A Nigerian Christmas: Twelve Days Before Christmas (IN WORKS)

°MONDAY°

      
        ~13th December, 2021~

I gaze at the digital clock on the dashboard of my black lexus model ES as I head to work. I woke up later than usual because I was caught up with getting my work done and ready to meet up the days deadline and deliver a great job. I press the brake pad as the traffic light blinks red since the car before me rode too slow and i really wanted to get to work very early but sleep would be sleep.

The red light finally turns green and I was already late for work. I turn the car towards Wanse Advertising agency along central area, the company I have worked with for the past two years and now I was pushing for the editor position because it would mean I am finally a boss and will be treated better than I have ever been, maybe who knows.

I finally arrived to the big interlocked parking lot of the company that could hold up to fifty cars. The company was one of the biggest Advertising company in Abuja and Nigeria, its one of the most patronised advertising agency. I collect the parking card from one of the security guard and drove to the number on the card. I thank the security guard who helped me get my car into the spot and got down from the car, In my boss outfit, that will cause heads to turn as I walk in, I took out my small black purse that went with my purple suit pant trousers and a purple shirt blouse that I paired with and I walk to the back to get my laptop bag.

I walk into the elevator seeing the Christmas decorations reminds me that it is time for the holidays but this time I won't be spending it alone. I was tired of spending Christmas alone, the last Christmas I spent with my family was four years ago which had been a wreck because I had left knowing everyone hated me even though I apologized, things didn't still feel normal. This time I was done hiding and thankfully my parents wanted me to be home for Christmas, I didn't let them beg me before I agreed to come home.

The elevator finally got to the floor where I work with a couple of others in my department. I made my way to the white cubicle I share with four other people. I smile at them as a greeting and sit down in my own cube, took out my laptop after saying a short prayer, asking God to help me today. Before I could start my laptop, my best friend tickles me from the back, startling me and making me jerk forward.

"Hey the Editor herself." Amina says causing stares from my cubicle colleagues.

"Seriously?" I glare at her. She was the only one I told about my boss', the Editor in chief's plan to make me an Editor after Mrs Elebe left, only if I brought a good idea for the next advert. He had specifically handed me the job which obviously didn't set well with my colleagues.

Amina's hand covers her mouth immediately with pleading eyes. I just ignore my friend, close my laptop, pick the black file, stand up and walk away with Amina following behind me.

"I'm sorry." Amina say as she walks behind me "I just got excited."

"Excited? Are you kidding me? I said keep it a secret even Mr Winston doesn't know." I continue to walk, heading to the coffee room to have a cup or two before my big presentation.

"I'm really sorry. I shouldn't have said anything...how is preparation to wow the bosses going?" Amina asks as she reaches for a box of Lipton from the top cupboard while I pick the electric kettle to boil water.

"I'm going to do the best I can..i really need this promotion."

"Do you actually need it or you just want to be a boss to spite your sister?"

I burst out laughing. "Why would I want to spite my sister?" I brush it off but the question still lingers in my head.

"Okay o.. if you say so. You look good by the way." she compliments me causing me to smile and forget what she has said earlier. "..so what's the advert about?"