The Institution - Episode 11
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Liam opened up his door to see Aisosa by the door, "Before you close the door, can we just talk? That's all I ask of Liam is that too much to ask?" She asked and he groaned letting her in. He hoped to God he doesn't regret letting her in.
"I have to go to work and I'm running late because If you noticed I didn't sleep home" "I noticed and I was worried, where were you?"
"Mom's. Something happened and she literally forced me to sleep over"
"Why have you been ignoring me? You think I don't notice?"
"For the obvious reason Aisosa, we can't keep on doing this to each other . I don't like you"
"I'm not complaining"
"Listen to yourself"
"I'm willing to make you like me boo" she rubbed her long nails on his chest. "I miss you Liam, I miss us" she kissed him on the lips and he kissed her too.
"Don't you miss this" she kissed him again and he shook his head.
"What happened Liam? We used to have good s*x" "That was then, it's been like what? Five months?"
"Five months, two weeks and three days and it's been torture. Liam I haven't had s*x in like almost six months"
"I'm not stopping you"
"You are cause I don't want to have s*x with any other person except you. It's like ever since you entered every other one has been boring. I love you Liam, I know I've never said this but I do love you"
"Sosa I'm sorry but... I can't love you"
"Why? Because of her? You said it yourself, It's been ages! Why do you still hold on to something that doesn't exist, something that can never exist? Let me help you walk through this, I can help heal your heart" She asked.
"My heart doesn't need healing"
"Whether you want to accept it or not, we're both the same boat, holding on to people that'll never love us back. Yours is worst cause she's dead, you're holding on to a freaking ghost!"****
Ivie walked down the stairs in a blue gown and Mrs Momoh admired how beautiful she looked. "Good morning Mom" she greeted and Mrs Momoh called for her attention.
"Mom I'm going out"
"I know you're angry at me for what I did last night but I was doing the right thing. That was someone's birthday party and you were causing a scene. Do you have to cause a scene everywhere you go to?" She asked and Ivie blinked her tears in.
She didn't utter a word.
"What did you want me to do? Keep quiet and let you accuse everyone of being responsible for pulling the trigger at you?"
"I wanted you to support me. That's all I've ever wanted"
"To what end? You saw what happened yesterday, that looked like a warning to make you lay low! I don't want to lose you"
"Are you ashame of me?" Ivie asked and Mrs Momoh busted into tears. "Do you want the truth?" She sniffed.
"I am not but yesterday..... I wish there was video to show you how you looked and how you sounded like. I was ashame of you for a moment, I was jealous cause for a moment i just felt like, am I the only one? Can't I just have normal children? You're vengeful and Ese and Mutey do whatever they like and it's beginning to annoy the hell of out of me!" She cried out and Ivie hugged her.
"I'm sorry" she apologized and Ese joined in the hug, "I'm sorry" she apologized and Mrs Momoh smiled.
She hasn't heard that word in a long while. "I'm off to school Mom" Ese chipped in then she looked at Ivie before leaving.
"She'll come around soon" Mrs Momoh assured I've then she wondered why Ivie was all dressed up.
"Where are you going to?"
"Trance fm. I want to apply for a job"
"I'll call my contact they can help you with a job in the civil service"
"I don't think I'll be able to withstand so much indiscipline. I'll hunt for my job"
"What happened between you and Humble?"
"Let's just say he's not really my type"
"The new driver is outside, he'll take you wherever you want" "What about Ese?"
"Was will order a taxi. I don't let them drive, Dode suggested that I don't give them a car permanently till they turned 25. Apparently it was your father's wish but"
"I can imagine. He did the same thing to me" Ivie answered and they both laughed then Ivie lets out a depressed sigh.
"How's Uncle Don"
"He's been asking of you, he's busy with party politics. He's cousin is running for a Governorship too so he's been busy"
"Oh. Maybe I'll find someday to see him. Bye Mom"
"Becareful dear"
"Yes Mom I will"
Ese hung a bag walking towards her car then found Uki by the car then she walked up to him. "I'm sorry for lying, I feel really guilty for it"
"It's okay. I'm sure you had your reasons"
"I've never really like talking about politics or my father or how he died or the conspiracy theory concerning his death"
"Oh. I'm sorry for bringing up the topic the last time"
"It's okay. It's a small world don't you think? I mean the other day I was thinking I won't see you any longer but now.... Here you are."
"Yeah"
"Why did you choose to be a driver"
"If it's a way to make a honest money, I'm not ashame of it" he answered leaving her speechless. "I didn't mean it that way"
"I didn't say anything, maybe it's tour conscience speaking, I don't know. Do you want me to drive you somewhere?"
"I'm going to school. Wouldn't that shame you?"
"Try me"
"If you don't have shame, I do" she snapped then she shut her eyes. "I'm sorry"
"Insult is the ears of the listener" He noted and she scurried away.
Ivie drew close to Uki who smiled at her. The smile was so familiar that Ivie began to rack her memories to remember where she had seen the smile before.
"Good morning Ma" he bowed his head and then Ivie remembered a certain young man that greeted her almost the same way; Thelma's cousin.
"You're Thelma's cousin right"
"Yes Ma. The name is Uki" he answered.
"I'm sorry about your cousin" "You already apologized years ago. It's in the past. Where are you going to Ma'am?"
"Trance Fm"
"My favorite radio station" he answered opening the door and she entered. "Why is it everyone's favorite radio station?" She asked and Uki entered laughing.
"Because of Jafar" he started the car; the gate was already opened so he drove off.
"He's my favorite OAP" he added and she smiled.
"I have a list of them but Jafar is a legend" he continued.
"Have you met him in person?" Ivie asked, "I have, I've been on his show once" "Seriously?"
"Jafar is the voice of the minority. His non-governmental organization sponsored my year three school fees"
"That's remarkable. Are you done with school?" He asked and Uki shook his head. "Why? When I met you, you were probably seventeen or sixteen"
"Eighteen years Ma" he corrected.
"You're twenty six years old"
"Going to school was a luxury I couldn't afford, Captain John paid my first fees and I've been hustling ever since, I'm in my final year. The man is old enough to rest; he shouldn't suffer anymore"
"What about school? Why will you take this job? This is a crucial time, what about your final year project? You can't waste your time"
"I'll burn the midnight's candle and do what I have to"
"I'll help you out"
"Thank you Ma but I love to work for my money. I have goals in life, graduate, become a lecturer, settle down and have kids."
"Isn't this job going to interfere with school work?"
"No. I'm fine"
"What about Masters and PhD degree"
"I have my eyes set on being retained first"
"You sound so sure, what's your cgpa?"
"Currently on 4.7" he answered and Ivie laughed. "That's amazing" she commented and he looked down feeling shy.
"Because i have the best mentor in the world"
"Who?" Ivie asked and he chuckled.
"Your father, Jafar and you"
"That can't be right"
"I'm all but a liar Ma'am. I want to make a difference in the world like you did and I will"
"I failed"
"You'll rise up again, I have faith"
Uki stopped at Trance Fm building and Ivie opened up the car then she stretched her hands at him. "Give me the car keys, go to school. I'm pretty sure there are a lot of things to do. You can come back home when you're really free" she demanded and Uki shook his head.
"It's my first day of work. I really don't want to be fired and besides, I heard you almost got shot"
"The last time I checked, you don't wear bullet proof. Uki I'll be fine, go back to school" she begged and he agreed.
Ivie walked into Trance fm building. There was a receptionist at the lobby so she walked up to her. "Good morning dear" She greeted and Agnes smiled, "I came to apply for a job"
"You can drop your resume, I'll help you submit them"
"I'd like to see the boss himself. If you don't mind"
"He's busy for now but you can wait there if you can" she pointed at a seat and she sat on it close to a little girl about five years old.
She wondered what a girl like that could be doing alone.
"Good morning Ma" she greeted and Ivie smiled.
"Hello cutie. What's your name?" She asked, "Coral"
"How old are you? You shouldn't be here alone. Where's Mommy?"
"Mommy went to make a call outside"
"What are you both doing here?"
"I'm here to get my price. I won a prize for spelling Hypotenus" she answered with so much pride and Ivie chuckled.
"You're a smart girl"
"Mom says that every time, my friends in senior classes call me hyperactive" she added and Ivie rolled her eyes.
"Mom told me what it means. It is bad to be hyperactive?" She asked and Ivie shook her head.
"They call you that because they're jealous. You're a smart girl, don't let anyone stop you from shinning. You're going to be a star" she touched Coral's cheeks and she chuckled.
"Thank you" she appreciated.
"What did I say about talking to strangers?" Coral's Mom, Eno snapped and Coral covered her face.
"Uh oh" she said and Ivie laughed.
"Uh oh" Ivie added raising her fingers to take blame for it
"I'm sorry. I just took notice at how trained your child was. She greeted me the moment i sat down. It's commendable"
"Ivie Momoh?" she asked taking her seat and Ivie nodded.
"When do you get out?"
"Last week."
"I'm sorry about your father and your baby" she added and Ivie gave a faint smile. "Thank you"
"Mom why are you also talking to the stranger?" Coral asked, this time Ivie and Eno busted into laughter.
"Well, mommy wants to get to know more about the stranger" Eno answered and she smiled.
"Since I know who you are already, you can call me Eno Akpan"
"Coral said you both came here to get prize" Ivie chipped in
"Yes. We're waiting for the Boss to come, we're supposed to take pictures with him too"
"I'm also waiting for the Boss I want to submit my resume" "What about the institution?" "I don't think the government will be willing to employ me"
Ivie didn't want her knowing she was denied employment.
"I'm sorry about that"
"It's nothing. Won't your daughter go to school?"
"She will. She won't let me rest until she gets the prize so, I have the school's permission to have her come in late"
Liam walked down the stairs and Ivie threw her gaze at him and he smiled at her. "Okay now it's official, you're definitely stalking me"
"Oh get over yourself Liam, I'm not stalking you" Ivie rose up folding her hands.
"And I'm supposed to believe that? I thought you've never believed in coincidence"
"Have I ever said that to you?" She asked and Liam suddenly felt uncomfortable. Maybe he has said more than he should.
"It's on your profile, it's always been on your profile. Everyone knows the only reason you go after any case is because of the big coincidence which you've never believed in"
"Give me one reason why I shouldn't doubt you now. I've met you unintentionally twice, first at the bank, then at the party and I'm supposed to believe it's a coincidence" she presumed and he chuckled.
"Does this mean it's intentional thing time?" He folded his hands and she scoffed.
Meanwhile Eno gazed at the both of them.
"Good morning Ivie" he greeted, "Good morning to you too"
"Good morning Mr Oscar" Eno greeted to get gotta attention and he smiled at her.
"Good morning Ma, you must be Mrs Eno Akpan, mother of Coral" he turned towards Coral smiling.
"And this must Miss Coral"
"Good morning Sir. Where is Aunty Ud?"
"Aunty Ud coming right up!" Ud yelled coming down with wrapped box, walking down the stairs on her heels.
She dropped the gift then opened her arms wide for Coral to hug her.
"On behalf of Trance FM, we give you this gift" she handed it to her. "Can you help us out with pictures?" UD asked Ivie who ended up taking all the pictures.
After they were gone, Liam invited Ivie into his office. She walked in shutting the door and he smiled at her.
"You look really pretty"
"Thank you" she answered with a smile then she suddenly remembered the reason why she came all the way here; to clear her doubts on him.
"How did you know you'll find me here?"
"I googled you and since I'm badly in need of a job, I decided to submit my resume. I need a job and I just want to know if there's any opening"
"There isn't for now. I'll be sincere but with a legend like you, I possibly can't say no. My newscasting team will need you as their supervisor, you can help me proof read, edit the news or get news if you can. It's just my idea, I don't know if it'll.... sit well with ...you" he stammered through and she smiled.
"Supervising? I really don't want issues with old authority. I know how these stuff goes"
"We're one big family at Trance FM. You have nothing to worry about"
"Does that mean I have the job?" She asked and he nodded. "What will it cost?"
"Nothing. I'm not your regular give and take guy, it'll be a pleasure to have someone like you on board"
Ivie smiled and they dived into terms of payments and agreements.
Soon Liam took her to the news department room where an argument was going on.
"I can't believe I just said big happy family" he whispered and Ivie laughed.
"I think it's totally normal for families to quarrel" Ivie added and Liam cleared his throat and they all stopped.
All eyes fell on Ivie, "The woman that made me a journalist, I hail thee Ma" A guy answered and Ivie smiled.
There was a brief introduction and Ivie was shown to other places. "How do you like the place?" Liam asked and she smiled.
"It's really nice. It feels like home" she answered and she wasn't faking. It really felt like home, she suddenly felt guilty because her ulterior motive.
An incoming call sent him running down and UD took over the tour.
YOU ARE READING
The institution
RomanceUgly events around Ivie Momoh's life made her preoccupied with a revolutionary three point agenda; to get her life back, put the villains in their places and then cause changes to the very fabric of politics in her dear Edo state. There was one tiny...