₦airaland Forum

Okay i am sure you must be wondering why i am such an avid follower of your story...
it's because i once wrote a story similar to this, but i didn't complete it.
but now, i think i should complete mine and post it here on nairaland...
like i said, i wish i could write like you,, the way you switch from one character to another without loosing track of what they are doing....
guy...u are amazing..
hoping to learn from you...


But i must advise you...whenever you switch characters, don't just put a paragraph...endeavour to do this

***** **** **** **** *****


and also, if you don't mind, I think you you should go back to your first 3 updates and edit them, i.e put a space symbol (****) in between different scenes, so that your new readers will be able to follow the character switch........put lots of paragraphs too...


apart from that, it's a great story..
so pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeee continue.
thanks

More more moreeeeeeeeeeeee

Sakie: Wow!nyc story.realy enjoyed it.*c hw u jxt d troway hugs and kisses*same 4 u jawe

thanks dearie...
lots of love...

Hmm....u go fear..
more grease to ur elbow ooo
next update please...
the story is fast-paced so u have to make d updates fast paced too... #winks##

hey, what is going to happen next oooo....
Azubuike biko..update by tomorrow...
Abeg

dalu..

2Awesome: Lets create a thread where we can learn how to write scientific article,journals and anything science inclined.

I am interested oo...but are you sure this should be posted under the 'literature' section??

i am currently reading on nairaland only...
i also wrote a story...
https://www.nairaland.com/1322268/pleasant-surprise

pls do check it out..

chris baba: Writers and musicians are both using their abilities to relay mesages; how come musicians in our time have taken over this expression business so much writers are not even regarded a pint. Personally, i think the music scene in the society we live today isnt passing the message needed, its time for Writers to pick up our pens and make waves also, wont it be nice if writers can be as wealthy as these musicians yet pass a beautiful message. What re your thoughts and HOw can our "writing industry" be revived.

i think journalists should wake up to this responsibility...
it is journalists that make 'entertainers' as popular as they are today..
if journalists can follow up on writers, i guess we will be able to make waves in no time...

btw have u read my book?
https://www.nairaland.com/1322268/pleasant-surprise

'The bottled leopard' by Chukwuemeka Ike..........dat story still thrills me
and 'an african nights entertainment' by cyprian ekwensi.....i swear i thought the author was an hausa man until when i grew up.....lol
that was when reading was a part of nigerian culture.
now na facebook children dey do ooooo...

anyway guys, please read my book too, and let me be your all time favourite..#winks##
here's d link

https://www.nairaland.com/1322268/pleasant-surprise
thanks

so when is d next update??

zubike01 please continue the story oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
i am waiting.....
and please make the updates longer....
the story is sooo deep; i love the way u jump from one character to the other;i wish i could write like this...


p.s please also check out my story on nairaland...
here's d link..

https://www.nairaland.com/1322268/pleasant-surprise
thanks.

and please do read mine and comment
thanks...

Wow...great story...
waiting for the next one like seriously.........

@ Damex333
ok...thanks..

so what's d verdict?

breadplanet: Very interesting and straight to the point but you know that should you ever want to produce a novel out of this you have to add more ''unnecessary details' cos they would be necessary. But very good job for the platform on which the story is presented. More nepa to your laptop!!

thanks,
i appreciate..
#Hugs..#

Emerald dan: Wow u did really well....i love the happy ending..waiting for ur next story

thanks dear...

AnnNini: Nice story. Its really interseting. Waiting for your next story.

thanks dearie..
I should start posting in two weeks...

Ms Spaqs: D mod in charge of FP is askin 4 a link,aw do i give him

hi... Thanks i'll appreciate if you can do this for me...
Here's the link
thank you...

www.nairaland.com/1322268/pleasant-surprise

aunty Serah pls update na?
And please can u read and comment on my story?
Thanks...

Samtolly4JESUS: NoThing can be more as decent and intriguing....... Its really heart- rending! More ideas to your intuition!...

Aww...thanks,
God bless you...

chistar01: Hmm.. Nice story!!, i love the ending and the fact the got married made it more special. .. But ive got 1 question tho, are you male or female? ..im kinda trying to ignore the (f) written after the 'DNA1' for reason best known to me.

Probably you could teach me how to write, and maybe we could co-write a story...#JustSaying.

Hi, thanks for your comment...
I'm a young lady.... Like u must av guessed
and yeah I would love to do a collabo someday...
Hugs...
DNA1

Vera2cc: Great. Enjoyed the story. Also the prompt updates. Looking forward to the next

thanks dear...

Although the story has ended..
I'll still appreciate feedback
please make your criticism constructive, it will help me a lot..
thanks for your time
I love you all...


p.s. watch out for my next story on nairaland, titled, 'Ehinomen'.
I should start posting in two weeks time, God willing..

CHAPTER TEN




For the next two weeks, Greg continued to phone Laura every other day, asking her how she fared and reminding her of the request he had made. Somewhere within her, Laura enjoyed his persistence. It was actually sweet. Nobody had really acted like they cared so much about her in a long time. Even his sisters had spoken to her, twice since she returned to Texas. There was only one problem.



It had been four days since she spoke to Greg and this was rather unusual. The silence was unbearable. It was a Friday afternoon, the week before Maureen’s wedding. Laura had just come back from the mall where Maureen had gone to do her fitting. Maureen’s wedding gown was really beautiful, and Laura couldn’t help wishing she was the one getting married. The wedding planner was a robust lady, full of excitement. In fact, Cherry was boring compared to this lady, and she really made Laura have mixed feelings about her friend’s wedding.


On the one hand, she was happy Maureen was getting married and at the same time, she wished she was the lucky girl. She wished she had a wedding planner fussing over her too. She envisaged the loneliness she would face when Maureen leaves Texas for her honeymoon.



She sighed. Her shoulders heavy. She picked up her phone and dialed Greg’s number. She sat down in her grey Indian gown and crossed her legs. It kept ringing but he didn’t pick. She bit her lower lip. Why isn’t he picking my calls? She thought. Perhaps he is busy and will return the call later. Or…is he angry that he has been the only one calling me all this while?



She dialed the number again and again, before he finally picked. She could barely make out his words-his voice was faint.


“Hi Laura.”

“Greg! Where have you been? I’ve been calling your phone for several minutes.”

“Sorry I was sleeping.”

“Haha. Sorry to disturb your deep slumber.” She joked.

“Hmm…” he murmured.

“How are you doing? I’ve not heard from you for days.”

“I’m fine.” He murmured.

“Sorry I didn’t hear that?” Laura was straining her ears.

“I’m fine,” he tried again.

“Greg are you okay? Your voice sounds weak. I mean, I know you are just waking up from sleep, but are you okay? Should I leave you to sleep? You’ll call me back later?” Laura asked, worried about the way he sounded.


“Never mind, I’m fine.”

She could hear the strain in his voice and his unsteady breaths as though he was in pain. She knew something was just not right.

“Greg.”

“Yes.”

“What is wrong with you?”

“Nothing.” Greg managed. He couldn’t bear to talk for long, or else the pain will aggravate and he didn’t want to tell Laura what was going on, because he knew she will get worried. He hated people worrying over him, and for the same reason, he refused to inform his sisters about his present situation, because he knew they will abandon their jobs and fly down immediately.


“Greg I can hear the strain in your voice. What is wrong with you?”

“It’s nothing serious.” He managed to say, the pain was increasing.

“Why are you lying to me Greg? I thought you were the one preaching to me that I should learn to draw my friends closer to me and now you are the one keeping something away from me. Tell me what is going on!” She said, her voice rising.


“I had a surgery.” Greg sighed. He knew what was coming next.

“What! A surgery! Why didn’t you tell me?” She stood up from her chair and started pacing up and down her parlour.

“I didn’t want you to get worried.”

“Oh…okay…so how do you think I feel right now?” Anger and worry laced her voice.

“Worried?” He answered quietly, like a child been scolded by his mother.


“Geez Greg you should have at least told me. What kind of surgery is it?”

“Removal of kidney stones-”

“Kidney stones! Oh my goodness. I…I’m so sorry Greg. Take it easy, okay? I hope you are lying down?” She asked, worry etched on her fore-head. Her hands beginning to shake.

“Yes I am.”

“You are in the hospital right?”

“I was discharged some hours ago. The doctor said I will make a quick recovery if I rest.”

“Yes, you should rest…I will …I will call you back later okay?”

“Okay.”

“So sorry, please rest…till later, okay..bye.” She said.

“Thanks Laura.”



The phone fell from Laura’s hand as she paced up and down the parlour floor. She realized what was happening. The person she loved was seriously ill. She couldn’t bear the thought. She had lost all the people she loved, but not Greg…she wasn’t going to let that happen.


Who will take care of him now that he’s at home? She thought. For reasons she couldn’t explain, she had a deep feeling that he didn’t let his sisters know as well, because he didn’t want them to be worried.


Kidney surgery…that’s a major surgery, he can’t stand or sit up right for some days, how will he manage? She wondered.

Then without thinking, she packed a few clothes in her big black handbag and set out for the airport. She was lucky to meet the 4 o’clock flight and straight away, she flew to New York without telling anyone.







*** *** *** ***




By 8:15 pm Laura pressed the doorbell of Greg’s house. It was really chilly outside. The door opened to a smiling Crosby. Surprise written all over his face.

“Miss Winter. Good to see you again. I didn’t think we will be hosting you so soon.” Said Crosby.

“Thanks Crosby. How are you?” Laura asked, worn out from the things she had gone through since morning.

“I’m fine, except for the master. He is resting in his room.” He said, closing the door.

“May I go and see him?” She pleaded.

“Yes, you can.” He said curtly.

Laura jogged up the stairs, only slowing down when she reached the front of Greg’s room.

She knocked on the door, uncertain. She waited. She heard no sound. Her heart began to race. She pounded on the door, still no sound. She flung the door open to see a very weak Gregory lying down on the bed. His duvet was drawn up to his chest, so she couldn’t see his bandage, but the weakness on his face was enough to send the tears streaming down her eyes.


“Laura!” Greg was astonished to find Laura standing in his room.

“Greg!” She sobbed.

She raced towards his bed and knelt down beside him, placing her left hand on his fore-head and her right hand on his chest. She stroked the hair off his fore-head and looked into his eyes. She couldn’t bear to see him in such pain.
She buried her face in the part of the duvet that covered his chest, and sobbed, while Greg just stared at the ceiling, still shocked to see the person he spoke to, a few hours ago, in his room. He held her with his right hand as she sobbed.
When she finally gathered herself together, she looked at him and took his hand in hers. “You will be fine, Greg. Don’t be worried.” She assured him.

“I’m not worried.” He stated.

“Really?”

“Yeah; now that you are here.” He managed to smile. She smiled back. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?” He asked.

“What? You would have prepared dinner for me or something?” She joked. They both laughed. He felt some pain in his abdomen as he laughed.

“Yeah, probably.” He answered weakly.

“Well, let me use your words. I didn’t want you to be worried.” She mimicked him.

He smiled sadly and bit his lower lip. “I’m sorry, I should have told you-”

“Shh…” she placed one finger on his lips to silence him. “You’ll explain to me when you are fully recovered. For now, let’s just concentrate on your recovery.”


“It’s going to take days,” he protested.

“I know and I will stay right here until you are fully recovered.” She assured him.

“What about your job?” He asked, wondering if she was serious.

“My job is not as important as you are to me.” She shrugged.

“What!” He wasn’t sure he had heard her correctly.

“I said, you are more important to me than my job.” She rephrased.

“O…kay…” he stammered. There was still a look of unbelief in his eyes…

“You see, I can’t be going about my job when someone I love is not feeling well. That’s just not right. Is it?” She explained slowly.

“Someone…you love.” He repeated. He wanted to be absolutely sure he was hearing her correctly.

“Yes. I am referring to you.” She smiled, looking into his eyes.

He was still confused. “You love me…like your what? Your brother…pal?” He asked.

“Brother” She coughed. “No Greg. I don’t wanna think about my brother or pal in the same way I think about you.” She said, stroking his hand.


There was silence for some seconds as they stared deeply into each other’s eyes, then Laura leaned forward and kissed him. It was a magical moment. It felt like though all their problems had automatically vanished.

The kiss lingered until Laura withdrew. “I love you.” She said, stroking his chin.

“I love you too, Laura.” Greg said, with renewed strength. He removed the duvet and showed Laura the bandages. “The nurse will be here to dress it in the morning.” He said.

Laura just nodded. The sight made her feel weak, as though she was the one in pain. She held his hand close to her chest.
“Have you had dinner?” She asked.

“Yes I have.” He answered.

“Have you taken your medications?” She asked again, drawing up the covers for him.

“Yes. I will take the antibiotics at 12 midnight.”

“I will ensure you do that.”



There was silence for a while again and then Greg broke it.

“The two accountants I hired are really giving me a head ache. I was even better off without them. They are fresh graduates with no experience. I don’t know what to do with them.” He moaned.

Laura smiled. “In that case, you will be needing a chief accountant.” She said with a spark in her eyes.

“I guess…” He looked at her with plea in his eyes.

“Leave that to me.” She winked at him and smiled.

He smiled back. “Oh my goodness Laura. Who would have thought your coming to this house will bring me so much joy. You have filled all the empty vessels in my soul. Your light is permeating all corners of my life. Who would have thought that the pain of Aunt Rose’s passing would be replaced by the joy of someone to love?” Greg voiced out as he stroked her cheek, he could barely feel the pain any longer. “I love you Laura, with all my heart, words cannot express what I feel for you.” Greg confessed.

“I love you more.” Said Laura, kissing his palm.









**** ***** ***** ****



EPILOGUE


Four months later….

Priest: Gregory Manson. Do you take this lovely young woman to be your lovely wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer till death do you part?

Greg: I do.

Priest: Laura Winter. Do you take this young man to be your lovely wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer till death do you part?

Laura: I do.

… … ….

Priest: By the powers vested on me as chaplain, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss you bride.

There was a thunderous round of applause as their lips met. It was a big wedding. Everyone was there. Cherry, Latoya, staff of Mansonian furnitures, Crosby, Maureen, aunt Helen and the rest of Laura’s family and friends. It was a blissful day indeed.

Who would have thought that Laura would find true love with her aunt’s boss, Good old Mr Manson? The journey to New York did turn out blissful in the end, as she got herself a better job, a husband and a new family.

It did turn out to be a pleasant surprise after all.








THE END

Alright guys...


here is d finale....


I want to appreciate everyone who followed me from the very beginning...

I'm soooooooo grateful...I never knew so many people will get to read this story..
all the stories i ever wrote, ended up under my bed, cuz i always felt they were not worth it

thanks for making my debut such a huge success...


thanks especially to tijehi...my first fan on nairaland **winks*


okay, okay I know it's the story u guys are interested in..so here it is

Damex333: Am such a late comer. Any which way. Am here, and am d first in ur new thread you re a gr8 writing dna

Aww...thanks...I appreciate...
u are a great writer too...I saw one of ur works..#@ creative writing...winks##