Miss Maggi (Part 4)

I knew Miss Maggi was mad at me because of my tie, but I decided to smile and reduce the rising heat of the atmosphere. Smiling, I asked 'Is there anything I can do for you right now?' 'Take away that tie', she requested in a surprisingly cool manner. 'Oh, the tie, is it bad?, I asked. She shouted back at me: 'It is red'. Still pretending as if I don't know what is going on, 'but red is fine; it matches my white shirt.' She supported her chin with a her right fist and gave me a stern gaze. Within me, I should be urinating in my pants, but I managed to stay calm and continued the conversation. 'Excuse me ma, can I ask you a question?' She was mute. I took that as a yes. Lanre, this confidence will get you into trouble, I thought, but I still asked her. 'Why don't you like red? Red is a cool innocent color. Instead of answering my question, Miss Maggi combined the roar of a lion and the trump of an elephant as she shouted at me to remove the tie and get out!

The shout caught the attention of everyone in the department and even outside the department. Although, I had to remove the tie, I knew that something struck her that morning- I questioned her. She confirmed it about an hour later when she returned from a meeting and walked to my desk. She placed her two heavy palms on the table and leaned forward- It's the closest she has ever been to me. I was completely jittery, but still calm. 'The next time, you question me in this office, I will throw you out.' She left for her office. I quickly followed her because I wanted to engage her the more. I allowed her to sit before talking. 'I apologize for upsetting you, ma. I didn't mean to cause you that kind of pain and I want you to know that I will never intentionally upset you.' She looked up and said 'What did you say?' Yes! This is my chance to say more.

I explained how the Holy Spirit insisted that I use a red tie despite knowing that my boss does not like a red tie. I concluded that the Holy Spirit must want her to let go of something. She laughed! The laughter was like that of a witch that is about to offer a human sacrifice to her gods, but I saw that as another opportunity. 'Jesus Christ. Miss Maggi, so you laugh?' Her face straightened up. 'Coke, the next time your Holy Ghost asks you to come into mmmmmy (she stressed that) office with a red color, be sure that that Holy Ghost will get you another job. Get out. Before I walked away, I said Miss Maggi, it was good to see you laugh today. I wish I snapped it. I would have framed it for you as a birthday gift.' She began to look for something to throw at me on her table. I quickly walked away.

For the next two months, I stayed away from anything red. I made up my mind to satisfy her despite all the irrational behaviors she has. In my 9th week, I have become her longest serving assistant as no one have been able to put up with her attitude. Miss Maggi has become a regular name in my prayers. I remember how we were taught on campus that if you want to minister to a person, spend time to pray for the person before approaching the person. My prayers has sort of soften her heart towards me, but her dominant character is still very loud.

I noticed that she never mentions anything about family or friend. She never smiles talk less of laugh. This troubled me more than her attitude to me. Something must be very wrong in her life. Is she divorced? What of her parents? Siblings? I made a decision to get to know her beyond work. I have an idea; I'll wear red again!