We are waiting aunty serah for the story. Please make it 3 updates or 4 or 5

Emeraldz: We are waiting aunty serah for the story. Please make it 3 updates or 4 or 5

U avnt seen 1, u r askn 4 3 updates, I luv ur faith. Anty Serah, if na 1 sef I no mind, jst update 4 d month.

@All... Serah apologizes once again. The internet issues will be retified hopefully this weekend. New mouth-watering updates loading... *winks*

sadeiyare: @All... Serah apologizes once again. The internet issues will be retified hopefully this weekend. New mouth-watering updates loading... *winks*

Woooooooooooow!





Ha hubby is commentin 4 d 1st time on our story

Candis009:
Woooooooooooow!





Ha hubby is commentin 4 d 1st time on our story

second time actually. D 1st sef na apology. And aunty serah u go get question 2 answer o, how u go let evang(ur hubby) 2 dey talk only apologies d only two time we meet am.?

Its taking too long na

Damex333: second time actually. D 1st sef na apology. And aunty serah u go get question 2 answer o, how u go let evang(ur hubby) 2 dey talk only apologies d only two time we meet am.?

Amebo

with the way choirs and scandal go hand in hand, i wonder if i should quit the group?





not in this life, am a choristers for life i will even add my own sef


aunty Sarah, come and update oh, promise must marry hazel eyes Gbenga.

Just completed reading ur book aunty sarah, and i wud say it a very lovely story. Pls come and finish d story thanks.

Aunty Sarah PLssssss come and update ooooo. The story is inspiring.

As Deep As The Sea 20
On the 15th of September,
Promise stepped into TL
Communications company at
Lekki.
She approached the Front
Desk Officers, two ladies and
a guy, clad in navy blue suits.
She greeted them and asked
how to get to the Public
Relations office. One of the
ladies directed her to the
third floor.
She located the elevator and
joined the group of people
waiting to get in. On the third
floor, she scanned the
hallway and found a brown
door labeled 'Public Relations
Office'. She knocked and went
in.
She found herself in a large
room with five cubicles to her
left, an enclosed office in the
middle and a seating area
which was already occupied,
to her right. Eight pairs of
eyes stared back at her. She
approached them, greeted
and took the vacant seat.
Nobody responded, except
the creamy brown skinned
guy sitting opposite her.
The door of the enclosed
office swung open and a light
skinned tall and plump woman
walked out.
"Good morning everybody. I
am Miss. Vivian Njemanze,
the Public Relations Manager."
They stood up and chorused,
"Good morning ma."
Promise swallowed the
laughter bubbling within her.
The way they greeted the
manager, it was similar to the
way school pupils welcomed
their class teacher.
She took a good look at the
woman and calculated her
age, summing it to around
early forties. Why wasn't her
boss married? She introduced
herself with the title 'Miss.' It
could be that she was
separated, divorced or
worse, widowed. She wouldn't
be surprised if the woman's
career had a whole lot to do
with her present marital
status.
'All these career women,' she
thought.
"You are my new team
members. Your predecessors
have been posted to different
branches of the company
worldwide. If you are as hard
working and committed as
they were, you will excel in
this company. Your daily and
weekly assignments are
posted on that notice board,"
she pointed to her left and
their intent gazes followed
the direction her finger was
pointing at.
A large board was nailed to
the wall. It was divided into
five columns, each person
had their names written boldly
in black on a column and it
was covered with several
pinned documents.
Promise searched and found
her name. It was on the
second column. The volume of
white sheets pinned to it
made her to swallow her
spittle.
"Please endeavour to check
the board daily. You do not
have any excuse whatsoever
to resume work late. I don't
care where you live. I don't
tolerate truancy, that will
earn you a suspension and
you can lose your job in the
process.
"If you work with me in
obedience and loyalty, you
will rise to an envied height,
but if you disobey my rules
and instructions, if you
neglect your work and play
smart, I will make your days
in this company a living hell.
Welcome to TL
Communications company,"
she turned around and
returned to her office. The
'click' sound of her high
heeled shoes echoed through
the white walls.
"Wow!" One of the men in the
room exclaimed. He dabbed at
the beads of sweat on his
dark forehead with his white
handkerchief, "Now I know
why she is called Margaret
Thatcher."
The taller man with creamy
brown skin chuckled and
shook hands with him, "I am
Boma Etuk."
"Oyetunde Badmus."
Promise watched them and
smiled. Men would always best
ladies when it came to
mingling. She noticed that
Oyetunde was the shortest of
them all. He was about five
feet six inches, with a
protruding pot belly that gave
his grey coloured suit a
gawky look.
Her curious eyes found the
taller man. He was the tallest
of them all, about five feet
ten inches, with a creamy
brown complexion. He was
easy on the eyes, but she
had always preferred fairer
men.
He looked her way and caught
her staring at him. His dark
brown eyes softened and
seemed to glitter, drawing her
in, like nails to magnet.
Oyetunde cleared his throat
and approached her.
"I am Oyetunde Badmus."
She tore her eyes away from
Boma and shook hanks with
him.
"I am Promise Daodu."
"It is nice meeting you," he
grinned.
"Same here," she forced a
smile.
Boma walked up to them and
shook hands with her.
"Boma Etuk."
Their gazes locked again. She
looked away. She couldn't
fathom why she was drawn to
him. He wasn't her type and
she was yet to recover from
her broken relationship with
Gbenga.
"Can we meet you?" Oyetunde
addressed the other two
ladies who had already picked
out cubicles next to each
other.
"Adaeze Chukwuemeka," one
of them waved.
"Kemisola Tijani," the other
chimed.
Promise strode over to the
board and checked out the
documents attached to her
name. Boma and Oyetunde
joined her.
"Margaret Thatcher is out to
kill us," Oyetunde lamented.
She ignored him. She was
beginning to see him as
someone who complained a
lot. Boma remained mum. His
eyes were fixed on his
column.
"Look at our list of
assignments. We have less
than a week to see them
done."
"Then you better get
started," Boma unpinned the
documents attached to his
column and strode off ...

to the cubicle close to the
window.
Oyetunde groaned and pulled
out his list of assignments
from the board. He marched
away in anger.
Promise shook her head.
'God, thank you for this
dream job of mine. I need you
to help me excel in this
company', she said a silent
prayer and found out that the
only desk left was the one
opposite Boma.
********
At about twelve noon, Boma
left the office and found his
way into the cafeteria on the
ground floor of the company.
The place was crowded with
staff members who were
buying and eating their lunch.
He bought a set of chicken
sandwich and a can of orange
juice.
While trying to find a place to
sit, he saw Oyetunde downing
a bowl of pounded yam and
melon soup at a corner.
"Mr. Man, don't you think you
are swallowing the wrongest
meal at this time of the day,"
he sat beside him.
"I need all the energy I can
get. That sandwich you are
eating won't get you
anywhere today."
He sipped at his drink, "Your
heavy lunch will only make
you sleep."
"I hear you," he concentrated
on his meal, "That reminds
me."
Boma met his excited gaze.
"We are lucky to have three
beautiful ladies working with
us."
"Really?"
"Yes. Promise for instance is
the prettiest of them all. She
is tall, slim and curved in the
right places. She might not be
as physically endowed as
Kemisola and Adaeze, but,
that girl is fine. Her smooth
dark chocolate skin is... "
"Oyetunde!"
He started to laugh.
"Are you sure you are not
falling for her already?"
He shrugged, "It won't matter.
A girl that looks like that is
either engaged or in a
serious relationship."
"Hmmm... " He thought about
what his colleague said.
"Kemisola is also pretty and
well packaged in all areas,
but, I don't like the way she
is exposing all her goods
outside."
"I agree with you," a picture
of Kemisola's exposed
cleavage assaulted his mind's
eye.
"Adaeze is a beautiful Ibo
girl, but she too is exposing
herself. I don't know what is
wrong with these girls."
"They lack knowledge."
"A man who wants to play
games goes after girls that
appear loose and dress
indecently. But, a man who
wants to get married will go
after someone like Promise."
Boma nodded in agreement.
"I hope they learn from her,"
he downed his drink and got
up, "I have to go. See you
later in the office," he headed
out.
Boma finished his sandwich
and sipped at his drink. He
was grateful to God for his
new employment. He had been
looking for a new job for
over five months. His former
place of work went bankrupt
early that year and laid off all
their staff. His fiancée
cancelled their wedding in the
process and left the country
with a man she barely knew.
He had been devastated, but,
God stood beside him, healed
his broken heart and
provided him with a new job.
His salary and allowance was
twice what he used to earn. It
would enable him to change
his Honda car and rent a new
apartment. He had been using
the car since he graduated
from the university, it was
long overdue for a change.
He glanced at his wrist-watch.
His one hour break was
almost over. He finished his
drink, got up and headed out,
lost to the longing stares
from some of the female staff
in the cafeteria.
********
It was the third time she had
tried to take a nap, but, the
giggles and loud gossip
comments filtering into her
ears had made it impossible.
She wondered how Adaeze
and Kemisola seemed so close
despite the fact that they
were just meeting for the first
time that morning. They
summed up the popular
saying, 'Birds of a feather
flock together'.
"I overheard one of the
secretaries in the office
opposite us talking about
Boma Etuk."
"Really?" Adaeze leaned
forward. Her ears anticipated
the gossip.
"She said as far as TL
Communications was
concerned, he is one of the
most handsome men in the
company."
"Wow!"
"His name is on the lips of
every girl who wants to drag
a man to the altar this year."
Adaeze bursted out laughing.
"Assuming he was taller, let's
say, about six feet tall, he
would have been compared to
a sun god," her dreamy eyes
beamed.
She nodded in agreement.
"His five feet ten inches
height isn't bad anyway. At
least, he is taller than me,"
she winked.
"His creamy brown skin is so
smooth, I wonder what cream
he uses."
"I won't mind caressing it."
Adaeze smiled and nodded.
"I wonder what it would be
like to lie with him in bed and
feel his total body against... "
"Kemisola!"
"What!"
"You are crazy."
"Shut up!" She eyed her, "As
if you haven't thought of
sleeping with him too."
Adaeze started to laugh
again.
Promise got up and walked
out. She couldn't stand their
loud laughter again.
Kemisola and Adaeze hissed.
"That one thinks she is fine."
"Fine indeed. She is flat in all
the right places. Yuck!"
"I doubt if she eats at all."
"She cannot compete with the
likes of us."
"No, no, she can't. We run
things here."
They gave each other a high
five.
"Oyetunde isn't bad either."
"That short rat!" Kemisola p ...

ointed at him.
"Keep your voice down," she
hit her on the knee.
"Why?"
"You are wicked."
"So are you. Look at his pot
belly. Pregnant man."
Oyetunde glanced at them and
they looked away immediately.
Their conversation stopped,
but, their giggles grew louder.
*******
Promise saw Boma the moment
she stepped out of the office.
"Is madam back?"
She shook her head.
Their boss had been out most
of the day.
"Are you coming from the
cafeteria?"
He halted a few feet away
from her.
"Yes."
"Do they have any snacks?"
He nodded, " They have
different types of snacks."
"Okay. Good. Thanks."
"You are welcome. Is
Oyetunde in the office?"
"Yes," she met his dark
brown stare. His eyes seemed
to swallow her own. She
blinked and backed away.
'Am I attracted to this guy?'
She erased the thought from
her mind.
"Okay. I am off to the
cafeteria."
His eyes followed her. He
wondered if what Oyetunde
had said was true. Was she
really engaged or in a
serious relationship? He was
attracted to her. He could bet
his whole salary that she was
attracted to him too.
He would try to get to know
her better. Working with her
in the same office made it
easier to an extent. He had
learnt a long time ago that a
beautiful fulfilling relationship
sometimes began with a
bubbling friendship.

Double post. Now, am not the one that wrote this o. Aunty serah is always thinking abt you. So she asked me a post this for her. Since she can't post. And dont mind me, she spaced and paragraph it, but my phone wont allow that to happen, dont blame my nokia 3310 o. ENJOY.

Nyc one buh it took too long d@ av even 4goten how to connect it to d past....
Anyways sha,gud story

Damex333: Double post. Now, am not the one that wrote this o. Aunty serah is always thinking abt you. So she asked me a post this for her. Since she can't post. And dont mind me, she spaced and paragraph it, but my phone wont allow that to happen, dont blame my nokia 3310 o. ENJOY.

U tried na,weldone!

Damexx, Osheeee. Greet anty Serah 4 us, expectn anoda update in 2mths. Dos complainin of Repo n Princessa nt updating oftn shld cme n c wat patience in getn update here means. 1ce again, tanks 4 d collabo in postn.

.

This last update was AWESOME!!.....patiently waiting for the next

As Deep As The Sea 21

Promise strode into Mega Plaza. The grin on her face turned into a frown when she saw the crowd of people in the large building. She doesn't like been in the crowd for too long. People tend to pull and push at their own leisure without caring about the next person. She should have known the place would be populated during the weekends. She wouldn't have been able to make it during the week days because of her time consuming job and she had been procastinating the errand for two weeks. Her father was losing his patience and if she had not made the journey that day, he might have gotten angry.

She took the elevator and alighted on the second floor. She located the phone accessories store on the business card her father had given her three weeks ago and asked for the store owner. She was led into an office at the back of the store.

Fifteen minutes later, she walked out of the store with a sealed large brown envelop. While waiting for the elevator to open, someone tapped her on the shoulder. She turned around and came face to face with Boma Etuk.

"Hello," he grinned.

They had been working together for less than a month and the opportunity he needed to really get to know her was scarce. It was as if she built a wall between them a purpose.

"Hi... " Her surprised gaze met his pleased ones, "What are you doing here?"

"Definitely not window shopping."

Laughter bubbled from within her. She placed the envelop under her shoulder.

"I didn't know you stay on the Island."

"I don't," he shook his head.

The elevator opened and some people came out. Boma and Promise stepped aside.

"I stay in Dolphin Estate with a friend during the week. I go home during the weekends. I live in Ilupeju."

She folded her arms across her chest.

"Today is Saturday, what are you doing on the Island?"

"My friend convinced me to stay behind this weekend so that we can use our expertise to help his landlord to purchase a brand new flat screen T.V."

"Interesting."

"We met Oyetunde here too. He spotted you when you walked out of that store," he pointed at the phone accessories store.

"Oyetunde?" Her puzzled gaze met his smiling ones.

"He lives in the building behind this plaza. I guess he frequent this plaza often."

"Really?"

"Yes. So, what are you doing here?"

She glanced at the envelop she held under her shoulder.

"I came to pick up a package for my dad."

"Oh, okay."

"So, catch you in the office on Monday," she turned to leave.

"Wait, why don't you join us for lunch?"

She bit at her lower lip. She doubted if she was ready to socialize that afternoon.

Oyetunde and a guy about his height approached them.

"Promise how are you doing?" He smiled, revealing a set of white teeth.

"Fine, thanks."

"Promise meet my friend, Charles Oduro."

She shook hands with the dark but broad shouldered man standing beside her colleague.

"Hi, it is nice meeting you."

"The pleasure is mine," she smiled back at him.

"Here comes the landlord."

She followed Boma's gaze and gapped in astonishment when she saw Gbenga Lewis.

A conversation she had, had with him about renting out his boys' quarters flashed through her mind. He had been putting it off for a while. She was glad her advice was not discarded.

"Promise how are you doing?"

She nodded and kept staring at him. He looked so good in his blue jeans trouser and black tee-shirt.

"Do you both know each other?" Boma asked. He was surprised that Charles' landlord knew her.

"Yes," they choroused.

Oyetunde narrowed his eyes and squeezed his lips, pondering over who Gbenga was to Promise.

"Promise and I dated for a while and broke up recently. Are you guys ready for lunch or not?" He headed straight for the elevator.

Oyetunde could hardly believe his ears. Promise was single at the moment. That was pure goodnews. He needed to strategize how he would sweep her off her feet and make her his.

"See you on Monday," he winked at her and followed Gbenga.

"It was nice meeting you," Charles bid her goodbye and joined the crowd in the elevator.

Boma noticed the angry look in her eyes.

"Are you okay?"

Her frown deepened, "We didn't just date for a while, we were planning to get married!"

It became obvious to him that her ex-boyfriend's comment had angered her.

"I think he was just trying to make light of the situation."

She glared at him. On whose side was he anyway? She eyed him, turned around and blended into the crowd.

"Promise... "

She ignored him and headed for the stairway.

'Make light of the situation indeed. What situation?!' These thoughts ran through her mind.

Boma caught up with her.

"Promise please wait."

"Stop following me," she climbed down the staircase.

"Promise... " He followed.

"Stop calling me and go and meet your friends."

"I will catch up with them later."

She hastened her steps and found her way out of the plaza. She hurried towards her car which was parked close to the gates, but, Boma caught up with her before she could climb in.

"What's your problem? Why are you following me?" She lashed out at him.

The hurt in her eyes saddened him. She looked like she was about to cry. The break-up must have ended badly. He wished he could hug her and sooth all her pains away.

"I am here as a friend," he raised his hands, "I come in peace."

"I don't need your friendship. Leave me alone!" She got into the car, started it and backed out of the compound. The security man at the gate waved at her, hoping to get a tip, but she barely noticed him. She drove out and nosed into the road.

Boma located his car, got in and followed her. He needed to make sure she was safe. He didn't think it was wise to drive in her fragile state of mind.

**********

Promise drove into her father's compound and marched into the house without closing the gate. She ran into her bedroom and locked the door. She broke down and cried for several minutes. She had almost wept in Boma's presence, but her strong will prevailed.

Why did it still hurt so much? When would the pain finally stop? She doubted if she would be ready to go into another relationship in the next twelve months.

'God where are you? You said in your word that you are close to the broken hearted. Heal me and mend my heart. I am hurting so bad,' she groaned and wept.

Twenty minutes later, she heard a knock on her door. She had no desire to leave the cold tiled floor. She was comfortable where she lay, but the knocks turned to heavy bangs.

Maybe it was her mum. She had warned her several times not to leave the gate open whenever she drove in. Or it was probably her dad. His package was where she dumped it. It was on her bed. He must have noticed that she had returned. She wished she could be left alone for a while.

"Promise, are you in there?" Her father's voice echoed through the walls, "You have a visitor."

'A visitor?' She mused and sat up.

Who could that be? She straightened her rough cotton blouse and pulled herself up. She checked her face in the mirror and gasped. Her eyes were bloodshot and her make-up had turned her into a witch. Dark masscara paste ran all over her face, mixed with creamy patches of her pancake. She ran into the bathroom and washed it all off. She dried her dark chocolate face with a towel and stared at her reflection in the mirror once again.

She looked better and presentable. She left the bathroom and went to unlock her door, but she saw no one. Her father must have left. She heard voices coming from the sitting room. Who was her parents chatting with?

Boma stopped talking the second Promise walked in.

"How in the world did you find me? Did you follow me home? Have you lost your mind or something?" She could barely believe her eyes.

"Promise... " He stood up.

Osagie and Blessing exchanged glances. The young man had introduced himself as their daughter's colleague at work. While they waited for her, he conversed with them. They found him to be a very pleasant person. Why was she angry with him?

"What part of 'I don't need your friendship' did you not understand?" She was upset that he dared to follow her home.

"I had to follow you. I wanted to make sure that you were all right."

"Can you believe this guy?" She looked at her parents and glared at him.

"I can see that you are safe and sound. I will take my leave. See you at work on Monday," he turned to her parents, "It was an honour meeting you, I hope to visit soon..." He cast a quick look at her, "If I am invited," he located the front door and walked out.

She slumped on the nearest chair and sighed.

Osagie and his wife kept looking at their daughter. They were glad that one of her colleagues cared enough to look out for her, although she didn't appreciate it.

"Can you believe that the friend he is staying with is Gbenga's tenant?" She faced her parents.

"Seriously?" Blessing leaned forward.

"Did you run into Gbenga at the plaza?" Her dad asked.

"Yes."

He realized that her encounter with her ex-fiance had gotten her into the foul mood she was displaying.

"Please bring my package to my room when you are done gossiping with your mother," he rose and strode out of the sitting room.

Blessing vacated her seat and joined Promise on the settee.

"Tell me exactly what happened," her eagerness was contagious.

Promise felt encouraged by her mother's undivided attention. She poured out her heart and narrated what transpired at the plaza.

**********

Boma sat outside the boys' quarters pondering over the events that took place earlier that day. He returned home after leaving Promise's place instead of joining Charles, Gbenga and Oyetunde at the restaurant they had planned to have lunch.

Despite her resistance, he wasn't going to give up on her. She was still hurting. He could tell. Break-ups could be very painful. He had experienced it when his ex-girlfriend left him because he lost his job. It had taken him a while before he started trusting people again. He was ready to wait till Promise got over her heart break and hopefully accept his hand of friendship.

He noticed a movement and raised his head. He dropped his jaw in shock when he saw Kemisola walking towards him, dressed to slaughter. What was she doing in his place? How did she find him? Who gave her his address?

"Glad to see me?" She winked at him.

He closed his mouth and continued staring at her, hardly able to find words to express his astonishment and dissatisfaction.

Kemisola smiled widely. She liked the way he was staring at her. She was glad she wore the red sleeve-less blouse which fitted her like a second skin. The matching red shorts which exposed her dark plump thighs clinged to her heavy backside like a shield.

"What are you doing out here sitting by yourself? Let's go inside," she pulled him up to his feet.

"How... How... How did you locate this place? I don't remember giving you my address or inviting you over."

"Someone in the Human Resources Department is a close friend of mine. I got your addresses from your C.V," she battered her eyelashes.

"What?!" He couldn't believe his ears. If his addresses could be easily passed around, what else?

"Chill. I wanted to surprise you with a visit. I have been to Ilupeju, your neighbour told me that it was likely you weren't coming home this weekend. So, here I am."

He scratched his scalp with his fingers. Why was she looking for him all over the place? What was her purpose of visit? He searched his mind. Their relationship at the office was cordial and plain. Nothing more. Why did she decide to visit him?

"I am sorry that you came all the way. I would appreciate if you wait for an invite before a future visit."

She chuckled and hit him on the shoulder playfully.

"Let's go inside and relax. I am prepared to spend the weekend here. Hope your friend won't mind," she winked at him again. She had made up her mind to discover what lay beneath his firm exterior. He was a good looking guy with an admirable physique. She had been lusting after him for over a month and she wanted to satisfy her desires that day.

His brows came together in a frown. Why would she decide to spend the weekend with him just like that? They were not dating and he had never mentioned to her that he was interested in her. Even if he was, he wouldn't agree to a sleeping-over routine. What sort of a woman was she?

"Kemisola, I don't get you. Why would you want to spend the weekend here? We are just colleagues and nothing more."

She closed the gap between them and encircled her hands around his neck.

"Well my handsome prince charming, that is going to change today," she devoured his lips.

Boma pulled away and wiped his lips with the back of his hand. She wasn't the first woman who had thrown herself at him. He had encountered dozens of her type during his university days and at his former place of work. His faith in Christ had always helped him to avoid compromising situations and flee whenever necessary.

"I like you a lot Boma. I want you, all of you. I want you to be mine," she drew closer.

He backed away and raised a hand.

"I... I understand the fact that you... that you probably find me attractive."

"I do," she threw her weight at him.

He pulled away again, "Please stop. I have not finished."

She chuckled and blew him a kiss, "I am all ears," she was confident and sure that when he was done talking, he would tear her apart and eat her all up. She could hardly wait. No man had ever said no to her.

"Look, I am a born again Christian and I believe in certain things that has helped me till this very day."

She rolled her eyes. She had, had her way with several men who called themselves born-again Christians. Boma was not different.

"I don't engage in pre-marital sex," he sensed her doubts.

She hissed, "That is what you all say," she eyed him. What was he feeling like? Jesus Christ?

Boma took a deep breath and exhaled. He was finding it hard to resist the urge to bundle her up and throw her out of the compound. He needed strength to react in love and not out of spite.

"Regardless of what you may believe, I don't go about sleeping with everything in skirts. I apologize for messing up your weekend, but, you visited the wrong guy."

She laughed out loud and eyed him. Was he serious? Was he really turning her down? It was unbelievable.

"What is wrong with you? Don't be such a wet blanket. Do you know how many men out there who would kill to spend just an hour with me?"

"I am not one of them."

She tried to hug him, but he slapped her hands away.

"Ouch! What was that for?" She glared at him.

"Kemisola, I am not interested in you. It is obvious that we believe in different things. I cannot date someone who cannot walk the same path I tread on. I hope you understand."

She shook her head and eyed him. She had wasted her time and money. She had not anticipated his resistance. She thought he was going to fall at her feet like a pack of cards. She had assumed a lot of things. Maybe all Christians weren't the same after all.

She raised her shoulders, turned around and cat-walked out of the compound.

Boma hurried into the apartment and locked the door. He used the back of his hand to wipe the beads of sweat that had gathered on his forehead.

'Thank you Jesus for strengthening me', he whispered to himself.

*********

Kemisola stared at her monitor long and hard. Her thoughts were a thousand miles away. At that moment, her to-do for the day was the least on her mind.

"A penny for your thoughts."

She blinked and turned to meet Adaeze's worried gaze.

"Are you okay?"

She hissed, "Quit asking me that silly question," she felt like throwing a pen at her but she resisted the urge.

She eyed her, "I will stop when you start behaving like the Kemisola I know."

She opened and closed a drawer. She picked up her phone then threw it back on the table.

"What is eating you up?" She had noticed her friend's moody attitude since they resumed work that day.

Kemisola pointed at Boma. Adaeze looked at him, then back at her.

"What? Is your crush on him sky rocketing or what?" She eyed her. She had feelings for Boma too.

"Can you imagine the fool?"

Her bitter tone wasn't lost to her. She wondered what happened.

"I visited him, offered myself to him on a platter of gold and he refused me."

"What?!" She placed a hand over her opened mouth. She couldn't believe that she dared to visit him. She had talked about it once or twice, but, she thought Kemisola was just running her mouth.

She hissed again and picked up her big red hand bag.

"When did this happen?"

"On Saturday," she searched for nothing in the bag.

"My God!" She looked at Boma again. She was happy that he said no to Kemisola. Maybe she stood a better chance. She wouldn't make the same mistake her friend made.

"I can't remember the last time any man resisted me."

"Let him go. He isn't worth it," she tried to console her.

She folded her hands across her bosom. Adaeze was right. Boma wasn't worth her time and energy. She had bigger fishes to fry. Nevertheless, his rejection stung her.

"The head of department of the Human Resources office is planning to take me along with him on his next trip to Dubai," she tried to sound cheerful.

Her eyes widened, "Way to go girl!" At times, she felt jealous because Kemisola seemed to attract more influential men than her.

"If he is traveling with a friend, I might be able to convince him to take you along," she winked at her.

"Yipee!" Adaeze started shaking her head to a song on her mind. She had always dreamt of travelling to Dubai.

"We have some shopping to do this week. He told me he might be traveling this weekend or next weekend."

"So soon!" She clasped her hands together in excitement.

"Yes. So get ready. Boma can bury himself along with his faith. I don't give a hoot."

Adaeze bursted out laughing.

Promise groaned. Kemisola and Adaeze were gossiping again. Although she couldn't decipher what they were talking about, the sound of their voices and loud laughter was distracting her. She wondered how Oyetunde and Boma were coping.

She glanced at Oyetunde. His head was buried in a large volume of files. She turned to look at Boma and caught him staring at her again. What was his problem? He had apologised that morning for following her home that weekend. She had forgiven him, but he wouldn't stop staring at her. Doesn't he have work to do?

She returned her attention to her system, soon she was consumed with her work.

Boma closed his eyes. Maybe it was time he exchanged desks with Oyetunde. Sitting opposite Promise was a big distraction. He needed to get a grip on himself. He couldn't remember liking someone the way he felt for her. Regardless of how he felt, courting her friendship was his first priority. When he was sure she had gotten over her ex-fiance, he would sum up the courage and ask her out.

He turned and saw Oyetunde staring at Promise. Was he interested in her too? He leaned back on the chair and closed his eyes again. He believed everything was going to work out for his good.

Nice one dearie,well done.Welcome

Nyc one keep it up, Aunty Sarah

yea yea......aunty nairaland is back

Ooooops! Gbenga again?
My lovely Promise,God s ur strenght. Dear repo too,God s ur strength to kip givin us updates

Serah, thank God you've come back. After your hubby apologised twice on your behalf, I was tempted to believe it was more than PC or browser issues. Then, Damex uploaded for you. My mind was already imagining things.

I'm very glad you're back. Hope you're good. Take care, sweets.

@ candis, this is not Repo's story oo, lol. U haf miss road abi u mixed them up?

@Preshie... Sweet Heart thanks. I appreciate you *Hugs*




As Deep As The Sea 22


She found her way into the company's crowded car park. There were a lot of cars which signified that many of the staff were still in the building.

It was a Friday, several offices often close late. She was grateful that her boss didn't demand extra working hours from them, as long as they completed their weekly assignments. Any delay was usually countered by several sleepless nights.

She sighted her car and quickened her steps. The evening breeze soothed her achy bones. She hoped to have a restful weekend. It had been a stressful week. She might end up staying indoors or probably drive to the beach and watch a movie or two at the galleria. She wasn't sure what she would do, but she hoped to relax and recuperate. She needed enough strength and a stable mind to face the upcoming week.

"Promise... Promise!"

The sound of her name interrupted her line of thoughts.

"Promise please wait."

She halted and looked back. Who was that? A puzzled look took over her face when she saw Oyetunde walking towards her.

"I didn't know when you left the office," he sounded breathless.

"I didn't know you wanted to see me," she waited for him to reach her. She hoped it wasn't office matters. She was done for the day. All she needed was a cold bath, good food and several hours of sleep.

He smiled and stood a few feet away from her.

"Em... I have em... " Where was he going to start from? He had rehearsed what he wanted to say but, his mind suddenly went blank. He met her curious gaze and smiled. How was he going to sweep her off her feet?

She waited patiently for him to speak. She could sense his anxiety. Whatever he had to say must be complex. She hoped he would sum up the courage and let her know what was on his mind. What could it be?

"I am going to be brief and direct," he loosened his red tie a bit.

"Okay, I am all ears."

"I like you a lot. I have been watching you for a while and you are the kind of woman I would love to date and hopefully get married to."

Her face lit in amusement. She was flattered. She had caught him a few times staring at her in the office. She had also noticed his over-nice attitude towards her. She should have known that he had a crush on her. All the signs were there.

"I am... Em... I am flattered."

He grinned. He felt he had done very well. He hoped she would agree to dine with him if he asked her that night.

"I am deeply sorry that at the moment, I am not thinking of dating anyone. Marriage is the farthest thing from my mind," she hoped he would understand her reasons and wouldn't feel rejected.
The smile on his face faded, "I know that you broke up with Gbenga a few months ago. I am glad it happened. People like us have the opportunity to ask you out because you are single and free again."

She raised an brow. She couldn't believe he was glad that she broke up with her ex-fiance. One man's meat was surely another man's poison.

"I am sorry Oyetunde. I appreciate you, but, I am not in the right frame of mind to date at the moment."

His frown deepened, "Why are you wasting your time crying over spilt milk? I don't understand some of you ladies."

She crossed her hands against her chest. His unwarranted anger was beginning to irritate her.

"Don't you want to move on? The guy has definitely moved on."

She glanced at her wrist-watch. She would like to leave the permises as soon as possible. Traffic was likely to build it at the moment.

"Forget Gbenga, I am here. Allow me to treat you like the queen you are."

She covered her mouth with a hand and tried to stop the laughter that bubbled from within her.

"Oyetunde, I am so sorry. I am... "

"Whatever," he interrupted her, "Have a nice weekend," he started to walk away.

She watched him leave and shook her head in pity. Some men do not know how to remain friendly after ladies turned them down. One couldn't blame them. Rejection was painful. She turned around and walked over to her car.

It's being four months since she broke up with Gbenga. She could face him any day and at any time without feeling hurt or assaulted by past memories. Oyetunde was wrong, she had moved on. She wasn't ready to date yet because she wanted to give herself time to learn from her past and take things slow. She would be making a big mistake if she jumped into another relationship.

Moreover, Oyetunde was far from the kind of man she would like to date or marry. He must have really liked her to have gotten so upset.

She started the engine of the car and drove out of the car park.

********

It was the twenty-third of December. TL Communications was closing for the year and every single staff member was thrilled because it was their last day at work.

Vivian Njemanze had a brief meeting with her staff before they disappeared from the permises.

"You are all expected to be at the staff party on the third of January. You have no excuse not to be there. Even if you travel to the moon, you must show up for the party. It is over-compulsory. It is at Civic Centre, Victoria Island. I believe you have all received your Christmas bonus."

"Yes ma," they chorused.

"Good. We will be resuming unfailingly, on the tenth of January. Have a beautiful holiday."

"Thank you ma."

She returned to her office.

Kemisola sat on Adaeze's table.

"The staff party is going to cut short our trip to UK."

"True. What are we going to do?"

"We will make the best of what we have."

"Hmmm.... At least we won't be spending the holidays on the shores of the country."

"True talk sister," they gave each other a high five and giggled.

Oyetunde headed for the door with his briefcase, "See you all next year. I am off to the airport. I have a plane to catch."

They watched him go.

Adaeze and Kemisola hissed. They didn't care where he went or what he did.

Boma met Promise's questioning gaze. He shrugged and resumed arranging the content of his drawers.

"I thought you are the closest to him."

He raised his head and returned her stare.

"We are not best of friends. I don't know everything about him and I don't share my personal thoughts with him."

She raised one of her eyebrows, "Really?"

"Yes, really."

"Interesting," she glanced at her wrist-watch. It exactly six p.m. Her siblings would have gotten home by now. The last time she heard from them was that morning when they left school. She frowned at the thought of sharing the car with them for another four weeks. She needed to buy her own car as soon as possible.

Adaeze and Kemisola walked out of the office without saying a word to them.

Promise shook her head and sighed. Those two gave her huge concerns. She had overheard a staff gossiping about their illicit affairs. It was no more news that Kemisola was dating the Human Resources Manager and Adaeze was going out with the Accountant General. These men were married with children. What do these women hope to gain? Financial benefits? She had learnt her own lessons the hard way and would never make such mistakes again.

She doesn't know how else to reach out to them except through her words and actions. She had tried inviting them to church programs thrice, but, they never showed up. She would continue praying for them.

"Will you still be on the Island during the Christmas and New Year period?"

Her question surprised him.

"Not really. I will be fluctuating between Ilupeju and Dolphin Estate."

She nodded and whirled herself in a clockwise position with her chair.

"If I get bored, I might pay you a visit. I don't have too many friends. Spending the vacation at home can be such a bore."

"Okay... Just give me a call and I will prepare a feast."

She started to laugh.

He felt relieved. He had been trying to get close to her for over three months. He was elated that his tenancity had finally paid off. It gladdened him that she now considered him as a friend. What a sweet relief!

********

It was New Year's Eve. The festivities in the air was so thick, one could cut it with a knife.

Boma and Charles sat on the rug in the sitting room, eating from a bowl of freshly made pop corn and playing a game of Ludo.

The door bell rang.

Charles raised his head.

"Are you expecting anyone?"

Boma looked up at him and shook his head, "No, are you?"

"No," he got up and went to see who was at the door. He looked into the hole drilled on the door.

"Who is it?"

"The landlord."

"Gbenga?"

"Yes."

Charles unlocked the door and opened it.

"Compliments of the season."

"Wish you the same," he stepped back, giving him room to come in.

Gbenga walked into the sitting room and settled on one of the leather chairs.

"Morning Boma."

"Morning, thought you travelled or something."

He shook his head, "I wanted to, but changed my mind at the last minute."

"Really?" Charles sat beside him.

"What do you have in the house? Hope you cooked."

Boma started to laugh.

"We are bachelors like you. I don't know about Boma, but, I am not cut out for fiesta shopping and cooking."

Gbenga eyed both of them. He didn't cook either. Who else could he visit? If he was still dating Promise, he would be at her place eating her mother's sumptous delicacies. It was high time he started looking out for a wife.

Boma's phone started to ring. The moment he saw the caller's ID, he leapt to his feet and hurried out of the room.

Gbenga glanced at Charles and he shrugged.

Boma marched into his bedroom and closed the door.

"Hello."

"Hi, are you home?"

"Yes, bored already?" He teased her.

She chuckled. The sound of her laughter filled him with warmth. He leaned on the door and held the phone closer to his ear.

"Yes, I am bored. Are you still in Dolphin Estate?"

"Yes, I am at your service madam," he bowed, even though she couldn't see him.

She laughed softly. "Okay, I am coming over. We could watch a movie at Silverbird Galleria, grab lunch and maybe later you could join my family for dinner before we head for church tonight."

"I like your plans. I accept."

"All right. See you in a bit," she hang up.

He continued smiling while he prepared to take a bath.

********

Promise alighted from a cab in front of the duplex. The driver drove away while she walked into the large compound. She wondered if Gbenga was home. What if she saw him? Does it matter? She had gotten over him.

She found her way to the Boys' quarters. She knocked at the door the same moment she sighted a doorbell nailed to the wall. Should she press the bell or keep knocking? She decided to do both.

Charles opened the door and was surprised to see her.

"Wow! Hi... "

"Hi. Compliments of the season," she smiled back at him.

"I wish you the same. Please come in," he stepped back and she followed him into the sitting room. Her heart missed several beats when she saw Gbenga seated on one of the leather chairs with a ludo board on his laps. She wasn't expecting to see him there.

Boma walked in that same moment.

"You look beautiful."

She turned towards him and smiled. He looked quite handsome in the brown tee-shirt and blue jeans.

"Thanks, are you ready?"

"Yes madam," he bowed comically.

She started to laugh.

Gbenga sized her up. She was clad in a pink short sleeve blouse and the black pants she wore graced her curves. He wondered if she had added weight.

"Gentlemen, I am off. Don't wait up for me," he took her by the hand and led her out of the house.

"Are they dating?"

"I have no idea. They work in the same office, so... I don't know," Charles locked the front door.

Gbenga sighed. Why was he feeling distressed? He knew he would eventually see Promise with another man. But, he never expected to feel bad about it. He had gotten over her, hadn't he?

*********

Boma and Promise had lunch at one of the restaurant in the galleria. On their way out, they debated on what movie they would watch.

Promise noticed a tall fair pretty lady standing a few feet away and smiling at Boma. She poked him on the shoulder.

"Do you know her?"

"Who?" He looked around. Who was she talking about? His smiles disappeared the moment he saw her.

"Boma Etuk, it is so good to see you," her smile widened.

"Cecilia, how are you?"

"I am good, and you?"

"Good, didn't know you were back in the country."

"A lot of people do not know," she brushed away a stray strand of hair from her face.

Promise stood in the background. Who could the lady be? Boma doesn't really look happy to see her.

"My husband and I decided to spend the holidays here in Nigeria. We will be leaving next week."

"I see."

Her curious gaze drifted to Promise.

"Who is your friend?"

"Oh! Pardon me," he drew her closer, "Promise meet my ex-girlfriend Cecilia. Cecilia, this is Promise, a very good and special friend of mine."

Both women shook hands and locked gazes.

"Hi."

"Hi."

Cecilia turned to Boma, "My husband is waiting for me downstairs. I have to run."

"Oh okay. Take care."

She waved at them and walked away.

"Your ex-girlfriend is a pretty woman."

"Hmmm... She left me when I lost my former job."

"What?!" She placed a hand over her mouth.

He took her by the hand and led her back into the restaurant. They found an empty table and settled down.

"We were planning to get married early this year. The company I was working for went bankrupt and when I lost my job, she deserted me. She said she wasn't sure how soon I would get another job. She was dead sure that she would end up being the bread winner."

She shook her head in amazement. Some women never ceased to surprise her.

"I thought she loved me enough to wait, excercise patience and pray along with me for a miracle, but, she left and jumped into the arms of the next available wealthy guy."

"Wow!" She sensed his sadness. She reached out for one of his hands and squeezed it.

"I am over her now, but, it took God to heal me and help me to start trusting again."

"I had no idea."

He met her concerned intent gaze.

"It's over eight months. I hope she is happy."

"She looked happy."

"Hmmm... It is well."

Silenced enveloped them. She pondered whether to open up to him or not.

"Gbenga and I... "

"What happened?" He had been wondering why they broke up.

"We were planning to get married too, but, he couldn't deal with some of my past issues."

He squeezed her hand, "It is not everybody that can deal or live with your past."

She nodded, "That doesn't make it less painful."

"True. Let us be consoled with the fact that God has our best interest at heart. He is ever in control."

She smiled back at him.

"Okay, enough gist. It is movie time," he pulled her up and led her out. She followed him laughing all the way.

Boma drove her home after the movie and had dinner with her family that same night.

Nice

Awwww, I think I'm liking this Boma of a guy. I hope he doesn't fall hand too oo..#smiles
Sister sarah!!!!!!hw u dey? Its been a looooong while o, se e wa pa sha? I've missd u on nairaland o....welcome..
I'm glad u returned wt more episodes, u made it worthwhile to read
#hugs#

Promise s movin on...
Tank God

Wow, now helep me tell promise make she tell boma her past o. B4 going into relationship wid him.(if she s going 2 date him though)

@aunty serah guys lets celebrate a welcome party for her o...i hope boma can accept her past and oyetunde or gbenga dnt pose any future problems

wow....i must say 'well done' aunty Serah...i admire ur writing style, esp d way u keep Jesus in focus...i am quite new on nairaland but i am posting stories too...
We might do a collabo someday perhaps...
More ink to your pen...#winks*
lots of love
ps...Boma seems to be a good guy; i'm liking him already...