General Meeting and I couldn't help wishing that Ryan had come along with me.

The first four days of my stay flew by pretty quickly. I was invited to attend the closing assembly and dinner of the event on the fifth day. I didn't know what to wear, but my mum had a dress sent up to my room for the dinner.

It was beautiful and navy blue. It looked lovely.

I twirled around in it before sobering up and completing my preparations. I walked out while talking on the phone, so I didn't pay particular attention to anyone but the road ahead of me. It wasn't until I had gotten into the lift and it was about to close that someone held it open. Then a guy got in.

I threw a look his way before continuing with my conversation. He seemed to be going to the basement floor too, like I was. My mother was at the other end of the line, begging me to send pictures of all the people I was going to meet while I mingled.

"Okay mum. I'll do that."

"How's the dress?"

"I love it mum! You got my measurements just right!" Then I laughed at the GOT7 reference. "I am so sorry mum."

"Another song reference?"

"I really can't stop, can I?"

"It is a sign of the times."

Now I was full on laughing. I was having trouble standing straight, so I crouched instead. I could tell that whoever was in the lift was looking at me curiously. Still, I didn't mind and kept on laughing.

"Did I kill the nerves?"

"Yes you did mum. Thank you. I really appreciate it."

"So, you know what you need to do, right?"

"Please don't ask me to find a boyfriend tonight mum."

"It is very simple. Get someone's phone number, or numbers of several guys, then you'll talk to them and see who you prefer best."

"Mum-"

"Your brothers have girlfriends. It is about time you found someone too. Your job can make you very lonely, and I feel like it will also take up a lot of your time and youth-"

"I'm not ready yet."

"Why?"

"I don't want to end up with a man like dad." She was silent at the other end for a little while. "I am sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you or anything. It's just-"

"I know sweetie, I know," mum said quietly. I tried to bite back a sob but it didn't work too well. My mum was crying at the other end too. I didn't know what to do as I felt my figure shaking. Then, arms suddenly wrapped around me in comfort.

My neighbour on the lift was hugging me.

I didn't know why I wasn't alarmed. If anything, I felt better. Even then, I still sobbed and my mum did the same too. We cried together for a while, and when I finally sobered up, I wished her a good evening and pulled away from the guy on the lift.

"I am so sorry for that," I apologised. He nodded and seemed to smile. "Thank you for the hug."

"You are welcome," he said with a quiet and deep voice. I could only blush at that and shift from foot to foot as I stood there with him. The doors drew open and I walked out, only then realizing that I had been on the lift for awfully long.

Had he pressed on the lift numbers and sent us back up again?

"Excuse me-" I said as I turned but he was already on his way to a dark coloured van. My eyes widened as he got in and shut the door behind him. I stood there, at a loss for words, until I heard someone pat my shoulder gently.

"Miss. Mtenyo?"

"Oh, let's go," I told the chauffeur and turned to go, only throwing one last look at the van which started off before us. The chauffeur opened the door to the dark Passat and I sat in it. I reclined in my seat and smiled at the good doctor.

"Sorry I was late."

"You're right on time. Let's go."

I smiled as I texted my mum back. Then, I focused on going ahead with them. To the dinner party and closing assembly. I couldn't help thinking of work and all the new ideas we could try to implement at a small scale before launching into a bigger production.

"Just have fun and mingle. I will introduce you to everyone."

"Thanks Dr. Ban."

He smiled and we talked quietly until we got to the venue. As promised, he led us in and introduced me to everyone. They all wanted to meet the young lady who had helped in reafforestation and afforestation projects back home.

The young lady who would take on the Sahara and try to win.

That lady was me.