ALL I EVER WANTED

🌹EPISODE ONE 🌹

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I woke up to someone shaking me vigorously. "Natasha! wake up!" A voice called out disrupting my beautiful sleep. Forcing myself up,I opened my eyes slightly and behold my bestie; Rachel was in front of me. She looked upset.

Waking up to that disastrous look on her face,I wasn't sure if I was gonna have a good or bad day.

"We'll be late for work. Get up!" She yelled at me.

Then it dawned on me that it was workday. My day had definitely started on a wrongfoot. lmmediately,I rushed to the washroom without saying a word to Rachel as I only had fifteen minutes to get ready.

~ Coming from middle class homes,we had to search for an after school job to assist our families. Even though the pay wasn't good enough we had to manage it cause getting a job wasn't really easy for college students.

We worked at a local bakery as chefs due our little knowledge in baking pastries. We were on holidays so we worked from dawn to dusk to get our salaries doubled.

Ten minutes later, I got out of the washroom with my hair poorly styled and my clothes worn inside out.

"You're impossible Tasha!" Rachel said furiously.

"Don't blame me. I had to get ready in a hurry" I replied naively.

Getting properly dressed took about twenty minutes more.

Just as we're about leaving for work, mom needed me to help her with some work. All efforts to make her see how urgently I needed to get to work proved abortive.Rachel offered to help but I refused insisting she runs along to work.

The supposedly little work I had to help mom with took about an hour of my time. That moment, I began to regret being the only child.

              TWO HOURS LATER...

Arriving at the bakery and meeting my angry boss really turned me off. Mr Idris; a no nonsense man was already at the entrance of the bakery pacing about. My heartbeat increased, I began to make excuses in my head to present to him.

"Natasha!"

Immediately he called my name I knew trouble lurked.

"Good day sir" I greeted 

"In my office now!" He said walking away.

"Oh God! I hope I don't get fired" I prayed silently as I followed suit.

~In his office...

"Miss Natasha! Seems you're tired of working here"

"No sir. Not at all" I replied innocently.

"So why are you late?" He asked in a harsh tone.

"Sir...sir... It was... I..." All of a sudden I began to stammer.

"Listen! I don't want this nonchalant attitude of yours to repeat itself"

"Definitely not gonna happen again sir" I said promptly.

"You may leave. Get to work"

I was extremely happy I wasn't fired but I didn't go unpunished. 5% of my salary was deducted, then I had vowed to never be late to work again.

Being an ambitious girl, I had big dreams and I had no idea how I was going to achieve them but I always believe the future had something great in-store for me and I was just some miles away from my future.

🌺 ALL I EVER WANTED🌺

🌹 EPISODE TWO 🌹

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It was the end of the month. Rachel and I had just received our salaries and we were very excited. I would say I was more excited because I had some bills to settle and medications to get for my grandparents,so I headed home.

On getting home, the doors were locked. I realized there was no one at home which was weird. Wondering where everyone was I took out my cellphone from my bag and tried reaching out to mom.

"Mom where's everyone? The house is locked" I said immediately she picked up.

"Come to the hospital right away!" My mom said with a shrill voice.

"Hospital? What happened?" I asked.

"No questions Tasha! Be here!" Mom said as she hung up.

My happiness turned into sadness. My eyes got filled with tears and a lot of negative thoughts began to run through my mind. I wasted no time in heading to the hospital. "I hope nothing has happened to grandpa or grandma" I soliloquized. My grandparents health issues was nothing new. I spent most of my salaries on their medications every month. Loosing them to the cold hands of death is something I am my mom weren't prepared for.

At the hospital reception, I saw mom and grandma seated there. I rushed to meet them.

"Mom! Grandma! What happened?" I asked anxiously.

"Don't worry sweetie. Your grandpa will be fine..he just had a small fall" Mom tried to console me.

"A fall?How?" 

"Natasha. Your mom and I are already stressed. Please don't stress us further with your questions" Grandma replied.

My gut feeling told me something bad was about to happen. The fear that gripped me was so much that I passed out. I couldn't afford to loose another person who meant a lot to me.

After death made me fatherless by snatching my dad away from me, I've been so scared of loosing my mom and grandparents.

~I regained consciousness later on and the sad news was broken to me...my grandpa was diagnosed with stroke. Of course my gut feeling was right.

"Oh! Isn't this worse than death?" I asked myself. I imagined the kind of pain grandpa was going through knowing that he couldn't move his body parts anymore. So sad!

My salary was used to settle the hospital bill and medications. The doctor recommended a wheelchair to enable him move. Fortunately,it was given to us free of charge; we didn't have to pay for it.

                  ON OUR WAY OUT...

Chris walked in. My heart skipped a beat when I saw him. His appearance was so charming and I couldn't help but stare.

"Why does he have to be so handsome" I said gently smiling.

I wished I could have him all to myself but the girls at college wouldn't let him be. He was there to see his mom since she worked as a nurse. A part of me wanted to stay back at the hospital and another part of me wanted to leave. I became a little shy.."What if he sees me?"

"Natasha!"My mom called out.

"He's so cute" I said in lust

"Who are you talking about?" was the question my mom asked tapping me so hard bringing me back to reality.

"Nothing mom! Nobody" I replied in fret 

"But you were...

"Mom! Grandpa needs rest. let's go home" I said ending the conversation.

Mom wasn't meant to find out I had a crush on Chris. Her relationship with high class people hasn't been so good ever since Dad died.

The sadness I felt for grandpa wasn't erased. His current situation was kind of a burden to us as we wouldn't always be there for him. My mom was a high school teacher,my grandma was really aged and I had to leave for work everyday.

After learning of grandpa's condition, Aunt Bella; Mom's younger sister decided to come stay with us. Since we lived in a small house, Having her around wasn't actually comfortable but we managed.     

🌺 ALL I EVER WANTED 🌺

🌹 EPISODE THREE 🌹

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The holidays were over... college resumed and I hadn't saved up enough money for my fees. Mom was yet to receive her salary, there was no one to ask for financial support.

 After much deliberation,I decided to request a loan from my boss. Knowing it might not be successful, I still went for it.

~I knocked gently on the door

"Come in" He said

I walked in slowly and shut the door.

"Good day sir" I greeted.

"What can I do for you Miss Natasha?"He looked up at me.

"Well... Sir I'm here to request for a loan" I said shivery.

"A loan?" 

"Yes sir. Please... I need to settle my bills"

He was well aware of my family's financial status which was one of the reasons he employed me.

"How much are we talking about here?" He asked.

"Probably a hundred thousand" 

"That's your salary for five months" He said taking off his glasses.

"Yes sir" I replied.

"Are you willing to work without being paid for five months?"

"Yes...I need the money urgently. I don't mind not being paid for five months" I said boldly.

"Okay Miss Natasha. The money will be ready in two days time".My boss said. 

I signed a few papers and left the office. 

As I proceeded to continue my work, I accidentally bumped into someone; a tall, handsome and good looking guy. He was dressed in a black suit. His fragrance was enchanting. I kept staring 

at him non-stop.

"I'm so sorry" He apologized.

"He's such a gentleman" I thought.

"Is my dad in?" He asked politely.

Just then I realized that he was my boss's son.

"Yes he is" I quickly replied.

"Thanks" He said walking into the office.

My obsession with good looking guys was getting the better of me that I always lose focus on seeing one.

But there was something different about this guy. At that point I began to feel we were connected in some way. I immediately waved the thought off my mind. "What could bring us together?" I asked myself in doubt and got back to work.

Two days later, I received the money and paid for my fees. Working after school was quite challenging. But I wasn't prepared to quit..it was a means of survival for my family and I. Still making my dreams a priority, I hoped to achieve them someday.

🌺 ALL I EVER WANTED 🌺

🌹 EPISODE FOUR 🌹

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It was early in the morning. I was still fast asleep with my hair scattered rolling from one end of the bed to another. I had to sleep over at Rachel's house as it was closer to the college.

"What the hell is this?" Rachel shouted and I actually heard her in my sleep. Jerking up quickly I asked..."What's wrong?"

"It's... nothing" She said hiding her cellphone behind her.

"Talk to me. What's going on?" I asked again.

"I just wanted you to wake up. we'll be late for class" she said putting up a smile as she walked out of room.

I had a strange feeling that Rachel wasn't telling me the truth. "But why would she lie to her bestie?" I thought.

Thinking I was exaggerating the whole thing, I decided to forget about it and get ready for school.

~As we arrived at the college, everyone began to point fingers at me. some laughed, while others rained insults on me. I wondered why but I had no clue what was going on.

"Rachel! why are these people pointing at me?" I asked holding her hand.

"I...I don't know. Whatever it is, I'll always stand by you" she smiled giving me some kind of confidence.

We got to class and everyone began to murmur and I still couldn't figure out what was going on.

The situation seemed unreal to me not until Chris walked up to me and gave me an ear full.

"I thought you're different. I'm so disappointed".

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"So you're stripper! You disgust me!" He said walking away.

With tears in my eyes I sat down 

"What does he mean? I'm not a stripper"

"I'm so sorry Tasha" Rachel said 

"I don't even know what's going on"

"A video of a stripper got leaked on social media this morning. The girl looked so much like you".

"What?!" I quickly checked my cellphone and indeed the girl in the video was me. I realized that I've been framed. The shame and disgrace was unbearable...I could never do such immoral thing. I then understood why  Rachel was acting strange earlier.

"So you knew about this and you didn't tell me". I said to Rachel furiously.

"I'm so sorry! I didn't want your feelings to get hurt. I didn't want to see you broken"

"Well... I..." I bursted into tears.

When I thought my day couldn't get any worse, I was summoned Into the provost's office. I got suspended till further notice...At first I thought about my mom, how broken she would feel when she learns about it.

I was completely shattered. I tried telling them that I was innocent but they just didn't listen.

I began to call myself the most unlucky girl on Earth..."Why do I always have to struggle with everything and go through so many trials?" I asked myself and still couldn't give myself an answer.

I returned home and had to lie to my mom and grandparents that I was on a short break which they hesitated to believe.

To me, my whole life was ruined. Little did I know that my journey to greatness had just began. I only had my family and thankfully I didn't lose my job.

But I wasn't going to give up on my career. I swore to find out who framed me and get to the bottom of it.

🌺 ALL I EVER WANTED🌺

🌹 EPISODE FIVE 🌹

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Finding out the culprit wasn't as easy as I thought. The video was going viral everyday and I had a reputation to save.

Rachel was also on a look out in college; we both knew it was someone from the college but we were yet to unmask the person.

On a cold windy evening,I was returning home from work. As I walked pass a group of guys, their gaze were suddenly on me. They looked like thieves, rapists, goons; I couldn't tell which one they were. I began to hasten my footsteps and just then, they started following me.

We were on a lonely and dark street, everyone were in their various houses as it was about to rain.

I only had my cellphone, some money and my handbag and if I was to lose them, it would be really bad.

"Lord save me" were the words I said continually, hastening my footsteps the more. I was still very far from home.

~They were getting closer and closer; my legs were also getting weak. A car stopped in front of me and the driver called my name. I looked closely and it was my boss's son. He told me to get into the car and I wasted no time...I quickly got into the car and he drove off.

"Natasha.How're you?" He asked giving me a cute smile.

"You know my name?" I asked answering his question with a question.

"Yes! Since my dad yells your name all the time". He laughed.

Then I felt a little awkward and looked away.

"Don't get me wrong. You're definitely one of his favorite staff".

"Well...I don't know about that. Thanks for the lift" I replied

"It's nothing. You were walking alone on that lonely road. it's not safe and it's getting dark" He said 

"I must thank you. You actually saved me from some goons" I said smiling at him.

"Really?" He exclaimed.

"Yes. I'm glad you stopped" I sighed.

The conversation didn't end there, we had a really good conversation and I got to know how nice and lovely he was...Our friendship began.

After the thirty minutes ride,we arrived at my house. As I was about leaving the car,it occurred to me that I haven't asked for his name.

"Your name please?" 

"Oh...I totally forgot to tell you. It's Jayden" He said smiling.

"It's nice meeting you" I stretched out my hand for a shake and we both shook hands.

"You're so beautiful" He whispered into my ear. I became very shy and didn't know if I was gonna thank him or not.

"I have to go" I said leaving the car and rush Into the house without thanking him for the compliment.

I thought about him all night long forgetting that I had a problem to tackle. I couldn't wait to see him again. This time, I wasn't just attracted to his physical appearance but also to his free spirit. Whether It was love or lust, I couldn't tell.

🌺 ALL I EVER WANTED 🌺

🌹EPISODE SIX🌹

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I went to visited Rachel after a week of being suspended. Hoping to get some words of encouragement and plans on proving my innocence; I knocked on her door twice but there was no response then I knocked for the third time and she finally opened the door.

"What are you doing here?" She shouted.

"What do you mean? will you let me in?" I said jokingly and attempted to enter into the house.

Suddenly, I was pushed to the ground.

"What are you doing here?" She asked again shouting at the top of her voice.

"What has come over you? Did I offend you?" I asked in surprise.

"Leave this place"

"But why?... We're friends" 

"No! You can never be my friend. Now leave!"

"If there's anything bothering you, you can always share with me" I said moving closer to her.

"I hate you!" She yelled.

"What?! Why?" I kept asking questions.

"You're always the lucky one... Everyone loves you. At work, college you are in everyone's good book"

"Where's all this coming from? You're not a bad person either"

"I've realized that we're not compatible as friends. You're a pretender who always wants to appear good to everyone" The very pissed Rachel said.

"No! You've got it all wrong... I'm not a pretender" I said crying.

"Shut your mouth" She gave me a tight slap and I passed out.

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~My eyes felt heavy as I tried opening them. I yawned and looked around..It was all a dream.

"It looked so real" I whispered leaving my bed.

Thinking dreams can be deceiving, I gave the dream no relevance and headed to the washroom.

That afternoon, I left for Rachel's house so we could go to work together.

On getting there, I exchanged pleasantries with her parents and was about going into her room.

"That Natasha girl isn't really my friend" Rachel said..she was on the phone with someone. I stood beside the door eavesdropping.

"I'm going to deal with her. This is just the beginning" She said smiling evilly.

"Make sure she doesn't find out about our plans" The other girl said.

"No! She trusts me so much. She wouldn't even know I framed her" Rachel said and they both laughed.

I became shocked; my best friend...she was the culprit.

Maybe I was mistaken so I moved closer to listen.

To my utmost surprise,she said it again. She began to explain how she made up the fake video. I was heartbroken..I never thought my best friend would be the one to hurt me this much. Like they say, one fact about betrayal is that only our loved ones can give it to us.

As I was about bursting Into tears I remembered I had vowed to unmask who wanted to tarnish my image.

Immmediately, I took out my cellphone and went a little closer; the door was a bit open. Then I recorded her telling the girl how she framed me.

I didn't bother speaking to her, I left to work with a broken heart.

🌺 ALL I EVER WANTED 🌺

🌹EPISODE SEVEN🌹

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The next day at work, I tried my best to avoid Rachel. I made sure I didn't walk the same path she did. I was still very shocked and disheartened that I wasn't able to focus.

~ She walked up to me in the factory

"Natasha!" She said.

I ignored her and kept on making pastries.

"Natasha!" She said again holding my shoulder.

"What's it! Can't you see I'm busy?" I shouted.

"What's wrong? Did I do anything to offend you?" She asked innocently.

"I should be asking you that...What did I do to you" 

"I don't understand" She said still playing innocent.

"You know what you did!" I said in a harsh tone.

"But...

"I'm done with this conversation. I've got work to do" I said leaving for the store room.

On my way, I saw Jayden leaving from his father's office.

I tried walking away cause I wasn't ready for any conversation.

"Natasha!" He called out to me and I stopped then he walked up to me. I only saw his lips moving...I wasn't listening. My eyes were teary and I couldn't help but cry. I ran into the store room in tears leaving Jayden to himself.

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At home.. I was in my room sobering and cursing the day I met Rachel when I heard my mom calling out to me.

"Tasha! Someone's here to see you!" 

"Who could that be?" I thought.

"I don't wanna see anyone" I said thinking it was Rachel.

"It's Jayden" A deep voice said.

"What?! He's here?" I whispered to myself. I quickly went in front of my mirror... Looking so homeless, I only had my underwear on.

"Give me two minutes" I said and that was a lie... It took me five minutes to get ready.

I went to the living room wearing a big smile on my face.

"I'm sorry if I said something wrong earlier" He said as soon as I came out.

"Let's talk outside" I held his hand, taking him under a tree outside.

As I watched him apologize, I couldn't get over what Rachel did and I needed a shoulder to cry on. I hugged him without giving it a second thought.

I felt so hurt and blurted out everything to him and he comforted me.

🌺 ALL I EVER WANTED 🌺

🌹 EPISODE EIGHT 🌹

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Knowing that I couldn't return to college without enough evidence to prove my innocence, I made sure I was prepared.

My trust in Rachel was already tarnished and I feared she could try finding out if I had any proof against her after the scene I created the last time we spoke.

~I duplicated the video and shared it to five other people I could trust in college.

But amist all that, I wasn't sure if I was going to pull that off successfully.

           AT THE PROVOST'S OFFICE...

"I swear! She's lying" Rachel cried out.

"What a devil I had as a bestie"...I thought. 

"I didn't frame her" She cried innocently.

She kept on acting naive until I presented the video to the provost. The shock on her face was one to take a shot of.

The video was a solid proof and she couldn't dispute the fact... she began to stammer.

"Miss Rachel! You have done such immoral act and such isn't condoled in this college" The provost said.

"But sir..." 

"You're a threat to the other students. This college doesn't need cruel students like you. So you're hereby expelled from this college". He said loudly.

"No!" Rachel shouted as she fell on her knees sobbing.

I was told to return to college and that gave me so much joy. 

As I was about leaving the college that day, I accidentally bumped into Chris. 

"Hey Tasha!"  He said smiling.

I was about to smile back but Immediately, I recalled how he questioned my morals when the fake video was leaked and I just walked away. 

My admiration for him vanished the very moment he talked down on my morals.

In order to clear the air about the fake video on social media, I decided to share Rachel's video and it went viral. She got what she deserved and I only felt bad for her as we're friends from childhood but I wasn't ready to sacrifice my reputation for her.

Later on, her parents found out about her evil deed and it also got to the ears of our boss. She was fired from work and sent out of the city by her parents. 

I had just gone through a tough phase of my life and overcame it... I was damn proud of myself.

🌺 ALL I EVER WANTED 🌺

🌹 EPISODE NINE 🌹

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Everything seemed to be going well and I began to wonder why I haven't experienced a bad phase in over a month... it was kinda unusual though quite peaceful.

~I walked into grandpa's room early in the morning holding a cup of coffee and his medicines.

"Wake up grandpa. It's time to take your medicines" I said smiling.

I didn't get any response but it didn't occur to me that something was up. I saw a note lying on his bed and I quickly grabbed it assuming it was one of his many poems. I commensed to reading it.

THE NOTE READ THUS...

"My sweet grandchild! You're probably thinking it's a poem but it's not my love. It's my goodbye letter to you..." I paused and laughed out loud

"Joker!" I said gently and continued reading.

"It's no joke. No matter how close we are, we can't be together forever. It would be unfair to death if oldies like me don't leave the world for youngies like you". 

This moment it dawned on me that this wasn't a joke... I read further.

"I'm leaving this world but I'm not leaving you. As long as you always remember me, I'll always be with you. I beg you, don't shed a tear for me. You're a brave and smart girl.. Console your mom and grandma! They're not as strong as you. Remain the strong girl that you are. Grandpa loves you".

I dropped the note and went closer to his lifeless body. Trying not to cry was really hard. 

"Mom! Grandma!" I shouted.

They both rushed in and as soon as I broke the news to them, they wept.

Grandma had just lost her husband, my mom, a father and me a grandfather.

What we feared had finally happened. Mom and Grandma cried..if their tears could bring him back i would have suggested they cried some more but it just couldn't. I had to take a bold step of making arrangements for his burial. 

We had to rush him to the mortuary as soon as possible and that was going to cost some money. I hadn't recieved any salary in four months due to the loan i took. We sorted out the mortuary bill with grandma's savings.

At work, My boss got to know about grandpa's demise. They were very good friends and the news of grandpa's death brought sadness to him. To my utmost suprise, he offered to contribute to the burial preparations.

It's been so long someone offered to help us financially and i was honored by his offer.

Meanwhile, my feelings for Jayden began to grow..I realized it wasn't lost but love. We grew into each other gradually and he was the best friend I could ever ask for. 

"Does he love me in return? Will he confess his love to me?" were the questions I kept asking myself.

🌺 ALL I EVER WANTED 🌺

🌹 EPISODE TEN🌹

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We were on a picnic date at his place; The beautiful decorations and lights were one in a million, I felt like I was in paradise. We had some homemade pastries to spice the whole picnic up. He was really hilarious stirring me up with his jokes.

~Laying on the mat looking at the stars, we held each other's hand.

"Look how beautiful the stars are in the sky". He said

"Very beautiful" I concurred.

"Of course. Beauty recognizes beauty" He said turning his gaze at me.

I couldn't look him in the eye; I shyly put my hair behind myear.

"Your beauty is one of a kind" He said.

"Thanks" I managed to say.

"Your charisma, uniqueness and bravery is all I want in a lady".

Okay...the flattering was getting to me and I had to quickly reciprocate.

"Your eyes are very charming. I guess you've charmed me with them" I said trying to be a little romantic which I wasn't really good at.

He bursted into laughter and I joined him.

"I love you" He said with his sweet voice and this almost got me crazy. 

"Guurrl!... this is what you've been waiting to hear" My inner voice said.

"Don't you love me?" He asked.

"Don't I love you? Of course I do" I blurted out.

Realizing I might have overreacted I decided to use a more mature tone.

"I love you too" I said putting up a word smile.

"You do?" He exclaimed.

"Yes" I replied.

Immmediately, he held my hands and kissed them in excitement.

I felt so loved that I didn't realize it was getting late. Mom had no idea I went on a date with Jayden.. I had to be home on time so she doesn't suspect.

She was still very depressed about grandpa's demise and I needed to be there to console her.

"It's getting late" I said withdrawing my hands.

"You want to leave?" He asked.

"Yes...I have to get home" I said attempting to get up.

He holds my hand..."Could you stay a little longer?"

"I want to stay but mom...she.."

"It's okay. You can leave" He said and gave me a perk on my cheek.

I left after giving him a heart warming hug.

~At home, I jumped all over my bed and danced. He was everything I needed in a  guy. My imaginations were finally coming true. I couldn't ask for a better life than one with my true love.

I looked forward to our first kiss.

🌺 ALL I EVER WANTED 🌺

🌹 EPISODE ELEVEN🌹

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The "JAYSHA" ship was sailing well, we grew into each other more...I wondered why he waited so long before coming into my life. My love and care couldn't contend with his...He was more of a bestie, brother and lover.

Grandpa's funeral was done a month later and we all laid him to rest in a phenomenal way as he deserved. Aunt Bella left after the funeral rights were performed and I had my room all to myself once again. This crazy feeling called love turned me into a love poet.

His photos were all over my bedroom... I would always hide them when someone comes in. I didn't want anyone to find out about me and Jayden until the time was right.

As there was no one to share my feelings with, I got a diary...my book of secrets and thoughts. The sudden happiness that engulfed my soul was noticable to mom and grandma; they tried finding out what made me so joyful but I wouldn't let them know.

My excitement knew no bounds the moment I found out about his birthday. My savings wasn't enough to get him an expensive gift but then I thought "love doesn't cost a dime" So I got him a little package, wrote him a birthday letter and made him a birthday card.

Then I planned to pay him a surprise visit.

                ON JAYDEN'S BIRTHDAY...

It was on a Friday and I was supposed to be at work but I couldn't miss spending Jayden's special day with him. I had to lie to my boss that I wasn't feeling well... crazy right? I didn't care, I was in love.

Arriving at his house, the decorations were already set. A loud music was coming from the house and I became happier.. "He's throwing a birthday party? Today's gonna be lit!" I said to myself and walked in.

Going in, the sight wasn't one to behold.. His friends were tryna get themselves drunk to stupor and also misbehaving with some random girls. I immediately ignored all that and went in search for my lover. 

I bumped into Maria; his cook and ask for his whereabout

"He's in his room" she said

"The perfect place to present my gift" I said gently walking straight to his bedroom ignoring Maria who was trying so hard to call me back.

~I knocked on the door gently; I couldn't wait to see him. Embracing him was the first thing I was gonna do.

"Who's it? Come in" He said

I quickly opened the door..he only had his towel wrapped around his waist as he laid on his bed. A fair pretty girl wearing a skimpy dress was giving him a massage. At first I thought it was a massage therapist not until I saw her face. I could never forget the face of the girl who stabbed me in the back.

"Rachel!" I shouted.

"Hey! What the hell are you doing here?" Jayden asked and this really shocked me. Thinking the toxic Rachel had done something to him, I refused to believe he said that in his right senses.

"Rachel! what are you doing here?" I asked pulling her out of the bed.

She only laughed without giving me a response. I couldn't figure out what was going on.

"How could you let her come into your house?" I said turning to Jayden.

They both looked at each other and bursted into laughter.

"What's going on here?" I shouted.

"The smart one has been outsmarted" They said laughing aloud.

"Jayden! talk to me"

"Oh! Our dear Tasha has fallen in love though with the wrong guy" Rachel said making faces at me.

I was speechless; the whole drama wasn't clear.

"What do you have there?" Jayden asked looking at my hands.

"Your birthday gift, card and letter" I answered 

"How sweet of you" He said collecting them and tearing them into pieces.

"What have you done?" I shouted

They laughed and stopped.

"Do you really think you've found love?" Rachel asked.

"I don't understand. Someone! tell me what's going on" I said at the top of my voice.

"You've been fooled again! You know I always thought you were smart but now I know you're not as smart as I thought" Rachel said.

My eyes were filled with tears...I was beginning to understand what was going on.

"She actually thinks I'm in love with her" Jayden said to Rachel and they kept on laughing.

"So it was all planned?" I said as tears rolled down my cheeks.

"Oh...She figured it out! Let's applaud her.. she's not completely dumb" Jayden said applauding me. 

I fell on my knees crying

"But why Jayden?"

"For this beautiful and sexy body" He said touching Rachel's waist and hips.

"I thought you were a different guy...oh no! You fooled me" I cried out.

"How pleasing it feels to see you in so much pain Tasha. it's my pleasure" The heartless Rachel said.

"I curse the day I met you!" I shouted

"When you're done sulking, you can get out of here" Jayden said with no remorse.

🌺 ALL I EVER WANTED 🌺

🌹 EPISODE TWELVE 🌹

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I went out of the house in tears and didn't look back. On my way out, I ran into my boss.. guess he was there for his son's birthday party.

He was about to yell at me and I couldn't give him an explanation to why I was at his son's house after lying that I was ill so I left without saying a word to him. I knew I wouldn't dare step my feet into the bakery again after all that happened. I fired myself before my boss would because he wouldn't want a lier as a worker.

Arriving home, I went straight to my room and locked myself in wetting my bed with tears. I slapped and hit myself mercilessly.

To think that I was in love not knowing I was being fooled... I couldn't help but cry.

Mom and grandma kept knocking on the door pleading with me to open up. I was really in a bad condition emotionally and physically.

"I've been fooled! I've been used!" I said banging my head on the wall.

The humiliation I felt got me thinking of committing suicide... What was the use of being alive when life hasn't been fair to me ever since I was a kid..I thought.

"Tasha please! Don't hurt yourself. Whatever you're going through darling, you could always share it with momma" Mom said in panic as she feared I was going to hurt myself.

I already had blood flowing from my forehead and I began to loose consciousness. Mom and grandma didn't deserve so much pain of worrying about me. I had already said my last prayers and passed out.

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"My baby is laying unconscious and I have no idea what happened to her" Mom said.

"Calm down Martha. she'll be fine". Grandma consoled her.

"I  failed as a mother!" 

My head was in so much pain; I felt very weak and unstable.. my vision was blurry. I realized I was in a hospital when I heard a lady telling the medications to get. I wondered how I was still breathing

"Why haven't you taken me away from this world" I asked looking up to the heavens.

"Don't worry sweetie. You'll be fine". Grandma kissed my forehead.

"Mom" I called out gently.

"My baby is awake" Mom said rushing to hold my hand.

"I'm so sorry mom" I said as my vision became a little brighter.

"For what darling? You're in so much pain because of me. I couldn't be a good mother". A tear fell from her eye and hit my hand.

"No!" I said trying to get up from the hospital bed but I couldn't.

"Relax dear. We broke down the door to get you out. Everything will be fine". She said holding me back.

I had really kept mom in the dark and I needed to apologise. Since childhood, she always helped me whenever I had problems. If only I had told her about everything..I probably would have been in a better place.

Due to the trauma I was going through, I stayed in the hospital for two weeks before getting discharged.

As soon as I was able to think properly, I told Mom everything she needed to know except the fact that I had s*x with that bastard called jayden. Bringing myself to tell her that I cheaply gave my body to a guy I only knew for months was one thing I couldn't do. It was going to hurt her and I didn't want that. She was shocked and pained but didn't show it just to make me feel better.

I kept on blaming myself... this was all on me. I shouldn't have taken things too far.

🌺 ALL I EVER WANTED 🌺

🌹 EPISODE THIRTEEN 🌹

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The moment I found out I had something growing in me as a result of what happened between me and that maniac, fear gripped me.

I sobbed as that wasn't the life I planned for. I was still too young to become a mother...I swore not to keep it; even though I was going to cause the death of an innocent child, I just didn't care. The guy I derived so much hatred for was responsible and I felt nothing but hatred for it as well.

"Mom mustn't find out about this?" I said to myself.

At first it was a shock to me... everything was happening so fast..I was already two weeks pregnant.

Deriving a means to get rid of the pregnancy was my next plan knowing how dangerous it could be.

I didn't know how to go about it without involving mom... I was so confused. Having no other options, I let the cat out of the bag.

"What?! You're pregnant?" Mom shouted and I wasn't surprised..it was the exact reaction I expected.

"We had s*x" I said bowing my head in shame.

"Oh no!" She held her head in disappoint.

"I'm really sorry mom. I know I made a grave mistake" 

"After all the 'Mother and daughter talks' we had!"

"I was stupid. I let my emotions get the better of me". I said crying.

"So what are we going to do about it?" 

"Mom! I don't wanna keep it" 

"You want to take the life of an innocent child?"

"It would only increase the  hatred I have for that guy" I said holding mom hands.

"It's not right Tasha" 

"Mom please! If you don't want to loose me, just let me do this"

"Aborting this child could be dangerous my dear" Mom said wiping my tears.

"I'm willing to take the risk. I just don't want this child"

"But...

"Please Mom" 

"Hmm... fine. I'll get through to the doctor"

"Thanks Mom. I love you" I hugged her.

She wept in silence and left the room.

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                       ~HOSPITAL~

"Don't worry baby. You'll be fine"

"Even if I don't get out of this. Please don't cry for me"

"No! Don't say that. I believe you'll be fine" Mom said as she kissed my forehead and led me to the abortion ward.

~Minutes later... I overhead mom's conversation with the doctor outside the ward.

"Doctor! How's my baby doing?"

"Madam..it was successful"

"Oh! thank goodness"

"No more abortions alright?"

"Yes doctor. No more abortions!"

"She's getting cleaned up. You'll be allowed to see her in a bit

"Thanks doctor"

Mom walked in and gave me a hug. I was in pain but very glad I had gotten rid of that mistake.

We both left the hospital and went home where I received so much affection and support from Mom and grandma making me realize that family is everything. I began to heal gradually but forgetting was a hard thing to do.

🌺 ALL I EVER WANTED 🌺

🌹 EPISODE FOURTEEN 🌹

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After all that happened, I didn't see the need to remain in that city. I wanted to move to a new city and start a new life.

Mom and grandma disagreed with the idea of relocating..I could understand; Mom's job, the house, grandpa was buried in that city and it's been where we have lived our whole lives.

Staying in that city would keep me glued to my past and eventually reopen old wounds so the best option I had was leaving. 

For my happiness Mom decided to send me to her uncle's place. It was quite a long distance from where we lived but I was happy with it.

Uncle Bob lived with his only daughter who was my age and also owned a bakery. I was sure of having a nice time at his place.

A day before my journey, Mr williams; my ex boss called me wanting to give me my job back.

"Sir... I already quit".

"Why? Without a resignation letter? I haven't fired you either"

"I'm sorry but I can't work with you anymore".

"Your reasons please" 

"I'd rather not tell them to you"

"Just come back to work. No more queries".

"But...I..."

"I know you lied but I'm not gonna scold you for that. Come back to work".

"No sir. I'll be leaving the city tomorrow"

"Why? This bakery needs you"

"I also loved my job at the bakery but I've to leave"

"I don't understand. Does you quitting your job have anything to do with my son?"

This question hit me and awakened more  pain and hatred..I immediately hung up on him. The conversation couldn't go further.. Saying "yes"...he was gonna find out I had something to do with his son.. I didn't want that to happen and saying "no" would be telling another lie.

After the call, the urge to leave the city became more intense.

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"Do you have to go?" Grandma said holding my hand as we walked to the railway station.

"Yes grandma! I'll be back" 

"When?"

"When I'm missing you both" I said putting up a smile to convince her but the truth was that I never wanted to return.

Mom didn't say a word; she only smiled with grief in her heart. Her only child was going away from her... how dismayed she must have felt.

As I waited for the train, mom held my hand and whispered into my ears

"Heal quickly and be safe"

This got tears in my eyes as I gave her a tight hug and bided her goodbye.

~My trip to Uncle Bob's place was a long one where I had to sit in the train for hours reflecting on how bad my life had been the past few weeks. I wanted a good life filled with so much happiness given to me by the people I loved but I guess life doesn't work out the way we want it to sometimes.

I prayed for a better life in the new city I was headed and hoped for a better future. 🌺 ALL I EVER WANTED 🌺

🌹 EPISODE FIFTEEN 🌹

                       (Final Episode)

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                THREE YEARS LATER...

I had graduated from college and was offered a job as an accounting manager at Uncle Bob's bakery. Having put my past behind me, I lived a new life. What more could I have asked for; uncle Bob treated me like his daughter and offered me a job with a good pay. I couldn't have forgotten my dear Mom and grandma... I visited them once in awhile.

"There's a new staff" Kimberly; my colleague whispered to me in my office.

"Really?"

"Yes. she'll be here in a bit"

"Why?" 

"To say 'Hello' I guess".

"I hope you didn't tell her to go around the bakery greeting all the staffs"

"But it's the right thing to do"

"Kim!"

There was a knock on the door... knowing it could be the new staff I said quickly..

"Come in please"

A girl in a blue dress walked in and I couldn't believe my eyes.

"You?" 

"Yes... she's the new bakery cleaner" Kimberly said.

"Please leave Kim" I said standing up.

"Is there a problem?"

"Not at all. I would love to have a word with the new cleaner"

"I see you two are about getting along. Take your time" she said leaving the office.

                             ~

"What are you doing here?" I asked in fury.

"Tasha" she ran and fell at my feet.

"Rachel! what the hell are you doing here?" 

"I've been looking for you for a long time now, thank goodness I found you" she held my hand.

"Get your hands off me" I said pulling my hand from her grip.

"Please forgive me"

"So you're the new staff? Oh no! You can't work here".

"Please Tasha. I worked so hard to get this job".

"I don't care. You just can't work here". I picked my cellphone and attempted to call the general manager.

"I know I hurt you deeply in the past and I'm so sorry" 

"You're sorry?" I laughed out loud.

"Please".

"After all you and that maniac put me through?" 

"I'm sorry. Please forgive me" she said on her knees crying.

Few minutes later...

"So you live in this city now? How?"

"I became wayward, dropped out of college and went into prostitution"

"What?!"

"My parents disowned me...my entire family as well".

"So sad"

"I came to this city to start a new life and it's not been easy for me"

I was speechless and sighed heavily.

"I got what I deserved" Rachel said wiping her tears.

"How about him?"

"Who? Jayden?"

"Yes"

"We parted ways after the whole plan"

"Wow" I said in surprise.

"Without your forgiveness, my life would be ruined. Please forgive me"

"Life has really been hard on you" I looked at her from head to toe and it was obvious.

"I'm sorry for everything I did to you"

"I forgive you but we're never gonna be friends again. We're both here to work so let's stick to that"

"Thank you so much Tasha. I feel relieved" She said and left after giving me a hug.

Karma! It's never partial

Finally.... we're done with this story!!!

kindly leave a heart 👉❤️👈 in the comments section if you love the ending.