This episode is in continuation from “Before Letting Go 3”
Hey, pretty maiden in the garden…No! Too cheeky. Akpan slowed down. She’ll think I’m stupid. I wan form Shakespeare inside Nigeria. Akpan heard his own breaths. Keep it simple, Akpan. Akpan flexed his shoulders; he had already slowed to slow solid steps as he reached the doorway. Hey Gorgeous, how are you? Sorry to interrupt but I’m just trying to get to know all my female colleagues, especially since you know, guys can be boring. My name is Akpan—
“From your uniform, I take it you’re in Law, and we’re on the same level. That’s nice. Give me your number. We should keep in touch, especially for information’s sake.” Edima stuck out her phone before him. She already had her keypad popped up and the screen was just waiting for his fingers. Akpan winced at it.
“I hope you followed class well. You seemed to be somewhere else.” She added. Somewhere else…it rang in his head, but he would rather let the moment pass; his gaze started shifting in that direction.
“Hey…did you follow the man’s class? My note is lacking.” Instead of the phone, Akpan reached for his bag, feigning urgent interest in showing her his book.
“Oh, here.” She withdrew her phone and handed her book; Akpan swelled inside.
“Thank you so much! You’re a lifesaver.” He flipped the pages and took a few snapshots. “I have to go now.” Akpan handed it back and took one stride away from her.
“Your number!” Edima gasped.
“This guy will leave me if I dull!” Akpan was three full strides away. “I’ll give you in the next class please. He’s owing me.” Akpan broke into a small run, he reached the end of the class and zapped around a desk, home free for the door. Pamela was in his sights. She was flashing that dashing smile. Akpan jogged straight to it. Hey, pretty maiden in the garden…No! Too cheeky. Akpan slowed down. She’ll think I’m stupid. I wan form Shakespeare inside Nigeria. Akpan heard his own breaths. Keep it simple, Akpan. Akpan flexed his shoulders; he had already slowed to slow solid steps as he reached the doorway. Hey Gorgeous, how are you? Sorry to interrupt but I’m just trying to get to know all my female colleagues, especially since you know, guys can be boring. My name is Akpan—
He was past the door and just a metre away when someone taller and broader in stature blocked his path. Akpan looked up and was caught in the smouldering gaze of a hard-jawed dude. The dude said nothing but the ice in that glance made Akpan stop, mid step, less than a metre from his goal. He watched the guy swing a big arm over Pamela’s shoulder, she turned gently and lifted herself on tiptoes to caress his cheek with a kiss. Akpan watched the horror unfold. He placed his step in the opposite direction and he was carried in a brisk walk to nowhere, just away, just away!
That must be Samuel, the guy Offor mentioned.
Akpan walked a few pillars away from the lovey-dovey couple and took shelter behind the next one. He was somewhat out of view but he could see the Samuel’s altar shoulders, a bit longer than Akpan’s full hand. He watched Pamela’s delicate hands necktie him from behind and there was no doubt she leaned in for a kiss. It rubbed Akpan wrong. The couple moved; the guy slid his hand around her waist, and she hung close. Akpan stared at them, forlorn.
“That’s Samuel. Our Senior colleague I talked about.” Akpan heard Offor say. He was standing right next to Akpan, in the flesh. “Everyone knows him, word on the street is that he’s running for President come elections next session. He’s been taking care of the boys.” Offor grinned.
“What’s that got to do with me. Shey you wouldn’t give me your note? Avoid me.” Akpan stepped forward and froze, realizing he had no true destination. Offor slung an arm over him, Akpan fought the urge to recoil.
“Sure say you won’t buy me that meal?” Offor rubbed his protruding belly. “Akpan, my guy! I’ve done my survey, na you fresh pass everyone in our set. See oil dey shine in your hair.”
“Get out” Akpan shrugged him off and made a beeline in the same direction of Pamela and her lover; he walked from the class area, heading towards a small concrete and pavement plaza, shaded by a large mango tree, but he kept an eye on the couple no less. They were talking and Akpan was peeved he could not make out the words.
“Akpan, where are you going?” Offor asked.
Akpan ignored the question. He had made it to the small plaza, he sat on one of the concrete chairs, still watching the couple; they were walking away from the class area, towards the cafeteria. It was just after the first period and a low grumble also started in his abdomen. He flicked his wrist; it was sometime after ten. He could smell the whiff of morning beans drifting to him from various vendors positioned outside the hostel area, but Samuel was taking Pamela to the Cafeteria. The food outside the hostel was cheaper but no better than the crap sold at the cafeteria; cafeteria food just had better packaging.
“Akpan!” Offor called. Akpan ignored him.
He instead rose and took a few steps to follow Pamela. I just want to eat anyway. He frowned at himself. Besides, I can’t eat out here like a dog. He winced at the throngs of people squashed on long benches outside the hostels, eating beans and rice; beans and bread; beans and spaghetti, or beans with something; it was the cheapest combo of tangible value to all the guys. Akpan pocketed one hand and lifted his nose as he strolled by.
“Akpan!” Offor’s voice was some distance behind him. “How will you eat now?” Offor asked. Akpan froze. What does he mean? Akpan had 1500Naira tucked away in his pocket. He had planned a 300Naira meal this morning (100Naira rice, 100Naira meat and one cold drink) because breakfast is the most important meal of the day, 250Naira affang and fufu in the afternoon, and then in the evening, he was going to buy chicken and fries worth 350Naira, leaving him change for the next day! And now what is OFFOR SAYING?
Akpan yanked his pocket inside-out, his 1500 had disappeared. His heart stopped. Akpan slipped into a void containing only him and Offor.
Akpan turned to him. The guy had the widest smile and was holding up two Naira notes like prize money. I go rush this guy! Akpan cursed…
“You will share abi you no go share?” Offor waved the two notes gleefully.
“Guy, give me my money.” Akpan held out a shaky palm, every fibre within him was trembling but Offor smiled wide in his face.
“Your money? I just saw this money on the ground. It could be anybody’s money. You are not the only one with 1500 in your pocket since morning, the probability is endless.”
“Offor, I will not repeat myself!” Akpan stormed towards him, the anger squared his shoulders and added weight to his steps.
“If you approach me!” Offor’s expression twisted in a moment and he stepped towards two bigger guys that were having a conversation. “Senior comrade, e be like something fall from your pocket.”
“Offor!” Akpan stopped, paused mid-step, eyes wide and wild. This was a different level of wickedness, his core was shaken. “Offor wait!” Akpan’s voice was small.
The two bigger guys looked at Offor, Offor spun on his heel before their eyes could meet him, so he was pointing in a different direction instead of them. He sauntered away from them and made a beeline back towards Akpan. Akpan remained rooted to the same spot, frozen with shock.
“You will find me small something. Finders keepers.”
“Okay, gimme first.” Akpan held out his palm again, this time, in a humble manner.
“Say wetin? I be dunce. Take.” Offor slapped the 1000Naira note in Akpan’s palm. Akpan stared at it, then his gaze shifted to Offor’s bright grin.
“Offor, I will give you 200, please.” Akpan eyed the two bigger guys that were still standing over there. Yes, it was his money but hooligans were everywhere. Once money was found on the ground, it no longer belonged to you.
“Guy, don’t worry, you have settled me.” Offor turned his back to Akpan and began strutting away, in the direction of the Cafeteria.
“Offor please.” Hot tears stung the corners of Akpan’s eyes, along with a burst of fresh rage. But could he really rush Offor? A slang for picking a fight with someone; Offor was way bigger and knew people in this area; Offor was also more versed with the terrain.
“Shey you’re headed to the Cafeteria. Let’s go. I know you were eyeing Pamela. You want to go there and continue your covert mission. Oya, let me accompany you.” Offor waved his hand, beckoning Akpan to follow…
STAY TUNED!
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