LULU'S POV

I typed relentlessly on my laptop hoping to get my current work load done before the big day. Who knew there was so much paper work that needed to be filled when completing a project? It had been a productive ten months and even though we'd had a few mishaps along the way we still made it. We just needed to get through the final lap and we would be done for good.

A knock on my door alerted me that someone was on the other side of the door. It's like they were blind to the don't disturb sign I'd put on the door knob. I decided to just stay silent and hope they'd leave. That didn't work because whoever it was let themselves in. It took two seconds for me to recognize the heavy footsteps headed my way as those belonging to none other than my boyfriend. It always irked me calling him my boyfriend because he had just turned twenty eight years old recently. He seemed too old for that so it was better to call him my man and not my boyfriend.

"I know the sign on the door said don't disturb and so were the very insistent messages you sent me but I passed by my mom's after work and she sent me yoghurt to bring you."James explained hiding behind the sliding glass door that led to the balcony where I was.

"I will take a break for mom's yoghurt."I replied finishing the sentence I was typing before turning to James who held out a plastic bag for me containing a jar of his mom's delicious yoghurt.

"Hi baby."James greeted kissing my forehead before taking a seat next to me.

I just mumbled my response as my mouth was too busy digging into the delicious goodness James had brought me. I slowed down once I realized I'd finish it too fast.

"How was work today?"I asked James.

"It was good, since the sanctuary is officially complete now and fully equipped we are able to cater for more animals."James replied making me smile.

"That's good and I'm happy for you but as much as I would like to keep seeing that handsome face of yours, you gotta leave."I demanded softly.

"I just got here, why are you chasing me away?"James asked with a pout.

"Because I have work to do and you are a distraction."I replied as a matter of fact.

"Okay but can I talk to you about something before I leave."He requested.

"Sure what's up?"

"I would like to take you somewhere tomorrow."He started.

"Where?"I inquired already thinking of ways to turn him down without hurting his feelings.

"I need to go to the Park to check out a sick elephant. It'll only take like an hour so after that I want to take you on a trip of the National Park. You've been here almost a year and you've never gone so I would like you to come with me for your own personal tour."James explained.

"I would love to Jamie but there's so much work left for me to do. It's two weeks to the launch party and I'm already stretched thin as it is."I replied letting him down easy.

"And that's exactly why you need to come with me. It's only for a day, not a weekend getaway."He insisted.

"I can't James, I'm sorry. I have a lot of work."I apologized feeling bad for turning him down.

It would have been a great opportunity but my work load could not be ignored, not even for a day out with James.

"Well too bad, I wasn't asking. I was telling."James insisted taking me by surprise.

"What do you mean?"I asked taken aback by his commanding voice.

"You've been a wreck the past one month. You're overworking yourself and your workers because of the launch party. You stressing out is stressing everyone else out including me yet I don't work for you. So you're taking the day off tomorrow so I can take you to the national park and its not up for discussion."James demanded.

"When did you become so bossy?"I retorted.

"I'm not, Rashid bribed me to get you to relax and this is the best idea I came up with."James answered making me frown.

"I should have known that stupid bloke was involved."I gritted out feeling pissed that Rashid went behind my back to James.

I understood where he was coming from though but it didn't mean I was happy about it. I was driving everyone to their limit so that everything would be ready and perfect for the launch party. Looks like I had gone a little too far for them to get James involved.

"He is right though. You do need to relax. I mean we haven't had a proper day to ourselves since we got back from your sisters and that was two months ago. I miss you."James insisted with a pout.

"We were together for your birthday three weeks ago."I reminded him hoping for a saving grace.

"Yeah but only because it's your obligation as my girlfriend to spend my birthday with me."He countered.

"You're right babe I'm sorry. I've been so caught up with work that everything else just fell to the background."I replied understanding where he was coming from.

"And I don't fault you for it, you are just doing your job and you're doing it well. I'm so proud of you but I just want to spend a little us time together."He explained.

He looked almost ready to beg so I decided to give in as I didn't want it to come to that.

"Okay fine, you've won me over with that sob story. What time are we leaving?"I asked.

"Thank you, I've been working on it all week. I'll pick you up bright and early, at six am, it's a long drive."James replied.

"I'll be ready. And next time try some puppy eyes, it'll save us a whole lot of conversation."I said with a smile.

"I'll do my best. I love you."James said smiling back.

"I love you more now please leave, I've got to finish this inventory if I'm to come with you."I requested.

"Your wish is my command. See you tomorrow morning."James answered getting up.

He quickly pecked my lips and a few seconds later he closed the door behind him leaving me on my own again.

Well time to get back to work if I was going to be taking the whole day off the next day.

*************

James picked me up at exactly six the morning just as he had said he would. He requested that we use my jeep instead of his truck since it was more suitable for the terrain we would encounter on our trip.

"Good morning Jamie, I brought breakfast."I announced strapping myself in as I kissed his cheek putting the bag with breakfast in between our seats.

"And that's why I love you more and more each day."James replied driving out of the resort.

I didn't bother replying, just reached into the bag and grabbed the coffee mugs. It was still hot which was good as the weather was a little chilly. I handed James his as well making sure it was properly closed so he wouldn't spill it.

"Did we have to leave this early?"I asked picking up a slice of toast.

"Yeah, there's lots to see. Last time we planned a visit to the park one of your workers got hurt so we didn't get to go. I want to make sure that I give you the full experience today."James replied.

"Well if that's the case then I am in your capable hands."I grinned.

James smiled back as he took a sip of his coffee. The ride was smooth since my team had managed to work on all roads leading in, out and around Ndoto. As James drove I enjoyed the sunrise that made everything look more beautiful and ethereal. My team and I really had outdone ourselves because Ndoto was looking even more beautiful than ever. The trees that had been planted by the students a few months ago were taking root and growing great along the roads and there were newer, modern, well built houses compared to the temporary manyattas they used to living in. Compared to how Ndoto was when I first arrived I had to say that it was a paradise and I had achieved the goal to make it a mini Wakanda.

It took us an hour to get to the park and even though the road had been desolate and free of humans, we managed to see a few wild animals on the drive over going about their morning business.

At the Park's gate the two guards there just waved us in after seeing James behind the wheel.

"I feel like we just chased the sunrise, I haven't had a morning drive in a while so I'd forgotten how beautiful the sunrise is here."I commented as we got out of the jeep.

"It will never get old."James commented.

"So what now?"I asked looking around the park.

It was still early in the morning so the only people milling around were the game wardens and other park workers.

"Now I get to work. I'll be done in less than an hour then we can leave but first I'd like to introduce you to a few people."James replied.

"Okay lead the way."I declared.

James grabbed his bag with his equipment before taking my hand and leading me further into the park towards the animal enclosures. James was really famous because he literally knew everyone we passed, which was to be expected since he was a friendly person. He introduced me to a few people but most of them we just passed with a few waves. We got to the elephant enclosure and there were two people there both dressed in game rangers uniform.

"Lankenua, the man we've been waiting for."The older gentleman commented looking at James with the same respectful look I'd seen on everyone else he had introduced me to.

"I'm finally here but first let me introduce you to my girlfriend Lulu. Lulu this is Keiyo he is the Ranger in charge here at the park and this is Lemaiyan, his assistant."James introduced.

I shook both of their hands and they bowed respectfully which was weird since they were both older than me.

"It's so nice to finally meet you Lulu. You're kind of famous around here, we've heard a lot about you from James here, Mark and very many villagers. You've been a blessing to us this past year and its an honor to finally meet you."Keiyo commented bowing again his hand on his chest.

"Please no, pleasure is all mine. Ndoto is such a beautiful place and I only made it better."I replied respectfully.

"You've done what so many people have promised us before but never delivered. You saved our village and this park and for that we will forever be in your debt."Lemaiyan added.

"Free gate passes for life and we're even."I smiled.

"It's a done deal."Keiyo agreed making us all laugh.

Before we could say anything more someone covered my eyes. I didn't even panic because I already knew who it was.

"Mark if you don't take your hands off me I'll hurt you where the sun don't shine."I threatened.

Mark knew that I always delivered on my threats so he let me go immediately.

"How did you know it was me?"Mark pouted as he slung his arm over my shoulder.

"You're the only one gutsy enough to do that plus besides James you're the only other person I know who works here."I replied.

"Well that's too bad, I see you've met my boss."Mark grinned.

"Yeah we were just talking about your terms of employment."I replied with a serious face.

"What's that supposed to mean?"Mark asked already freaking out.

"It means that you better be nice because your employment status is in my hands."I replied.

Mark's eyes widened in shock and he started blubbering like a fool.

After watching him for a few moments I couldn't hold it in anymore and burst out laughing. Everyone else joined when I started wheezing. Mark pouted at me when he realized I'd been pulling his leg.

"You are so easy to fool."I laughed.

"You are the worst."Mark grumbled.

"Yeah but you love me."I grinned.

Mark opened his mouth to argue with me but James beat him to it.

"Okay enough chitchat, Keiyo please show me to the sick elephant so I can get to work."James requested.

"Right this way."Keiyo replied and started walking away.

"Are you coming babe?"James asked.

"No she's coming with me, I'll give her a tour around the premises while you do your work. Don't worry, I'll bring her back in one piece."Mark replied.

"Okay take care of her. See you in an hour."James replied pecking my lips.

I grinned and watched him walk away until he disappeared around the corner.

"Young love."Mark commented dramatically earning himself an elbow jab from me.

"We're the same age you fool."I grunted.

"Nope, I am three years older than you. Now come along child, I've got lots to show you."Mark declared tugging my arm when I refused to move.

I let the child comment pass and followed him around the immediate premises of the park. There was a lodge in the park which was very beautiful, with very accommodating staff. Mark introduced me to a few more people and he showed me all the enclosures. He also taught me a lot about the animals they kept in the enclosures. I even got to feed a baby elephant some milk and take a few photos. We also caught up on a personal level since I hadn't seen him in a while, that was my fault.

An hour later he took me back to James who was wrapping up with the elephant.

"James is already familiar with the whole park having grown up here so he'll show you a good time."Koinet commented as he walked us to the jeep.

"I don't doubt that."I replied smiling at James.

"This is for you guys courtesy of the parks resort."Mark said handing me a picnic basket.

I hadn't even noticed him disappear to go get it.

"What's in it?"I asked taking it from him.

"Knowing James you'll be gone all day and you probably didn't pack any food so it's just a couple of sandwiches and some drinks."He explained.

"Wow, thank you."I replied with a smile.

"You're welcome."Mark smirked.

James took the basket from me and put it in the back seat of the jeep.

"One more thing, James already has his but this is for you. It's an all access pass to park. It allows you to roam freely without interference from the rangers. Incase you get stopped by any of them just show them that pass."Keiyo said handing me the pass.

It had my name, picture and a few other details on it which meant that James had pre planned everything. It was very sweet of him.

"Thank you."I replied putting it around my neck.

"We'll be going now, I'll pass by on our way back to check on Nancy but in case she gets worse call me and we'll drive back."James instructed.

I got that Nancy was the name of the elephant he had been attending to otherwise I would have been a very jealous girlfriend.

"Will do."Keiyo assured him.

"You lovebirds have fun and please drive carefully James. Don't take too many uncharted paths."Mark requested.

"We'll be fine. Didn't you hear, I grew up here."James replied with a smirk.

I just laughed and got into the jeep buckling myself into the passengers seat. James exchanged a few more words with them, getting a very weird hug and thumbs up from Mark before getting behind the wheel. I waved at them as James drove off taking one of the paths leading further into the park.

"Are you ready?"James asked looking at me.

"Yes."I grinned happily.

"Good."He smiled back though I could see he seemed a little unsure of himself, even nervous.

I shrugged it off deeming it that he was nervous that I wouldn't like the trip. I was already having fun so it was only bound to get better. I relaxed back in my seat and put on my sunglasses ready for a very fun day ahead.

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Before you guys start let me just say that I am really sorry so please put away the pitchforks. It's been months since I updated this book and I really am sorry. I should not have put it on hold to write other books, I've learnt from my mistake and it won't happen again. With that said for those readers who have stuck around to read it, I love you all so much. Thank you for your patience.

Please forgive me for any mistakes but I have to finish this for you guys. Incase you notice any gaps or plot holes please feel free to comment and I'll fix them.

I'm not putting it on hold again, that is my promise to you guys. It's my hope to finish it before January ends so I can get on to other projects.

Again I'm sorry. I hope you enjoy the rest of the book.

Love@Lyssah.