THE AUGUST BREAKFAST

Episode 5

The bus driver made a swift through the road after the valley,he was determined to reach our destination in the next twenty minutes. The day was hot and passengers were unsettled with gridlocked that has kept us hooked for a longer period in the city. I heard a middle aged woman at the last seat calling for a prayer.

" Damnit ! " I sighed and mumbled.

I doubt if there's a two way to my feelings against bus preachers. My argument can be objected and unable to stand out especially before the extremist,but what's the essence of initiating a gospel message where distractions is at utmost. Moreover,the conundrum of taking solace in traveling; a time to have deep thought, observations and introspections has been of utmost importance in such a time. I could sense a negative reactions from few passengers.

"Praise the Lord everyone! " The woman reinterated

" All these born again hypocrites" A young lady of my age mumbled at the front seat. She must be a University student.

I took a deep breath and fall back to my seat , brought out a Bluetooth headphones and got myself entangled with music.

The world has gone mad...more maddened and crazy. My dad would allege that the same rain that made a man to take a shelter in a tree,can force him back many times at the same time and of the day. Stepping out is a risk, being inside is risky altogether; either you're afraid of the domestic violence or you're running from the hoodlums outside, whichever way, man's life is in a glass platter. My mind wandered around many issues, particularly it got stuck in the news flooding the media about the death of a Christian singer; Osinachi Nwachukwu's death is just a tip ice of what is happening in several homes. How the world has produced beast in human form has kept me at awe. I think,at that level where your partner has learned to raise hands against you, should be the time to consider your offer in marriage.That was exactly what I kept pondering on during the journey.

The journey seemed a bit far,I fall asleep.

" Hey dear,hey !"

I jotted from the sleep, startled and overwhelmed with slight headache. A teenager sitting close by had tapped me to consciousness.

" I overhead your discussing with someone on a call,I think we are close to the bus stop where you would alight" He said in native African-Igbo language. His language was obviously dialectic and had a mispronounce for R in place of L and vice versa. That was a real definition of Anambra State breed,the two vowels would keep being an issue,a difficult task until he knew it and give a correction .

" Yes" I responded and stared at the road.

" Damnit ! Stop me driver,I have to come down" I screamed anxiously.

" You should be careful next time and be an alert while traveling". I heard the Traveller warned as I took a step down.

Screamings got me startled and I turned abruptly towards the road the vehicle took. I stood transfixed and dumbfounded,my body got stiff and my heart pound in ryrhmic acceleration. I threw my bags down and rushed at the accident scene, people were trooping while women nearby filled the air with cries and Lamentations. I squeezed through the few gathered people, before me was the vehicle I left,ghastly collided with a heavy duty truck.

"Open the passenger door,the driver and the lady in the front are obviously dead. Let's secure the ones at the back!" I heard a man shouting at other men trying to pull the door open.

I saw him,his eyes widened, looking at me with concern and pleading. The young boy that woke me up is dead. His chest was pierced by a sharp rod from the truck. I left a scream,I have seen enough, maybe I am a curse to whoever I met. I held his hand as they pulled him out and laid him beside the road. I could feel his warm body getting cold,and his heartbeat ceasing. His legs jerked and then a deep breath…he gave up. I threw my head on his chest,he is still young for this,I mumbled and wept silently.

"Did you know him?" I heard a male voice at my back and turned slowly.

A policeMan. It was so quick,they arrived on time. His face was written with exasperation.

" No,I was... I was the last to drop just here,just there at the bus stop before the accident" I stammered pointing at the bus stop close by.

He stood akimbo, staring at me and then took a deep breath and hissed.

" You should comfort yourself young lady,it has happened and please allow the police to take up their job". He said and kept looking at me to take a leave.

I instantly stood up, rubbed the back of my palm on my eyes and took a few steps from the corpse. I took a last glance at him,goosebumps ran through my spine. Overwhelmed with emotion,I hastily left the scene and went back to where I dropped my bags. A call came into my phone. It was my Dad,I knew he must be worried why I am not yet home as at the time I promised to get home. There Are two days left for me to join other prospective Corp members for the National Youth service camp training. I had to visit home,and have a day with my family before I sojourn to Cross Rivers State.

" I am close to home Dad" I said immediately I picked up the call. I didn't allow him to speak and shoved the phone back to my handbag.

The joy was highly overwhelming,I walked through the small veranda and then dashed out to the field. I saw other Colleagues dressed in their different white shorts,tops and matched white socks and shoes, loitering the National Youth service camp ,all apparently trying to complete their registration. I walked to the pavilion where a placard boldly written ``Platoon 3" was hung. The leader of the platoon was busy with papers,so I found a space and sat down.

" Hey beauty"

'' Hi, " I responded to a cute young man.

His eyes glare conspicuously at me,his pink lips succulent and glossy, endowed in an oval shaped face with a nice afro hair cut. His dark complexion blessed his able gymed body. My eyes quickly took a survey of his legs; hairy and graciously straightened.

" Can I join you ?" He asked smilingly and revealing his gap tooth.

"Damnit !Some men are graciously beautiful," I muttered within a held breath.

" Yes you can" I replied and scuffled through my papers in search of unnecessary paper.

" Thanks. I am Michael... Micheal,Emeka Benjamin from Enugu State"

What a coincidence with my handsome boyfriend. I couldn't stare at him again,his eyes were on me apparently taking a good look at my qualities. I took a deep breath…

"I am Chisom" I retorted, rather callously and unconcerned. I bet he understood my state of mind and subsequently apologized for intruding on my privacy. That got me giggling,I waved it off and smiled.

" You don't need to be sorry sir,I am a little bit uncomfortable with the whole registration and stressful stages here" I calmingly explained.

" Oh I am sorry for that".

I stared at him, the first time I was able to look him eyeball-to-eyeball. I see no reason for the apologies.His countenance has devoid of smiles,he looks cuter as well.

" You don't need to be sorry" I smiled, picked a Chewing gum out of my purse and offered him " have this,I believe it will ease our tensions and accumulated stress"

He smiled and collected it.

"Maybe we have a treat at the Mami market after the stressful day"

I looked suddenly at him,he seemed to be too occupied and knew his way with women. I have heard a lot about camping life,men with influential testerone wouldn't mind spending to entice and have a taste of a ladies flap. But my mind still wanders in disarray ; how would they be able to make out and satisfy their sexual cleavings where security is at its peak and suspension is the next once caught in the camp. I believe,that should be the reason girls wouldn't mind allowing the men to spend vigorously since hope of any sexual escapade is not promising.

"Yes, probably, " I agreed.

It seemed he wasn't convinced as he quickly took a glance at me.

" Have you gotten your Khaki uniform?" He asked.

" Not yet"

" Let's go for it " He suggested,then stood up abruptly and stretched his hand to help me up.

I wouldn't have minded throwing my arms around his shoulders and wetting his lips with my kiss,as I stared into his eyes. He drew me closer and braced his left arm on my waits.it was obvious he had something to say,but it seemed he had more fear than gut. The Mami bar was clustered and music blazed the small beer parlor. At different tables sat Corp members having a time with friends,while the like of us stood at different corners dancing stuporously.it was already three days to leave the camp,the young fellows were in high spirits and took up beers to celebrate their soon to pass out activities. I felt a booze in my short pocket and hastily went for my phone. I had to excuse myself from Michael,I needed privacy and serenity.

" Hey babe"

I felt silence at the other end of Emekal's line.

" Emeka !" I called with a more accelerated tone. I heard a conversation in the background—it was obvious he didn't know when he dialed the call. I nevertheless kept calm and listened to the background discussions.

" It can't be her ! Believe me, she isn't too cheap to mess around" A hoarse voice roared .

" And she still falls for me?" I believe that should be Emeka...it was Emeka's voice,I recognized it. Who could the girl be,and why would he go out so quickly with someone else within just a few weeks I left.

" She did it because she was desperate to have it. Can we say she was deprived of it for long" Another voice said.

" Is high time we understand that desperation can push us women to an extent " A female voice advised. There was a pause and then she began again." She spoke to me about it.I had to advise her to be humble and meet Emekal. She had to,she needed that job and Emeka is the only one that can secure it. Falling for you means nothing but desperation".

The call was cut off. I took a long breath and then felt a bit relief.A sound at my back startled me,I jotted and screamed in fear.

" Hey babe,easy …"

I turned,it was Micheal smiling mischievously and stamping his foot in excitement.

" Son of a bitch " I screamed at him and tried to pass him by,he grabbed my hand and drew me closer to his arms. It was warm and cozy,I felt the lousy beats of his heart. His lips got wet as I stood transfixed... motionless and out of thoughts. He might have thought I was in for it since I didn't give a protest,he held my jaw to make way for another kiss.

" Jesus!" He yelled in pain.

The slap came like a thunder clap at the end of a rainy season. I took a last look at him,the electricity light wasn't given enough to see the environment of where we were,but I could scarcely see his face. His countenance was overwritten with awe and devastation, of course it was obvious he didn't see it coming neither did I had a prior plan. I backed him and made way through the wooden shift houses, abandoning the merriment,I hastened to my hostel. Just close to the hostel,I got his call.

" Hey" He sounded defeated and emotional.

" Can I help you?" I asked in a faked aggressive tone.

" I am sorry,it wasn't intentional "

" It wasn't intentional to stick on me ? To follow me up to the dark and kiss me without my consent?" I asked,now in a real state of anger. I couldn't have imagined such a foolish defense, I thought he should have owned up to his act and been more manly. I wasn't in for such a thing ,but he shouldn't be weak. I believe many female colleagues would fit into such an act —it was romantic in its aspect. I took a deep breath and waited for him to throw another defense,but he seemed to be out of words.

" What a good riddance" I mumbled and bid him a farewell.

"Hey,can I make it up with you? Let me apologize with something here in Mami" He got me before I could dial the red button.

" That's not necessary" I protested nonchalantly.

"Please,I am really sorry. Give me the opportunity".

"Can you kindly take a leave from my life?" I beckoned, sounding more polite.

"I will make it up, forgive my stupidity" He sounded more emotional,I bet he must be likely to cry.

I took a quick deep breath, sighed and held my hip with one hand. I wasn't really angry to that extent, but I am a woman and deserve enough treatment. I reluctantly agreed to meet him. I took enough time to arrive at the market,it was obvious he had waited patiently and looked tired. He was head bent,I stood before him oblivious to him.

"Jesus,you startled me" He screamed in fear and smiled.

" Michael"

"I am seriously sorry, I didn't know what led me to that. Pardon my obsessiveness"

I took his hand and dragged him towards our former joint,he resisted and threw his other hand on my shoulder, smiling.

"I promised to make it up, let's visit the food joint and have a good dinner, and then have a little purchase at the grocery shed"

" Alright" I replied and giggled.

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

I joined other colleagues and waited for the platoon Commander. It was the last day in the camp,each platoon assembled at different strategic posts to collect their Place of primary assignment letter. The presence of the Commander sent a threatening fear down my spine. The fear of being posted to a disdainful community or workplace has been a mental disturbance. I rushed towards him when I heard my number, fidgeting,I took the letter from him and walked back to my former position.

"Hey "

I looked up,it was Micheal looking happy.

"Hey, what's up?" I asked.

"I am okay. Have you seen your post?"

"Not yet" I replied and quickly opened the letter.

" Are you okay?" He asked, apparently staring at me while I browsed through the letter.

"Yes" I answered and handed over the letter to him. He looked shocked and unhappy as he read it,and then suddenly smiled.

"Is okay, that's the same town I am posted to" He happily claimed.

" Same place?" I asked, surprised.

"No,same town but my post is the federal government hospital"

I got weak and watched as he expressed his happiness. I couldn't dream of having him around again,I thought all these affairs would end in this goddamn camp. I stood up and walked out of him without a word. Some feet away,I turned...I expected him to follow me and probably suggest how we would spend the one year experience together,but I got disappointed and watched as he disappeared through the crowd. I felt emotional and cheated,I felt used and dumped even though I see no reason to justify his action as irresponsible. I sighed and took my bags and joined the vehicle going to the assigned town. I waited for him,I had the hope that he would join the bus. I began to miss him,the thought of apparently offending him began to punish me. I picked up my phone and called him,but it wasn't reachable. I couldn't stand the feeling,so I took my bags and dashed into the field in search of him.

"Hey"

"Hey Ben," I replied.

Ben has been Micheal's friend in the camp and each were in the same platoon. I felt relieved seeing him knowing that I stand to know how to see Micheal.

" Did you see Micheal?"

"Yes,he is going down the gate. You will be able to catch up with him before he reaches the opposite hotel".

I didn't wait for more words,I ran with my bag on my shoulder feeling excited and fulfilled. At the moment,I know I am beginning to feel a part in my life for him. Fortunately,I met him exchanging pleasantries with the security guard at the gate. He saw me rushing towards him with my bags on my shoulder,with his eyes widened and probably wondering what could get me into such a chase. I stopped before him breathing heavily.

"I have been looking for you. Where have you been,are you not going to enter the vehicle over there?" I asked panting and pointed at the field where the bus parked.

He was silent, staring at me. He seemed to be unhappy.

"No dear, I have a car outside" He replied softly and began to leave.

"Car?" I asked,trying to catch up with him.

" Yes,at the hotel there. You can go with me.

"I don't understand,whose car?"

"Mine,I parked it at the hotel. I paid for the parking before I entered the camp" He sounded humble and stared at me.

" Oh really" I mumbled.

"Let me have your bag,mine is light" He volunteered and collected it forcibly upon a resistance.

I would have loved to say I was blocked from real existence, probably for my own good or to avoid a hasty decision that could lead to a regret.Is obvious Micheal is a handsome fellow,but it seemed I began to notice more of it from this day. I waited at the bar where he insisted we take a few bottles of beer before we left. Few minutes after he had excused himself,a Lexus RX 360 honked a few meters away and the windshield lowered down.it was him smiling.I bet he looked gracious and stunning in the red designed leather seat interior. I grabbed my handbag and walked stylishly, throwing each pace with carefulness and ease. I could tell there were eyes on me, damnit! I left the girls at the bar staring at my neat ironed khaki, fitted on a nice shaped figure.

"You should take the cat-walk easy,I am getting tipped off my mind" Micheal chuckled and pushed his head out to watch my back as I walked through the car back to meet him at the next passenger door.

"Was it fashioned ,I mean was it mouth gaping? I asked, smiling at my girly behavior.

" You look sweet darling"

I felt ecstatic,I looked at him,I loved such a romantic address coming from a gentle man.I smiled and took a glance at the rear mirror.

" No need, you're amazing and charming" He blushed and scratched his tire as he matched out of the hotel gate.

I spent the three weeks holiday normally given to newbies after camp in Cross River. Though Micheal left a few days after his clearance at the Teaching hospital. I had to explain to my parents my inability to come home, after I was able to secure a position with a seamstress to be an apprentice. I developed such skill intuition while in the camp. I knew beforehand that Emeka wouldn't find this interesting and if he does,he would still like to see me before I return for the training.But it was unfortunate,I have grown wings and become irritable. I began to prefer Micheal's voice to his,and seldom would ignore his call for a day or two.

Such a new developed attitude has recently gotten him so narcissistic,I began to find his complaints over my inability to respond to his calls and messages as disturbance and stalking. I needed a space to feel my new environment and new friends,and the weight of the new apprenticeship weighed my senses.But,life has gotten so interesting and fun, and I believed the one year period of national service will offer a greater opportunity to various endeavors. I clung so tight with Michael since the day I obtained reliable information about his family— a wealthy one that really got my fantasy. On the fourth week,after I had left my place of assignment,I walked into the room I shared with another female Corp member,Ann was on the bed going through some paperwork. I stole a glance at the papers and sat close to her.

"He called while you were aware" Ann said, still glued to her eyes on her laptop.

I stared at her,hissed and got up to change my clothes.

" What's the problem dear? If you don't love this man,it would be of the greatest impression to tell him already and let him move on" She sounded so emotional, staring at me,her face seemed controlled by her words.

"Babe,he is getting tough on my skin. I need some space !" I yelled and threw my trousers at the chair in disgust.

" Tell him that. I spoke to him when he kept calling incessantly. I believed you must have been ignoring him on your other line you went out with".

''And?" I asked subtly.

"He asked after you and said I should beg you to call back" She responded. Scratching her hair,she seemed to hide some information,but she was also clever to notice my suspense. " He said I should beg, that's too awful for a relationship".

"You should have told him to back off" I blurted and dashed out of the room. I believed that statement must have thrown Ann off. I regret saying that though,I found myself contemplating my actions as I walked through the corridor of the building.

I perceived a nice aroma.Alas, I kept my nose on the ground and willed to fish out the room with such a good inducing and enticing smell. I heard a rumple,I looked at the sky,it was bright...it must be my stomach. I hastened towards the direction of the aroma. It wasn't more than twenty foot away,and quite close to the door,a call came into my phone. I took a glance at the caller; Christy. I felt a bit uneasy and skeptical. I cleaved more to taste the food,it wasn't doubtful that it must be an African white soup. I relinquished and went for the call,I knew it must be a prolonged discussion, that has always been us...more gist and gossip to throw around. But this time, I knew I would be the topic of the discussion.I smiled and sent a pleasantly.

"Hello big fish, how's my girl?"

" You have done the worst to receive her blessings and welcome this time" Christy retorted.

"I knew it" I mumbled and found a wall to rest my back on.

Hope you enjoyed the story? I also enjoys writing for your delight. Please expect our next episode and check out other stories