I'll take it.
All of it...
...because I know that my tomorrow will be better

She paused and sniffed in the catarrh that was trying to escape her nose. It was all tingly from crying.

I swear to God, my tomorrow will be better!
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Ella said to herself with a sudden surge of courage. She wiped the tears on her face in one fast swipe of her scarf as if to scold herself for being momentarily weak. She gathered herself from the gutter where she had just fallen and bent down to pick her oranges that rolled down along with her when the unfortunate stranger, a man on a bicycle, decided to sweep her off the roadside and into the gutter right next to her.

She was now assessing her knees for any bruises when a strong scent of a male hair cream invited her to look up to face the most handsome young man she'll ever meet. His oblong face sporting a well trimmed beard and holding a perfect smile made magical by his white set of dentition. The slight crease at both sides of his soft looking eyes conveys a message that she couldn't care about at the moment. Those eyes obviously have not gone through hardship of any sort, she snorted in her mind's eyes. With her heart throbbing faster as she forgot herself while staring at the man before her, she got the second shock of her life that day.

You are so messy and ugly He said casually. Standing with hands in his pocket while striking a hilarious male pose to show off. Still smiling beautifully, his 6'6 inch slender tall body that could have passed him for a k-pop star if he didn't have such ugly attitude loomed over her and she decided she'd give it back to this one, this time.

Excuse me? she snapped out of her mesmerized state. With her face as fierce as can be and her legs spreading a little bit apart for a girl, she in fact stood like a soldier whose intention was to stand tall and agile to intimidate. She kept a straight face and her stance asking him to bring it on.

Just saying. he replied with both hands in the air as he took two steps backward and maintained his cool.
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Ella gave up the glare as she shook her head before going back to what she was doing.

Hi, I'm Richard. The young man introduced himself and he stretched out his hand for a handshake.

Hi, I don't care. Now get out of my way! Ella spat out. Obviously still pissed by her luck that day after confirming who he was.

She had hoped to sell all the ripe oranges she was able to pluck out of her mother's garden to raise some money for a new school semester but her day was ruined.

She had just returned home for the first semester break from the School of Nursing. As much as she still wishes it was a university, she's proud of her journey so far. At 18years of age, Ella, just another skinny black girl had just lost her life mentor and still wants to go to the university against the wish of her alcoholic father who wanted her to be married off to some local champion parading himself as well travelled and educated in the village. She never met him till today. He had promised her father all sorts of things. Lies that anyone can see through. Her mom who should have been her saviour is resting in heaven though It makes her cry most nights and she still misses her. She has always shared most qualities with her mom. She was a good judge of character. Her mom promised to fulfil her dreams of becoming a Medical doctor but she's in heaven now and Ella is all by herself now.

Alright honey. I will if you give me your digits. I just want to send you some call credits. That's all He stated boldly, without bulging.

He must think I'm as gullible as my father if he has the guts to approach me She thought out loud acting like Richard was not there.

Now listen. As if on second thought, she stood tall once again to face him for candid advice.

You better invest your time and resources in other ventures or should I say other girls. She adjusted her position,shifting her weight to her left leg.

You'll never have this one. Period. She added giving him a hard look that says it all.

OK my lady. If you say so. Richard replied.

But can we be friends at least? He added.

I don't want to have anything to do with you. Not today, tomorrow or ever! She spat the words at him and stumbled away leaving him to deal with the embarrassment that her raised voice brought to him.

The End.