CHOICE IN A THIN LINE Read online

CHAPTER TWO

  LAGOS on my arrival, was boring, humid and brighter; the promise land looked more promising from the glimpse of the sand. Walking along was with a magnetic haste, however, the clay building, massed traffic and abandon gigantic shop was shocking from the viewable approach. The sheer-luck could be achieve here as a driver due to number of positioned trucks, caterpillar, lorries, bulldozers. Walking to the end of the road seems strenuous with a slim hopeful thought. “Hey!” Amazed to see a handsome, well-dressed half-caste sweeping a heap of trash; “something is wrong; he suppose to be decisive in authorities. How comes? Mr Collins must shed more light on this issue. I definitely know that.” “Move faster!” the slave worker hurried me; his dark trousers hugging his thin narrow legs as he was fast to deliver. “Excuse me sir!” a quick pause look came from him; to him, as the work begins seriousness is part of the agenda. “Give me your address!” as if he knew what I intended presenting to him. Stretching his fingers to me was a welcome solitude; I gave him the address of Mr Collins as I gaze through his inquisitive eyeball. “Oh, Collins!” he chuckle, scratch his curled hair. “I knew him. He is famous in this city. Follow me, that building over there is where he stays.” “In that place?” “Yes. Are you scared?” he asked. “No. Thanks.” “You are welcome.” Breeze inert felt my presence. Flowers emotionally shaking to show how appreciating city life was. Horning of car everywhere. “So great!” Watching a team-of-lads playing a ball on grassy nearby field; each of them grinned. “Pass it to me!” I longed to play. Happiness on the field can be measured in a lengthy way due to the calmness around. “Goal! I have done it!” name of the scorer tone. Jersey of most valuable players in the world wore by the scorer on the field. “I shall dedicate this to my mentors,” he declared. “Wait. You are almost hitting me,” I said to him. Jumping himself on me was all the best he can do in making me smile to him. “I am proudly welcoming you to community field. I guess you are new in this city of Lagos?” “Yes of course. I’m going to my uncle’s place.” “... Who is he?” “Mr Collins!” “Mr Collins a philanthropic person. He donates heavy sum on any important match; friends and lovers of football knew him well.” “You mean he cherished football?” “Yes. Very well. Mr Collins your uncle usually buy footballs and share it to all the children he sees on the field; promoting football as a game is something he can’t ignore at all time. Look at this small shining emblem on my neck. It was been giving to me by your uncle, Mr Collins. Rare to score an hat trick in any final of competitions on this field. I did that. That is a record that is hard to break.” “Is a pleasure talking with you. I will see you next time.” “Your bag!” “Oh! Thank you. Your name?” “Peter.” “So Peter, anytime I come here we will talk better. My name is Paul.” “Your name sound familiar to me; maybe because the name is a great name.” “Thank you ... Peter. I appreciate. See you ... soonest.” “Please don’t forget to come back.” “I will.” Speed and desperation to get to Mr Collins house retain my steps as I get closer; someone unknown waved me. “Such a tall building. How do I climb? Where can I see the staircase ...? too tall!” My surprise was narrow by an hefty dog cracking a large bone after killing his prey. “So many rooms up; which room actually is he? Every window is tightly shut. Who can help me out.” “Wait, do you intend going up?” “Yes. Right now.” Turning myself backward to have a chat with the person speaking to me was faster; I saw that as an opportunity which I must not delay. “David tell me it is not you! Don’t say anything David. I must confirm if this is y-you. If I see the mark on your forehead I should be able to believe I am standing, front of my friend.”

  “Paul so this is you?” Snuggling each other was an unforgettable memory after seeing ourselves last in Jerry’s abode. David beards growing out from his immature jaw, his muscle forming quick macho as a result of hard work. “Sorry for leaving you behind.” I pleaded to David. “Thank God we can still see again Paul. Well let’s go inside so that you can have a good rest. “This is the place I now stay. Working here is easy as an housekeeper. My time here not monitored unlike when I was with Jerry. This job was given to me by a kind-hearted man, which name is Collins.” “Collins?” “Any problem?” “is just that this letter was given to me by one Mr Silas who said Collins is his brother.” “To me that man is my boss. So feel free here. “All Jerry’s worker depart after his demise.” “Is he dead?” “He was bitten by snake in the night. By morning death took him away. His death really sad, big blow to us as we find nowhere to reside. Weeks so difficult; sojourning, begging crumbs of food, dirty water splashed to chase all of us working for Jerry. “Travellers going to Lagos were my recourse. On getting to this city; vacancy as an housekeeper was the first thing I saw, trust me I don’t delay, now I am here enjoying. Bring out your letter I want to see your address.” “Take.” “Good, lets climb the stairs. This door exactly. Enter.” “Such as big...?” “don’t be carried away my friend. Rice for you, if that’s your choice then am bringing it. I can also boil an hot water if needing it. taking your bathe with it is important.” “David food before taking my bathe.” I belched. Wonderful place I can’t just imagine. Rug on the parlour floor smooth, too neat, crispy. Merely putting your foot usual breath is likely to seize due to feel at home grip. I sat after staring anything strange to me. I stood from the soft couch. My eyes won’t stop at nothing; jellyfish swimming in the aquarium to catch a glimpse of me, as if they smell that I was a stranger. “Aquarium not to be touch, Paul!” “I only heard of fish swimming deep in the river, not inside a transparent box.” “Your water fully ready, go and have yourself in the bath-tub.” David unease. He pant openly. I turn immediately something struck me. “Problem to solve?” I asked. “Hmmm! Mr Collins has been keeping late at night. His wife I believe will utter her displeasure to this.” Flash from the T.V. set scared David. News of murder pinch him. “Murder! Murder! Murder! O, this mustn’t happen again.” Already, redness filled screen graphics. “I hate watching innocent people been murder in cold-blood. Last month how can ... I tell you this Paul. I cried that night when an old woman rushing to see her only daughter giving birth after so, so much wasted years of childlessness with her husband unjustly murdered. Police-men drafted to bring all culprit to book concerning the old woman’s
death met a superhuman that rose from better equipment. Guns and bullets piled up in a war ready way. Children, adult, cripple, old men ran for their life to prevent unplanned death. The sky-scraper hospital blinking an alarm light just to alert all security personnel of danger. “Scary panicking, helter-skelter, shouting, looting, fainting from being stressed all around. I-I pitied everybody. Scene good to watch; but not in this particular incident, believe me. Victims of indigent parents lying on the ground, red blotch change their look to the one of a red gown worn by priest. Ambulance speed. Food on table got cold. My appetite turn different. Tears from me makes my face sticky. Mr Collins came out from his room as at then it is 10: 00 in the night. Unable to talk, surprises on him. The T. V. Set volume. He push the chair by his side and sat to watch. “Just ten men did all this? Robbers? Banks closing for fear of coming after customers money? Mr Collins shifted to my seat, touch my body, shook his head in confusion, off the T.V. set. I stood, about going to my room, Mr Collins held my hands, remove his handkerchief, mopped my sweaty face. I now remember I was hungry.” “Oh my mother! She is in this city, David.” “Stranger in my house? Who is this?” “Paul the master is here. Mr Collins.” “What a pleasure standing right before you sir!” “you must have come so long, I guess.” His toothy smiles won’t shy away, his dotted cheeks sunk deeper. Curve thick specs, dark, glue to his face. “Any short message for me?” “No. Mr Silas sent his greetings through me.” “We have different Silas in this world, which Silas are you referring to?” “Your brother.” “But he suppose to visit me all this while. Many times as often my guess has proven me wrong; will Silas stop sending people to me? So, you came as far to borrow money from me as requested by Silas.” “Only here for job.” “Right now boy; the services of an housekeeper needed. By tomorrow it will be promulgated through the mass media.” “No need sir! Keeping your house clean is mandatory, I am more capable.” “... Well my boy: trial first before full confirmation. You can start work from tomorrow. Your conversations with David seems you met before?” “Not so sir.” “Last year someone came on a pretence conspire with his friend to work in my house as an housekeeper. All my money looted. David has shown himself so great and he can be trusted anytime. Emulate his trust, you shall have no fear or worry. We see in the morning.” Mr Collins walked into his room. Each second, the wall clock ticked. “Paul it’s time to sleep. Your room, beside Mr Collins room. He will know if you sneak out of your room. Be trustworthy. Blanket positioned in case of cold.” “Thank you David.” I opened my room door, crashed on the soft mattress. Bulb glowed. I close my eyes, open it immediately. I search on how to off the switch; luckily I found it. I switched it off. Unbelievable, crow of cock awoke me. It was already morning. I stood up. Stretched my hands. I took my tooth-brush beside me, open a bathroom door opposite me, went in and brush my teeth. I finished, slept back on my room-mattress. “Paul wake up! Mr Collins needs your service.” “Oh, day is bright?” “Hurry up.” I ran to prevent unexpected sack from my boss. “Good morning sir!” “how was your night my boy?” “Fine sir!” “now go into my room; clean up the floor, make sure you take care of everything seen there.” “Consider done sir!” coming near the room, flowery scent melt into my nose. “This room is great! Marked with exotic colours. Cleaning here, so easy.” I went informing my boss quickly that I am through. “Boss, assignment perfectly done.” “Very sure my boy?” “Yes boss.” “Is your mother in this city?” “Sir: she is very sick.” “Of what?” “leukaemia.” “A critical situation she must had been by now.” “As if you knew boss.” “How about your father?” “he is not around.” “Is he dead?” “Sir, he is in Somalia. I know he wished seeing me. How I feel his presence every day. For now, am unable to pay my mother’s hospital bill. My plans actually is how to raise some money from my salary.” “Don’t worry my boy; we shall both go to the hospital your mother is.” “Sir, Doctor Phills had warn me to pay her bills. At first, she was in the north, admitted for treatment there, but later transferred here for blood transfusion.” “North to south? Sometimes; it is very dangerous to donate blood because, patient might as well die.” “I want to donate my blood.” “since is your mother, no problem; If the Doctor complain of inadequate blood I will donate mine to save your mother.” “Good of you, boss. I appreciate.” “Get ready tomorrow! By the way have you eaten?” “No.” “Go, cook your choice of food. David will put you through if assistance is needed.” “I can boss.” “Good in cooking?” “Yes boss. My mother taught me that. Boss your wife travelled?” “Yes; in three days time she will be here, though I receive a call from her explaining reason for delays. Be free here! “My wife, a gentle type.” “Boss your clothes sir! I am also qualified to wash many if you insist.” “Here, my boy, washing-machine can do it easily! I like your courage, keep up with it, sky shall be your limit. Believe me my boy Paul. Believe me.

  A lady with dry-cleaning profession will be here by 10:00; her name is Georgina. Working for almost five years without acting against her profession.” “Sir, your phone rang just now!” buzz from the phone won’t stop. “That might be Janet, filmy intelligent journalist, so adamant. She just want to interview me as there is rivalry in my business. Most business-mogul pays heavily to bring my company down. They uses journalist to get factitious information from you.” “Do away with her boss.” “My boy thanks for your advice. We can go and check your mother’s condition at the hospital.” “But … am I not stressing you boss?” “Not as you think, my boy.” “Good morning sir!” “Paul my driver is here. Lawal by name, married, now father to three girls. Lawal meet my new housekeeper. He is Paul by name. He arrived yesterday.” Mr Lawal fix a stick of cigarette in his mouth, remove his matchbox from back pocket, pull out matchstick, strike fire direct to his cigarette. “My boss you said?” “meet Paul.” Mr Lawal embraced me, rub my back, puffed. “Lawal, drive us to see Paul’s mother, she is critically ill at the hospital. Paul told me his mother was transferred here. Let us go now!” we squeeze ourselves, fastening the seat belt, in a jiffy, Mr Lawal drove hurriedly. Usual city hold-up free, cars so scanty on tiled road. Getting closer a colossal dolphin shaped hospital was noticed. “This is the place, I believe!” Mr Collins said. We forced down. “Gregory, friend of mine is in ward-9. Hello nurse is Doctor Gregory around?” Which ward is he?” “Ward-9.” “Okay...he was here before but now transferred to the east.” “Margaret come OO! The patient just died now!” “Doctor Phills, you mean that leukaemia patient?” “Yes. Paul where have you been all this while?” “I was so busy hustling for fund to pay my mother’s bi
ll.” “Um, always flimsy excuses right from the north. For your information; your mother just parted to eternity.” “MAMA!” “This is not the better time to shout; by the way, have you been working?” “Y-Yes, as an housekeeper.” “Who is this by your side?” “My boss.” “You have a boss and you can’t explain your present situation to him.” “Doctor Phills, yesterday was the day I just got a job.” “Too late Paul! Go and see your mother quickly before she is moved to the mortuary. Go to ward-9.” I frowned. Around us, bereaved shedding tears, almost everyone has lost someone close to them. Mr Collins held me, closer to us was ward-9. Mr Collins open the door, my mother lay helpless, her body stiffed, her open eyes darkened. I closed her eyes. I spoke to her left ear, she gave no answer to me. Coming closer to her bed a folded note, exposing itself to be read. Carrying it to read was my aim. I spread the note wider. The writing was clear and easy to read. It says: My dear Paul I am waiting to hear from you before I die. Since when we saw ourselves last things had been different. I was comatose for ten months! My spiritual realm was so strange. Paul could you believe my mother was the first to welcome me to the place she saw as a home fit for my living. She said all this while it has been tough for me after she left me in the world. So, it was an opportunity for me to tell her my state after her death. I couldn’t hold back my tears seeing her. Surprisingly, an angel took me to a crystal place. Angels flew happily as I got there. The angel who brought me made it clear to me that sick and distress people comes here after their death. Everyone has an angel, I never knew he was my angel until he told me. No more death in that crystal place. I guess that place is heaven. People that has suffered unjustly in the earth smiling about. Wild animals of earthy forest gathered to play with me; uncountable animals rectilinear. My angel took me again to where dead babies resurrected to. I cried when I saw babies running to hug me, to them I have join them in their new abode. My hands filled as I was carrying all of them.

  Most of the popular people dead in the world were seen there; no securities to avoid them from nearing the just. Vast opportunity for me eating alongside all celebrities dead for long in the earth. Paul my angel told me to go back and tell all bereaved, all broken hearted that he is with them when they are always alone. HE even assured me that praying to God receive speedy answers; but sometimes when we pray and it didn’t come to pass; that might not mean God had abandon us; miraculously, our prayers shall be a big boost to us. Paul no more rain, snow, heat, earthquake, hurricane tornado, eclipse of the sun in that strange place. It got to a time your father comes to my mind; I start searching for him everywhere. Multi-coloured men and women wore gorgeous garment; singing, clapping, dancing to praise their creator. I smiled happily watching them. As I fold my hands, I can’t forget thinking of you and my husband. My angel flew to me, as if he knew I intended asking something from him. I look into his eyes and I saw his eyes flamed. He disappeared, I ran, as I fear danger. Uncommon to run about as nothing can chase anyone. I never knew my angel was waiting for me to where I was running to. He called me and asked of my intention. My angel encouraged me to ask any question. I begged him to tell me if my husband is there with him. I didn’t wait for his answer, I told him my husband can’t be found on earth. My angel assured me your father is still in the world we both lived. To crown it all, he ordered me to continue to check everywhere I can. My angel disappear before any word produce out of my mouth. I forgot telling my angel your father said he was heading to Somalia. Though, I wasn’t sure of myself that alone denied me of facts. Besides, The letter your father dropped before going does not look real. Paul, my breath was cut short as my name rung to my ears in clangour. Retinue of choristers singing their glorious music to their supreme being. They retard me with their songs. Large vicinity to occupy trillions of people; surprised to see only few men and woman there. There were lots of fruits to eat. Merely touching my body, no more leukaemia. Paul don’t steal from anyone. Keep being gentle. Close the animals cote to prevent them from escaping. Feed them with grains to aid their growth; as you know, growing bigger attract more sales, that means more cash to start your schooling. Bad friends are around avoid them to be a good person always. Your father’s friend Mr Silas is a kind man. If you come across him, greet him and avoid telling him my conditions. Try not being lazy because laziness is sin. Doctor Phills had been recourse to me; he is doing his best for my recovery. Thank him very well in case I die. Love is determination, some people sees it as a game, but see it as an opportunity for you building up your relationship with the opposite sex. Lady engaged to someone should be last thing on earth for you when is time. Success is measured by achievement if only working harder to succeed. Trust no one except your true living God who never lie. Our guardian angel always follows us anywhere, to avoid danger; my angel told me that. Each time I pray, my prayers goes to you in millions. Paul cheer up and don’t weep for me in case I die. My return to that place which I saw as heaven is near. The reason why my angel sent me back to the world was that my last letter had not been written to you before coming. Now that my letter had been written and kept beside me, my guardian angel will appear soonest to carry me along to that beautiful place. One day when is your time, you too shall see for yourself how better that place is than the world we are living today. Paul think twice in any race of life; hence, pit dug for you can’t overcome you. Men we all see as great men start from a step filled with determination. Rush not as there is no short route to excel. Thank you, very, very much as my only child. “With love from your only mother, Paulina!” Reading the letter was not a problem; while reading it, I trickled as I got to the final end. I was in quivering situation; I flapped after the last word. Stupendous letter I can’t forget was that of my mother. I was falter if really she was the writer of the unforgettable letter. Something is sure, I was aware my hands were clammy and there were sweat beads on my face all through. “No ... no! Mama, please tell me you are only sleeping!” “Paul take heart, your mother has tried enough.” Doctor Phills, passionate by mopping my tears; he stood calm and burst into a harsh tears. Condolence to me and my boss—Mr Collins. “How do I bury her?” “In the cemetery.” “No money for that boss.” “All the burial arrangement shall be my responsibility. Today her body will be laid to rest. My wife Hillary is here, She can’t see me. Hillary, come forward!” “wait for me!” Hillary ran, hugged Mr Collins, kissed him. “Our new housekeeper; meet him my wife.” “He is crying. Hope no problem?” “Our new housekeeper lose his mother. She had been sick for long.” “Really? Georgina told me you are here. At first, I was too scared. Thank God nothing is wrong with you.”
“Good of you as my wife. By the way, did you come across Lawal?” “Yes. So busy smoking.” “Hillary go and tell him to get ready by starting the car.” “Paul I feel your pain as your mother’s doctor.” “Thanks Doctor Phills, my mother wrote your kindness. This was the copy of letter beside her.” I handed Doctor Phills the letter; he read it openly undisturbed. “There is nothing more to say but to wish her farewell!” “I think her body can be moved to the closest cemetery.” “Now?” I asked. “Yes. Lawal’s younger brother works in cemetery closer here. Time to carry her corpse.” “Hillary help us out!” Doctor Phills pleaded. Hillary fully ready as she came eager to lift the longest patient now dead. “Take!” Mr Collins pinned out some money and gave it to Doctor Phills. “Good of you; but the money should be used for Paul’s mother burial. See you next time.” “Why Doctor Phills?” “Paul I am a disciplinarian in my profession. Margaret! Taking the corpse for burial had been decided. Join us to carry Paul’s mother to Mr Collins car.” Doctor Phills said. “My driver is waiting outside. Let’s be faster!” all hands were so busy. Mr Lawal stern face signals how angry he was due to delay. “Inside Margaret.” “Perfect! See you Doctor Phills!” Mr Collins shook his head, embrace Margaret for her gesture. Hillary stare in wonder. “A nurse about taking what belongs to me? Leave my husband, you nonentity! Ugly slut like you. My husband time to go. I can’t take this anymore!” Margaret hissed, walked away. “Goodbye Mr Collins.” Margaret flushed. “I must deal with her, I promise.” “Why Hillary?” Mr Collins beckons. Drive to the cemetery was immediate. “Almost there!” The road was volatile; each angle we pass, Mr Lawal galloped. “This place!” Mr Lawal pointed. The steering longing for a stop. “Vast space sir!” the cemetery attendant smiling to lift the corpse for burial. “Business as usual. Your money for tax.” “Is my brother around?” “Lawal your brother went home not long.” “You know me?” “Of course!” “Take. Keep the rest change. Oh, I need to add something more for you.” Mr Collins open his briefcase, counted some money and gave it to the tax man. “Nice doing business with you sir,” said the tax man. “For the epitaph. What day did she died?” “today.” “Time for dirge. Your name?” “Paul.” “Anything to write?” “Like?” “Elegiac message. Be faster. The priest is standing by. Use this pen and compose anything.” “Completed.” “ ... Ready priest!” “your name?” “Paul.” “Read this out aloud.” I read as commanded. “It is done,” said the priest. “Pour a sand on her casket to bid her farewell.” “NO! MAMA take me to that place! I want to go!” “Paul it is final. Time to go home. My wife and Lawal is waiting for us. Thank you priest.” A blessed prayers was directed to us as we left the cemetery going home tired. “Sorry for delaying all of you. Myself and Paul wishes to grant our apology.” “Time to go boss.” “Now part of our family. Paul don’t worry. I shall treat you kindly. Life sometimes is like that. I Hillary Collins, I will take care of you anytime, any day.” “That is enough Hillary, Paul don’t need disturbance.” Mr Collins pleaded. “Mission to accomplish in life must start now, Paul. When time of nature calls nobody stand as obstacle. Your mother must had been a kind-hearted woman. Large turnout of sympathizers paying tribute to her. I was almost hit down by them. So scary.” “Thanks boss, you are one of a kind. If I can come back in a new world, I suggest being a carpenter. Money won’t be a barrier; then my mother should be able to enjoy my labour as her only child.” “Paul, this must be statement out of your mind. Reason higher to acquire.” Hillary warns. “For now, your major target is how to be great in life. We shall make that a necessity. Reason with me Paul. Best thing happening to someone aiming success in life is going to learn.” “We are back home, sir!” Mr Lawal voiced. The car was exhausted from the distance; moving from place to place slow its parking. Georgina ran, flung her hands forward to welcome Mrs Hillary Collins who she knew as her boss wife. I was shocked to see her well fine smiling shining-teeth; one might say she is a model standing before her judges. “Follow her upstairs, Paul. Georgina show him his new room!” “Boss, new room for me?” “Yes. Not only here to do housekeeping job. Also here as member of my family.” “Your creator shall reward you for this, sir!” “O, Paul that is enough.” Georgina never believed I knew how to get to the difficult iron staircase of the upstairs. “So familiar here more than me, Paul. This is it!” “For me alone?” “Paul, who else do you think this room is for?” “So large to occupy myself Georgina.” “Most properties of yours should be here!” “Georgina how could you, haven’t David told you my poor state?” “Hmmm. No!” “The first day I arrived here was pitiful. My shirt on me so dirty, more of a rag. Heavy stinking rags was in my bag. Later that night, I threw away all my rags before it put me into trouble.” “Well ... looking neat. Paul I have something to tell you.” “Okay you can say it.” “Daily devotion here. We don’t miss that not even by mistake. No matter how tired you are, as the clock struck seven every morning, no excuse. This year is my fifth year I worked in this place. Handling my boss clothes is a priority. I would dry-clean some this night. Mr Collins have meeting to attend tomorrow by 11:00.” “Can I do that for you Georgina?” “no knowledge on that, as you know any slip will lead to sack.” “Tomorrow we shall see, Georgina.” “Good night.” From the hospital to cemetery, now at home. Busy day to remember. I look through the window. City of various activities became quiet. I can’t sleep, my mother’s death denied my happiness. “Oh MAMA how I feel your presence right now. How should life be for me without you? Don’t expect me to sleep, speak to me!” My heart thumping. My legs trembling. I was cold. My dead mother calling me. “I am here mama! Her voice cracking and out of control. She appeared front of me, clapping her hand and blowing bubbles at me. The appearance of her shows her love towards me as her only child. As I move towards her, she disappeared. “I LOVE YOU MAMA!” “Any problem Paul?” “she came to me!” “who actually came?” “my mother!” “really?” “Yes ... boss.” “Wait for me, I want to call Hillary!” as if Hillary knew her attention is needed, she pant while entering the room. “Paul’s mother not quite long came here, Hillary!” “whoa!” “Paul follow me to my room, that is the best place for you this night.” Mr Collins pull off his jacket and gave me to put on before heading to his room. “Boss, my mother’s garment was too white.” “Are ... you really sure the person who appeared to you was your mother?” “boss, from far I can recognise my mother.” “This my room won’t give you hallucination. That is my picture above. Come and touch it. I take a snap when I went to Amsterdam last year.” “Nice boss.” Leering at him, this reminds me of my father in one of his old picture, sitting beside a white man. “Mulattoes! I remember a picture of a man born from mixed parents. The people standing close to you seems they are aboriginal.” “U
mm, most of them are from Africa; good friends of mine.” “Pictures of old days, tells more how the people lives off pomposity; shaggy hair style can be used to describe fellows of those days.” “I have board meeting to attend as early as possible, don’t forget to remind me when it is morning.” “I will sir, your pyjamas, Georgina kept it for you.” “I was almost sending for it.” Mr Collins collected his pyjamas from me and smile broadly. “So squeeze. Maybe Georgina forgot ironing it.” “It seems, boss!” “time to pray, Paul!” My prayers directed against my boss enemies battling to bring him down at all cost. After our prayers, my skin sodden of sweat. I opened the refrigerator two step from me, drain water I saw in a tumbler. “Ah, Paul! Enemies around!” “That is life. I can fight them for you!” “You are just a boy to them because fetishism is all they believe in.” The clock struck twelve. We were on bed, we slept opposite each other. “A slap? Leave me alone!” “Lazy boy get up to do your work.” “Sorry ma’am.” “You must work early or I reduce your salary!” Hillary warning succinct. “Your boss just left to work. Sweep, clean everywhere, dress my bed, avoid raw light, am I understood!” “yes ma’am! Only problem of time for good work.” “Well … as far it is done excellently, excuse me a minute!” “Wow! This woman must had been a repented tigress. Anyway.” “Paul. Paul!” “Georgina have you gone insane? From wardrobe?” “I hid from my boss wife, Ah! am scared of her.” “Hillary slapped me, I thought it was you that slap me.” “Next time, you won’t wake late.” “That was outrageous! Mr Collins must hear this!” “kidding? Duties, performance is needed from you. Scrub easily, avoid tearing boss rug.” “You know better; help me Georgina.” “Too early for that. Give me your brush! Follow as I do. First stage is must. Remove all dirt by sweeping away. That is a map out for next stage.” “Easy Georgina.” “Paul. Not as concluded. Practice make perfect. In a week time, Mr Collins will hand you your salary. For now ... be serious and careful!” “thanks Georgina.” “Once more, be careful.” “I will.” “Wait! Someone?” “umm ...” “Paul: overnight you changed, speaking to no one?” “prayer against all enemies.” “When have you become prayer warrior?” “Today. I must not talk, am still in mood of praying.” Hillary shook herself, slammed her buttocks to dissatisfaction, gradually, the wall brought out a thud. “Smoke from kitchen; I guess ma’am!” “Follow me.” “I shall join you, am coming” “Come along with fire extinguisher!” “Consider it done ma’am.” Hillary shut the room door. “Paul a ploy. Why” “that is good. Now I am free.” “Panic wife of Mr Collins, so She is also scared?” “I trust Mr Collins. Marrying another woman won’t be a difficult thing for him.” “But Paul. Ready with that at your back.” “Fire extinguisher is not needed. Only used in all emergency. I will pretend is too heavy to carry. Expensive joke as I may say. She is coming Georgina!” “Again Paul? Talking to ghost?” “No.” “There was no smoke as speculated. But, I want to see the kitchen clean as possible.” “Okay ma’am!” “Georgina should had come to accompany me to my working place. Today marks ten years of our office existence. Just like yesterday! Lawal should be on his way by now. Our good driver with prowess in driving. So focused.” “Ma’am I will be through with my work in two minutes.” I took along everything I can; keeping clean the kitchen won’t come as surprise to Hillary. A complainant ready to pour her anger on anyone. Cobwebs on wall, broom to remove it off. Less than a minute I was through. I came back to the room, Hillary had gone. “Georgina come out from the wardrobe right now!” “S-She... had gone?” “yeah.” “I overheard her expecting me back from where I did not go to.” “Is there someone in this room?” “Georgina shut that door! Someone is coming here.” “David ... he must be the one. Tell him am not around, be fast.” “Say it yourself.” “When you knew David knows my voice.” “I won’t. Maybe it is Hillary that is behind that voice.” “You can Paul!” “she is not right here!” I snapped. “Georgina I got something for you! Open and take it. I believe this is for you ...!” David violently banged the door. “Stop that! Stop that! Georgina is not here!” I angrily force open the door. “Remember David, this is my boss room!” “Mr Collins called and told me he is on his way back home. He said that Georgina should be informed so that his best native-cloth will be ironed. Meeting he ought to have attended was cancelled while he was almost getting to the venue. Paul try to iron Mr Collins native-cloth, please.” “Georgina is experience, more experience to carry out such specific task.” “How do we communicate her to be fast before Mr Collins comes back?” “very soon David; Georgina should be back from Hillary place of work.” “O, I expect you to have told me Georgina follow my boss wife, Hillary.” “Don’t mind me, it was because of my confuse state due to heavy bang at the door.” “No time left; I think doing it myself will be accurate. Oh, I am gradually wasting time. Just close boss room door.” “Yeah I will. Wow! He almost understand my trick. That guy is too smart!” “Is he gone?” Georgina asked. “Coward.” “How can I thank you Paul?” “never mind.” “Come, have my kiss.” “Kiss? Has it come to this?” “love affair between us, I will say; besides love don’t cost a thing.” “Think again; wrong decision of planning an affair with me.” “If Mr Collins and his wife realised this, Paul they will support us fully, that may lead to marriage.” “Silly, and silly of you!” “How old are you, Paul?” “stupid telling you my age.” “Okay; do you by mistake knew all your data are kept under my care?” her confession to me was daunting. “Who gave it to you?” I grabbed Georgina with my last strength, she dangle for safety. “Allow me!” She forced out. I mistakenly touched her boobs. “Sorry for this Georgina; is just that you got me angry.” “You almost killed me, I don’t expect that from you!” “I am begging you; forgive me Georgina.” “Paul think twice, I love you!” tears from Georgina won’t allow me to fall easily for her cheap love. “Let us date. If you agree I shall be checking you after school hours, I promise you.” “School? Don’t mock me.” “This week, going to school as your aim will surely come to pass. Mr Collins and his wife has something good in mind concerning your case.” “You must be telling lies, tell me the truth Georgina!” “It is nothing but true.” “That is good news to hear.” “Now: do you finally agree to what I want?” “Never! Never! Wherever my mother is, she would reject that nonsense you want for both of us. Something is certain; tears of joy will flow from her because of me about schooling. Though, if this is a joke, I won’t take it likely with you!” “don’t you trust me Paul?” “I can’t. You are too desperate.” Shrillness far from us, I noticed my boss was back, his growling makes me realize he is back. “Very soon Georgina, Mr Collins will knock. Open the door, pretend to be in kitchen.” “Good idea! We shall discuss later.” She rounded up. “Boss, welcome sir!” “Paul you must have been busy. I was making call to one of my manager in my second company. No time to wa
ste. Get me my suit in the wardrobe.” “The key master?” “Georgina should be in possession of it. Where is she?” “In the kitchen sir!” “go, call her for me.” “Yes sir!” “Hurry up, my managers are waiting for me.” Georgina was in my mind; she might had left before I get to her. Plates tossed. Georgina and David may be having a brawl. “Georgina! Georgina! Give me keys of Mr Collins wardrobe. He is waiting for me.” “Check your pocket.” “Oh, is even inside.” “Go before Mr Collins rages. Be fast.” “Did David came here?” “He had sneaked as he heard Mr Collins talking to you. Boss is waiting, Paul be fast please!”