kingphilip:
Wow Kelvin finally you've manned up n proposed so happy for u dat no smarter guy intercepted that move

BTW queenxstar nice one continue but I've not seen anything driving us to the topic yet

We will get there by and by.

Dearie, Where are all the guys na?

lyzee21:
See all wat ve missd, tank God am bk nw. Queen, am nt hapy wit u, u didnt see me nd u didnt ask after me. Anyways, mi binu mo, nt after all d excitng updates i read dis eveng. Kip d gud work going. Luv ya

Awww... sweetie, I am heartily sorry. Hope you're okay and I missed you.

Hameenat94:
Wow! Im mesmerized by dat proposal.. Some1 shuld pls slap me 2 knw if im nt dreaming... I so luv Kelvin... He's so brave nd He knws wat He wanted nd went 4 it... No corner corner... Infant Im on my way 2 my tailor's shop 2 go take my buba nd iron wit gele... Prep 4 wedding already# weldone Hess... Since dis story will soon come 2 an end

Shey na buba and iro you wan wear go wedding for America?

I'll like to round it off before mid november.

Jeanfortune:
hmmm... when i saw the begining paragraph of the post "dedicated to all the smart guys", i knew Kelvin was gonna propose, buh i didnt know it was gonna be so grand...Esther the queen, welldone sis

Are you now a Seer sweetheart?
Thank you.

princesssusan:
Yesso!!! It has apun lovely update my queen tnx alot

You're welcome.

sebak:
Am so happy 4 kelvin and katherine. Wch dem Hml in advance

I'm sure they're grateful.

Tolulopegeorge:
Nice work.tanx for the update

You're welcome sweetheart.

Beautiful royal ladies, Katherine wants your opinion of the preferred colors of the d day.

Handsome gentlemen, Kelvin wants to know your preferred color of suit and all that goes with it.

A little bird told me, a plane would be provided in Nigeria for the wedding and boarding would be on first interest basis.
Nnem, do help us write names.

Danwrites
Queen Xtar
Divipen

Your royal pence comes in handy, don't forget to drop them in the golden bowl.

On behalf of Kelvin, I dedicate this update to all the smart guys in this royal family. You're the best!

+*-

Katherine stifled a yawn as the studied the slided information on the system.

She blinked severally and when the urge to yawn came again, she didn't bother to cover her mouth.

Her customized ringtone penetrated the silence in the office for the second time.

'Oh my God! ' She gasped and the pen she had holding dropped. Without looking at the screen of the phone, she knew Kelvin was the caller, she had a special ring tone for him.

'No...no...' She shook her head and moved her chair backward. 'I won't pick it.'

When it began to sing for the third time, she stood and placed a palm on her head as the guilty feeling washed over her.

She pressed the receive button the fourth time.

'Kathy, I've been calling you like forever, where have you been...where are you?'

'Emmm...I was... ' She closed her eyes. 'I am about to...I'm still...'

'Katherine.' He called more like a rebuke.

'Ye...Yes.'

'You're still in the office?'

'Yes.' She whispered.

'Katherine, this about two hours past SIC TEXAS closing time. For goodness sakes Katherine, that was not the basis of your appointment. What did I tell you last week?' He tried not to raise his voice.

She opened her eyes to glance at the wall clock. 'You said I shouldn't stay more than an hour after the close of work.'

'I'm glad you remember because I hope you won't think I'm an  extremist when I employ the services of a guard to ensure you're home at the right time.'

'Kel...I can explain.'

'I allowed you explain the last time and I won't have this time. I wouldn't be surprised if you've  not had lunch.'

Katherine bit her lower lips and prayed in her mind, she didn't want him to be angry with her.

'I guess that's a yes, you know what... as a matter of fact, good...'

'I am very sorry darling, I promise not to...'

'Call me when you're home and have eaten. I will keep my eyes glued to the time.'

'Jeez.' She muttered when the disconnecting tone hit her ear drum. She fetched her handbag, switched all appliances before hurrying out.
+*+
+++

27

Katherine eyes darted around the varieties, her confusion was not oblivious.

'What are we doing here?' She whispered.

They were in NaartjieKids Store  in Texas.

'Don't you like it here?' He returned and concentrated on the displayed shoes for boys that were not up to a year.

That was the most ridiculous question she ever heard in her life and she wanted to tell him so but she bit her lower lips. Maybe he just wanted her to assist him shop for a relative who just had a baby or some little cousins.

Funny enough the thought didn't seem to relieve the anxiety that seem to building within her.

First she had been surprised that saturday morning when the door bell began to ring.

She had planned to remain in bed until noon.

'Go away.' She had repeated over and over but the door alarm had continued ringing as if it was on automatic replay.

Lo and behold, when she opened the door, the sight before her and had made lurched and would have fallen save for his strong arms.

He came in and they stared at each other.

Kelvin wasn't smiling.

And she wasn't too.

She allowed her mind to begin to analyse how much of a charmer and handsome he was in a white...

Suddenly, she remembered how she must look and she fled.

He smiled but didn't stop her.

When she came back fifteen minutes later having freshened up and in a simple home dress, he was sitted, sipping juice and watching TV.

He looked at from her head to toe and asked her to go change that they were going shopping.

She opened her mouth to protest but he looked away and concentrated back on the television.

She obeyed knowing he won't accept no for answer.

He had arrived California two days back without informing her.

Now they were shopping and so far so good, he hadn't put anything in the cart.

With great sparkles in his eyes, he had commented on some lovely gowns for baby girls, shawls, little face caps and so on, always glancing at her like he was expecting her join his commentary.

How could she when she was clueless, surprised to see him and was still longing for her bed.

Soon enough, she begin to smile in admiration at the clothes and she began to imagine... her imagine became so deep that she didn't notice when Kelvin was handed a toy microphone.

'Can I have the attention of everyone please? '

She turned so fast that she almost lost balance. She stared at him wide eyed.

What now?

Like they were grateful for the distraction, they came around, expecting mothers, some with husbands or friends, parents, children, grand parents and babies too.

'This beautiful lady before me is Katherine Sylvester, she is the Bible example of a virtuous woman, she had been through a lot, yet came out strong. Everywhere she goes, positive change is bound to happen.
She had single-mindedly fought battles I couldn't fight in the lives of my loves ones.

She knows the value of family and that is partly the reason I brought her here so that in the presence of you all and even babies alike, I'll love to ask her to make me a complete man.'

Most adults were taking records via their phones and cameras.

He dropped down on a knee and produced a box, he opened it.

Most ladies gasped at the sight of the ring.

Tears were already streaming down her face as her almost unblinking eyes didn't leave his face.

'I am an inexperienced man and I need your wisdom borne out of your experiences to go through life. Katherine Sylvester, will you marry me?'

She just stared.

Kelvin heartbeats quickened with each second that followed.

The spectators began to cheer.

'Come on already! ' An elderly lady said and that seem to do the magic.

'Yes Kelvin ...' She smiled shyly. 'I will marry you.'

He heaved filled with an overwhelming happiness.

He slipped in the engagement ring, emerald with 18k white gold setting with diamonds as its gemstones, it fitted perfectly.

Kelvin stood, gave a low bow to appreciate the spectators who were still cheering and applauding.
He embraced his still stunned fiancee and then kissed her. 

The feeling was far more than he anticipated. Soon he  swept off her feet, out of the store into the car.

Kelvin drove to one of  SIC properties where one of the company helicopters was waiting to take them to California where an engagement party had been organized.

His immediate and extended family were waiting.

+++

Looks like we all have familiarise and made ourselves at home in the palace.
I'm busy in the royal kitchen, cooking up something delicious for we all.

kingphilip:
wow queen tnx for hw far you've led us n I'm sorry for my long absence all these while but now I'm back for the beta


any update for us today?

Welcome back my Kingphilip.

yinxfun:
Well am also of Royal lineage
Katherine Katherine!!..
'Look at him well Evelyn, is he with a pen knife, gun,...?'
'No.'
'A sword?'.... This part got me giggling

Keep up the good work ma'am... And de suspense continues

Thank you dear.

Fatalveli:
Nice story ma'am! More inks to ur pen, but at dis rate in which katherine is blooming, I don't think she and kelvin will end up together... Well u can prove me wrong wit frequent updates

I try my best dear.

Hameenat94:
Wow! This z all gud dear.... I trust Therine 2 give them words dat will change their @s.. Buh Hester, this update z 2 short buh there's nothing we cn do 'cos u have both work nd sch 2 contend wit

Sure thing.

Annstar:
[b][/b]wow..... am loooving dis,...

I love it too.

Toeyean1507:
i want to be like d 'now' katherine when i grow up............#Wishful thinking. Kudos Queen!

I'll whisper that into her ears.

Ziziola:
Ehhhn! Nice one. Katherine the action mamma

Abi o

Jeanfortune:
meeenn!!, i want to be like Katherine when i grow up, pheeeww, that was some piece of action she put up there, DG SIGMUND, TEXAS, WELLDONE O, and for u Xtar, THUMBS UP JARE

Thank you darling.

princesssusan:
Wow daz my type i lyk aCtIoN!!

I bet it is.

snowprince07:
Meehn d last two update na bomb ooo
queen I hail dee

Na me hail pass darling.

sebak:
Dts ma Katherine acting wit d adage dt says 'u can't force some1 to respect u but u could only refuse to be disrespected'. Weldone Queen u r appreciated.

love that adage dear.

nnekamezor:
Nice as always..... Mehn d IRON LADY is in TOWN. LOL.... Kathy the Disciplinarian is on board indeed

Yes she is.

princesssusan:
Wow victory atlast, tnx 4 d update n d royal dedicatn

You're so Welcome my Princess.

PrinceAdepoju:
So, na only mouth Katherine get. She no hard at all.


My Queen, Well done ma'am.

Hahaha, I'll tell Katherine that.

DEDICATED TO ALL THE ROYAL LADIES.


+++
The intercom on the desk buzzed and she pressed the receive button.

'Mr Martins is here to see you.'

'I beg your pardon. '

'Mr Zachary Martin is here to see you ma .'

'Look at him well Evelyn, is he with a pen knife, gun,...?'

'No.'

'A sword?'

'No.' Her secretary giggled.

'Let him come in.'

Katherine suspended what she had been doing to look at the door not too expectantly.

Was this going to be another exchange like the one the day before when Zachary had hurled insult at her, she had tried talking sense to him but he had being adamant.

It was when she told him that she was going to inform Mr Sigismund that he left her office and slammed the door behind him.

'Good morning Miss Sylvester, may I come in?' Zachary was standing past the door.

'Emmm... pardon me.' She looked at him scrutinizing to be sure he was void of a weapon.

'I come in peace, can I please come in?' He said calmly.

'Yes...sure.'

He removed his hands which had been behind him and produce a bunch of beautiful flowers. 'I got this for you as a sign of peace. '

'Emmm... hold them for some seconds, I need to wash my face.' She gestured towards the rest room as she stood.

'Miss Sylvester. ' He lowered his gaze. 'You're not seeing things, I am the one.'

She looked at him momentarily before laughing. She collected the flower. 'Thank you so much. Mmmh... I really love its fragrance.' She sat. 'Take seat. '

'It's such a shame that I have been so rude and I hope that you'll forgive me. ' He sobered.

Silence prevailed as she studied him. 'One step at a time Zachary, you can't just walk in here and say that. That might come after I know the reason for your attitude and change of mind within forty eight hours.'

Zachary exhaled. 'SIC Texas used to be US headquarters until Mr Sigismund left it for Japan and things all of a sudden began to go under. The big one came when I made a big presentation of an outdated information, before I realised it, it was out of my mouth.' He shook his head. 'I tried to redeem myself but it became a case of used nine fingers to remove oil smear on a finger. Things have never remained the same for me and for others.

For in as much I try to take charge, they keep slipping off my hand. I became temperamental. I lost it all.' He sighed.

Katherine sat back and listened attentively.

'The competition was there, SIC Japan, Brazil, USA, Nigeria, South Africa and others. I had the dream of making this company of one SIC finest in all ramification. I had all the plans but they came crashing that day at the conference.
That night, I got myself drunk and found myself on the front door of my fiancee's home. She sent out to the cold night and would not forgive until I promised never to take alcohol for any reason at all.' He smiled.

Katherine smiled too.

'She has been my solace in all these.' Zachary met her gaze briefly. 'You came along and displaced me and I felt so incompetent and I can see the employees sticking out their tongues at me just by looking at their face. I felt bitter, furious and couldn't help my ruthlessness.
My fiancee and I met yesterday evening and because of my attitude, she knew something was wrong and made me own up.

She did give me that head clearing slap you wanted to give me yesterday.' He gave a short laugh. 'She said to me -if you do get throw out of that company because of your excuse of an attitude, consider me out of your life. Helplessly, I asked for her advise.'

He looked at Katherine and all she saw was a man whose ego has been bruised.

'I understand that I don't deserve and some others would have thrown me out on the first day, please Miss Sylvester, please forgive me. This work now mean so much to me, my engagement to the love of my life, my sanity, my...'

'It's okay Zachary.' She drummed her fingers on the desk momentarily but thoughtfully. 'Show me a man who is successful and I assure you he know what it means to make mistakes and the true definition of failure. I know you wouldn't be easy but servitude and humility would have lifted you eventually. I believe you now know that termination of employments and bitterness just keep complicating matters. Your fiancee belongs to the class of people I love to meet.'

Zachary beamed.

Katherine sat forward and placed a palm under her chin with her brows narrowed. 'Maybe I should based your forgiveness on that.'

Zachary chuckled. 'She will be thrilled to meet you Miss Sylvester.'

'Do call me Katherine...I insist Zachary.'She added when he began to shake his head.

+*+
Dear diary,

I'm so happy things are beginning to fall into place, the bad eggs have been sorted and flushed out.
I personally saw to the interview of their replacement.

All hands are now on deck and some of us spend extra time after work to facilitate improvement.

I've also met a couple of neighbors.

+++

Dear diary,

Guess what diaarry, I spoke with all of Nigeria today. Ooops... hope you're not falling for that. Actually I spoke to 70% people I know in Nigeria.
I had so much fun, you know like a celebrity with all the screaming, attention, well wishes and prayers.
+++
*+-
Dear diary,

I was scared like I have never been in such a long time, Kayla and Camilla stormed my house with frightening custumes.

We almost had our ribs cracked with so much laughter and fun.

Kayla and Kenneth were getting along well.

I spoke to Mrs Sigismund and I would be spending the coming weekend with her.
+++


The update is yet to be be proof read.

Oh my....!!!

daveP:
Queenxtar Nice write-up there.

Thank you very much.

HOW TO CREATE IMAGE IN STORIES.

IMAGE: An optical (sight) or other representation of a real object.

Story: A sequence of real or fictional casual events.

How TO DEVELOP A CHARACTER IN A STORY.

1. QUALITIES : I read a novel recently that described the protagonist as being fat, lacked self esteem yet she was beautiful, innocent, selfless and passionate about children.

That stated, there is nothing as a perfect character. If the character is perfect, the readers will have difficulties relating with the story because we are not perfect beings.

PROTAGONIST - Main character.
                                              QUALITIES:
GOOD -70%              
BAD - 30%

ANTAGONIST - Opponent / Enemy.
Qualities :                                             GOOD -30%                 
BAD - 70%
                                                 
2. APPEARANCE: I struggled with this aspect of image creation maybe because I wasn't much of a social person.

-(act of coming into sight) arrival,manifestation,

♦(a thing seen) spectacle,apparition,phenomenon,presence
♦(aspect of a person) aspect, air, figure, look, manner, mien
♦(outward show) semblance, show.

You can bear this in mind when working on the appearance of a character,
-Physical features you admire or dislike about people.
- Same with facial and bodily features. E.g, RMD'S height, Jim Iyke's infectious laughter, etcetera. -Simile can be used, eg Mary is as cool as a cucumber.
His height can be likened to that of an iroko.
They were as close as 5 and 6.

-For places and things, simile can be used also. E.g The classroom was as quiet as a graveyard.

Dressing and type is also important.

3. NAMES: For me, I make research on most of the names I use especially for the protagonist. It has be just right in terms of meaning, pattern, culture, religion and so on.

- Protagonist names should be easy to remember, most of them are usually shortened. E.g Hester -Hess, Elizabeth -Liz, Ogechi- Oge,etcetera.

- It is wrong to use Muslim names while writing a christain story.

-It is wrong to use Efik names while writing on the Yoruba tribe.

Unless there is an explanation which must be stated.E.g A person who changed religion but yet to change names.

4. RELATION: You should be able to relate with the images in your story, that way, it makes it a lot easier to write.

- Try to place your feet in the shoes of the character.
Have fun, cry, laugh with them.

5. FAMILIARISE : Familiarise yourself with idioms, phrasal verbs, quotes, history and so on.

6. READ: Every writer is definitely a reader. Whether to acquire knowledge or improve your writing skills, read!

7. INSPIRATION: Keep your inspiration in focus, it helps in image creation.

8. PEN AND PAPER: The power of always having a pen and paper cannot be over emphasized because one can never tell when or where one will see or hear something that will help in the image creation and the story in general.

Apart from learnt to write each parts of the image until it's whole and a possible reality.

9. MESSAGE: Every good story should have a message. I can't remember most of the character description of books I have read but I remember the messages and lessons have learnt whether consciously or unconsciously.

10. Research is very important in image creation. Internet surfing, ask questions, etcetera.

I hope with the little above, I have able help to an individual or individuals aspiring to become a better writer.

Divepen, with my knees on the ground, I ask for forgiveness.
Better late than never, do forgive me please.

QUEEN XSTAR

I see all of you who delight in chopping and cleaning mouth. I beg you to encourage a sister to do better.

+++

Her gaze swept all of the faces present at the conference. 'From all I said, I need a comment.'

The managing director put up his right hand.

'Yes Mr Jenkins.' Katherine smiled.

Jenkins stood and adjusted his blazers. 'Even if there is a huge capital investment, a favorable market system and so, it will amount to nothing.'

The dethroned director general, now executed director, Zachary sprang to his feet. 'What the heck are you talking about! If you simply don't know what to say, jam your feet in your mouth, seal your trap Jenkins!'

Katherine blanched at the outburst.

'Zack, your sadism pisses me off. This is the last time I'll have you insult in front of everyone.' He warned with an index finger. 'Why didn't you give the needed comment since you know it all but with the blasting slap that hit your face, I will pop open a champagne if you can think straight!' The slap he was referring to was his drop in position.

Some booed while others cooed.

Zachary left his position to meet Jenkins. 'I will make sure you swallow your words back, you Blabber!' They were standing face to face, with that of the ED red and his fist were formed on both sides.

'Our dear MD ain't blabbing, we all know things have not been the same for our dear boss.' The female execretary said on her feet giggling.

'Oh keep quiet you LovePeddler!' Zachary turned towards in her position. 'When you share his bed, how can be Blabber!'

Katherine blinked severally to be sure she wasn't having a day mare.

'That is out of point to we all here, Mr ex DG, how do you intend to make Mr Jenkins swallow his words, do you have assassin as friends now?' Someone from the advertisement department said using his formed fist as feigned microphone.

Some burst into laughter.

She placed a palm over her mouth to prevent her jaw from dropping.

'If anything ever happens to the MD, Mr Zachary wouldn't need court trials before he is jailed for we are more than enough witnesses.' Another said.

Some cheered before the uproar between the supporters and opposers.

Katherine stood from her seat and went to the exit where two security officers were on each side of the door.

'Excuse me.' She said more to the elderly of both. 'Is this the conference room or a place designated for some minutes of madness?'

'It is the conference room ma.'

'Are you sure? ' She glanced at both of them.

'Yes ma.' They chorused.

She asked for the club with the elderly security officer who handed it over and with matched to her earlier position.

They had completely forgotten about her as they were locked down in a battle of words.

With all the energy she cold muster, she strike the baton on the desk twice. 'I demand a pin drop silence!'

They all stared at her.

She pointed the baton with her head tilted to a side and her eyes sparkling in anger. 'You all better get down to your seats now or I would take you aback as you've done to me!'

Some sat down baffled at her reaction.

'What absolute rubbish! In my entire life, I've never seen nor heard such display of madness in a conference room among supposedly educated people, adults for that matter!' Her voice was at its loudest and she looked at those standing as if she was committing their faces to memory.

They all sat save the ED.

'You all acted like you were in a market place, Oh no...' She paused as if thoughtful. 'I've been made to realise that there are no market places here and in places where buyers and sellers come in contact so exchange of goods and services can take place, things are done in decorum. Even in countries like mine, market places can be linked with noise, our conference meetings are never an epitome of this rascally behaviour. I am highly disappointed in you all, I am disappointed in you most because you're the most accountable here.'

He met her gaze in a dangerous way with his nose flaring and his respiratory rate increased.

A pin drop prevailed as they looked up.

'I asked for a comment and he gave me one. It is solely my decision to commend or object to what Jenkins said. You have no right whatsoever to question his statement, for crying out, it was opened!'

'Katherine, ' He called spitefully. 'I won't have you insult me, hell no!'

'Hell yes Zachary! I'll tell you truth even if it come with insults.'

'You wouldn't dare Katherine... this is not Nigeria where...'

'Zachary, look at me clearly or maybe you do need a hanky to wipe the perspiration on her face, I am not the MD nor the head to any of the departments. I am the Director General Sigismund International Company, Texas, if you don't put your butt on the seat now, I will have you thrown out of the waters of this company.'

'You've definitely...'

'Security,' She called and they walked briskly to her side.

She handed over the club. 'Throw him out.'

They approached him with unwavering steps.

Defeated, Zachary waved them off and went to sit.

'Thank you gentlemen, you may now excuse us.' Katherine smiled knowingly. 'You, and you over there, remove that gum in your mouth or excuse us.'

They stood for the nearest waste can immediately.

Afterwards she had with them. longest talk she ever gave in her career.

+++

Don't forget to leave a word .