‘It’s only 9 am’ I mutter as I stifle a yawn.
The long registration line is not helping nor is the prospect of spending the next two days with the ‘who is who’ of the marketing world. Talk about the pressure!
I reluctantly wear my nametag as I walk into the hall, buzzing with the steady hum of conversation and filled with men and women in the latest corporate fashions.
With a smile on my face, I join the closest friendly clutter. Things are going well enough until I see them, Ugonwa and Ololade, standing a few steps ahead in another group.
I instinctively step back, bumping into something.
I turn sharply to see a man with wide-rimmed glasses, dark hair greying at the temples and an obvious frown, standing behind. “I’m so sorry.” “I didn’t see you there.”
“How would you when you were not looking,” He says in a huff and stomps off.
‘Wow! Can this day get any worse?’ I whisper under my breath as I watch him
“Don’t mind him,” Says a lady walking to me. She must have seen the whole thing.
“He’s obviously a repressed man.” She continues, with a smile. I return her smile
“I’m Susan” pointing at her nametag. “From Cadex Industries and you’re Ayomikose I love your dress” I look down at the cream-coloured pencil dress my sister selected for me.
“Thank you,” I say while smoothening nonexistent wrinkles on the dress.
I end up seated next to Susan for the morning session where she inundates me with funny stories about the marketing industry . This helps me forget the morning’s drama.
During the break, I step outside for a breather.
I’ve always loved the outdoors, the fresh air, and bask in the sights and sounds. I am in awe of the beauty around me in Eleko Atlantic City, one of the most exclusive areas in Lagos. There are trees and flowers dotted around. The sun bounces off the nearby ocean and casts a warm glow on everything.
I’m lost in thought until I see something in my peripheral vision. It looks like a horse but what would a horse be doing here.
Curious, I walk closer.
It really is a horse.
He looks nothing like the abandoned, emaciated ones I often see around Victoria Island and Lekki.
His chestnut brown coat shines and I can see the muscles ripple under his skin. He looks soo healthy, like something I have read in a book. Polished, distinguished and beautiful.
A distinguished horse! I smile at the thought.
The horse raises his head and neighs; it taps it’s left hoof a few times then turns and walks away.
I notice that I had my hand out and had been holding my breath This is crazy. I can’t believe I had wanted to touch that gigantic horse.
With hurried steps while still trying to quiet my beating heart. I walk back to the event.
As I make my way to my seat, I hear my name. I stop short. I recognize that voice.
No, please not now.
“Ayomikose!” “I thought it was you!” Ugonwa says as she glides over. She had been a model at University. She is in a black knee-length dress with a structured shoulder. It suits her as always and presents a nice contrast with her tan skin.
“How now?” Lolade asks, the ever-present side-kick. She is slightly shorter than Ugonwa but also very pretty. We all went to school together and got our first job at Inimito Limited, a place I left two years ago. We used to be called the three gazelles.
With a deep breath and a quick prayer for strength, I respond.
“Hello ladies, I’m doing well”
How have you been?” I ask looking at them
“We are good” “Inimito just acquired PRX.” “ I was promoted to Vice President, Marketing and Ololade is now a Senior Marketing Executive,” Ugonwa says
“What about you?” She asks as she flicks her long weave to the side.
I feel she is trying to make me jealous but I’m not rising to the bait.
“That’s great!” Congrats!”
“I’m a marketing Executive at Philo, it’s been great so far,” I respond with a smile
She shares a look with Ololade.
The former Ayomi would have tried to prove herself. I would have felt the need to compete – to amplify what I do or exaggerate. But I’m actually happy for them.
“Oh, okay.” “Dating anyone?” Ugonwa asks with a sly smile
As I contemplate how to answer her, the event compere comes on.
“All right delegates, back to your seats, we are about to start.” He says smiling at the throng of people scattered around the hall.
Saved by the bell.
I nod to Ugonwa and Ololade and head to the farthest corner I can get to. My mind is filled with memories I had tried so hard to shut out. I’m back to the pain, raw and aching. I blink furiously trying to stop the unshed tears from spilling out.
I don’t want to go back to the lies, the betrayal, everything that happened. How can two people be so cruel! I had left the work, Deji, two things that mattered. What more could they want!
Fighting and losing the battle against my tears, I take a deep shaky breath and search my purse for a pack of tissue.
I had seen a counsellor that first year, trying to overcome the deep despair.
I barely pay attention to the afternoon session. The speakers mention a product launch competition for the next day. Which feels like a world away.
Susan is probably looking for me but I know I would be terrible company right now.
By the end of the day, I am emotionally drained and feel all-alone.
As I head out of the convention, I check the spot where I had seen the horse. And he’s there.
He is still, a gentle swish of his short tail the only signal that he is real.
I tell him about my day, about my encounter with Ugonwa and Ololade and what had happened two years ago.
He remains still. I walk closer, my pulse quickens as I touch his shiny coat.
I know horses can be dangerous but I feel safe around this one. He turns to look at me like he read my thoughts. Okay, that’s silly! That only happens in movies.
I tell him everything.
About my family, Dad’s affair, my mum’s resilence, my amazing sister and brother who have been my rock.
I tell him about my dreams for the future, my plan to set up a bespoke marketing agency where we do marketing in an honest and wholesome way, which seems impossible and idealistic. He senses when I’m done talking and moves on. As I watch him walk away, I realize that horses are great listeners.
The final day of the conference is supposed to be a half-day, with one session and a product exhibition after. Irene and Nike, my colleagues are to meet me with some of our product samples.
“It’s now time for our product launch competition.” the compere announces in his exuberant way.
“I will be selecting five companies for this” He continues as he looks around at the company stands.
When I hear Philo Industries. My heart plummets. One more thing to add to this catastrophic week.
“Woohoo! This will be so good.” Irene says smiling widely at me
“Do your thing, Ayomi,” says Nike in her calm and serious tone.
I feel the beads of sweat running down my satin blouse as I walk up to the podium with the other contestants. I hate public speaking. This is supposed to be a great opportunity to showcase our products but what if I mess up, and going by my past experiences, this is likely to happen.
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