Within these walls

Chapter 19

It is my last day at the office and I feel so sad. I have been quiet throughout the week and just soaking in all the memories I have created working here. To be honest, the people in this office will always have a special place in my heart, I can categorically say I was never treated bad or disrespected throughout my stay in the office. I have met people from different works of lives and some of them are now family.

In the last two months, AK and I have worked tirelessly to find a replacement for my position. We were able to hire a new person and he started work last week.

I dropped the last box in my car and walked back in for final goodbyes. I shared hugs and smiles with some of my colleagues before walking out and driving off. Every finish line is definitely the beginning of a new race and I am so excited about what the future holds.

I got home and after off-loading my things from the car, I jumped into the shower to scrub off. Few hours of causing a nuisance by disturbing my parents in their room, I went to get ready for my dinner. AK, Aisha and Jay were taking me out to celebrate the end of my journey and the beginning of a new one.

I wore a simple dress that could go as a casual outfit but also appropriate for a function. They were kind enough to make reservations at my favourite restaurant, I am so excited.

"Surprise," screamed the whole place and I jumped back, if not for Jay that swiftly kept his hand on the small of my back, I would have fallen.

The invite said dinner with AK, Aisha and Jay not all my former colleagues, my friends and my parents too. My sneaky parent left the house before I left under the guise of going to my uncle's house. I feel so loved and started tearing up.

It was an outdoor setting, Aisha being super extra brought her event planning skills into play. There was a flower wall that had an inscription of Salima's farewell party. There was a lot to eat and drink. I felt so loved, having all these people coming all out to celebrate me.

I started by hugging Aisha tightly and then went around the room to say hi to everyone and snapped pictures. Finally found my way back to Jay and found him laughing with Bimbo. I didn't even know she was there. We briefly hugged because it was time to eat. 

In between meals, speeches were made and I was so glad I didn't have makeup on, if not I would have looked like a masquerade with the way I kept tearing up. Everyone was so sweet and had a lot of nice things to say to me, it was hard to keep my tears at bay. My parents left shortly after dinner and a few other people that lived far away.

It was a beautiful night and I couldn't have wished for a better group of people in my corner. However, somebody was trying to get on my nerves. Bimbo spent her whole time with Jay laughing over only God knows what. I won't let her spoil my mood sha, because it has been a good night.

"So, when are you leaving," asked Aisha.

"In two days o, I am so happy but also nervous about travelling alone," I voiced.

I have two weeks break before I start at my new job. So, I decided to go on a vacation to Cape Verde for a week.

"You shouldn't be, it is a beautiful country, you will enjoy your stay.

"Hopefully, " I said and continue eating my cake while thinking of the different ways I was going to stress Jay concerning this nonsense he is doing with Bimbo.

AbdulJalal wanted to drop me at the airport, my parents also wanted to. After much deliberation, I figured out it was easier to go with my parents than AbdulJalal. I don't have strength for any long explanation if I decided to go with Jay over them.

My bags have been checked-in. my passport stamped at immigration, I have said my prayers, I sat down waiting for my flight to be called when a message came into my phone.

The message from an unknown number said, "If you wanted him, you should have said that and not go through the back door and telling me he was too old for me. I understand how hard it is getting men at your old age, hence, the need to be deceitful. I thought you were a better person, turns out you were just one of those old bitter 30+ aunties that wallow in their singleness and try to drag everyone with them. This is not over and I promise to get him when I want him, after all, he is a man."

I didn't need rocket science to know it was Bimbo. Hey God, see the disrespect I am being dished out by this small girl because of a man. I am not even up to 30, I cried out in my mind.

"Bad energy stay far away." I sang in my mind. I will deal with this girl when I get back from my trip. Now is time for me to clear my head, rejuvenate and prepare for my new role.