Pim! Piim! Chioma honked on her steering wheel impatiently, not minding that the traffic light was still indicating red and there was no way the car in front was going to break the rule for her, moving past the light. She was running late for a meeting with a potential client, Lagos traffic, she muttered under her breath.
Just then, a call came through, the name of the caller displaying boldly on her dashboard, but Chioma knew already who it was and just tapped on her dashboard absently on a button as the traffic cleared finally
"Relax, Chioma," her friend Ada said through the speaker. "The meeting is not until 2 na. You've got time." As if she already knew the state her friend would be. Chioma sighed, feeling the familiar knot of anxiety in her stomach. "It's easy for you to say o, sis. You are not the one pitching for a collab with the "Veekee James". Chioma said, dramatically placing two fingers in the air, as if Ada could see her.
"Don't sweat it, sis, Ada continued, "I've not seen a more badass, creative, and hardworking designer than you. Go sell yourself and ideas babe, her team will be blind not to select you for the collab, the world needs to know you already."
Choima chuckled, feeling the anxiety loosening, "You too dey whine Ada"
Ada laughed. "Hey, someone's gotta keep you pumped up. Now, take a deep breath, you've got this, hope you've carried your catalog and other necessities. Chioma could be so forgetful when she's anxious.
Chioma was just arriving at the venue of the meeting, packed her car at an empty spot, turned to the backseat, where she placed a catalog that contained the design she has spent the last few weeks on, breathing a sigh of relief, "I did" Ada's call was indeed the balm she needed at this moment, soothing and taking the anxiety away.
She grabbed her bag and stepped out of the car, smoothing her straight skirt corset blouse, a unique formal outfit she had also made. She took a deep breath in and out as she came close to the entrance of the Victoria Island building. It was a beautiful view around, but Chioma had something more important on her mind. She went over her presentation in her mind again, and a sense of determination washed over her.
"Wow! You look good!" The reception lady complimented her outfit as she offered her a seat at the reception, boosting her confidence the more. Ja
In a few minutes, she was in front of Veekee James and her team, selling her ideas and going over various of designs. Chioma felt her nerves dissipate. She spoke with conviction, her words flowing smoothly, she could see Veekee smile from the corner of her mouth with every design she brought up, and at the end of the presentation, they all clapped with admiration for her work. She had given her best and all, the team felt impressed, now all she could do was wait but Veekee, right there, gave the instant verdict, "Welcome to the Veekee James team partner." Chioma couldn't believe her ears, she let out a tear of joy.
As she exited the building, she took out her phone that had been on silent the whole while she was inside, seeing four missed calls already, she knew it was none other than Ada, "Now who is the nervous one" she said with a smile calling her back.
"So? How did it go?" Ada instantly asked as soon as she picked, "It's a done deal" Chioma replied excitedly, but she had to take the phone off her ear as her friend screamed with joy on the other end, finally recovering from the burst of happiness
"I told you not to sweat it, girlfriend, you are born for this"!,
"Yes, you did," Chioma replied. Entering her car
Chioma turned serious. "Ada, can I ask you something?" Ada paused, sensing if something was wrong. "Anything, sis. What's up?"
Chioma hesitated, unsure of how to ask the question that had been disturbing her for a while now. "Do you ever feel like you are not good enough? Like, no matter how hard you try, you will not be enough?"
Ada relaxed, knowing how her friend felt. "Yes, Chioma. We've all been there. The thing is, we are not defined by how many times we fail; the point is to keep pushing, no matter what.
Chioma breathed out a sigh of relief, feeling a weight lifted off her shoulders. She knew Ada was right. She just needed to trust herself and trust the process. What will she do without a friend like Ada by her side? With her, she knew she could face anything life threw her way.
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