Episode 2
Wale had never been exposed to such grievous tasks before in all his 22years on earth.
"Mummy, talk to Daddy to find a means to get me out of here!" This was the tenth time he was repeating these words to his mother in a week.
"I...I...I thought Daddy chose this place because it was less stressful. I might just die here mummy" Wale complained bitterly as those around mocked his 'ajebuta' predicament.
Three weeks in camp (just like yesterday), and it was time to go for their primary assignment. The two weeks break in between was a relief for Wale.
"How would one cope without a break from this hideous camp?" Wale smirked as he wore a frown on his way to the airport.
"You don't want to know how wicked those Soldiers are. They are dealing with human beings and not animals" Wale was already raising his voice as he lamented his plight in the camp at home.
"You just have to endure whatever you face in NYSC. It's a part of learning..."
"but who learns under such conditions?" Wale cuts in while his mum and his dad sat back smiling and laughing at intervals.
Two weeks of recuperating for Wale soon flew into days like a bird flying in a distance. He wished the days could be longer and he remembered his words at the camp gate
"Necessary evil! That's what NYSC is" Wale shook his head as he came down the stairs to meet his family who were all waiting to see him off to the airport.
"God be with you my son" Wale's dad prayed in few words. He never really said much except when he was indoor alone with his wife. The children including Wale believed they didn't know their dad and can't say much about his character - "so far he is dropping money and taking care of us, Mummy has to bother about his character"- all four siblings had agreed.
Wale had a new turn in NYSC. It turned out to be different from his first experience. Though his allowance from home was reduced, it was still coming in monthly and he didn't feel the punch of being broke all through his NYSC year.
Wale was posted to a school that he didn't really like. He wished he could reverse it, but all his efforts had been futile.
He sighted Joan on his first day in NYSC secretariat.
Joan is a 5'4 tall girl from the east. She is a bit fair but really pretty. Wale's attempt to get her attention was futile. Joan didn't seem to fall for his schemes. He felt bad his first 'catch' in a long while was turned down.
"I'll find someone else" he consoled himself.
Wale's mouth was left ajar when he stepped into the staff room of the school. "Joan" Wale called out unable to hold back his joy.
"Don't tell me you were posted here too?" Wale didn't notice the eyes of other staffs that were set on him.
"Yes... I was posted here" Joan said
"Wow! You have a pretty voice. Just as pretty as your face". Wale complimented Joan before saying "hi" to the staffs in the room, reaching out to a vacant table in a corner.
He smiled through the day. During lunch he bought lunch for Joan. "I mean no harm. Let's be friends" he bent over and whispered to Joan in the ear. They both exchanged hand shakes and they got talking freely.
Wale knew from Joan's words that she had not yet secured an accommodation while he, on the other hand had just settled the payment for a self contain not too far from school.
"At least this will reduce my transport fare". Wale loved the house as it had provision for water and electricity. He didn't mind the bills.
"Will you move over to my place before you get a place for yourself?" Wale offered but Joan declined
"Don't worry, I'll be fine. It will be in no time..."
"I insist on this and don't turn it down. I am trying to help a friend here" Wale cuts in.
What next?
Osunniranebenezer.blogspot.com
No comments:
Post a Comment