Chapter 1: Chapter 1
C
Chapter One
Introductory Note
Before you read, I just want to make it known that this book is a Nigerian book and for this reason I'd have some Nigerian terminologies as it deals with everyday people. I'd try my best to translate but either way the book is pretty much understandable and easy to understand. Thanks for reading.
Greggs' Residence
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"Lola" I heard my mum call from downstairs while I was still tucked under my covers, not at all eager to get up and start the day. A tiny part of me hoped I wasn't in trouble again because she had been acting a little cranky as of late, I guessed she was fighting with my dad again.
"Titilola" I heard her call again, this time, a little more sternly, I knew I was in for it this time. I rolled my eyes and got out of bed, scurried to the bathroom, brushed my teeth and washed my face before heading downstairs.
"Yes mummy, I'm here" I answered innocently when I finally made my way into the kitchen. She was positioned in front of the gas cooker stirring something that smelled delicious.
"Madam, good morning o" She responded sarcastically. Gosh, I had not greeted her this morning, that meant I was in for a lecture.
"Mummy, I'm sorry" I apologized quickly and went on to do the needful. "Good morning mum", she softened up a little and replied.
"Clean up the kitchen please, it's a mess" She ordered. "You slept in and I did not want to disturb you, so I cooked but next time you'll do the cooking"
"Okay mum" I pouted and gave her a bear hug, she smiled. My mum throws a lot of tantrums, I know, but she's still a very kind and sweet person. I love her a whole lot.
I cleaned up and went on to have breakfast with my parents.
"Good morning daddy" I greeted as I joined them at the breakfast table.
"Morning" Her replied without even sparing me a glance. Typical.
We had our meals in silence, after which, I cleared up the table. My parents left for their respective work places soon after and I was left alone to ponder on the plans I had for my future.
As you know, I'm Lola. Titilola Gregg is my name in full, currently twenty four, just graduated from a prestigious private Nigerian university with a second class upper in business administration.
My father, Benson Ademola Gregg, CEO of Gregg Corp, a construction company that had seen better days. No offense. He's a very hard working man, a workaholic, to say the least.
My beautiful mother, Felicia Gregg, a top official in a very prestigious oil firm, she also owned chains of businesses.
Of course, I have three older
siblings.My eldest brother, Travis aka Tolu, the first born, based in Canada, happily married with three beautiful children. My other brother, Grey aka Femi, a playboy, based in Abuja, the capital city, currently running his own business.
Finally, my only sister who's just about two years older than I am, Laila aka Tolani, a corporate lawyer she was away in a trip to Dubai. I still could not believe she left me behind. I was bored out of my mind whenever she was not at home and I hoped she came back soon.
Being the' baby of the house'- as they fondly call every Nigerian who happens to be the youngest in the family- can be very frustrating. I have to live up to my parents' expectations. The normal cycle in my home was: Go to school, study the course of our parents' choice and finally get a job in a firm, in relation to our course of study. My parents were influential, so getting jobs for my siblings and I weren't much of a big deal. But, I really wanted to do something more than just sitting behind a desk all day.
I'm typically not a very outgoing person per se. You could call me an ambivert because I usually give off vibes, pending on my surroundings and the kind of energy that radiates from it. I love positivity and optimism, I live for it. I'm not prudish but I'm definitely a good girl and I really like to play safe, but then again, you never know what life might throw at you, life has a way of bringing out sides of you, you never thought existed. You're probably wondering why I said that. Well, follow my story to find out.