"Sometimes I think life doesn't matter... That you just have to live the way you wanted. Later on, I got to realize that it is more than doing what you wanted or not. It comes to you in different forms and shapes, and what you mould it to be solely depends on you."
"What am I then moulding with this life of mine?" Isla said loudly as soon as she finished reading the WhatsApp status of her friend Serena. She had known Serena since her boarding school days, and they had become close friends over the years.
Their friendship began when one of their teachers asked a question in class that Isla had no idea about. Serena, who sat next to her, had discreetly leaned over and whispered the answer in her ear. The teacher was impressed, and Isla was grateful for her friend's help.
From that day on, Isla confided more in Serena, and they both chased their dreams together. Serena became a Legal Advisor in a law firm, while Isla established her own law firm. Despite their busy schedules, they remained close friends.
Recently, Isla had been feeling overwhelmed with her work, and Serena's WhatsApp status had struck a chord. She decided to reach out to her friend and ask what was on her mind.
"Hi, my dear Legal Advisor," Isla typed, trying to sound casual.
"Smiles, you never leave this your sarcastic character?" Serena replied almost immediately.
"Come on, we both know that's the truth, don't try to cover up," Isla smiled as she typed the message. Somehow, she found solace talking with Serena.
"I hear you, Lawyer Isla," Serena replied. "You're revenging, no problem."
"Isla, you know that's just the truth," Serena typed, adding laughter emojis. Isla burst into laughter seeing her friend's message, and she calmed herself before constructing her next message.
"So, did you have any important schedule? What about a visit?" Isla asked, hoping to gauge Serena's availability.
Serena replied that she had to fix another virtual appointment for her client who was having issues with her marriage, but after that, she was free. "I'll visit you soon," she typed.
Isla's face lit up with excitement as she read the message. She ended the chat and got busy cooking Serena's favorite food; jollof rice with chicken. She loved the way the spices blended together, creating a flavor that was both savory and slightly sweet. Isla had learned to cook it from her mother, who had passed down the recipe through generations.
As she cooked, Isla thought about why Serena loved jollof rice so much. It was more than just the taste; it was the memories they had made together over plates of steaming hot jollof rice. They had shared laughter, tears, and countless moments of joy, and the dish had become a symbol of their friendship.
As Serena was on her way to Isla's house, her mind was preoccupied with her client's marital issues. She had been working with the client for weeks, trying to help her navigate the complex divorce proceedings. Serena felt a sense of satisfaction knowing that she was making a difference in people's lives.
As she drove, Serena thought about Isla and their friendship. She admired Isla's strength and spirit, and she was grateful for the support she had received from her friend over the years. Serena looked forward to spending time with Isla, sharing stories, and laughing together.
When Serena arrived at Isla's house, she was greeted with the aroma of jollof rice wafting from the kitchen. She smiled, knowing that Isla had cooked her favorite dish. The two friends hugged each other tightly, happy to be reunited.
"I'm so glad you're here," Isla said, beaming with joy.
"Me too," Serena replied, smiling back. "I've missed you."
As they sat down to eat, Serena took a bite of the jollof rice and closed her eyes in appreciation. "This is so good," she said, savoring the flavors.
"I know you'll love it," Isla replied, smiling. "I've been cooking it for years."
As the evening wore on, they sat on the couch, watching a series india movie. Serena turned to Isla and asked, "So, what's been going on with you? You seemed troubled when we chatted earlier."
Isla sighed rubbing her hands on her face, it felt chilly.
"I've been feeling overwhelmed with work," she said. "I'm not sure if I'm doing the right thing anymore."
You're doing great, Isla," she said. "You're strong and capable. That's why i advised you take a break."
"The job seem dangerous already but now, there's a threat... I wouldn't want you to risk your precious life."
"I know you want to get to know the truth, at the same time your life is so much important. Take it slowly." Serena ended her words as she rested her back on the couch.
Isla didn't utter a word but instead stared into the thin air...
Serena noticed and then held her hand. "It's cold." She said silently.
She called out her name, "Isla, uhmm" Serena made a sound to make Isla reason with her.
"I'll be fine Serena, just be always there. I'll stop the law firm for a while and focus on this present matter."
"What about the cases you have at hand?"
"I'm putting it on hold till this is resolved."
"Just be careful dear." Serena said as she knew Isla is very determined.
"Thanks, Serena," Isla said, smiling. "Just talking to you makes me feel better."
"Anytime, Isla," Serena replied, smiling back. "That's what friends are for."
The two friends sat in comfortable silence for a moment, enjoying the peacefulness of the evening. Then, Serena spoke up.
"I have to tell you something," Serena said, her voice serious. "There's this client I'm working on currently."
Isla's eyes widened, "What's it about?" she asked, her curiosity heightened.
Serena sighed,. "It's about hwr marital life. She claimed her husband is abusing their daughter."
"Oh my!" Isla covered her mouth. "That's gross!" She added.
"Yes, it is but as much as the issue is being investigated, it kept leaving us on edge. All alibi provided by the husband were accurate and precise. He doesn't seem like someone who could abuse his own daughter." Serena bowed her head in confusion
"What about the girl, any thing gotten from her?"
"Well, at the moment she's hospitalized, the wife claimed she saw them together curled up on the bed, her daughter lifeless."
"Wow! This is a mystery."
" I wouldn't want you to trouble yourself on the case too much... I'll see what i can do about it and get back to you."
"Thank you my love." Serena pecked Isla and tvey both burst into laughter.
As Serena prepared to leave, Isla walked her to the door. "Thanks for coming over, Serena," Isla said, hugging her friend tightly.
She watched her enter into her car till she couldn't see the traces of the car anymore.
Isla entered met her phone ringing, she panicked immediately she saw the caller.