(Eposide 8) JUMAI

 
“That is a lot of supply.” Jumai said, kicking up some dust with her heels.
“Well, Professor Tanko is a rich man, very connected too.” Mark said. “Your dad is not doing anything less.”
“Considering how much my dad is contributing, don’t you think you should treat me nicer?”
Mark stopped walking and turned around to face Jumai.
“I am sorry Jumai, alright? I’m not trying to be mean and it’s not because your father is a huge donor.”
“He is a donor alright, but my father is not huge actually, just a middle sized man.” Jumai said and smiled.
“What? I was saying…oh.” Mark smiled, she was joking. Was he taking this more serious than it deserved?
“So what is the problem Mark? Something happen?”
“What I’m about to tell you is true, embarrassing, a little sad actually.”
“Now, I’m even more eager to hear it.”
“Okay here goes. I’m the type of guy who doesn’t…” A crash sound from the distance stopped him.
“What was that?” Jumai asked.
Mark turned toward the direction of the sound and started to run. It sounded like it came from one of the trucks. He could not afford any trouble with the trucks or the content, his boss would kill him. He checked each truck as he ran past them till he got to the fourth. He stopped and opened his mouth. The back door was open, the chain that was supposed to hold the door together was loose. He had the keys with him. Had he left it unlocked? He was not sure.
Jumai arrived.
“What’s the problem?” She saw the open door. “Was anything taken?”
He had not thought about that. He looked in the back of the truck, it was dark, there was no way to be very sure everything was intact.
“What’s that?” Jumai asked, pointing.
Mark followed her pointing finger and saw a nylon wrapper behind the door. He picked it and looked inside. It was pack of toiletries; toothpaste and brush, tissue, a bar of soap. He was not sure what was originally in the pack so he could not tell if anything was missing. Why would anyone break into any of the trucks?
“Was anything taken?” Jumai asked again.
“I have no idea.” Mark said and looked around. “Something is wrong here.”
He looked around the truck, there were several footprints around. That was understandable. There was a footstep that looked a little deeper than the others. He moved away from the truck and looked for other footprints that had that much depth. He found one, then another and another, each moving away from the truck. The footsteps led away from where they stood, he had to follow it. He walked away from the truck following the footprints. The prints got deeper the farther he went, whoever it was had stomped harder as they moved along.
He heard a loud scream and stopped. It came from not too far away from him, behind one of the storage buildings.
“What was that?”
Mark turned around, Jumai was behind him. “I think you should wait here.”
“No way, something dangerous could be out there.” She said.
“That’s why you should stay.”
“No, what if the person is hurt or needs help.”
“Then I’ll call…” He looked at her and knew there was no point arguing. “Okay then.”
They moved slowly towards the storage building. Whoever had screamed was now quiet but was still out there, he could hear him or her moving around. They got around the building and for a few seconds he saw no one.
“Look.” Jumai said, pointing.
Mark looked in the direction she was pointing and saw a figure on the floor. He looked closer, it was man. A naked man. He lay with his face to the floor. His legs were thrashing weakly.
“I think he’s hurt.” Jumai said rushing towards the man.
“Wait.” Mark shouted.
She did not answer and was already kneeing beside the man. Mark walked over to them and helped turn the man face up. He gasped and took a step back. The man’s face was horrible, squeezed, as if it was pulled together.
“What is wrong with him?” Mark asked.
“I don’t know.” Jumai said. “I have never seen something like this before.”
The man looked very skinny, dirty, he was not likely to be one of the volunteers. Even if he was, he couldn’t have recognized him because of how distorted the man’s face was.
“Look at his hands.” Jumai said.
Mark looked, they were bruised. Had he been in a fight? With who? Where did he come from? Jumai brought out her phone.
“What are you doing?” Mark asked.
“We need to call an ambulance. And I need to talk to a senior colleague, I have no idea what to do right now.”

 Mark nodded. He looked around the surroundings, how did this man get into the compound? He looked at the storage building beside them and stopped. Some parts of the wall of the building had been knocked down. He stood and walked to the walls. He looked at the walls and the holes scattered across it. He looked at the man on the floor and back at the wall, did he do this? With his bare hands? Was that even possible?
“Mark?” Jumai called to him.
“Yeah?”
“He is dead.”
“What?”
Who was this man? What had just happened? Mark knew he needed answers to those questions and fast. He had a horrible feeling this was not random, it was the beginning of somethi
He prayed he was wrong.
TO BE CONTINUED .....

(Episode7) JUMAI

It was all about to start, this was what the past six months had been about. It had taken several hours and millions of naira but finally WAAP would start on its biggest project ever. Mark had been the middle of it all and it had been a whole lot of work, work he was grateful for now. Jumai was on the team with him but he had not seen much of her, thanks to all the work he had to do. He did a lot of the assigning of middle to low level roles and he always made sure Jumai was not anywhere near him. He wanted to forget her. He knew he was being dramatic but he was just trying to be safe.
Mark moved through the temporary offices in Damaturu, everything was almost set. His boss and the UNICEF team would arrive the next day, he could not afford any lapses. He entered his own office and nodded in satisfaction, he was good to go.
There was a knock on his door and a man – one of the volunteers already on ground entered.
“Sule?”
“Some of the trucks with the supplies just arrived sir.” Sule said.
“What?” The supplies were not supposed to arrive until the next day. “How many?”
“Four sir.”
He was not ready to receive four trucks, not yet. He followed Sule out to where the trucks were waiting. The trucks arriving early was not good but it took nothing away from how important the trucks were. Inside the truck were supplies; food, clothing, toiletries and drugs that would help people regain their lives. War was terrible, what followed it could be worse. It wasn’t going to be for the people of Yobe because of Doctor Aderoju and his efforts. His boss could be a lot of work sometimes but he was doing something great.
“It’s a lot to take in huh?”
Mark turned around and saw Jumai. She still looked stunning. She wore a pair of blue jeans, a black knee-length gown and her customary head tie. She stood there, hands in her pocket looking at him with her charming smile. It was completely hopeless trying to block her from his mind, it was already too late.
“Have you been avoiding me?”
“Not really.” Mark said.
“Something happened that day on our way back from the airport, right?”
Mark shifted his gaze back to the trucks. “Nothing happened.”
“Okay.” She said and moved to his side. “What are those?”
“Some supplies that arrived early. I need to check them out, take stock of everything that is on board.”
“Seems like a lot of work.”
“Tell me about it.” Mark started to walk away. “See you around?”
“Hey,” Jumai called out to him. “Can I come?”
Mark sighed. “Sure.”
***
 Baban signed the form and handed it to the man smiling in front of him.
“Thank you Professor, you are a blessing to our generation.” The man said.
Baban smiled and shook the man’s hand. “I am just trying my best.”
He followed the man to the door and closed it behind him. Whew! He was getting tired of having to play the great benevolent man, he had more important things to do. His project was about to go into full operation. In fact, it had already. He had delivered the kulunix ahead of the arrival of the UNICEF team, that would set things up very well.
“Are you ready to go sir?”
Baban looked at Dongo sitting in a corner and he smiled. Dongo in a suit; it was one of the most interesting sights he had ever seen.
“Yes.” Baban said.
They walked out of the office. Baban kept his smile all through the walk to the car. People respected him and he enjoyed the attention. One day they would come to know who he really was but by then it would all be too late. He loved their respect but he loved his money more.
They entered the car and drove out of the office compound.
“We sent the trucks today sir.” Dongo said.
“I know.”
“So what now?”
“Our trucks arrived early, so they will be part of the first supplies to be distributed. That way we get a head start on our project.”
“Okay sir.” Dongo said. “Now that we have the kulunix, what happens to Doctor Coker?”
“You know what.”
Baban looked out of the window of the car. Was he heartless? That was what his wife said when she left him. She took his children and moved to the United Kingdom. He had mourned her loss for a while but soon he came to his senses. She could afford to move to and live in the UK because of the money he made. He had been poor once and no one loved or respected him then. Not even his wife. He remembered that so well, he was never going back to that life.
The car stopped in front of a black gate. Dongo hooted and the gate opened. The car parked and Baban stepped out.
“I’ll be in the car sir.” Dongo said.
Baban nodded; even Dongo couldn’t attend this meeting. This was where it all got good or went down the drain. If things didn’t go well here, the kulunix and all the stress he had been through for months would be a waste.
He entered the house, went up a staircase and stopped at the now so familiar door. He took a deep breath and knocked. He waited for a few seconds and didn’t get an answer, he didn’t expect one. He turned the door knob and pushed the door open.
Inside the room, three men waited for him.
General Bashiru Babatunde, dressed in an Arsenal football club jersey, glass of scotch in hand sat in an armchair. He did not look up when Baban entered. He was a war hero, supposedly. He was an unsung hero though; he never received recognition for anything he did but he did make a lot of money. He learnt the methods of making money from war during the civil war and he was not ready to learn other ways. That one way was good enough.
Chief Biru Sawyer like the General was wealthy and well respected. He was a business man who had a lot of say in politics. He had seen it all, according to him. He was sound asleep on a sofa when Baban entered. He didn’t sound or look like the sharpest mind in the room the first time Baban met him but he had become one of the most devious minds Baban had ever encountered.
And then there was Bello B. Bello. No title, not prefix, just Bello B. Bello. He stood up to acknowledge Baban’s presence. He was nouveau riche and was always eager to hide the fact. He was young and knew a lot more about technology and how to make money with it than his old-timer partners. Baban did not like him much but Chief Sawyer and General Babatunde seemed to value him so he tolerated him.
“Welcome Prof.” Bello said.
“What took you so long?” General Babatunde said, his eyes on his now empty cup.
“You know some of us are not retired yet, we still have offices to report to.” Baban said.
“You think I am retired? What would I be doing here if I was retired?”
“Well, I am here now.” Baban said.
He walked over to the minibar in the room and poured himself a cup of scotch. He was not much of a drinker but the General never wanted to drink alone during their meetings. He was usually the person who had to. The Chief couldn’t – medical reasons. Bello couldn’t – religious reasons.
“Wake up the old fart, let’s get this started.” General Babatunde said.
“Old fart huh? That’s a new one.” Chief Sawyer responded swinging his feet off the sofa. “What is new Professor?”
“Nothing much sir.”
Chief Sawyer looked up with surprise. “Nothing much? Are you…?”
“Wait, are you asking about our project?” Baban asked. “Sorry, I thought you were just asking about me generally.”
“Why would I do that?” Chief Sawyer looked genuinely surprised Baban had made that mistake.
“Everything is good on my end.” Baban said. “The question, how is it on your ends?”
“You know we always deliver Baban.” Bello said.
“Baban?” General Babatunde looked at Bello. “Who the hell is Baban?”
“That’s what they call him.” Bello replied, nodding at Baban.
The general shook his head.
“When does the kulunix become active? We paid a lot of money for that thing, we need to see it work.” Chief Sawyer said.
“We have delivered four trucks to the group working on the project with the government. Of course we sent clothes and other drugs that are not kulunix so as not to draw any attention to the…”
“We are not dumb Professor.” General Babatunde said. “We know why you did that. The question is when does it all begin to work? When do we have our first soldiers?”
Baban pulled a chair and sat. “General, I already said we would patience for this to work.”
General Babatunde laughed. “Patience huh? I though you hated the word.”
“I do.”
“Look Baban or whatever you call yourself,” Chief Sawyer started. “We have a lot of money riding on this, you realize why we are anxious.”
“You don’t want me getting anxious Professor.” General Babatunde said.
Baban nodded. He was going to ignore the not too veiled threat. General Babatunde did not trust him much and he was not shy to show it. He understood their anxiety but he was not going to be pushed into a promise. One thing these men hated more than waiting was failure.
“Are you going to give us a date?” Bello asked.
“No, I won’t. But I know you won’t have to wait for long.”
“So we are supposed to sit on our rich, retired asses and wait?” Bello asked.
“No, you can’t sit.” Baban said. “Look you have been asking questions all day, I have some of my own.”
“You want more money, you sick bastard?” Chief Sawyer shot an angry look at him.
“Yes, I need more money but that’s not what I’m planning to ask.” Baban said. “We need weapons, lots of them. We are going to be supplying two armies very soon, we can run short and the Mexicans will find a way of doing business here behind our back.”
“Look son, I have been selling weapons in this country for decades. Don’t you think I know how many weapons the army needs?”
“Alright General, just checking. I need the first shipment to hit Yobe in three days. Once they take the kulunix they will be needing us and we will be needing the guns.”
“All these sounds very exciting, maybe even unbelievable.” General Babatunde said.
“Seeing is believing General. Do you watch the news?” Baban asked.
“No, I don’t watch that crap.”
“Well General, it’s time for some crap. In a few days that crap will be talking about what you and your great friends here made happen.” Baban said with a huge smile.
Bello smiled and said. “I have to tell you Baban, make this work and we will own every damn crap station in this country.”
“Yes sir, I can smell it already. No pun intended.”
“Okay Baban, you will have your guns in three days.” General Babatunde said. “Go make us proud.”
“More importantly,” Chief Sawyer said. “Go make us money.”
Baban nodded, drank up the scotch and headed for the door. He had work to do.
 to be continued in the next episode......

(Episode 6) JUMAI

Where is Doctor Coker?” Baban shouted as he burst into the lab.
The receptionist who also doubled as the lookout in case law enforcement came around was relaxed on his chair. He, like every other person in the lab was not expecting him.
“Welcome sir.” He said, jumping up from his chair.
“Where is Doctor Coker?”
“He is in the testing area sir.” He said.
 Baban hurried past him. He had no plans to come until the next day but he had gotten the most disturbing news – the UNICEF team were early. His plan required that he setup before the UNICEF team arrived in Yobe. He was already behind his normal schedule. Now, his schedule was behind schedule. He punched the elevator button and entered.
He came out from the elevator and stepped into the corridor that led to Doctor Coker’s office. He remembered seeing lab scientists working behind glass walls the last time he came; today, they were nowhere to be found. He walked into the test facility. He stopped at the door; the room was full. It looked like every single staff of the lab was in the room. What was going on?
He cleared his throat and everyone in the room turned around to see him. They parted and made a path for him to the front of the room. In front stood Doctor Coker. He did not turn around to see him, his attention was on one of the test tanks.
Inside the tank, there was a monkey sitting on a chair. It was either unconscious or dead.
“Doctor Coker?” Baban said.
“Shhhh” Doctor Coker said holding a finger to his mouth.
Baban opened his mouth in surprise. Did Doctor Coker just tell him to keep quiet? He opened his mouth to talk but the monkey stirred and he stopped. The room was dead silent, all eyes were on the monkey.
The monkey opened its eyes and jumped off the chair. It paced around the tank for a few seconds then it stood still and let out a screeching sound. For a moment Baban feared the monkey would suddenly burst into tiny pieces.
Doctor Coker spoke into a walkie-talkie Baban had not noticed before. A few seconds later, the roof of the tank opened slightly and a bigger monkey was let down into the tank.
“What is going on?” Baban could no longer wait to know.
“Just watch.” Doctor Coker said.
“Tell me now!” Baban shouted.
Doctor Coker looked at Baban and said. “We have injected Pope with Kulunix.”
“Pope?”
“That’s the name of the smaller monkey. It was the smallest and weakest of the park; the perfect test for Kulunix.”
“The bigger monkey?”
“That is Captain. It is the biggest of the ones we have here.”
Pope observed Captain in the cage. It looked to be minding its business but Baban knew a fight was about to happen. He was right. Pope ran for Captain and in a few seconds punched the breath out of him, and was breaking up bones in his body. It pulled off the victory very cleanly and Captain’s body lay lifeless on the floor. The killing didn’t seem to be enough for Pope, it grabbed the chair it was seating on and pulled it apart.
Murmurs spread around the room. Baban looked around, he was not sure what they were thinking. The monkey was super-powerful, that was good. That was the goal.
“This is good, right?” Baban said to Doctor Coker.
“We need to watch it for a few more hours sir.”
“Why is that?”
“The super-strength that Pope displayed is only part of the equation. We need to know what happens when the drug wears out.”
“Are you say Kulunix is ready?”
“No sir. Sir, please don’t bring my children into this.”
“Hey Doctor, come on. I’m a friend of the family.” Baban said, patting Doctor Coker on the back. “Let’s talk in your office Doctor.”
Baban and Doctor Coker exit the room leaving the lab assistants to observe the monkey.
“I appreciate the work you have done here Doctor.” Baban said as they entered the office.
“You weren’t showing much appreciation when you killed my son last time.” Doctor Coker said and lowered his head. “You killed my son Professor.”
“Don’t call me Professor here, I already told you that.”
“Why are you even here? I have until tomorrow.”
“Well, we don’t have till tomorrow anymore.”
“You can’t touch my son, that wasn’t…”
Baban slammed the table. “Shut up Doctor! Are you listening to me? Nobody is killing your son. I have bigger problems now. How soon can you package the Kulunix?”
“Package? You mean into capsules?”
“Not just into capsules, into boxes and ready to ship.”
“The drug isn’t ready for consumption Baban. You will be risking a lot of lives here.”
Baban laughed. “You obviously don’t know me. Risk is what I do. What exactly is left?”
“I’m still waiting for the results of the test you interrupted, that will give me a clearer picture of where we are.”
Baban rose from his chair and walked around the table to a shelf. He picked up a picture frame.
“You have a lovely family, Doctor.” Baban said.
“Don’t threaten my family. I am trying my best here.” Doctor Coker’s voice trembled with anger.
“Then give me what I want damn it!”
“You want me to package Kulunix as it is?”
“Yes.”
“Okay. You will have the first batch ready to go in twenty four hours.”
“Those are the best words I have heard all day.” Baban said with a huge smile.
“If this backfires, I want to absolve myself of all blame now.”
Baban sighed. “Absolve of blame? Those are the worst words I have heard all day. I’ll ignore it though.”
Baban headed for the door, he had a lot of work to do now.
“Sir, we need more money to produce the quantity you need.” Doctor Coker called after him.
“You will have all the money you need Doctor.” Baban shouted back to him, then added in a whisper. “And Yobe will have all the Kulunix they don’t need.”

***
“How are you feeling about your decision to drive now?” Mark asked.
Jumai yawned and leaned her head on the headrest.
“I won’t give you the pleasure of saying I regret it but I will at least admit I won’t be doing it anytime soon.”
“This isn’t a short dash from VGC to Lekki, this is a real journey for a real driver.”
“Insult me all you want, just know that as soon as we get to your office I’m telling your boss you made me drive myself.”
“No, you won’t.”
“Keep making fun of me and watch me put on my best acting into the report.”
He knew she was joking but she had a point. If his boss got to know that she drove, he would get more than an earful. They had been on a standstill for about ten minutes, maybe it was time to switch seats and roles.
“Maybe it’s time to drive.” Mark said.
“Finally! I thought you’d never ask.”
Mark was about to open his door when the car in front of them moved.
“Really?” Jumai said. “We’ve been on the same spot for this long and the moment I want to stop driving the traffic moves?”
“You don’t have much luck, do you?”
“Apparently not.”
“Maybe you should park.”
“You think I haven’t thought about that? There’s no parking space anywhere.”
She had a point. There was a KFC up ahead though, it was the only parking space they would find for a while. In spite of the terrible traffic, he was enjoying spending time with her. It looked like every second he spent with her opened her up to him. She wasn’t as uptight or standoffish as she looked on their first meeting.
“We are coming up to a KFC, pull over there. I’ll even get you a sandwich or something for your troubles.” Mark said.
“Am I supposed to be grateful for that?”
“Yes. Or you could just keep driving.”
“Yeah, and I can just tell your boss.”
“Okay, you win. Keep your gratitude to yourself.”
They arrived at the KFC and she pulled into the parking lot. They exited the car and entered the restaurant.
“What do you want?” Mark asked.
“Didn’t you promise sandwich?”
“I thought maybe… aargh, never mind.”
Mark went to the counter and got two sandwiches and two bottles of pepsi.
“Should we take this to go or do you want to sit?” Mark asked.
Jumai looked around. “That traffic isn’t going anywhere, let’s sit.”
The pulled up two chair and sat.
“What are you doing back in Lagos anyway? Doctor Aderoju said you worked in Kaduna.”
“I took a leave from work to go with you guys to Yobe. I read more about your work after the last meeting and I think it’s something I would like to do.”
Mark nodded. “Interesting. It had nothing to do with a certain handsome young project manager, did it?”
“A ‘what’ did you say? You don’t have any handsome young project manager in your company. Oh wait, are you talking about yourself?” Jumai said and laughed.
Mark put his hands over his heart. “That hurt. Really hurt.”
“You started it.”
“I didn’t…” Mark started to say then looked at the doorway as a lady entered and stopped. “Oh my God.”
“What is it?” Jumai asked. She followed his gaze to the lady. “You know her?”
“That is Tomi Adesina.”
“Tomi who?”
“She’s a blogger, I read her stories.”
“Oh.”
“Jeans and sneakers, just like I imagined.”
“You want to go over and talk to her?”
“What? No. What would I say?” Mark scoffed.
“Hmm, I don’t know… ‘What is your name?’ That’s what you said to me.”
“I know her name already.”
“Okay, ask yourself this; ‘what will Joey Tribbiani do?’”
“Will you drop the Joey thing already.”
“Hey look, she’s leaving.” Jumai said, nodding in Tomi Adesina’s direction. “This is your last chance.”
Mark knew this was a great chance to meet one of his favourite writers but what was he going to say to her? He would have another chance, there was no point embarrassing himself in front of Jumai.
“And she’s gone.” Jumai said and shook her head.
“We should go too.” Mark said.
Jumai’s phone rang as they stood up. She looked at the phone and smiled.
“Sorry, I have to take this.” She said.
Mark nodded. “I’ll be waiting in the car.”
Jumai answered the call. “Hello babe.”
Mark paused and looked back. Babe?

( EPISODE 5) JUMAI

Mark looked up with weary eyes at the projector screen, the words were beginning to blur. It was early in the morning, he couldn’t be caught dozing. It wasn’t his fault though; he had been working with barely any sleep for three days. The UNICEF team came in early and were doing some ground work which meant he was doing some ground work. Today’s meeting was supposed to be the final one before everyone moved to Yobe. If it was this tough in Lagos, he was not looking forward to going to Yobe.
“I read in my report that as much as sixty people died at a point, what happened?” Kirk Helink asked.
Kirk Helink was the head of the UNICEF team and he was a lot like Dr Aderoju. He wanted results, the means as long as it was legal was none of his business.
“Mark, do you want to take this?” Dr Aderoju.
“Yes sir.” Mark said, hoping his drowsy face was not giving him away. “A few months ago after a major relief exercise, people started to get sick. We brought in several medical teams but they did not find anything wrong with the sick people. Unfortunately a lot of them died.”
“I see here all of them were men.” Kirk said.
“I was just about to say that. All of them were men which was strange.”
“Do you know why?”
“No sir, we don’t. Eventually we found it had something to do with their food.”
“Only the men ate the food?”
“We did not share any food exclusively to the men. We are not so sure why it affected the men.”
“This is true Tobi?” Kirk asked, turning to Dr Aderoju.
“Yes Kirk. That is why the government has banned any sharing of food items except by registered organizations.”
“Okay.”
Mark rubbed his forehead and hoped his boss would close the meeting now. He needed sleep and he needed it now.
“I think we should take a break.” Dr Aderoju said.
Mark could not believe his luck, finally he could get some well-deserved sleep. He picked his iPad and rose from his chair. He could not wait to get to his office.
“Mark, come with me please.” Dr Aderoju said.
Mark gasped and everyone in the room turned in his direction. He cleared his throat and followed his boss out of the conference room. What was his offense that made nothing go well for him? All he asked for was a little shut eye.
He entered Dr Aderoju’s office and slammed the door behind him. Dr Aderoju looked at him with a raised eyebrow.
“Sorry sir.” Mark said.
“I want you to go to Ikeja with the driver.”
“Ikeja?” Mark asked.
“Yes. Is there a problem?”
Yes! I want to sleep! “No sir.”
“Good. You looked distracted in the meeting. We are expecting a special guest at the airport, I want you to go with the driver. You know, show our guest they are important.”
“Okay sir.”
Mark waited for more information but his boss said nothing. He turned around and left the office. Sometimes he wished he had someone he could boss around and send on this kinds of errands too. Why did he have to go with the driver anyway?
“Oga, oya let’s go.” Mr Kazim, the driver was already waiting for him.
He sighed and followed him out of the building. He was sure he would be asleep in the car before they hit the road. His phone rang as they approached the car. It was Dr Aderoju.
“Hello sir.” Mark said.
“Please tell Kazim to come back. I just remembered that I need him to go to and pick Damilare. Take your car, okay?”
No, it was not okay. Come on! He managed to confine his frustrations to a grunt.
“Please hurry up. Thank you Mark.”
At other times getting a ‘thank you’ from his boss would have made his day but not today. There was no chance of sleeping now.
“Mr Kazim, Oga said you should come back.” Mark said.
“I no dey go again?”
“Yes, he wants you to go… Just go and see him.”
Mark entered his car, started the engine and slid the gear into drive. He wanted to sleep.

Two hours later he arrived at the airport. It was a miracle he had arrived at the airport without incidence. He had dozed off twice in traffic and had to endured some insults from rightly impatient danfo drivers. He was here now and he hoped the flight would arrive on time.
His phone rang and he answered the call.
It was his boss. “Hello sir.”
“Where are you Mark?”
“I’m at the airport.”
“Where exactly? Doctor Jumai has been waiting.”
“Jumai is the one I’m picking?” He said his thoughts aloud.
“That is what I just said. Are you listening to me?”
“Sorry sir. I will go to the arrival lounge now.”
“Please do.”
Maybe he owed his boss an apology and a ‘thank you’ after all. He had no idea he was coming to pick Jumai. He probably would have been more enthusiastic about the trip. This was good; he had a two hour trip back to Island to look forward to. For the first time he wished for traffic.
He saw her as he entered the arrival lounge. It was almost the same as the first time he had met her here. Except now he knew her name and she was smiling and waving at him.
“Welcome back to Lagos Doctor Jumai.” Mark said.
“Thank you, Mr Joey Tribbiani.”
“What?”
Jumai laughed. “I’m joking. Come on Mark.”
“I see.”
“I don’t understand why that name gets to you that much. Joey was a fine boy and he got all the girls.”
“He also believed getting a rating of ‘abysmal’ was a good thing.” Mark said, collecting her bag.
Jumai laughed again. “So you’d rather be Chandler or Ross then?”
“How about we totally forget about ‘Friends’, Miss Rachel Greene.”
“Rachel? I think I’d rather you called me Phoebe.”
Mark looked at her with wide eyes. “Phoebe was crazy.”
“Exactly.”
Mark shook his head and smiled. They walked the rest of the way to the car in silence; Mark pondering what good luck he had and Jumai typing and scrolling and reading on her phone.
“Can I drive?” Jumai asked.
“What?” Mark smiled. “Have you ever driven in Lagos?”
“Yeah. Just from VGC to Lekki though.”
Mark shook his head. “I don’t think you can drive here.”
“Really? Do cars move on two tyres here? Or you steer with your legs?”
Mark laughed. “Sometimes we do.”
“Give me your keys.” She said snapping her fingers
“Okay boss.” Mark said and entered the car. Her dad was rich, she could afford to get into some trouble.
“Fasten your seatbelt Mister Joey…” She laughed. “Sorry, sorry. Mister Mark, fasten your seatbelt please and get ready for the ride of your life.”
Mark smiled and fastened his seatbelt. God is good!
...TO BE CONTINUED 

(EPISODE 4): JUMAI

Mark looked across the table at Jumai. She was totally engrossed in the presentation. Even in her official suit she looked great. It was a shame he had lost interest in her. She looked at him and caught his stare. He turned his gaze to the projector screen. Did she smile? He looked back at her, her eyes were back on the presentation. Had he lost interest? No way.
“Mark, your turn.” His boss announced.
Mark picked his files and walked to the front of the room.
“Good afternoon everybody. Like my boss announced earlier, UNICEF will be arriving in Nigeria in two weeks. This is the first time we will be working with UNICEF so we have to make this perfect. Please look through the file in front of you. Everybody here except for Doctor Jumai…” He paused and looked at her. She smiled. He caught himself before he returned the smile. “…everybody knows how these things work. There is only one difference this time. And it will make all the difference in the world.”
He clicked the pointer and two pictures came on the screen.
“I’m sure we all know who they are. Professor Tanko and Professor Jibril. They are both on our team for the first time. Here are the roles they will be playing.”
“Wait Mark.” His boss stopped him. “Isn’t all these information in the files?”
“Yes sir. I was just…”
“This meeting has been on for too long.” He turned to address the room. “Like Mark said, you all know Professors Tanko and Jibril. You can read all about it in your files. Our next meeting is in a few days, we will send you a mail to that effect.”
Like that, Doctor Aderoju ended the meeting. Mark packed his files and returned to his seat. That was hours of preparation down the drain.
“That was great.”
Mark looked up and saw Jumai standing by his side.
“Great? Do you know the meaning of the word?”
She laughed. “Okay, it wasn’t great. I’m just trying to compensate for not remembering you.”
“Oh, I see. How do you plan to compensate for calling me Joey Tribbiani?”
“Maybe I’ll read your file.”
“Really? I will be so grateful to you.”
She arched her eyebrow. “Sarcasm?”
“Of course.”
Mark stood and headed for the door. He opened the door and Jumai stepped out of the room.
“My boss didn’t say why you were in this meeting.”
“I’m representing my father.”
“Your father?” His eyes widened. “Are you the daughter of..?”
“Yes, I am.”
“I should be kissing your feet. Your father is our biggest donor.”
“Did you know my feet has not been kissed in a long time? Maybe I’ll let you kiss it one of these days.”
They got to the front of his office and he stopped.
“Why did you stop?” Jumai asked.
“This is my office.”
“Oh, can I see?”
Mark peeked inside and shook his head. “Sorry, not today.”
“Too rough huh?”
“Rough? What? Nah.” Mark said and swallowed. “There’s a naked girl inside.”
She frowned. “I see.”
Mark looked at her face, she believed him?
“That was a joke. The office is too rough, that’s why… you know?”
They stood and endured a few seconds of awkward silence.
“About the compensation for calling me Joey Tribbiani, you still haven’t named the price.” Mark said.
“How about I let you walk me to the car?”
“Hmm, it doesn’t quite make up but I’ll take what I can get.”
They made small talk as they walked out of the building. She wasn’t as snobbish as he thought she was but she wasn’t an open book either. It looked like she was genuinely trying to pay back for forgetting him. He walked her to her car and watched her drive away.
Was it meant to be? He wasn’t so sure anymore but at least he would have another chance to find out in a few days.
He returned into the building and met his boss at the door.
“Where is Jumai?” He asked.
“She just left sir.” Mark replied.
“Aargh. I wanted to wish her a safe flight before she left.”
Mark smiled. “She didn’t fly sir, she drove.”
His boss looked at him and shook his head. “I didn’t mean now. She is flying back to Kaduna today. That’s where she practices.”
Mark spun around and watched Jumai’s car driving off in the far distance.
“Is she coming for the next meeting?” Mark asked.
“No. Why? Did she steal your lunch?” Doctor Aderoju said and walked away laughing at his own lame joke.
Was it meant to be? She had just walked away – driven away from him again. Well, he had his answer.

(Episode3) : JUMAI

Baban adjusted his tie as Dongo opened the door for him. He loved wearing a three piece suit and a tie. It was strange for people in his line of work to but he wasn’t like most people in his line of work. He was the next generation, he was the future. The future was here though, it was time to make things happen. Making things happen depended a lot on one man – Doctor Coker.
Baban paused in the reception and looked around. The building looked like any other chemical research lab he had ever seen. It wasn’t anything to pay attention to. What would come out of the building on the other hand would get everyone’s attention. Everything being equal. Making and keeping everything equal was easier said than done.
“Sir, Doctor Coker has been informed of your arrival. He is waiting in the laboratory.”
“We mustn’t keep the good doctor waiting.” Baban said.
He followed Dongo into the elevator and waited for him to punch the appropriate buttons.
“Did you do what I asked you to?” Baban asked.
“Yes sir. Everything has been arranged.”
Baban nodded.
The elevator door opened and he stepped into the long corridor. On either side of the corridor, chemists and whoever else Doctor Coker had hired were working. It was good they could not see through the glass on their end. They got to the end of the corridor and Dongo pushed a button by the door. Two seconds later, the door opened. Doctor Coker stood behind it, smiling like he had just seen an old friend.
“Welcome Professor…”
Baban raised his right hand and Coker stopped. “I’ve told you to call me Baban until this project is over.”
“Sorry Baban. You are welcome. I’m glad to have you here sir.”
“Hmhmm.” Baban said. “Dongo here told me he sent 15 million naira to you.”
“Yes sir, he did,”
“Are you happy with the money Doctor?” Baban asked.
“Yes sir, I am.”
Baban moved closer to Coker. “So why aren’t you making me happy Doctor?”
“Sir, I promise we are doing our best. You just need to be a little patient sir.”
“Patience…” Baban said and stepped away Coker.
Dongo and his other men knew he hated to hear the word ‘patience’, apparently the doctor didn’t.
“Follow me sir.” Coker said.
Baban turned to face to Dongo and nodded. Dongo turned and left the room.
“Where are you taking me doctor?” Baban asked.
“To my office sir.” Coker said.
“Why Doctor? Do you have the finalised Kulunix in your office?
“No sir.” Coker said. “I just want to show you the last test we did.”
“Really? Tell me about it.”
“We tested on one of our research monkeys. I could show you the video sir.”
“How about we run the test again? What do you say Doctor?”
“I wish we could sir but we don’t have any test monkeys here sir. The previous ones died during the test. The new batch we bought will arrive in three days.”
“Do we need to use a monkey?” Baban asked with a smile.
“No sir. Absolutely not. We just need another mammal. We just figured a monkey will be better because it’s closer to the human.”
“How about we use a human?” Baban asked.
Coker’s eyes widened. “What?”
“A human. You know, like you and me.”
“Sir, I would not recommend…”
“Follow me Doctor.” Baban said.
Baban smiled as the doctor stumbled after him. He wanted to protest but what would he say? Even the doctor knew there was a limit to which you could challenge Baban.
He led the doctor to one of the test facilities. He had been running these experiments with other scientists but none of them had ever come close. It was a wonderful day when he stumbled on Doctor Coker’s thesis. He had offered to sponsor his research and like a true fund-starved researcher he had jumped at the opportunity. One year later, the doctor was close to the ultimate prize. He just needed a little motivation. He would get it today.
“Okay, let’s run another test.” Baban said.
“Sir, how do…”
“Shhh.” Baban said. “I need to see this.”
Baban knocked on one of the test tanks and pulled up a seat.
“Please sit Doctor.” Baban said.
“I’ll stand.” Coker said, his eyes glued on the tank.
“Suit yourself.”
A door opened on the other side of the tank and Dongo entered his back to Baban and Coker. He was pulling something in front of him.
“Are you sure you don’t wanna sit?” Baban asked Coker.
Coker remained standing, fear clearly written on his face.
Dongo stepped aside to reveal a young boy sitting on a chair.
“James?” Coker shouted.
“Our test subject today.” Baban announced.
“That is my son!” Coker screamed and ran for the door.
He got to the door and turned the handle, the door did not open. He rammed his body into the door. It was stupid. He more than anybody should know that the door was electronic.
“What are you doing?!” Coker screamed. “That is my son!”
“Will you calm down so I can explain?” Baban said, his voice calm and steady.
Coker ran to the tank and banged on the glass. His son was asleep or drugged. Or dead.
“Doctor Coker, listen to me.” Coker turned around, his eyes red from anger and grief. “When this drug is done, you will have done something phenomenal. You will be wealthy, popular. You may even get a Nobel prize out of this.”
“You are about to kill my son. The drug is not ready.” Coker said through clenched teeth.
“Finally, we are on the same page.” Baban said and stood. “I’m about to kill your son because the drug is not ready. Wait a minute, I’m not killing your son. You are.”
Baban knocked on the tank. Dongo returned into the tank.
“Don’t do this.” Coker said.
“Was that a plea or a threat?”
“Don’t do this.”
Baban gave Dongo a ‘thumbs up’. Coker looked at Dongo bring out a syringe and he charged at Baban. Baban sidestepped Coker and he crashed into a chair. Baban reached into his pocket and brought out a small knife. He picked Coker off the chair, pinned his hand behind his back and pressed the knife against his neck.
“You are going to watch this.” Baban said into Coker’s ear. “If in four days my Kulunix is not ready, I’ll bring in John. Four days after that, I will bring in Janet. You get the picture?”
Dongo pushed the syringe into the boy’s neck and left the tank. Baban watched to see what would happen and for about ten seconds nothing happened. Then the boy stood to his feet and he ran and crashed into the tank wall. The impact felt like it would bring down the glass wall. He stepped back and tore off his shirt. He flexed his muscles and screamed. He grabbed the chair in the tank and pulled it apart.
“Please.” Coker whispered.
“Shhhh.” Baban said and pressed the knife harder into his neck.
James Coker was doing things his natural strength could not do. It was amazing. He stopped and grabbed his neck. He began to sob and he sank to his knees. He looked up and for the first time saw his father.
He stretched his hand forward. “Daddy?”
Baban let Coker go. There was nothing he could do now.
Baban headed for the door. He got to the door, stopped and looked back.
“Give me my Kulunix or in four days John would be in that tank.”Baban said and walked out.
Doctor Coker was paying him no attention though. His son was dead.

To be continued in the next episode .....

(Episode 2): JUMAI

Baban walked over to Dongo and stood a few inches from him. He stood almost a full one feet above his henchman. The man put up a very strong front and he respected him for it but he could see the fear in his eyes and the slight tremble of his lips.
“Do you know how much a dollar exchanges for in naira right now?” Baban asked. “I don’t care how much you get in naira. I want my money in dollars.”
“Dollars?” Dongo asked through clenched teeth and broken lips.
“Dollars, yes dollars.”
“But they…” Dongo started to say but he silenced him with a cold stare.
He really wasn’t particular about the dollars. It did not matter to him what currency his money came in. When you needed to transfer a large amount of money but didn’t want a large volume of money, currency begins to matter. It also mattered that his men did exactly what they were told. He knew how dangerous his business was.
“15 million naira,” Baban said. “How much did you send to the doctor?”
Dongo hesitated then said. “We sent everything.”
“Everything?”
“You said that was the most important thing right now.”
Baban nodded, he was right. Maybe his lash out at Dongo wasn’t totally called for.
“And when did he say we will get the Kulunix?”
“In two weeks.”
“Two weeks?” Baban grabbed a cup and threw it against the wall. “He told me two weeks a month ago.”
Dongo looked pleased he was no longer the subject of Baban’s anger. “He has delayed too long boss. Do you want me to take of it?”
Baban shook his head. “No, I will do it myself.”
He needed to do the big things himself and dealing with Doctor Coker was big. A lot of money had gone into the project, it was time to see results. Maybe the doctor needed a little motivation.
“Dongo,” Baban called. “On a second thought… do you know where the good doctor’s family live?”
“You want me to hold his wife till he delivers?”
“Hold? No, shoot one his children.”
“Sir?”
Baban looked up at Dongo and smiled. “What? You have suddenly grown a heart?”
“His children? The child didn’t…”
“It’s business Dongo. If you can’t do it, I can ask someone else.”
Dongo frowned, he didn’t seem to like the implication of his statement.
“Okay then, the Doctor loses a child once every week till I get my Kulunix.”

***
Jumai!
He felt deep joy like he had won the lottery. Better still, like she had just agreed to marry him. All he had was a name. It probably won’t do him any good but at least he had something.
“Mark!”
He knew that voice, it was his boss.
“Yes sir.” He looked in the direction the voice came from.
“I thought I told you to meet me.”
“Yes sir, I already got to the car but I was told…”
“Yeah, I had to see somebody.”
Mark looked in the direction Jumai walked in and saw her talking on the phone. If he knew he would get a response maybe he should have asked for her phone number.
“Is your phone with you?” His voice’s boss brought him back from his reverie.
“Yes sir, I do.”
“Do you have the list of benefactors I told you we had to thank for their partnerships?”
“Yes sir.”
“Okay, good. It’s time to start making calls.”
Mark sighed. “I was planning to make the calls from the office sir.”
“Are you busy now?”
Mark wanted to respond but he was not sure what he would say would be smart. He brought out his phone and dialled the first number. His boss didn’t care much for laziness but he didn’t care much for tiredness either.
“Hello Alhaji.” He said, with a huge smile, like his boss had taught him. “This is Mark Ademola from WAAP foundation…”
He knew who he wished he was talking to, he could only hope that would ever happen.

***
“Once we have the Kulunix we move it to Yobe immediately. The UNICEF has a group coming in in two weeks. If we are not in Yobe before then, everything we have done will be wasted.”
The men nodded. They had heard this so many times. A lot of money was at stake, they needed hear it a million times.
A phone rang on his table. He waved his hand and Dongo and his boys left his office.
He reached for the phone.
“Hello.” He said.
“This is Mark Ademola from WAAP foundation. I just want to say I am very glad to make your acquaintance and I look forward to relating with you more.”
“Oh yeah, Mr Ademola, I believe we can do a lot of great things together.”
“Thank you very much sir.”
“Take care, I’ll talk to you very soon.”
He ended the call and dropped the phone on the table.
He rubbed his sore knuckles and smiled. It was great to have gullible people he could use to achieve his goals. Well, until he was done with them. When the time was right, they would all die. Dongo, Doctor Coker, this Mark Ademola, everyone one of them.
Mark hurried up the stairs of the WAAP building. He hated being late for meetings, especially because he would get an earful from his boss. He looked at his reflection in the mirrored stairway. Lateness wasn’t tolerated at WAAP, neither was raggedness. He straightened his tie and smiled; he looked good. He shook his head, he was admiring himself when his boss was probably typing his sack letter in his office. He got to conference room door and stopped. He took a deep breath and opened the door.
His eyes widened in surprise; the room was empty.
Was the meeting over? He checked his phone, he was just ten minutes late. He saw the ‘new mail’ icon blinking and he clicked on it. The mail was from his boss; the meeting had been postponed by two hours. He sighed. At least now he could go over his presentation again before the meeting. He turned around and headed for his office. He slowed down as he approached his office. There was someone standing in front of his door. He could not tell who it was. Was she lost?
“Excuse me?” Mark said.
She turned around.
 Jumai!
He looked behind him, he was still inside WAAP. What was she doing here? Was it really her?
“I’m looking for Doctor Aderoju.” She said.
It was really her. “That’s my boss.” He said with a huge smile.
“Okay…” She said. He stood and waited for her to say something else. “He’s your boss?”
“Yeah.” Mark replied, his smile still steady.
“So will you show me to his office?”
Oh crap! “Oh sure, please come with me.” He said.
He wanted to walk with her, maybe talk with her but she was busy doing something on her phone. What was she doing in his office? Was this fate or what?
“It’s crazy that we meet again, don’t you think?” Mark said.
She looked up from her phone. “What?”
“I said, isn’t it…?”
Doctor Aderoju’s door opened and he stepped out of it. He saw Jumai and beamed his ‘you are special’ smile.
“Doctor Jumai.” Doctor Aderoju said.
Doctor? She was a doctor? Mark smiled, her worth just rose by a thousand points.
“Did you get my mail about the postponement?” Doctor Aderoju asked.
She was here for the meeting he was attending, wonderful!
“Yes sir, I did.” Jumai said. “I hope you don’t mind that I came so early.”
“Are you kidding me? I love people who come early.”
They were ignoring him, he didn’t like it.
“Sir…” Mark started to say.
“Oh, pardon me. Doctor Jumai, meet our Project Manager; Mark Ademola.”
“We already met sir.” Mark said with a smile. If only he could tell his boss the airport story.
“Yes,” Jumai said. “He was actually bringing me to your office. At least now, he knows my name and I know his.”
Mark frowned. He knew her name way before he met her today.
“I really have to do some things before the meeting.” Doctor Aderoju said. Finally!
“It’s no problem.”
“Mark, please show her to the conference room.” Doctor Aderoju said to him. He turned to Jumai and added. “I hope you don’t mind staying alone while we wait for the meeting.”
“Not at all.” Jumai said.
Mark bit back a chuckle. Like he was going to let her be by herself. Some sort of fate had brought him across her again, he was ready to take over and make things happen now.
“Okay.” Doctor Aderoju said and walked away.
“This way please.” Mark said.
He was about to talk when he saw her attention was once again locked on her phone. Damn ‘em phone addicts.
“So Jumai,” He started. “I was saying that it’s kind of crazy that we meet again. Right?”
She looks up at him and smiles. “Again? We’ve met before?”
His heart sank. She didn’t remember him! “You don’t remember?”
“I’m so sorry. This happens a lot. Did we meet in Kaduna?”
“No we met here in Lagos.”
“I’ve only been in Lagos for…”
“We met at the airport. Just two days ago actually.”
“At the airport…”
“You were with two friends… I made a fool of myself…”
“Oh yeah. You’re Joey Tribbiani.” She said with a huge smile.
“What?”
“I’m sorry, one of my friends said you reminded her of… Never mind.” She said with a wave of her hand. “Mark, right?”
“Yeah, Mark.”
“At least now, I know your real name.” She said and returned to her phone.
Mark could not believe what just happened. He had kept this girl in his mind for about forty eight hours without a break and she did not even remember him? Joey Tribbiani? Wasn’t he the dumb actor guy in ‘Friends’?
 So much for fate bringing her to him.
“Here’s the conference room.” He opened the door and she entered. “If you need anything, I will be inside my office.”
“I don’t know where your office is.” He heard her say as he closed the door.
He walked away from the door. She could call Joey Tribbiani if she needed something.

(EPISODE ): JUMAI

Mark Ademola looked through the window of the plane as it continued its descent. The atmosphere was clear, it was going to be an uneventful end to an uneventful flight, which was good. He was back to his world, the place where he belonged. Lagos was home. Crazy and sometimes frustrating but home all the same.
He craned his neck to see if he could spot his street or his house. It was a habit he had that was yet to yield any results. He saw several roads and several houses but never his own. He leaned back in his seat. He was not sure why he kept trying, it was never going to happen.
A few minutes later, the plane stopped and the ‘fasten seatbelt sign’ went off.
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos.” The Captain announced. “Local time is 9:15am…”
Mark ignored the mumbling P
ilot and unfastened his seatbelt. It was crazy that he still needed to go to the office after the strenuous week he just had but that was his life. He stood from his seat and reached for the overhead cabinet. He opened it and removed his luggage.
Chop! Chop! Let’s go.
“Could you help me get my bag, please?” A voice called from behind him.
He looked back to see who the voice belonged to. He stopped at the sight that faced him. She looked at him with the most beautiful eyes he had ever seen. She was a few inches shorter than him, light skinned and a face that invited you to know the owner. Who is this girl? Why wasn’t he ever lucky to get a seat beside someone like her?
“My bag please?” She said again.
He had been staring. Why on earth did he let himself get caught staring?
“Whi…which of the…” He started to say.
“The green one please.” She said.
She was Hausa. Or was she British? Her accent was the loveliest he had ever heard. She had a veil covering her hair; she had to be Hausa. It was a flight from Kaduna, it made sense. Get the bag! He reached for the green bag and dragged it off the cabinet. He tried his best not to grunt under the weight of the bag, he had to make a strong first impression. He handed the bag to her.
“Thank you.” She said.
He nodded and turned back to face his seat. Oh Lord! He had to see the girl again. He turned around but she was gone. She couldn’t have disappeared into thin air. Maybe she had gone back to her seat. Maybe she is an angel. He looked down the aisle and saw the green bag a few rows behind him. There she was. Of course she wasn’t an angel. She was human just like him, just a higher version of human. He had to talk to her before they left the airport. He had to do it now.

***

“You were paid what?” Baban looked up from the newspaper and stood from the chair.
“15 million naira sir.” Dongo replied with a smug smile on his face. The two men behind him nodding with approval.
If you wanted things done right, you do it yourself. He believed that but sometimes you could not do the things you wanted done. Sometimes you had to send some of your most trusted men. Sometimes you had to send men like Dongo. But sometimes they made you wish you did not send them.
“15 million naira?” He asked, moving closer to Dongo.
“Yes sir, that’s a lot more than…”
“Naira?”
He did not wait for a response. He swung his right hand and in one swift movement knocked Dongo to the ground. He rubbed his hands together and stepped back. The stunned Dongo scrambled to his feet. Baban rushed back at him and knocked him back to the ground before he could find his footing. He spit on him and returned to his seat. He looked at the two men who stood behind Dongo and he knew they wished they could come to the aid of their friend. But he knew and they knew that they could not dare it.
Dongo struggled to his feet, this time slower than before.
“They paid you in naira and you collected it?” Baban asked, his voice low and deep.
Dongo stood and looked back at Baban, fury clear on his now swelling face. He did not mind his men showing their anger in their facial expressions, but that was as far as they could take it. Anger was good, insubordination wasn’t.
“Dongo, I’m asking you a question. You collected naira from them?”
“I collected 15 million naira from them.”
Baban stood and clapped his hands together.
“You wanted an applause for collecting 15 million? There you have it.”
Idiot.

***

Movement ahead of him caught his attention; passengers were disembarking already. Mark grabbed his luggage and joined the line. He glanced behind, he did not see her. He would have to wait for her at the ‘Arrival lounge’.
His phone rang, it was his boss. He answered.
“Mark, are you here?”
“Yes sir, we just landed. I will be out of the plane in five minutes.” He said.
“Okay, good. I was in Ikeja and I decided to stop by the airport to pick you. I am waiting for you outside.”
“Okay sir.” He said and ended the call.
No! No! No! This would have been great news some other time but not today. He wanted to talk to this beautiful angel from the north but he knew he dare not keep his boss waiting. What was he supposed to do now?
“Thank you sir for Flying with Nigerian Airways.” A flight attendant was saying to him.
He nodded at the attendant and tried his best to smile. His attempt failed woefully and it earned a frown from the attendant. She was the least of his concerns however, he needed a plan.
His phone rang again. He looked at his phone, it was his boss again.
“Hello sir.”
“I thought you said five minutes.”
“I’m out of the plane already, I’ll be with you very soon sir.”
He ended the call and got out of the plane. He knew he could not stop or wait. His best bet was to walk as slowly as possible and hope the girl would catch up with him.
It took an eternity of moon-walking, but soon he knew there was no point trying to delay anymore. It wasn’t meant to be. Since he was losing the girl, there was no point getting his boss angry too. He walked fast and soon was in the arrival lounge. He looked back one more time but she still wasn’t in sight.
“Sorry boy, no angel for you today.” He whispered to himself.
He headed for the exit. He knew where his boss usually parked and he still had to walk a few metres before he could get there. His boss had no patience for tardiness, it was a surprise he had not called the third time.
Six minutes later and he arrived at the car. He looked inside and his boss was not there.
“Mr Kazim.” He called.
The driver who had dozed off woke up and scrambled to attention.
“Where is oga?”
“One of him friend meet us for here, they go see something for back there.” He said pointing backwards.
“I just came from that direction.”
“Una miss each other be that.”
He felt like punching the car. His boss called and made him hurry when he was not ready himself? Maybe it was better to make use of the occasion instead of complaining. He opened the booth of the car and placed his luggage in it.
“Mr Kazim.”
“Yes oga?”
“I will be right back, I need to check someone.”
“Ah, Oga Mark, please…”
He ran away before the driver could complete his protest. He smiled with excitement. This is so meant to be.
He got to the arrival lounge before he stopped running. And there she was. She was with two other girls. If he hadn’t seen her first, he would have called them beautiful. Not anymore though, their beauty paled in comparison to hers. For the first time, he saw her smile. Her face was beautiful without the smile. With it, it was indescribable.
Time wasn’t his friend, he had to make his approach now.
What am I going to say?
He froze. He had not considered that. He had been so excited he’d forgotten how terrible he was at meeting new people. Girls especially. Maybe that was before. He was a more exposed and matured guy now. He was the MD of a very huge Foundation. He was just returning from a meeting where he talked with top government officials. How difficult could this be?
He walked towards her and stood in front of her and her friends. This is going to be easy.
She noticed him standing there and looked at him. His eyes met hers and he stood still and stared. He wanted to say something but his mouth was failing him woefully. It wasn’t his mouth at fault though, it was his brain. It had stopped working.
“What do you want?” One of the friends asked.
He looked at the friend for a second then back to her. She looked at him and he could tell his period of grace was almost over. He had to say something.
“What’s your name?” He asked and immediately wished he could take it back.
‘Hi’ or ‘Hello’, that is good. ‘What’s your name?’ that is not good!
He felt stupid but he had said it already. It was better to wait and see what happens.
And for a long time, nothing happened. She stood and stared at him and he could not do anything else even if he wanted to. Finally, one of her friends recovered from whatever spell was causing the muteness.
“Let’s go.” The friend said.
The three of them pulled their bags and turned away from him. He stood there for a few seconds and wished for the world to end. He should have known better. He never should have approached her without a plan.
This is what happens to silly boys who think they can just approach a classy girl in the airport.
He turned around to go but stopped in my tracks. She was standing just a few feet away, her face turned in his direction.
“My name is Jumai.” She said and walked away.
......continued in the next episode.

(episode2): LEFT BEHIND

 

She led choruses in the evening service we had the previous Thursday.But now, the sweet voice I heard has turned to a painful mutter of incomprehensible words. She held on to the corner of a table with her two hands, and wept as she said things I didn't understand.At this point, I knew this could only mean one thing but I didn't want to believe it. I couldn't just bring myself to believing it.
I couldn't.I was still pondering on what all these mean when an older man sitting two chairs before me stood up suddenly and shouted with a voice crackled, broken and almost lost.'Lord God! Please have mercy!'By now, my heart was heavy and I could not explain a certain fear that clinged to my heart.To remove all doubts, I approached one of our ushers so I can ask for explanations. I almost stopped in my stride as I became afraid of what his answer might bid for me.I walked to the rear of the church and stood in front of him but he didn't even take notice.His eyes were opened, he was looking at me but with his empty and hopeless gaze at nothingness, I realized he was looking through me. I called at him and touched the shoulder of his right hand before he blinked and looked at my face. 'Please Bro Paul what is happening today? Is the service elsewhere?' I asked with a voice fearful and low. The usher dropped his eyes from looking at me and shook his head. New tears began to streak through the corner of his eyes and his lips shook as he tried to hold himself from complete breakdown. He raised his head again and returned his eyes, with tears, to me. He started to speak but lost his voice again. 'My brother...' He finally managed to say. He held his very wet handkerchief to his face as he tried to stop the infinitely-flowing tears. Then he heaved so deeply I thought I heard his lungs relax. 'Bro Victor...' He started again amidst silent sobs. '...we are lost. The Rapture has happened. We are doomed for life.'Though I knew all along this would be the news, hearing it with my ears broke my heart. I mean I felt it in my heart. My heart sank, ached and broke. I staggered and almost lost balance as I moved backwards, trying to hide from the weight of the news; trying to escape from the impending doom the usher pronounced. But he wasn't done. The usher released all the pent up tears of anguish and pain he has bravely been holding back and cried with all his might.
All I could make out from his voice was 'God, Please. God, Please'. He said it over and over again amidst sobs and cries. As if to really show he was really desperate, Bro Paul threw himself on the ground and prostrated full with his two hands clasped and his eyes looking to the heavens. He begged God again and again, asking for mercy and pleading for another chance. He cried and wept continuously and when he couldn't say anymore, he just lied there and cried. By now, I had managed to sit down on a bench placed behind the church as I looked around in unbelief. I didn't shout or cry at first. I just sat there looking around with tears already blocking my visions. My nose became clogged with phlegm and my throat was dry. With tears flowing down my cheek, I raised my hand to my mouth as I tried to hold myself from weeping. But it did no good. I cried, cried and cried quietly, still with my hand holding back my mouth from releasing my voice with the pain and regrets it held. Many thoughts crossed my mind- the fire of hell, the great tribulation, the suffering that awaits and many others but only one stayed.I realized I would be alone in the world now. My mom would be gone. My dad would be gone. All my sisters and brothers would be gone. While only I remained just because I found pleasure in sin.The sudden loneliness this realization brought to my heart crushed it forever.I dropped my hands from my mouth and cried.Oh! I cried like I never did. I wept and called out to God to forgive me but even I knew I was lost forever.'Had I know! Had I know!' The thought tortured me.Liquids dropped from my nostrils and tears from my eyes, a heavy ache hammered at my chest as I cried again and asked to be forgiven of all my sins but even then I knew there is no respite for me. In the blur of my vision, I saw the sister- chorister still kneeling and recognized her voice as she sang that hymn of warning we always sang in our church. With her broken voice, sobs and tears between the words of the song, she added more pain to my already damned soul. '...oh! what a weeping and wailing As the lost were told of their fate They cried for the rocks and the mountains They prayed but their prayer was too late...'She sang on and on.The song had no melody this time, just sorrow.I stopped my ears with my hands and refused to hear more but the lyrics taunted me still. I knew all my prayers were useless but I anguished and cried to God more loudly. It was in the middle of this other round of hopeless tears and prayers that I laid my head on the table and slept for sorrow. When I woke up, I was on my bed, back in my room. My pillow and cover-cloth were soaked in my own tears. Though I wasn't wearing any clothes, I was covered in sweat. I searched for my phone and glanced at the clock. It was 4.22am. I had barely slept for three hours. I realized It was all a dream but the relief that filled my heart was swiftly replaced with a great fear. I stood up from my bed and looked around but nothing seemed out of place. I saw my roommate still sleeping with earphones still plugged to his ears. I looked outside and saw it was indeed darkest in the dawn. Having made sure I was still safe and not lost yet, I knelt beside my bed, used my pillow to cover my mouth and cried in desperate prayers. I prayed to be saved before it is too late. I knelt that way, weeping and asking God for mercy until I slept off. And indeed when I woke and looked at my time, it was 8:12am and I was late for church...THE END

#brownstories#ourfaith#repent#endtimeisnear#

(episode1):LEFT BEHIND

                                                                                 

It's been a long time I have kept this to myself but I think it is time for me to tell this story. Please read, so it won't happen to you too.It all happened on Sunday morning; it rained the previous night.I slept late on Saturday night and thus, woke up late. My church service starts by 8am but when I opened my eyes, it exactly 8:12am.I sprang up from my mattress, removing my blanket as quickly as I can and didn't even bother to bathe. Brushing my teeth within ten seconds, I wore my already pressed clothe sand ran off to church.My roommate was still sleeping but I didn't think he planned going to church at all. So without saying goodbye or waking him up, I left the room.When I stepped out, I saw some young students of the fellowship who meet in front of my hostel. They were just setting up in preparation for their service. I think they start theirs around 9am. The way the weather was, with the clouds dark and heavy, everywhere looked gloom and quiet but in my hurry, I took no time to observe or relish the remarkable atmosphere. As I walked and ran on the tarred narrow road, just some distance from my hostel, I saw two girls sitting on a pavement and crying. They were dressed for church but with the way they sat and clinged to each other, weeping, I doubt if they would still go to church that day.Though many passers-by like me walked  to stare at them, they were clearly unconcerned. They cried uncontrollably that even their shouts of pain made my heart flutter.I thought about going to them and trying to console them but I was late for service myself.My conscience tortured me a great deal but when I glanced at my wristwatch, it was already 8:32 am.'I am late. I have to go'. I told myself as i continued on my path. Well, after few minutes, I made it to church eventually.Except for a guy I saw who rested his head against a wall by the road, I didn't notice anyother strange thing till I got to church. But when I entered the church, it was another sight I beheld.The backdrop of the altar and the designs of the pulpit and walls of the venue were already set up but I didn't see the Pastor. In fact, I didn't see any of the church leaders.The church was scanty. Except for two ushers and three choristers I saw, most of the workers I knew were not present. There were some members present though. But every single person in the building was looking lost. The brother beside me was even fluttering tears without crying.I too was getting afraid.And then all of a sudden, a lady cried out just behind me.It was so sudden and the sound was so laced with pain and fear that I was afraid the worst had happened. This is when I dropped my Bible on a chair and had a deliberate look of the whole church. In the left corner of the front which was designated as choir stand, three sisters placed their heads on the table in front of them; shaking their heads and body in that manner some people do when praying silently. Just behind them was yet another sister who sat on the bare floor, with one of her shoesnowhere near her. Even her scarf was hung around her neck. I recognized the sister...

   ....... TO BE CONTINUED

YOU!

I remember you, just like yesterday; the moment you stepped into my life.It was a sunny morn,’ we were still in elementary school. There was primary one but you chose primary two. The moment I saw you, my heart knew one thing for true- it was you. Right from the door to your seat, I knew what we had was true, it was a chemistry that I learnt in biology, the velocity in your propensity that turned my brains off momentarily.

 I was shy to approach but you can’t hold emotions to keys and lock, so I came close. It was your friendship I wanted; I wasn’t  Caleb or any other random guy that just wanted the goodies over your chest. I wanted to know what you liked, what you ate, who you truly were, I wanted to get close, to know what you felt and what was in your head and what happened to guys like me that were always scared.

It wasn’t easy at first, but you let me into yourself, we became friends, I joined the choir, the daughter of our choir mistress. I loved you to death!! But how could I ever tell you what I felt. In primary four, I felt millions of electrons every time you passed my side with a smile.  I did all could, I became a regular visitor in your home, but I could never tell you how much I felt.

What a life!!!

When courage finally came, I got there late. Nnaemeka got there first, I came with the true gospel- love, He came with selfish desires-lust. You had it all…most endowed. Little wonder we clashed over you. I knew I could never have you. I just simply knew.

Your breasts were ample, full fleshed; your waist had that angle- sepesepe figure eight. You matured early, like a flourishing stream with a killer hour glass figure. Heads always turned to look whenever you made that move. I knew you loved me; but you fell for him!! He kissed you; I never got the chance to. I could never make my move, you betrayed me. Who didn’t you have?

Who? 

Men lusted after you. You always indulged them, fueling their “mountain dew” with your “sparkling grape juice.”

When I finally moved on, I let go of you. I chased Gloria: She was cool, dated Ogechukwu even though it was meant to be only you, I kissed Nene severally, desperately danced withChelsy and Adum at our SS2 class party. I got home that day; my light green shirt was thoroughly stained. I frolicked with Yetunde, to totally forget all about you.

I cut off communication as I normally do. Patiently waiting to forget you. I needed a reset, a brainwash, just anything that could let me go a day without thinking of you.

What did ever do to you?

Ehn, what?

Even though I did all I could do to keep you away, you never let me go. You begged me after secondary school. You told me the whole truth but I doubted you, how did you expect me to believe Nnaemeka never kissed and caressed you, that Caleb never lay his hands on your hourglass figure or that tolunever squeezed those huge frontal lobes on your chest? How?

Do you think I was a fool? I had informants about. They told me how each guy had his own half of your national cake. I loved my girls to be pure, and truthful, in all loyalty and honesty. I had plans for you; that is why I became a geek with books, not just caring about looks because I had our futures planned in my mind!!! Our beautiful kids, houses and cars. Your diamond ring, worth millions of dollars, swimming pools, our black mayback!!!

But you never came back. You went everywhere and expect me to take you back? Never!!!

Go somewhere else. You’ve made my life a living hell!! The love I have for you has suffered the wrath of hell, it no longer hears, feels or cares, our love is dead. I am sorry, baby girl I have found someone else. 

#Authorcredit: Joseph Muyiwa