KOREAN I Believe

"It is Saturday and in the middle of winter. Mpho is wearing one of her favourite winter coats which she bought while she was in London visiting her staff in the London office. She likes to go to her office on Saturdays because it is nice and quiet and she can catch up on some outstanding work she could not do during the week due to her busy schedule. 

Mpho is a busy woman as she is the owner of one of the most famous Interior Design Companies in Africa. She hardly goes out with friends and boyfriends are a no-no as she is too busy building her empire and does not need a man to distract her. Mpho is surprised to find her personal assistant Memory in the office when she arrives.  She is aware that most staff members work on Saturday but not Memory.

"Morning Ms, Lesiba, how are you today?" Memory greeted her boss. Memory had been with Mpho for five years and they have a good relationship together.

"Morning Memory and please call me Mpho, how many times must I tell you that I like it when you call me by my first name?"

"I am sorry Ms Le….. I mean Mpho it’s a bad habit. It is very cold outside today."

"Yes, it is and what brings you to the office today? Last time I checked Saturdays is when you have your ‘me time’, what’s going on?"  Mpho was surprised to find her PA at work because she is someone who never compromised her weekends.

 "Well, ma’am I wanted to make sure that everything regarding Monday’s meeting with the Taiwanese visitors is all set and ready. I know this meeting is important especially since you want to extend your empire to Asia and investment by one of Taiwan Business Moguls will benefit THE PINKZ so much."

"I am very lucky to have you as a PA Memory,  you are so efficient and you know how to run things here at home, well let me not disturb you see you later. "

Mpho left the main reception and takes the lift to her office which is on the fourth floor. She has a big office with an adjournment to a boardroom which she uses in some of the meetings if she does not want to use the two boardrooms downstairs. Her office is spacious and painted in deep cream colours with paintings hanging on the wall collected from different parts of the world but the picture is of her and her son in Rome.

She smiles to herself thinking of her childhood and also feeling lonely as her parents are not here to see her success as they died in a tragic accident when she was just four years old. Her thoughts are caught by a vase with beautiful flowers, tulips, her favourite, Memory surely knows how to brighten up her office. She moves closer wanting to smell the scent of the flowers until she sees a card…

Thinking of you…meet me for lunch.

Kat.

As a yellow bone, her face turns red and she dials the reception number. Memory is busy laughing with the handsome security guy who ensures that the PINKZ is protected when she sees Mpho’s line blinking on the reception phone.

"Memory…can you please come to my office."

"Ms Lesiba…I mean Mpho, I am coming through."

Memory quickly hopped into the lift and by the tone of Mpho’s voice, she asked herself if she had done something wrong.

"You have called me, is anything alright?" Mpho was angry when she was asking Memory how did the flowers got to her office.

Memory smiled and says "They are beautiful, aren’t they? They were brought by a handsome man that I have never seen such beauty from a man  before and the car he was driving OMG out of this world!"

"Memory, please do not let that man in my building ever, actually you must send a memo to security to not allow him in future do you hear me?"

"Yes, ma’am, I thought he was your friend, I am sorry." Memory did not want to see Mpho angry and she needed this job so it was important that she should not let some mistakes that can cost her the job happen... a job that she really wants. With the way things are going in Zimbabwe, she is better off in South Africa and this job is everything to her.

"It's ok, I am sorry to snap at you. You may go back to work."

Mpho is left by herself looking at the flowers and wondering what the hell Kat is up to. He cannot just resurface after all these years, especially after she has dealt with the whole breakup issue and focused on her career...dammit Kat, why do men like to do this to women? She took the flowers and threw them into the rubbish bin, the cleaning ladies will empty the bin on Monday at least.

Well, I am not going to let Kat or anything distract me. I must focus on my preparations for Monday, a deal with Taiwan is more important than a stupid man who hurt me so much and think that flowers and lunch can erase the pain he had caused…never! While she was busy with her thoughts, her mobile phone rang and the minute she says ‘ hello’ she recognised the voice and immediately dropped the call switching off her phone. Kat, where did he get her number? Did memory gave him her number, no Memory knows very well that is not allowed to give out any employee cell phone number to anyone, that is a company policy.

She took her laptop bag which was lying on the table as she just walked in and took the lift and go downstairs.

"Memory, please have security next to my office and screen all my calls as from Monday. I am going home, I will work from there. Don’t forget to speak to the catering company to include Braised pork rice and Beef noodles in the menu for our Monday meeting with Mr Chih Ming and his delegates he loves his pork rice and I want him to be happy. Also follow up with Palazzo hotel to include glutinous oil rice, oyster pancakes and oyster vermicelli for dinner later on Monday."

"It’s all done Mpho, relax everything will go well. I have also booked them with 'Ride Chauffers’ to take them to different exciting places in the city when they are free."

"Thank you very much Memory and please go home when you are done and go and have your ‘me time’.

Bye Memory."

Mpho went to the open parking lot where she prefers to park than basement parking as she finds it easy to get inside her car if she is in a hurry. There are few cars on the parking lot because is Saturday. She looked at the building and its structure and she smiles and says ‘Thank you Lord for blessing me’. She put on her music and off she goes, home is where she is going but she thought of passing by the store to get herself a bottle of Chardonnay as she loves drinking it when it is cold after she is done with her work. 

Lagos Nigeria

Emma Okonke

Emma Okonke is a tall dark girl that can be mistakenly for a beauty pageant. She is sitting in her large office, thinking of her childhood dreams and asking herself how she got here.  Her office is facing the sea and she owns one of the biggest building in Lagos which not only house her oil executives but other businesses as well that specialises in cassava flour,  Cotton, Snail and Ginger and all are doing well.

Emma is going through the audit report and she is happy that the books they look great, thanks to the Chartered accountant that Mr Frank Chinamayakobvu suggested that she worked with after firing Mr Otto since he was not competent enough and he was making the business not to grow. Mr Frank...she says to herself, if it was not for him she would not be where she is today.

Emma met Mr. Chinamayakobvu or Bra Frank as known by many when she was sixteen years old and staying in the streets of Lagos. She left home when she was thirteen after her parents divorced and joined a group of street children aged thirteen to seventeen who were homeless.  The street children used to entertain passers-by with their singing, dancing and poetry in return of being given food or some naira notes.

Emma’s voice caught Bra Franks attention one day while he was driving by the busy streets of Lagos. He saw a tall dark girl wearing old and dirty clothes but she was enjoying what she was doing. He immediately talked to his driver to stop the car and he gets out. He was smitten with a beautiful melody coming out of a young girl’s voice and he asked her what her name is.

"What is your name, young girl?" 

"My name is Emma," Emma said with a beautiful voice.

"You have a beautiful voice; do you know who I am?"

"Everybody knows who you are…. you are Bra Frank." it was Emma responding back to Frank.

"Good girl, Emma, I would like you to come with me."

 "Why if I may ask?"

"I want to give you an opportunity that can change your life."

Emma looked at her friends and Bra Frank, she was not sure of what to do until one of the other kids says to Emma, "Go with him he will make you famous like Lindi, you will sing at his night clubs and other places!"

"Your friends are right, you have a talent that will be wasted if you stay in the street."

Emma got in Frank’s car and drove with him until they reached a big compound with a glass door and a huge wall.  That’s how her life changed from being a street kid to an oil magnate.

FRANKS’ RESIDENCE

Chineke...it was Emma looking at a building in front of her. She was looking at the most beautiful house she has ever seen. "I beg…is this your house, Mr Frank?"

"Yes, it is one of my houses where you will be staying with the other girls, I stay on the other parts of the city with my family. This house I build specifically for young people that I am nurturing, you will like it here." The house is run by a house manager Jonathan Oyube and House Madame Mary Moses who looks after the property and ensures that business is running smoothly. Bra Frank was very proud of what he had achieved so far. He had many businesses which were doing well and one of them was running an escort agency.

Emma looked amazed and she had few questions to ask especially when she heard Bra Franks said this is 'where you and the other girls stay' but she dismissed the question and followed Bra Frank inside the house. The furniture inside was nothing she has ever seen and she was introduced to  Madame Mary who quickly took her to the bathroom and let her bath with some nice soap and when she was done there was a lovely dress waiting for her in a nice room which she was told it will be her room.

Bra Frank gave strict commands to Madame Mary that Emma should not share a room with the other girls as he has other plans for her. Madame Mary knew too well not to ask Frank hence she ensured that Emma got the best room overlooking the city with a lovely view. Emma stayed in her room and she felt strange and the thoughts of her childhood came back when she was growing up in Abuja in a nice house not exactly like this but it was a warm and lovely home until her father dated their nanny and her parents’ marriage collapsed. She drifted to sleep and she was surprised when she woke up it was dark.

Madame Mary knocked on the room and asked Emma to come with her downstairs as Bra Frank would like to talk to her before he leaves. When Emma went downstairs, Bra Frank’s eyes could not believe the beautiful young girl in front of him compared to a dirty street girl he picked up five hours early in the busy streets of Lagos. She has been transformed and he thought of how much money she could bring him but something told him that the girl is special and he would not want her to be touched by any man at least for now.

"Emma look at you, that dress looks good on you,"  Frank said as he looked at Emma.

Emma looked at the mirror on the passageway and yes she was looking beautiful and she could not believe it was the street kid from Lagos who was now staying in a beautiful house.

"Thank you bra Frank." Emma expressed her gratitude.

"Frank. Call me, Frank… I want you to join me in dinner with few of my friends before I go, you are hungry aren’t you?"

Emma nodded her head and she was thinking what Bra Frank is up to? Inviting her to dinner with his business friends…she will see, anyway, there is nothing to lose.

Emma followed Bra Frank to the dining hall where there was a large table with loads of food and there were men in suits with beautiful girls wearing some short dresses, not like the one she was wearing. Frank asked Emma to come sit next to him as she was the guest of honour.

"My friends, please meet Emma Okonke… she will be staying in the house and she is replacing Onica and will be the new girl who will entertain guests at the night club."

All people looked at Emma and wondered what happened to Onica but it is none of their business.

"Emma please feel free when you are here, it is now your new home. When we are done with dinner, I want you to sing a short and sweet song you were singing earlier when I met you." Frank wanted his associate to also hear the sweet voice that this young girl possesses.

Emma looked down on her plate and said: "That’s okay Bra Frank." She was so excited about the food, clothes, the house and she tried to pinch herself if what is happening was real. After dinner, Emma took the mic, there was a young man in his twenties sitting by the piano who started to hit a note and Emma opened her mouth. It was a sweet melodic voice that people on the table has ever had, she was nothing like Onica, Emma was beautiful, she may come from the streets but she knows how to carry herself and that confidence. She sang with all her heart when she was done everybody clapped their hands and to the other girls, jealousy was written all over their faces.

"Thank you, Emma, that was beautiful. You may come and sit down or if you are tired you can go back to your room. I will see you tomorrow morning."

"Good night Mr Frank and all of you."

Emma took the stairs back to her room and the girls were looking at her with envy.

Tommy Chinete one of Frank’s business associate asked Frank…"Where did you get this jewel from Frank?"

"Downtown...she was a street kid and I could tell that talent is there it needs someone like me to help unleash it. There are a lot of wasted talent downtown and I could not let this one go."

"Frank, she does not only have a good voice, but she is also beautiful…those legs, the Russians can pay a lot of money for her. She is still fresh and she can generate a lot of cash into the business." It was Bra Frank’s associate talking to Frank.

"You are right, she is beautiful and she can generate money to the business but I don’t want her to be a call girl, there is something about her that I like, I think she could be more than a call girl. First I will ask Rudi to take her to the studio tomorrow and record two tracks. To keep her busy, I will find her a tutor to teach her during the day and at night she will entertain my guests as a singer, not a call girl."

"I hear you, Frank." Tommy knew Frank very well and he would not just invest in someone unless that person is worth investing on.

Upstairs Emma is struggling to sleep. It is a nice bed, lovely comforter, unlike the old torn blanket she used to share with three other children under the bridge. The room is quite unlike the noise of cars passing by the bridge but she still could not sleep. It was difficult for her to accept that her life was changing. Is it for the good or what?

It is Saturday the following morning Emma hears a knock on the door and when she opens her eyes she could see that it was already morning. She looked at the clock in the bedside it was fifteen minutes after eight.

"Come in," Emma responded to the knock on the door. The door opened it was Madame Mary.

"Good morning Emma, how did you sleep?"

"Good morning Madame, I slept well. I still can’t believe it is me."

"It is you child is just that things have changed now. Please go and shower and change to new clothes, you must have breakfast with the other girls before Rudi comes and pick you up."

"Rudi, who is Rudi and where is he taking me?"

"Rudi is the producer of DOTCOM Records, Franks asked him to take you to the studio and record some few songs."

"Oh my god, me recording songs in the studio, I am not a professional. I would not know what to do?"

"Don’t worry Emma, Frank knows what he is dong and besides, Rudi is one of the best producers in Nigeria."

Emma quickly stepped inside the shower when she came out Madame Mary was holding a hairdryer, a comb and a moisturiser. She was given strict orders that she should ensure that Emma looks beautiful and that’s what she is going to do. Emma, naturally she is a black beauty but with a bit of make-up, a nice dress she will be transformed into a beauty. When Madame Mary was done with Emma, she could not believe the girl standing to her is the same girl which Frank brought home dirty and smelling.

"You are a beautiful girl, I just hope that Frank sees that and not use you like the other girls." Madame Mary was worried about how young girls were used for wrong reasons and there was nothing she can do.

"What do you mean when you say you just hope Frank does not use me like the other girls?"

"Let’s go downstairs food is waiting, you must have proper food before Rudi gets here."

Emma sensed that there was something Madame Mary was not telling her, she might be working for Frank but she does not like what he is doing to young girls. Emma closed her room and followed Madame downstairs.

Kamogelo Mmusi

OR Tambo International airport (South Africa)

Kamogelo Mmusi, Botswana former beauty queen just got off from a plane from home, coming to Johannesburg to check on her business Mmasentle clinic.  When she went to the baggage reclaim, two of her bags are missing and she was ushered to the control room where a young handsome man in his late twenties asked her to sit down. Normally Kamo as she is known by her peers she is a drama queen who always throws tantrums when things are not going her way. Ronald is the name of the security manager assisting Kamo about her lost luggage.

He went through different flights schedules and it seems as Kamo’s luggage went on the wrong flight when she left Gaborone.

"I am sorry ma’am, according to this schedule, your luggage was loaded on a wrong flight but it will be here within the next three hours. We apologised for the mistake and inconvenience. Anything we can do for you ma’am while we wait? My name is Ronald." He was the most handsome guy that Kamo has seen in her life.

"Ehhhh what’s your name again... yes Ronald, I have an appointment with a very important client in an hour’s time. Some of the things that I must use on my appointment they are on the same luggage that you are saying it will be here in the next three hours and my appointment will be gone so does my business."

"Ma’am, I wish there is something that I can do but the only thing that is left is to wait for the flight. How about we ask one of our chauffeur who drives executives to drop you to your office and when the luggage arrives, I will personally come and drop it. I am also requesting that if possible you communicate with your client and move the appointment with four hours, I hope they will understand."

"Thank you very much Ronald but you don’t understand the importance of this appointment; it is not any other appointment. I am meeting the First Lady of DRC who is here accompanying her husband on SADC meeting and they have busy schedules. It is not any other appointment that I can just cancel or move."

"You have an appointment with DRC First Lady, she is very sweet that one, actually is a friend to our CEO, let me ask her to talk to her, I am sure they can work something."

"I don’t want my clients to think that I am not capable of running my business but anyway you can speak to your CEO to talk to the First Lady."

"What kind of business are you into ma’am if you don’t mind me asking?" It was Ronald curious of the beautiful face in front of her.

 Kamo with a smile on her beautiful face responded..first you must call me Kamo everybody calls me that. Have you ever heard of Mmasentle Clinics? If you have not heard about it, it’s one of Johannesburg most visited beauty clinic with small offices in other countries like Botswana, DRC, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Nigeria and other countries. 

"Masentle...I know about the clinics, my sister is a regular there. And is expensive but I think with the service that the clinic offers is worth it. And what do you do there, are you one of the beauty therapist or what?"

Kamo more relaxed… "Well, I am the owner of Mmasentle and my clients come first hence I am disturbed with the appointment with DRC first lady."

Ronald with disbelief in his voice, "You mean to tell me that you are Kamogelo Mmusi the former Botswana beauty queen who most people…" before he continues he started to stutter because he was going to say something not nice about Kamo.

"What do people say about me Ronald, you may say it that I should know. Without knowing it I will not be able to change it."

Before Ronald could answer, his phone rang, it was the PA to the Airport CEO who wanted Kamo to come to her office.

"Thank you, Pam, we will be there in a minute. Well, Ms Mmusi, it was the CEO she is asking you to join her, she has DRC first Lady on the line."

That was quick. It was Kamo surprised that they have DRC first lady on the line already. Kamo followed Ronald to a lovely office where they were both ushered in by a beautiful girl; it might be Pam that’s what Kamo thought.

"Hi, Pam…you always look beautiful, Boss lady called me and our guest," Ronald spoke so sincerely to Pam.

"Thank you, Ron, you can go in she is waiting."

Ronald opened the door and let Kamo enter first then he followed.  The CEO showed them where to sit. Ronald does not come to this office often unless there is a problem with clients like today. He had full confidence that if there is someone who can resolve Ms Mmusi’s problem is the beautiful woman sitting on the other side of the room. She was on the phone but she hung up and told the person on the line that she will call back in two minutes.

"Hello Ms Mmusi, my name is Olga and I am the CEO of Airports Security. My apology with your luggage, I heard you have an appointment with DRC first lady in an hour’s time and you won’t make it because some of the things you wanted to use were on your luggage."

"Nice to meet you Olga and apology accepted…it's just that I don’t want the first lady to think that I am no longer capable of running my business, she has been my client for quite some time, she is the reason I have also opened Mmasentle in DRC."

"That is true Kamo, customers should be treated with respect and dignity hence we are also doing our best that your luggage arrives and you still honour your appointment although it will be on a different time. When you came in, I was with Marie-Olive on the phone; I told her I would call her back. I have already explained to her and apologised and she is so understanding. Let me call her back to put you at ease."

Olga dialled the hotel room where the First Lady is staying and put the phone on a speaker.

The voice on the other phone…said: "You are speaking to the First Lady of DRC, how can I help you?"

"Hello, Marie it’s me Olga. I have Kamo on the line with me she is so worried about your appointment. I was trying to explain to her that since it was my people who misplaced her luggage, I have apologised to you and you understood that circumstances do happen. Can you please tell her that the appointment is still on and it will work perfectly since the meeting you were supposed to attend with the President is moved to later tonight?"

"Hello Kamo, you are such a darling and I know how much you care for your clients. When Olga told me that she has you and explained what happened I completely understood. But do not worry, I will come to the clinic at 15:30 in time before I joined the President for dinner with other SADC leaders. And how was your flight from Singapore to Botswana now you are in South Africa? You are such a busy lady!" The First lady understood Kamo's situation.

"Thank you for understanding First Lady…I  will make sure that today I am the one who will work on your face to make up for the lost time. My flight was okay although I am jet legged but I will go and have a lovely sleep after my appointments."

"See you soon and Olga thank you for all your troubles."

"Take care les ami, see you tomorrow." It was Ron’s boss saying goodbye to the first lady.

"You called her les ami, are you that close to the first lady?"

"Oh yes Marie and I grew up together, I studied in DRC when my parents were in exile. We became friends from first grade until university. I was her best lady when she married the president."

Kamo could not believe that Ronald’s boss can be a friend to the first lady. She, on the other hand, had few friends from primary that were still friends. "Thank you for speaking to the first lady. I think it will be better if I go to the clinic and look at some admin before my appointment."

"It is always a pleasure, we pride ourselves by taking care of our clients. Ronald please be a darling and make sure that Ms Mmusi gets to her office quickly."

"Consider it done boss." Kamo could sense that Ronald and Olga a good working relationship.

Kamo and Ronald left the office and Ronald asked Kamo to wait at the reception as he had to take the keys for his car in his office. Ronald quickly came back and ask Kamo to follow him to the parking for him to drop her at the office.

Ronald’s car was something out of this earth, the leather seats, music, the interior was so beautiful that you can mistakenly take it for a girl’s car. The same thing that happened to Kamo when she laid her eyes to Ronald earlier came back, 'this young man is hot and I would not mind to have him as a Ben 10 when I am in Mzansi'. She did not want Ronald to think otherwise since he was still going to come back later to drop her luggage. She is going to ask him to join her for dinner when he comes back. For now, she will play a good girl and enjoy to be driven by such a handsome young man.

"Ronald, how long have you been working at the airport?" Kamo asked starting a conversation.

"Its been three years mam. I love my work!"

"I can imagine having to deal with dissatisfied customers like me is something to enjoy," Kamo says that with an irony in the tone of her voice.

"It is not every day but we have been properly trained on customer service and I would not say you are a difficult client I would have done the same if it was my luggage as well."

"Ja

"Not at all Ms Mmusi, anyway, what made you focus on the business of beauty, I mean why not any other business?"

Kamo felt that Ronald is getting to where she wants, he is interested in her life is a good sign; well she will not have to do a lot than she expected.

"I grew up participating in beauty pageants that’s where my love for beauty started. When I was crowned Miss Botswana in 2010 I was doing my degree in Engineering which I dropped and did Dermatology after visiting some of the rural regions in Botswana and saw many young women having skin problems and I said to myself I will open a beauty clinic which will help treat skin condition and also mentor young women to have self-esteem."

"Your clinic is one of the expensive places not everyone can afford, how is that related to what you just said?"

"I know it seems like is not the truth, believe it or not, Mmasentle was born in rural Botswana and for two years I enjoyed helping young women treating their skin and coaching them until a certain benefactor who I will not mention visited my clinic and he was charmed with my work and in three months’ time, he had helped me to grow my business to be what it is today."

"Wow, a certain benefactor," Ronald said that with a sense of jealousy in his voice. "How did he help you and why was he interested in your business?"

"Let’s just say he saw that I had what it takes to grow my business, he introduced me into right people which includes mentors, attending beautician workshops, taught me how to develop a business plan, ask for funding which events to attend and who should I network with, as they say, the rest is history Mmasentle is in four different African countries including DRC. And why do I sense a bit of jealousy on your question?" Kamo asks more relaxed now, it’s like she has known Ronald for ages.

"I am not jealous it's just that I was struggling to understand how someone you have never met before gets so excited and helps you to turn your clinic into a renowned beauty clinic in Africa."

Kamo could feel that Ronald is a bit jealous by the way he is speaking but she did not want to show him that actually she like his caring.

"Thank you, Ronald, we have arrived, and thank you again for driving me and you are a good driver."

"It’s my pleasure ma’am, it's the little I can do after all that happened earlier. I will ask one of the drivers to come and drop your luggage later."

Kamo with a bit of disappointment on her voice, "A driver? I thought you were going to bring the luggage yourself and maybe we could do dinner."

"I am sorry ma’am, I have a lot of work that I need to go through before weekend and besides, our company’s policy does not want us to socialise with clients."

"Company policy does not want you to socialise with clients, I wouldn’t call dinner socialising, I wanted to say thank you for assisting after I gave you a hard time."

"Let me get your number, I will give you a call when I am more flexible then I will show you some of the lovely joints in Jozi."

Kamo gave Ronald her business card and said to Ronald; "I cannot wait for that call. Take care Ronald and what about me getting your number?"

"Oh yes, here is my card too, you can call me anytime."

Kamo gets out of the car and took her hand luggage and walked towards Mmasentle building, when she turned back Ronald was looking at her still in the parking lot and she smiled at him as she opens the door to the reception.

She closed the door behind her and she was all happy that Ronald was into her and by the look of it, she is planning to have a lot of fun with him. She had learned from an early age how to control the opposite sex and Ronald will not be that difficult.

Los Angeles, USA

Nora Muhammad

Nora is a Moroccan girl who grew up in Hollywood. Her mother and father were famous Moroccan actors who appeared in some movies and made names for themselves.  Norah went to famous schools and she studied law at the University of Los Angeles. She spent most of her time if not busy with her assignment and research work at the studio where her parents were filming. Before she knows it the love of the film industry began, unlike her parents, hers was not to be on the screens but to be the part of something that people will watch and talk about.

She persuaded her parents to talk to the director of the film they were busy with to give her an in-service training as a Production assistant. Her parents told her that she does not have a background but she told them that she will give her best to learn all there is to know in the film industry.

Norah is in the studio on Saturday when her mother calls her in her dressing room. She is busy preparing for the rehearsal of the movie ‘The Dome’ when she asks her make-up artist to call her daughter. Norah knocked on her mother dressing room and she was welcomed by a lovely voice from inside the room.

"Norah, I am glad you could join us today.  I have some good news." It was Norah’s mother ‘Aya Muhammad’

"Okay…what is it, mother?"

"Remember you asked me and your father to speak to Mr John right? Well, he has agreed to take you in the youth service training. You will be joining a group of 9 young graduates who will be trained in different roles and since you said you can start from anywhere, you will be a production assistant on the movie we are busy with."

Nora feeling overwhelmed and happy at the same time jumped to her mother and hugged her.

"Thank you... thank you so much, mother. This has been wonderful news I have been waiting for. Production assistant, runner or whatever I will take it. It does not matter all I need is a chance to learn so that I can develop my own dream…thank you again mother."

"Okay take a deep breath and please don’t mess up my makeup, I will be going on set in ten minutes, I just wanted to share with you the good news before your father because I know he is dying to tell you." her mother said, she was not only a good actress but also one of the beautiful faces on the screens in Hollywood.

"Whether it’s you who breaks the news or dad it does not matter to me, the fact is now I have an opportunity to learn and I am going to maximise this opportunity to the fullest. And mother when do we start with the programme?"

"Mr John will let you know in the next thirty minutes as to when you will be starting but if I were you I would start preparing now."

Nora left her mother in the dressing room and quickly went outside, she wanted to have a chat with her father before they started shooting.

"There you are, I have been looking all over for you. Mr John has been asking of you. Where have you been?"

"I was in mom’s dressing room when she told me the good news."

"Oh, Aya can’t she learn to keep quiet? It is not her responsibility to tell you is Mr John."

"Father, I am sure she did not mean to disrespect Mr John I think she was just excited that now I have the opportunity to learn the art behind film making."

"That’s ok, I didn’t mean to worry you, come on let's go into the main studio others are there already."

Father and daughter holding hands opened those big doors in Hollywood and passed three sets before they reach the main studio.

"Here we are, darling, let's go and greet Mr John." Even though Nora grew up in Hollywood watching her parents starring in many roles, she was not exposed to this kind of a studio.

It was a big studio, with many lights, lovely sets enriched with deep colours. It looks like those sets she watched on television and of course, they were pictures of her parents on the side of the set.

"Wow father this is lovely and big…am I going to be part of this dream? I cannot thank you and mother enough."

"There you are, I was wondering where you are, please come and join the others as I will be taking you through what you are expected to do." Mr John said to Nora. Nora was blushing but she quickly joins others as it was said. Mr John is tall and well build man, Nora was asking herself where she has seen him before, then she remembered that he starred in many movies before he became a director and she was happy that the internship will not be boring after all as she will be mentored by one of the greatest in Hollywood.

"Morning everyone, welcome to Dream Pictures and I am Mr John for those who don’t know me, next to me is a team of professionals, best on their trade and they will be working with you for the entire year. All you need to know about pictures and sound, they will take you through. Your time here at Dream Pictures will include written exams one mid-year and the other end of the year, I understand all of you have a degree or something relevant which is going to be easy as you know what is expected of you.

And if you fail mid-exam you are out, here we want people that are hard workers and they should be determined. This industry is a very difficult one and if you want a piece of it or to become one of it, you better work hard boys and girls. Any question?" Mr John finished his speech and everyone suddenly felt nervous yet excited at the same time.

A handsome guy who might be in his early twenties raised his hand,

"Mr John, you mentioned about two tests, what do we do during the course of the year, do we sit in a classroom or do we follow around the people that you just said they will be showing us what is expected of us?"

"What is your name young man?" Mr John asked the guy who can be mistakenly for an actor.

The young man replied, "I am Dwayne Mr John."

"Thank you, Dwayne, I think you have asked a very important question which I think many of you might have it but afraid to ask as it is your first day. Well to clarify what is expected of you, you are all here for different programmes. The first three months you will be doing theory learning all there is to know about the film industry. You will write assignments bi-weekly and you will pass them, you will not have a life, and you will have too much work to go through.

After the three months, you will each go to your respective mentor who you will shadow, learning everything related to your programme. People that are in front of you, will be your best friends for the entire year, they will not assess you but they will recommend if you can progress, so don’t piss them off, do whatever you can to learn them, kiss their feet, bring them lunch or whatever to stay close to them and learn from them, they are good on their game as I mentioned earlier. Believe you me, when you leave here you will be the best because you would have learned from the best. Any further questions?"

The interns look at Mr John and did not say anything. "Well if there are no questions, follow me as I will be showing you around different departments, introducing you to some of the people that you will work with and by the way, after today, you might not even see me as most of the time I spend in the set or in my office of which I don’t think any of you will come unless there is an issue that your mentor is unable to resolve but looking at all bunch of you, I think you will do good."

"Argh, this man is so full of himself," it was a tall and light-skinned girl whispering to the other next to her, and the other girl giggles.

"What's so funny?" The girls kept quiet.

Mr John continued and said, "You can’t say nothing and if you want to continue with the course you better step in front and share the joke with us." The girl who was laughing suddenly became frightened and said,

"Angela here was saying you are too full of yourself and I thought it was funny."

"It was funny that I am too full of myself or what she was saying was funny? Well, the two of you I think I should make an example with. Because you think I am too full of yourself, today you will join the cleaning ladies and scrub all the toilets, I mean all and look at this place is big. Tomorrow I will go to each and every bathroom in this section to see if you have clean accordingly. By the way, Angela is my daughter, I know many of you got an opportunity to be here because of a parent or someone you know, well don’t take that advantage because it does not work here."

All the interns were shocked and Angela and her friend left the group with a short and bald man who was taking them to where the cleaning people are.

"If there are no funny jokes to share let's continue with our tour. I will repeat it again, this industry needs dedicated people. I know Angela will be the first one to fall off this programme, she does not take things seriously. I brought her here to learn some responsibility and save her from herself which I will wait and see."

After the whole Angela thing, everyone was composed and follow Mr John quietly. It took them five hours to tour the whole studio before they break to lunch.

After lunch, all were called to join in the filming of a movie that was in progress to see what goes on behind the scene. This was what Nora has been waiting for, real action she was thinking to herself and she could feel that it was going to be a great afternoon. To her surprise, when she entered in she saw a magical performance between the two co-stars, a man and woman who were doing a love scene, and when she looked closely she realised it was her parents, the chemistry between the two of them was great no wonder their life was so great, they spend much time together and they share a passion in what they do.

Nora was so proud of them when she also sees envy from the other group who don’t know that those two were her parents. From that moment she told herself that it was time to build her own legacy and she would use this opportunity to do the best she can.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Mr John called for the intern's attention, "The film you are watching now is called ‘When love calls’ the craft you saw is the dedication of all people involved not only the talent you saw but from a cleaner, production assistant, runner, director, producer, writer to name the few, all of them have a role to play for the success of this film. What does that mean? It mean that you boys and girls, if you work hard is only a matter of time and you will find yourself as part of the community.  Any question?"

The guy who asked a question earlier in the morning raised his hand again.

"Dwayne, it seems as you are the only one having an interest on this unless you are nominated as a spokesperson. What do you want to know?"

"I understand the two lead actors are husband and wife. How do they keep it so cool and delivered their lines without any challenges? And what happens if they have a quarrel or something and they still need to come and work together, how do they keep it together?" Dwayne was so curious after watching Aya and Hadja on set together.

"Whoo!" Mr John exclaimed, "Someone is on fire but let me help you understand something about this business. The two people you just saw are professionals. It took them years to perfect their craft. Yes, they are husband and wife but they are also working. They are respected in the industry, they are dedicated and they know if they screw up it might be the end of their careers. The fact that they are husband and wife it makes it easier to direct when they are playing a love scene. Do they argue, quarrel or differ yes, of course, they do as they are humans, their daughter Nora can attest to that, isn’t Nora?" Nora nodded a little bit shy as she was caught up unexpectedly.

"But they know that the minute they enter in this premises all the crap that they may have remains outside and come and do what they are paid for."

When Mr John asked Nora and all eyes stared at her many surprised that she is a cool girl who is not attitudinal given her background.

"If there are no more questions, you have done enough for today and tomorrow you start with a real programme. Mr Long and his colleague will take care of you from tomorrow until the end of your programme. As for me, I will see you when you graduate or when there is a serious challenge that these men and women cannot resolve but given their capabilities, I don’t think there will be a point in which you will come to my office as they have all the answers. Dismissed."

The interns were happy that the day tour or orientation was done. It was fifteen minutes after five in the afternoon. Nora was tired so are the other interns.

When the interns were walking out, a tall girl from African descend extend her hand and greeted Nora. "Hi Nora, my name is Janice, I am from Nigeria. I got accepted on the programme because I studied Film and scriptwriting at the University and my marks were high. I always wanted to come and do my internship here. I would like us to work together and assist each other; I would not want to fall off the programme."

"Well, since you already know my name I don’t think is necessary to reintroduce myself, but I would like us to hang together. I think I might also learn a thing or two from you as I did entertainment law, so I am not that familiar with the technical side of the film."

"Nora if you have time to spare we can go to the cafeteria and grab a coffee, I don’t have much to do since we have not started with the programme."

"I am supposed to join my parents for early dinner but well I will ask them to go ahead, if I want to make it on this programme, I must start building relations with people that I will be working closely too."

"Thank you for considering" Janice felt a bit uneasy that she was disturbing Nora’s plans with her parents.

"There is no need for you to feel bad, well they are my parents, and we will have plenty of time to go to other dinners."

"Please accompany me to my mom’s dressing room just to let her know that I will not be joining them, then me and you are set!"

The ladies walked towards Mrs Muhammad dressing room.

Harare, Zimbabwe

Knowledge Mutemba

It is a Thursday morning and Harare has been experiencing heatwaves for the past two weeks. Knowledge can’t wait to finish her exams for her last year at University. She has done well on her undergraduate degree and because of that, she got another bursary to do her honours.

"Well, if I get another bursary or not, I need to get a job." Knowledge spoke to her roommate as she was preparing to go to the library.

"You will get the bursary, you have good brains and I don’t think you will have difficulty finding a job. And where do you want to work, are you thinking of working in government?"

Knowledge grimaced and shook her head  "Hell no, government, I won’t last a day, I have a big mouth I can get fired quickly.  I am thinking more corporate, I would like to work my way up and besides, there are lots of opportunities to grow than working for the government."

"Well, all the best," Knowledge’s roommate responded.

"And how many courses are you left with before finishing your exams?" She was asking looking at knowledge from the corner of her eye.

"I am left with two courses, its financial accounting 301 and taxation and voila…I will be going to Chitungwidzu to spend my three weeks summer before I start job hunting."

"So you won’t be going anywhere for the holidays?"

"Unfortunately, nope, I cannot afford to go on holiday and besides, my father can’t afford to pay for me, he is a foreman at a tobacco plantation and the money he earns is just enough to take care of the household. I was lucky that  when I finished my O level, I passed  all my  subjects with distinctions and I got a bursary which paid for my studies until this far."

"I remember the year you passed, all the local newspaper wrote about you. I remember one headline reading as ‘daughter of a tobacco foreman nail all O level subjects with flying colours, little did I knew that I will be your roommate for four years. Look at us now, we will be parting, I hope we will still keep in touch."

"Of course, we will Miranda. You have been one of the most important people in my life and you have made my stay easier here at the university. You didn’t judge me of my poor background but you accepted me as who I am. I would be such a fool to throw away a solid friendship like this. Speaking of jobs, where are you planning to work? I guess it will not be difficult for you to get a job anywhere."

"I will be going to London, my sister said it is easier to get good-paying job there compared to here. She has lined up some few interviews for me at the beginning of the year. All that I need to do is to pass all my subjects and I will be on the next flight to London."

"Wow, London. How I wish I can travel to some other parts of the country. I have only been in Chitungwidza and Harare that’s how much I have travelled. I have always told myself that once I get a good-paying job, I will travel. I will start with Cape Town in South Africa; I hear it’s very beautiful."

"I don’t think you have to wait until you have a job to go to Cape Town," Miranda said to Knowledge.

"What do you mean?" Knowledge asked her roommate.

"My 21st birthday is coming in three weeks’ time and all my friends will be joining me to celebrate it only be entering into adulthood but our last year together at the varsity and you, my friend will be speaking on my birthday as I believe you are the only person who knows me better than any of my friends." Miranda said that looking at Knowledge’s eyes.

"Wait wait..." Knowledge said trying to calm Miranda down. "What does your birthday have to do with me going to Cape Town?"

"I am celebrating my birthday in Cape Town and daddy is paying for flights and accommodation of all my friends to come and celebrate with me. And you are not going to talk yourself out of this one like you did on my 8th at Victoria Falls. I need you to be there as my best friend."

Knowledge could not believe what she was hearing, Miranda has been her best friend since they were doing their first year and they always got along. Yes, there were times that they differ like any other friends but they loved each other like sisters. Miranda has so many friends who come from a good background but is asking her Knowledge to be the main speaker at her birthday. Wow, she is asking too much.

Not that she can’t speak in front of many people, public speaking is one of her strong points, she has been heading the university debating committee from the second year and has been part of the Student Representative Council but what Miranda is asking of her is too big. First, she will have to fly to Cape Town, she has never been in a flight before and secondly to sleep in a Porsche hotel, eat good food and mix with the who’s and who’s from Zimbabwe and South Africa. She does not think she is the right person for the job.

"Thank you very much, Miranda, for considering me to be your main speaker and inviting me to join you in your celebration but what you are asking of me is too big for me. I need to get a lovely dress, get my hair done and besides, I don’t think I can speak in front of so many people that I do not know. And you know that each school holiday I join my father at the tobacco plantation doing some work to get money to use when the New Year starts. I will need to earn some cash to use for transportation when I start job hunting early next year.  My father has already spoken to his boss that I help out on the finance department and have agreed."

"Knowledge my friend, relax. I am not asking you to come with me for a month; it’s only for three days. My dad has spoken to your father already as I knew you were going to say what you are saying now and your dad has agreed that you come along. As for your job at the tobacco plantation, well the CEO has agreed not only to have you for summer but to offer you a job as a trainee financial consultant well you will be in probation for six months and if you do well you are hired."

Knowledge did not look so pleased hearing all that Miranda was saying, yes she knows that Miranda likes to organise people’s lives but to go to an extent that she speaks to her father and Mr Benson is too much. Not that she does not appreciate it but she has no right to go behind her back and do that.

"You did what? Who gave you the permission to go and do that without consulting me? I know you mean well my friend but you know I don’t like it when people do things for me."

"Hold your horses Ms Mutemba, what I did was not to undermine you or what, I did that because I want my friend to celebrate my birthday with me. I know how much you want to travel but you could not due to financial constraints hence I asked my father to throw my birthday in Cape Town that you and my other friends can come along. I did not consult with you when I sent my dad to speak to your father and Mr Benson because I know you would not have let me. And I am sorry for doing that without your permission but I am not sorry that I spoke to both of them as I need my friend to be with me in Cape Town and no there is nothing you have to worry about, I have got your dress, hair and make-up covered. I have a sponsor who will be sponsoring me and my six best friends that are coming along including you. So he matter is settled no discussion."

"I don’t know how you do it Miranda but you are something.   Didn’t mean to be ungrateful or what it's just that you have done so much since I have met you and I don’t know how to repay you. But I will work hard and pay back every penny that you have spent on me."

"Knowledge, you don’t owe me anything, all that I have done, I did that out of love and our friendship means a lot to me. It's not like you are the only one who gained something from me. I think you have done more than enough to me. Remember when I came here, I was a party animal without worrying about school and you talked me through and helped me realise that parties and a fun life will not go anywhere but I need to get my degree first. You encouraged me to join your discussion group, take me along with when you go to the library and also introduced me to your world which really shaped that person that I am today. Knowledge Mutemba, you might not see it in yourself but you are a leader in the making and one day you will be a big boss in some company."

"Thank you for believing in me and appreciating the little that I have contributed in your life as I believe you did the rest. You would have chosen not to listen to me but you did and you completed your degree and honours in record time. As for paying back, I will do whatever I had to but I will pay you back. It might not be monetary but Miranda my friend if you need anything in future and I am in a position to give it to you, I will be honoured to do that to you."

"Thank you my friend and I am happy that we have settled the Cape Town issue, aren’t we supposed to go to the library or we will do that after church?"

Knowledge looked at her friend unbelievingly, how much she has changed throughout the years. She knew that Miranda and her were tight but not to this extent. Out of all her friends she has chosen her, Knowledge Mutemba the daughter of a foreman at a tobacco plantation to speak on her birthday celebrations, she could not understand it.

Why her, what’s the catch? Well, she did not want to disappoint her friends as all the groundwork and logistics were done. She better prepare herself for church and when they are back she will take a nap before going to the library.

"Let’s start at church Miranda, I want us to attend a morning service so that we can have enough time to revise on our work. We are writing early tomorrow." Knowledge said to Miranda. 

The girls finalized their preparations and got into their Sunday gear, took their bibles and head to church. It is so fortunate that the church is inside the campus so they don’t have to walk a distance nor use a transport.