CHAPTER FOUR

Amanda found it very relaxing whenever she went on her morning run and today wasn't going to be any different. In her words, it was the best way to get her mind off all the mediocrity happening in her life.

She also had planned to explore her neighborhood and saw her outdoor exercise one way of doing so. Amanda woke up very early that morning, gave a short prayer, went straight to the bathroom, rinsed her face and brushed her teeth. This was her normal morning routine every day before preparing for her day's activities.

She walked to her wardrobe, took out a pair of black track trouser and a pink tan-top complimented with a black, pink striped tennis cap. She searched below her shoe rack and carried out a pair of white snicker and without any much delay, she changed into them.

Facing her mirror and adjusted her tennis cap. The cap to her wasn't necessary but, she won't take her chances of being recognized by both fans and anti-fans. She only saw it as a strategic means of hiding her identity from the world.

Amanda slowly opened her front door, permitting the chilling breeze to invade her completely; she stepped on her porch and locked the door behind her.

“It was 4:30am aren’t these people supposed to still be in bed?” she complained to herself the moment she saw her neighbors going about their morning chores. It was a strange observation for her. Not that some community don't prefer working early morning but she hadn't been privileged to witness it before, this was something very new to Amanda.

It was dark outside but the street lights illuminated the entire street which made it easy for people to see like it was the break of dawn.

“Good morning Mr. and Mrs. Albert.” Amanda made known her presence as she moved closer to Mrs. Albert who was tending her garden.

“Morning Amanda.” Mrs. Albert replied, wearing a warm smile on her charming face.

“Morning!” Mr. Albert from the top of the ladder replied while focusing on fixing the decorative light on the door.

Amanda stood amazed, admiring the dexterous couple. They were old but,still were agile.

“How was your night dear?” Mrs. Albert asked politely.

“Fine Mrs. Albert, I slept like a baby.” This was true. Amanda enjoyed her first night in her new apartment. She used to find it hard to sleep in a new place but her soft queen-sized bed and pillows had done it's best to seduce her to comfort. “Thanks for the cookies yesterday, I really enjoyed them.”

“Oh,” Mrs. Albert waved her hand “it was nothing. I am glad you enjoyed them.”

“I really did, maybe one day you cold teach me how to make delicious cookies as yours.” She watched Mrs. Albert flash her a coy smile at her comment and Amanda fell in love with how accepting the couples were. “I can see you are busy.” Amanda added.

“Yes dear, we need to finish up on time before tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?” Amanda echoed.

“I told her it was too early but she insisted on starting early.” Mr. Albert voiced as he carefully climbed down the ladder.

“What’s the occasion?” Amanda asked curiously.

“It’s our 50th year marriage anniversary. And our children and grandchildren are all coming, I can’t wait to see them.” Mrs. Albert said wonderfully in her almost shaky voice.

“Wow that is awesome.” Amanda said in amusement, silently wishing that someday, she will be celebrating her 50th anniversary with the love her life. Then immediately, the thought of Troy intruded her head space and her dreamy countenance changed instantly.

“We want everything to be perfect before they get here.” Mr. Albert informed, moving towards his porch.

“You know, you could pay someone to do the decorations, it will be done faster. If you like, i know guy.” Amanda suggested trying and hoping not to sound rude. She raised her left eye brow and careful inspected the expression on the couple's faces.

“Yes we could but—“ Mr. Albert flicked on the light switch on the porch and the light took over the front yard.

“Wow this is beautiful.” Amanda said as her eyes behold the handmade beauty.

DIY  was something Amanda had never tried in a long time when it came to decorations. She had mostly spent money on professionals to do them that she forgot how rewarding it felt to do it herself.

Witnessing how the colored light lit up the beautifully tendered garden and the flowers which were scrupulously planted at both sides of the front yard, leaving the middle as a passage way to the house.

“I did it!” Mr. Albert announced like teenage who finally passed an important placement test after admiring the perfection of his hard work.

“Yes dear it is perfect.” Mrs. Albert appreciated her husband's effort.

Amanda returned her gaze to the happy couple, smiling as she watch them move ecstatically.

“We hope you will come by tomorrow.” Mrs. Albert requested

“Yes please, your presence will make her very happy.” Mr. Albert added.

Their invitation made Amanda to feel a little important and she wondered if people could welcome strangers the way this couple did. It was odd to Amanda yet it felt good at the same time.

“Of course, I will definitely honor the invitation.” Amanda said, giving her best smile to the couple.

“Oh, thank goodness dear.” Mrs. Albert said gratefully “Honey this will be the best anniversary we’ve ever had.”

Amanda almost laughed the moment she saw Mrs. Albert try hard to demonstrate 'ever had' with her hands.

Mr. Albert walked towards his wife and placed one hand on her waist, guiding her into the house “Yes dear this will be the best one ever.” He replied, supporting her on the steps.

“I’ll come by later to assist.” Amanda said aloud as she watched them go into the house.

“Thanks Amanda that will be much help.” Mrs. Albert replied distantly.

“Have a good run.” Mr. Albert said too before closing the door behind them.

Amanda stood there for a while, she had almost forgotten about her run. She stared down at her old watch —the exact one her mom left for her— “It is 5:20 already? Shit.”  She stretched out her arms, adjusted her cap and took to her heel.

Maintaining a constant pace in her movement, she jogged pass a very busy street and a fancy restaurant at the side of the road. She kept on moving, observing very turn to easily track her way back then, stopped when she got to the town’s Park. She bent low and rested her palms on her knees in an attempt to catch her breath. Amanda was totally unaware of the two cyclers that swiftly cycled pass her.

"Can't you see?" Amanda yelled but,  it was useless because, they were already far gone.

She searched around the park and found a coffee truck close to a tall tree then, she walked towards it.

“One Americano, please.” She ordered.

She took aback to admire the artwork on the truck,  then an old memory hit her.

It was prom night in high school. She found a secret letter from her secret admirer in her locker. She opened it and read through,  he had asked her to come meet him at the bugger truck parked on the school's front yard.

She remembered hurrying to the truck only to find her so called secret admirer, who later turned out not to be who she taught him to be,  sitting with Bridget.

She smiled at her old memory then fell her eyes on a job advert poster glued at the end of the truck; she took out her phone and took a picture of the poster.

“One Americano to go!” A young man in an adenoidal voice, announced from inside the truck, catching Amanda’s attention.

She walked to the front of the truck. “Thanks.” she said wearing a polite smile.

“I-t’s yo-u, Oh My God!” He stammered.

Amanda stood confused; she wondered what was on his mind. Then she realized, oh no, he had recognized her.

“Of course it’s you from the series JUST ONE DATE!” He announced “I can’t believe this; Amanda Udoh is standing in front of my truck.” The young man couldn’t contain his excitement.

Amanda wondered how he could recognize her. She thought the cap will do it best to hide her “Hush, calm down.” She pleaded covering her face more with her tennis cap.

“I love that movie so much, especially the part when you slapped Rebecca for insulting you after trying to steal your man. My girlfriend is going to flip when I tell her I actually spoke to you. Please I’ll need a proof to show her when I tell her.” He said bending low in his truck as if looking for something “Could you sign this plea—“ he said coming out from behind his truck but  before he could turn and get to where Amanda was, she was gone taking her coffee with her and leaving the money on the counter. ”Amanda, Amanda,” He called out for her “Oh, I guess I scared her off.” he said sadly.

~~**~~**~~

Amanda looked out a window in her sitting room and could see a lot of people trooping into Mr. and Mrs. Albert’s house, she considered the kind of opinion they would have of her the moment she'd walk into their midst.

She sighed a little and finished up the glass of water she held in her hand. She dropped the empty glass on the kitchen table and picked the wrapped box that sat on it before heading out of her apartment.

Amanda stood in front of Mrs. Albert's door, preparing her self for the number of eyes ready to dissolve her the moment she step in. She quickly checked her beautiful blue laced dress for any imperfections.

She knew the occasion she was invited to was not like any she had attended before. And since the host were elderly couples, she thought it'd be best to dress responsibly and fancy at the same time. So, she searched her wardrobe for something that could give her that appearance and found a beautiful blue laced dress that stopped above her knees. The dress had a sweetheart neckline with a small hand that started off her shoulders and it hugged her well defined body from her burst to waist, dropping the flay from her waist down to her knees.

Finding nothing wrong with her dress, she opened the door gently and let herself in.

“Amanda, darling you’re here.” Mrs. Albert announced the moment she saw Amanda walk through the front door, diverting everyone's attention to Amanda.

Yes, eyes Amanda was worried about were now real. But Amanda didn't act troubled about he stares or the whispers. She held her head high and gave up a wide smile when Mrs. Albert walked towards her direction.

“Happy anniversary, Mrs. Albert” Amanda said handing her the wrapped box she held.

“Thank you darling, please come in. Let me introduce you to my children and grandchildren and also to some of my friends” Mrs. Albert took Amanda's hands and they walked in.

“You look beautiful, Mrs. Albert.” Amanda complimented nicely.

“Oh thank you dear. And you look stunning too. Trust me, if not that my last boy is engaged, I would have made sure he and you got together.” Mrs. Albert said, laughing.

Amanda laughed at the hilarity of Mrs. Albert words but replied nothing.

As Mrs. Albert introduced Amanda to all the people that matter to her, the reaction she got from them were rather the opposite of what she was expecting.

They were nice, friendly and funny especially Mrs. Albert’s only daughter, Elena who was married to the famous writer, Fredrick Walsh.

Amanda was relieved after knowing she wasn’t the only celebrity in the house after meeting Mr Walsh and she very much enjoyed Elena’s company as they talked about different things.

After Mr. Albert made a toast, Amanda excused herself when she heard her phone ring. She went to the front yard of the house and sat on the long bench that was there. She took out her phone from her purse and saw an incoming call from Kate, her manager.

“Hello.” Amanda said after placing he phone n her ear..

“Amanda, I’m so sorry I missed you calls this afternoon. How are you?” Kate asked concerned.

“I’m fine thank you. I figured you were busy.” Amanda said.

“Of course I was, you left a lot of unfinished project.”

“I’m sorry, how’s your family?” Amanda asked.

“Healthy, thanks. I’m certain you had something important to tell me” Kate said indubitably.

“Yes, I applied for a job here.”

“WHAT?”