chapter 8

Kayla walked to the stage and took over, she greeted everyone and gave a brief introduction about her life and her journey to where she is today. Before she began, the Jenna family walked in and went to sit with Kayla’s grandparents. Just like Kayla, Jenna attracted many eyes and people couldn’t stop talking, Kayla watched the trio and all she could do is smile, waited for them to sit down then she continued.

“Today is a very special day to me and all those who have been part of my life since I took over this business from my late father, it’s almost 4 years and if someone told me many years back that I’d be this person today, I’d have been the first person to say no, everyone knows the story on my life, I always tell myself that I was given a second chance to do good and contribute towards changing other people’s lives. My past life was not a wealthy one but I was happy, back then I was contented with whatever little my grandparents gave me, but one day I was exposed to this new life that almost costed my life.

Most people never believed in me, they expected me to run the company into bankruptcy but each day I’ve proved to everyone that a woman can truly rule the men’s world and come up to the top. Today I want to introduce to you two very special people in my life, you’ve seen me with them in many occasions but I’ve never officially introduced them. Please welcome Mr. and Mrs. Koiyaki on the stage, the couples rose from their seats and walked towards the stage. The stood beside Kayla, most guest anxiously waiting for the introduction especially the media people.

Meet my grandparents, these are the people behind my smile, the very reason I wake up to make the world a better place for everyone, they are the reason I haven’t forgotten where I came from, they are my source of joy and pride, I know most of you wouldn’t dare to let your parents tag along but for me I never leave them behind. The whole venue was filled with cheers, some people even got emotional just listening to Kayla praise her grandparents like that, for the years since she hit headlines most people knew very little about her because she’s a private person with zero scandals.

She turned to her grandparents and told them, “You are my new beginning and will always do my best to make you proud and be worthy being your granddaughter,” she hugged them and someone led them off the stage. The old couples understood what Kayla meant and they couldn’t stop smiling on their way back to their seats.

I’ll not bore you with my boring life, everyone was laughing at Kayla’s remark. I’m sure we’ll have another day to gossip more but now let’s get back to the reason why we are here today. My father’s dream was to expand his business to other towns and since he entrusted it to me, it’s my duty as his child to fulfill his dreams even if he’s not here with us and today his dream has been fulfilled. We have small offices operating that are attached to the Kajiado office but Nairobi is our first office branch that we run it’s full operations here that Sanku Corporations have opened and we promise to work well with all those who are interested in working with us in a transparent way, no under the table businesses, so those who hope to use short cuts to work with me, I hope you won’t be offended if I disappoint you.

And now I want to introduce you all to the person who will be leading the Nairobi office. Please, let’s put our hands together for Ms. Jenna Kanana, Julie’s eyes almost popped out when she heard Jenna’s name, she has always looked down on her, even Sam didn’t believe his ears, Jenna woke up and elegantly walked towards the stage, she has a model body and if it wasn’t for the function you’d think she was on a runaway stage, her body fitted perfectly well as a super model.

Christopher was seated quietly in his chair but when he heard Jenna’s name, his body became cold, he thought that his hearing was poor, he asked one of the guys next to him what the name of their new boss was and the guy repeated it in a polite way. Christopher life changed in a flash, he didn’t believe that a woman he abandoned almost18 years ago would one day be standing in front of him and worst part would be his Lady Boss. He was lost in thoughts, did she remember who I am, after everything I did to her, why would she give me a job. Jenna I knew was not a forgiving person. Christopher broke into a cold sweat, the room was suffocating for him, and he needed to leave as soon as he could.

He quickly walked out of the venue and went to the washroom, he didn’t believe that his life could be worse that the past years he’s lived. He wondered why God was pushing him and why he waited for so long to end his life. Seeing Jenna again after so many years brought back many mixed feelings, he remembered how he kicked her out of the house without caring where she was going, he never gave her a chance, considering he was the reason she left home.

While Christopher was busy torturing himself, the party on the other side continued so well, Jenna gave her welcoming speech and everyone in Sanku Corporations was looking forward to seeing two beautiful women run the company to another level, Julie and Sam were busy swallowing their jealousy and cursing Jenna in their mind. The party went well and it ended around 9p.m. when Kayla and Jenna decided it was time to head home and rest, so they lead their respective loved ones out of the venue, both went to their cars and drove away.

Christopher was in the parking lot, his mind still messed up, he watched this two families get into their cars and drive away. He also decided he needed to head home, it was already late and wanted to check on his daughter before she slept.

He got into his car and drove home. His weekend wasn’t a good one, his past tormented him, and has never felt this way before, he’s gone through so many challenges and obstacles in the last 18 years, but his past catching up with him was like ending his life, he felt he can’t be redeemed, he didn’t see any hope left for him, he believed that was one way of God punishing him.

Christopher recalled everything that happened between Jenna and him, the promises that he made but was quick to break them. He’d want to say he was young and stupid but Jenna was young too and didn’t think of what she had sacrificed for them to be together, he didn’t try but gave up so quickly. Why is fate so cruel? Christopher asked himself, he has been through many ups and downs but this memory of his past hurt him more and didn’t have of a way out.

Kayla, Jenna and their families spent the weekend together, Kayla got the opportunity to meet her parents again since they came to visit Bellah, and she was emotional about seeing her parents was a privilege, she was happy that they were ok and are part of her daughter’s life which was life a dream come true. Its true death has a way of mending people and she wondered if her parent’s would be in her life if she was still alive, I guess she’ll never know.

Kayla remembered they were to spend Easter together and heard her parents saying that her brothers were finally coming home after a very long time. Kayla was quick to suggest inviting them for Easter since she had promised Bellah to invite them back to Kajiado for her upcoming birthday which is during Easter this year, her place was big enough to accommodate everyone including her parents and siblings and she didn’t want this opportunity to pass her. “Say yes please, Kajiado is so much fun and I know you’ll enjoy it too grandpa and grandma, also I’d love to have you and my uncles to celebrate my birthday with me,” Bellah told them with pleading eyes.

They couldn’t say no to their granddaughter, so they accepted the invitation. Kayla was over the moon, she thought she might have a heart attack and die for the second time; this was the first time in her new life to be with her whole family and will be the first time celebrating Bellah’s birthday.

All weekend newspapers had the headline of an upcoming beautiful and young lady CEO doing well in the so-called the Men’s World and despite inheriting it from her late father not many thought she’d go so far considering her background which attracted many people, some media companies called it from rags to riches CEO. Kayla didn’t care about it and maintained her usual low profile, but now the media was interested in this two women and wanted to know how they’ll work and move the company to the next level and even surpass the expectation of everyone else.

The weekend ended so fast. Kayla and Jenna went to work early to welcome their employees, Kayla treated Jenna more of a partner than her employee.

Christopher was among the first people to come in, after a long weekend pondering about his unlucky fate, the had told himself that he needed to quit and look for another job even though this job had a good salary and benefits too, after pacing up and down for an hour he decided to knock on Jenna’s office door and hand in his resigning in hope that they won’t ask him to pay for the hefty compensation for breach of contract.

Before he could knock, he heard a voice from inside, come in please, Christopher was startled, how did she know I was on the door yet she’s looking on her computer, he pushed the door and went inside, “Morning Boss, I’m sorry to bother you this early but I’m here to hand over my resignation letter.” Jenna raised her head and look at Christopher who was talking with a trembling voice. Please sit down, she replied.

Jenna smiled and put aside everything she was working on and looked at Christopher who was too ashamed to even look at her in the eyes. She cleared her voice and started to talk and in a calm way that even scared the hell out of Christopher. “ when I came across you cv, my memories from 18 years ago came back, I had tried my best never to remember someone like you but I guess fate had different plans for me, I had cursed you so many times when I could go without food, you are the reason I haven’t seen my parents for 18 years, but now I don’t hate you anymore because if you didn’t kick me out, I’d not have met my late husband, my late friend Bel and even be sitting in this chair today.

It seems like fate has not been fair to you too, I thought I was being punished for leaving home without my parents’ blessings and where we’re standing now, life has been lenient to me and just comparing both of us, my anger and hatred for you just vanished even though I had promised myself that if I was not meet you in the next life I’d make you pay for my suffering.

Christopher was holding his breathe, he broke into a cold sweat, he expected Jenna to be so angry but her calm state made him uneasy. Jenna continued after a short while, I know you’re going through some challenges and you also have a sick daughter that’s the reason I gave you this job, take it as a new beginning for both of us, I have no hard feelings towards you, don’t expect favors from me, we’re just employees of Sanku Corporations, don’t give me a reason to dismiss you either. Christopher didn’t believe what he was hearing, a woman he hurt so bad was not seeking revenge, is it possible that people actually change? His mind was still messed up.

Jenna rose from her chair and stretched her hand towards Christopher, “welcome to Sanku Corporations Mr. Matata, I look forward to working with you and hope you won’t disappoint me and make me regret giving you this chance,” Christopher hesitated for a while then shake her hand, “thank you, I promise to do my best not to let you down again.”

He turned and walked out of the door to go back to his office, still not believing that Jenna forgave him and even gave him a job which was well paying with good benefits. How many people are given chances in this life, did my past had to catch up with me like this?  Christopher paused and made his way back to Jenna’s office.  Knocked on the door and was permitted to go in, this time Jenna was not alone, Kayla was in too.

I’m sorry I thought you were alone, I’ll come back another time when you’re not busy, he turned to leave but Jenna told him to say whatever brought him back. He looked and both women and decided since he’s been given an okey, he better not waste it.

“I just wanted to say I’m sorry for the way I treated you 18 years ago, I know it

doesn’t make things right, I hope someday you find it in your heart to forgive me. I don’t expect you to be my friend, but hopefully one day I’ll earn your forgiveness. I’ll now take my leave.” He turned and left without waiting for any response from Jenna.

Christopher felt like a heavy load have been lifted off his chest, he can even feel his body was light, he understood why he always had many obstacles in life and whenever he got a solution to one problem another one occurred. He felt happiness coming back, he could see light in his life again. He felt like a new

person, it didn’t matter if Jenna was to forgive him but at least he got a chance to apologize and will prove to her she didn’t a mistake offering him a job. He

walked into his office and settled in ready to start on the projects they had in place.

After Christopher left Jenna’s office, Kayla looked at her friend, she saw her teary eyes, walked over and

gave her a hug, in a low voice she told her, “it’s okey, take it one step at a time. Jenna looked at Kayla

and smiled at her and replied back. “It’s been so many years, I cursed him many times in my heart for so

long that I even lost track of my counts, I hated him, I’ve carried this heavy burden in my heart for 18

years and just hearing him apologize, the little hatred for him just disappeared completely.”

Kayla let out a loud laughter that made everyone in the office turn to look at Jenna’s office. Sometimes a

simple apology can change so much in a person’s life and fate just did that to give you another chance to

be happy. I’m thinking the Heavens have just given you a chance to love again now that the luggage

you’ve been carrying has been off loaded. Hey tell me if you want me to introduce you to some of my

friends I’ll be happy to do so.

Look who is talking? Jenna cheeky smile and continued, “If I remember correctly, you’re single with no boyfriend, at least I’ve been married before, what about you Madam CEO? I already had my dream wedding and met the man I loved and loved me back, so I have no regrets in life but if one day the

Heavens decides to give me another chance to love and be loved, I’d take it with both my hands but for

now I’m happy just being a mother, the girls are growing up so fast, so if I started dating I might not have

much time with them. I wish Bel were here, sometimes I wonder if she were alive, would she still be

married

to Sam or would she have divorced him? I guess I will never know.”

I’d have loved to meet this friend of yours, you talk about her with love, Kayla interrupted her loud

thoughts, her heart was heavy, after everything that have happened, she understood how much she meant

to Jenna and promised herself

to return ten times what she’s given her daughter and love her more, she

has been beside her for so long but still can’t tell her that she was alive but in

someone’s body. She

patted her on the back and quickly left her office, she

didn’t want Jenna to see tears in her eyes.

Jenna wiped tears on her face and went back to work, they already had there first project to work on so

she thought it would be good to concentrate on work rather than dwell on her past, though she was

somehow happy, she was slowing getting over her past and even though Kayla was right, she needs to

give herself a chance to be happy, Bel used to tell her that all the time.

Kayla walked to Christopher's office and talked to him about Jenna's parents,

She wanted him to give her information on Jenna's family and their home, he didn't ask many

questions and besides it's his boss who was asking. With the details that Christopher gave

out, made it easier for her to trace her parents without many hassles. After their

chat she chuckled and left his office.

Time sure knows how to move fast when there is so much to be done, Kayla

Talked to herself, she needed to head back to Kajiado to take care of the other

businesses, it was almost lunch time and everyone seemed to be busy, she

decided to treat her new employees for lunch, she ordered food from one of the

hotels nearby their office before she left with her grandparents. She didn't

stay

behind to eat with them because she needed to have lunch with her old

folks before they head home.

It was finally good to be home after so many days away, Kayla’s grandmother

Lamented with a smile. I guess they had missed their usual life but were willing to give it up just to

watch their granddaughter happy. It had become part of their live to accompany her when she goes to 

city for business.

They refreshed up and both had a cup of tea while watching TV, the house helps were busy preparing dinner for them. Kayla had decided to employee servants to help out in the house because she didn’t want her grandparents to work at all, but just to sit and enjoy life.

Back in the city, Jenna’s day went well too and finally called it a day and left office at around 6p.m so that she could get home on time and have dinner with her family. She felt relaxed without too much pressure on her back unlike her old job.

Christopher and the rest of the employees left office smiling because the day went well for them too and were all looking forward to their lives at Sanku Corporations.

Sam’s life was going on well despite the bad relationship with his wife Julie, he started spending more time at work than at home, he’s reached a point where by he’s being suffocated by Julie and couldn’t take it anymore so the only thing he thought of was to work hard and at least not lose the company he’s dedicated his life on.

He could even spend nights in the office just to avoid his wife. Lately his conscious has not given him any peace and Julie was making it worse for him, every now and then, Bel’s voice would resurface in his thoughts and he didn’t know who to share with, Zak was a heartless man and since the death of the two lawyers, Sam kind of became scared of him.

When Sam was being eaten away by his conscious, Christopher was busy redeeming himself from his past that has haunted him for so long. The two men were almost in the same situation but on different paths.