Amaka took a few steps backward to look at the clothes she had arranged for the fashion show. They were lovely. The best designs she had seen in years. She shook her head and thought to herself, would these do? The dresses she expected from Spain did not arrive and from what her agent told her, it did not look like they will come on time for the show, which was just a few days away. What was she to do now she thought, compressing her lips.

“Oh! My. What a beautiful display? Looks like you will clinch the best designer of the year award Amaka “ Becky said, as she walked up to Amaka. Wanita followed closely behind. They had just come into the boutique. After the horrible experience with the traffic holdup, the cool air in the shop lifted up their spirits. The beautiful display that greeted them made them quickly forget the horror of a traffic they had just come through.

“I don’t know the words to describe such beauty. They are out of this world.” Wanita added. She walked up to a purple taffeta dress and scooping it into her hands, placed it to her chest for both ladies to see “How does this look, isn’t it simply wonderful?” she commented and quickly added, noticing the frown on Amaka’s face. “What is the matter was I not supposed to touch the dress?” Wanita quickly stepped back to the rack, to put back the dress “Oh no”. Amaka quickly put in. “It is just that in spite of your enthusiasm, I don’t think I will be participating in the fashion show after all” she trailed off sadly.

‘Why in heavens not? Becky asked, “I did not hear that it has been cancelled”.

“Don’t tell me all these lovely dresses are a waste” Wanita put in as they both moved closer to Amaka concern written all over their faces.

“The designs from Spain are not going to be featured. They were supposed to be my ace”

‘You mean anything could be better than these ones?” Wanita asked incredulity spread over her face.

“So what? Becky asked, “These look okay to me what could be better than these? Wanita what do you say? you are into the fashion business too.”

“It all depends on the message she wants to pass on”

“These are easily copied and will be on display on that day. Some of the designers will be displaying same styles. I wanted to be shockingly different “

“If this is the case, call your agent and get them to try to bring the clothes on time”

“Have talked to him. The designer had some issues in Spain that did not permit them to meet this request. What pains me the most is that I was not informed on time to make alternative arrangement.” Amaka draped a sashay she was holding on one of the dresses on the hanger and walked her friends to her office. She slumped in her chair opposite Becky and Wanita. She was clearly not happy. They could see it.

“Well you will have to make do with what you have Amaka. Pull yourself together and go into the show. You never know, you could still come out best with or without your Spanish designs. If you carry this attitude to the show it may turn out to be your undoing. I know it is not easy but take my advice and go in there smiling”

“Guess you are right. I was really looking forward to making a great impact''

“It could still happen possibly your fellow competitors do not have clothes as lovely as these. What do you think?”

“This is a special show Becky. Every one looks forward to this award. It is a very special one. The gains of clinching this award can never be underestimated.” Amaka signs resignedly.

“You know the story of Paganini don’t you?”

“Pagan who?” Chorused Amaka and Wanita as they both looked at Becky.

“Paganini was one of the worlds best violinist”

“What has he got to do with clothes?”

Interrupted Amaka. “ If you wait long enough to listen, you will get the connection.”

“Ride on sister, educate us” Wanita laughingly put in.

“Seriously ladies, Paganini’s story is an interesting case of perseverance and strong faith which I will like Amaka to emulate. Some things that happen are for a purpose. They either lift us up or pull us down. It will all depend on how we handle them.

Paganini was one of the greatest violinists the world ever knew. One night he stood before a multitude, playing one of the most difficult piece. As he played, a string broke on his violin. He played on. Then another string broke, then a third leaving only one sting. Many would have given up but not Paganini. He played on before a stunned audience and did not stop until he completed the composition. The audience applauded him loudly but they knew there was not going to be an encore. They did not expect any considering he had lost the strings. Did you know what he did? He told them to sit down, motioned to the conductor and began the encore on one string. To the amazement of all, he completed the encore. He was a man of determined attitude.

“If Paganini can do it with one string, you can win this show with half your stock.”

“Thank you. Becky. Those are encouraging words. After all, did I not read it somewhere that nothing of worth or weight can be achieved with half a mind, with a faint heart and with a lame endeavor?

‘It was Isaac Barrow’ Wanita volunteered”

“Thank you Wanita”

You remember Abraham Lincoln? Becky asked

‘I know that Becky. His life was a catalogue of career failures and life’s setbacks yet he became to many, America’s best president” Amaka illustrated.

“That is true. It was Lincoln who said that ‘ let no feelings of discouragement pray upon you and in the end you will be sure to succeed”

“Thank you ladies for your kind support. If these people will fight all odds on their part to succeed I will do the same too” Amaka said cheerfully.

“ That’s my girl. Ride on Sister, the sky is the beginning … I was on my way to drop Wanita at the Gym when we decided to pass by. Are you game for a snack and drinks afterwards? I hate to dine alone sometimes.”

“Why not” Amaka said getting up. They walked towards the door. “ You snack a lot Becky yet you don’t put on an ounce of flesh what is the secret?

“Natural baby, natural.”

“ She is lucky” Wanita put in “ for me I have to do vigorous exercise to stay the way I am”

“There is no such thing as luck Wanita it is just the way God created me. How he wants me to be” Becky supplied

‘ You always use this statement that there is no such thing as luck. One of these days, you are going to explain why you say so”

“Yes there is no such thing as Luck. Come that day I shall be glad to tell you why I believe so!” They got into Becky’s car and maneuvered their way into the inevitable Lagos go slow.

As they got closer to where Wanita was to be dropped, they got stuck at a roundabout. It was a terrible situation. The heat, noise and fumes were unbearable.

“This is horrible. When on earth are we going to be free of this mess?” Wanita asked.

“Never” Amaka said emphatically.

“My problem with the traffic is the insults and impatience that goes with it” Becky barely completed the sentence when the man behind, pressed on his horn angrily causing Becky to move forward to the small space in her front. Which really did not change anything. The hold up stretched ahead. Hawkers were everywhere running form one car to the other trying to sell their wares. In front of Beck’s car, a bike rider, in a hurry to beat the tight traffic, hit a hawker as he maneuvered a tight corner with just too much speed.

The plantain chips she was carrying fell off her head and scattered all over the place. At this point, the traffic eased a bit and motorists moved forward, crushing a great number of the chips. The hawker started to cry but quickly recollected herself, turned around and grabbed the bike rider tightly by the shirt screaming “Thief. You must pay for my wares today.” They both started exchanging heated words, oblivious of the horn blaring from motorists for them to get off the way. Becky took the advantage provided by the distraction to expertly maneuver her car to an open side on her right. She breathes with relief and drives on. If her guess is right, those two will be there for the next couple of hours before they will come to any form of agreement.