OMG he's cheating! (part 3)

Lunch wasn’t so interesting the next day. It wasn’t the food, it was me. I was having fried rice with beef sauce but all I could think about was Naa, my cousin. I didn’t know what to do about the information I had. Who knows, maybe it’s a huge coincidence that her boyfriend also owns a studio like the caller. Maybe too he’s joking around. No he won’t spend so much money on a joke would he? I swallowed as much food as I could and went to get my phone without touching dessert. Can you imagine? Today, there was chocolate in addition oh! I handed my ID card over to the security man and he brought my bag out of my locker for me. I smiled feebly and called Naa. 

Me: Hi, what’s up with you?

Naa: I’m good oh. Just about to go for lunch, finished talking to a client. Don’t tell me you want me to go to the store again for you.

Me: Oh no. I got the text you sent me. I will go there myself later. You are going to Sesi’s studio eh?

Naa: Yes oh. He was so wild about me coming there. I have no idea what I’m going to do there kwraa.

Me: You never told me he had a studio. 

Naa: He didn’t oh. He used to make beats for people part time and he had a big break just last month.

Me: What kind of break?

Naa: I think he made a beat for some singer and she hit big time. So she wanted him to record her whole album for her so she paid in advance. I’m sure it was a lot of money. Ah, Adoley why are you making me talk so much? You are making my roasted plantain go cold.

Me: (Giggles) Banker paa, you are eating roasted plantain?

Naa: hahaha eii don’t forget I work at East Legon. Anyways I have to go. My boss will call me soon.

Me: Ok, I have to go myself. Bye.

The call was more disturbing than I thought. The rest of the day was boring. I got just three calls. I spent the rest of the time contemplating on telling Naa about Sesi’s mistress. But what good would that be? Maybe Sesi was sleeping with her because of the money she gave him. Male prostitution paa oh. Hopefully when the album is done, he’ll dump her. After work I walked to Patrick’s office. “Hello, Fafa.” He said shyly. He quickly minimized the window on his computer. Why he was shy of the fact that he was on Facebook, I don’t know. “I was just leaving and wanted to ask you something.” I said. He smiled like always and nodded for me to continue. “Ermm I was just wondering. Why don’t we call the clients from time to time to see if everything is going on well with them? I think that would build a good relationship with the clients.” I said boldly. “I understand your concern. That’s a brilliant idea but the problem is that, this company is a profit making company. The money we make to pay hard working workers like you is from the extra costs we charge for a call. We can’t afford to make calls. When things don’t go well, most of the time the clients call back.” He explained. My plan blast!

On our way home, I wanted to talk to my mum about it. I knew it wasn’t right but what the heck. “Mum.” I started. “Yes.” She answered, taking a turn. “I’m in a dilema.” I said, putting my phone away. “You still don’t know what to do for your exhibition right? Honestly I think photography and painting can be done together you know.” He responded. That was it! Photos! My mum just gave me the best plan. “You are right. Thanks mum!” I exclaimed. I pulled my phone out of my bag and called Naa. “Hey Naa, I need photos of a recording studio for an art project I’m working on. Can I come to Sesi’s place with you?” She agreed. She was already there so when I got home I rushed for my camera and was off to the studio.

 When I got there I was a little nervous. Naa came to get me at the gate and we walked into the studio. There was music playing. I was finally going to meet the super jollof making, amazingly boobed musician. She had better be worth all this trouble! When we entered the studio I saw Sesi, he was just as cute as his voice. Clearly my cousin has taste and so does his mistress! “Hello, I’m Sesi. Naa told me you wanted to take pictures. My studio isn’t much but I hope you like what you see.” He said in that awesome voice. I smiled and took advantage to look around. There was nobody else there. She hadn’t arrived yet. “Oh your studio is just fine but I thought you would have someone recording.” I said innocently. “He will. His artiste will be here in a minute.” Naa said, lifting a guitar. “Adoley have we met?” Sesi asked. He was looking at me funny. Oh no! Naa told him my name…

To be continued…

OMG he's cheating! (part 2)

My mum dropped me off the next day. Luckily for me she worked close by so I wasn’t going to spend a pesewa at work because lunch was free too. I couldn’t wait to get paid. I planned to go over to my favourite craft shop to check on the cost of the supplies I needed. I could just imagine the painting in my head. “Good morning Adoley, you look very lovely today.” Patrick said, rudely interrupting my day dream. “Thank you Sir.” I said and took a seat. “I have very good news for you my dear.” He said smiling like the good news was for him. He’s a very strange character. “The director was so impressed with you. If you keep this up you just might get a 30% increase in your pay.” He explained. “Wow, that’s great. Thank you.” I said. I was beginning to sound as enthusiastic as him. Mtcheeew. “No thank you. Anyways let me leave you to do your thing.” He said making rather silly hand signals and left. Wow, that means I could buy a bigger canvas and maybe a lens for my camera. This was really good news. Then the phone rang…here we go again.

Me: Akoma Counceling Service, this is Adoley. How may I help you? Please express yourself slowly and audibly so I can help you better.

Caller: Hello, I don’t really have a relationship problem. I just wanted your suggestions on something.

Me: Ok, please go ahead madam.

Caller: My husband and I are celebrating our 10 year anniversary. He says I should decide what we should do but I don’t want to suggest something and it will be boring and he will blame me. Do you understand?

Me: Yes I do but just for clarification; does your husband want you to decide on a type of celebration or a venue for the celebration?

Caller: Both.

Me: Alright and you don’t want to select something he won’t like.

Caller: Yes, weren’t you listening?

Me: I was madam but in order to fully understand the issue I have to ask these questions.

Caller: As I said earlier it’s not an issue. Just get on with it.

Me: Sorry, anyways here are your options. I suggest you select a venue or activity he personally has interest in. This might also mean that you would be doing something you don’t have much interest in but the advantage is that it would make him appreciate it more. You can also indirectly let him select an activity. There’s also the choice of a place or activity new to both of you but you should have a backup plan. The reason for the backup is that, it is possible he won’t enjoy the new place. Ones you notice that, you quickly change to something more normal. He will definitely appreciate the familiarity and enjoy is more even though it’s not too special.

Caller: Ok, you’ve talked a lot. What should I go for?

Me: I can’t really choose for you. You need to go for the option that best suits you. Another thing you should do is start off by telling your husband how much you wanted it to be special for him and that you hope all you went through won’t go to waste. When he notices your effort he is most likely to ignore a lot of negative vibes if any occur. It’s a type of mental preparation.

Caller: Yes, but I knew that already. You saying it dramatically doesn’t make it any different. So is that all you have to say?

Me: Yes, these are your options but I can assist you further is you will give me more details.

Caller: No it’s ok. I’ve said enough. How old are you anyway, you sound young. Don’t you need a lot more experience to do this job? I mean, if you are a child what would you know about marriage? (giggles) Anyway. I’ve heard you. Bye

Me: Thank you very…. (she hanged up)

I hate this job!

As the day went by I started kissing my 30% increase goodbye. It was like all the difficult, rude, annoying people decided to call today. Lunch seemed to cheer me up though. I sat all by myself at the cafeteria and managed to enjoy a plate of fried yam and tsofi (turkey) with stew. Yup, the lunch here is amazing like that! Oh did I add there was dessert as well? My options were ice cream, juice, or fresh fruits. Yup, I went for ice cream! Lol. 

The next caller was really nice. He wanted to know how to talk to his children about sex. He kept making jokes and I tried not to laugh too loud but at the end of the day he was very pleased. The call came. His call, the sweet sounding guy :) 

Caller: Hello, I don’t know if you remember but I called yesterday but the line cut.

Me: Ahh yes the amazing jollof right?

Caller: hahaha yea. You were asking me something. If I told her I have a girlfriend?

Me: Ah yes. Have you?

Caller: Yes, several times. She knows. She says she likes my company. I know we are doing the wrong thing. That’s why I’m calling. I know you might think I’m crazy but I really love my girl.

Me: I understand you. Ok these are a few strategies you can take. You should avoid her as much as you can. Make excuses when she wants to meet up.

Caller: That will be hard. 

I kind of work with her.

Me: Kind of?

Caller: She’s recording an album at my studio. We still have 3 songs to work on. I can’t run.

Me: I see. Ok has your girlfriend met her before?

Caller: No, they know each other but have never met. This is really messed up.

Me: There is something else you can do. Have a talk with her about ending your fling and invite your girlfriend to the studio whenever she is to come and record. Make sure your girl gets there first. Be very tender and caring with your girl. Do things for her that you won’t do for the other girl. Make sure this happens all the times she comes to the studio. She would get the picture. If she’s civil, she’ll leave you alone if not, she will come on stronger. If she does, it’s a good excuse for you to start a fight with her and break things off out of anger. Either way, you win.

Caller: That sounds like a plan. I mean I won’t lose either way. Thanks, she’s coming here tomorrow. I’ve got to call my girl. Thanks a lot. This call has been worth it.

Me: You are welcome.

Caller: Have a nice day, bye.

Me: Bye.

“How was work? What kind of problems did people call about?” My mum asked on our way home. “It was ok ahh. Mum you know I’m not supposed to discuss what happens at work.” I answered, busy sending a text on my phone. I wanted my cousin to check the prices of the extra supplies I wanted from the art shop. My mum wouldn’t take me there because she wanted to skip traffic. After the text was sent I looked out the window and saw a poster of a female musician. For all you know, this is the super jollof making, amazing boobed musician. I giggled at this thought and my mum turned to look at me sharply. “It’s the text.” I lied with guilty face. Then Naa’s reply came in. It said…

“U r so annoyin. I’m alredy hme but I’ll chek it out 4 u. Wud hav done it 2moro but Sesi wants me 2 cme 2 his studio. Will text u da prices wen I’m dne.”

OMG!

To be continued…

 

The hope to carry on (3)

I was so grateful we were in February purely because it was short and I could get paid early. I got close with the manager at the restaurant I worked for. She was really nice. When everyone was scolding me when I made a mistake she understood. She was pretty much the only person who liked me there. You see it’s not that I didn’t want to do the job well. I just wasn’t used to that kind of stress. The restaurant was small but the customers came in frequently and we were just two waitresses there. Anytime the cook said I was slow, Mrs. Forson explained that I was just being careful. 

“Fafa, could you come to my office with me?” Mrs. Forson said one day after work. I was just about leave after a very tiring day. I walked as quickly as I could behind her. She signaled for me to have a seat and begun talking. “Are you ok?” She asked. I managed to smile and nodded. “Mr. Wilson told me something very disturbing. He said you should be fired because your papers are fake. I wasn’t even supposed to discuss it with you but you don’t seem like a bad girl. Is that true? I know the money we are paying you here isn’t much but lying to us is not the right thing to do.” She went on. She wasn’t smiling. I almost choked with shock. “Madam I never did that. I told him I only had a Junior High School Certificate and he said it was fine. I even have the original at home. It’s probably because he just…” I started but stopped myself. Mrs. Forson looked at me sternly. “He just what?” She asked. “He asked me to go home with him. When I refused he gave me forty Cedis and kicked me out.” I confessed with tears rolling down my cheeks. “My goodness, Fafa are you sure about this?” She asked. I wiped the tears off my face and nodded but they kept forming. 

The next day was so hectic. Saturdays were the busiest. By the end of the day my feet were killing me. The only thing that kept me going was that the next day was Sunday and I didn’t have to go to work. I planned on spending the whole day with my brother. He was the only person I loved with all my heart right now and if I didn’t show him that love, who would? Mrs. Forson caught me right outside the restaurant like the day before. She was in her small blue car. “Fafa, where do you live?” She asked. “Around Maxima.” I replied with a feeble smile. She opened the door for me. “Have a seat, I’m going in that direction. I’ll give you a ride. Wow, this woman was heaven sent. I rushed into the car like I was competing with someone. 

I wanted to get off at my junction but she insisted on bringing me home safely. When I got home I said thank you and tried getting out of the car. “Wait, I want to talk to you about something.” Mrs. Forson said. I turned to look at her. “It concerns what you told me about Mr. Wilson. What he did was unacceptable, trying to take advantage on a young girl. The manager of his recruitment company is my friend. She had been suspecting him of a lot of things but never has enough proof. I want you to do something for me.” She said. She turned off the ignition and turned back to me. “We have to expose him. Who knows how many people he treats like this? Once things work well, I’m sure the company will give you some money too. I know you need it.” She added. She was right but somehow I had a very bad feeling about this.  

To be continued...

OMG he's cheating!

“Good luck and remember smiles can be felt even over the phone.” Patrick said with a huge smile on his face. I managed to give a fake one in return and he went out clearly more excited than me. I turned my chair around and faced my desk. I went through the guideline again. This was so silly. I couldn’t wait to get paid on Friday and get out of here. I had never worked for anyone before. I mean straight after school I set up an art studio in my father’s garage. In less than a year I was taking part in exhibitions all over the country and selling my works too! This job was crap, I mean I know I studied Psychology in school but that was psychology of art but I needed the money anyways. I had to use this job to make enough money to prepare for the biggest art festival in Ghana! I was so excited. The thought of the festival seemed to give me a better mood. Then the phone rang.

I waited for it to ring again and answered it with the fakest smile in the world. “Akuma Counseling Service, this is Adoley. How may I help you? Please express yourself slowly and audibly so I can help you better.” I said politely. 

Caller: Hi, errrm please I’m Felix. I’m 19 years old and just got accepted into the University. My parents know about this but I lied to them about the course I’m going to be taking. My father is a doctor and has always wanted me and my brother to follow his footsteps. My older brother did and is a practicing doctor but that is not my interest at all. I applied to study political science but now the problem is telling my parents. I don’t know what to do.

Me: Oh Felix, I understand you perfectly. I must say you really have a strong desire to study political science. It’s good that you know what you want early in life. Have you tried telling your parents you aren’t interesting in medicine?

Caller: Yes, several times but my father insists on it. He keeps saying that is the best profession in the world. I can’t hide this from him because I can’t pay my fees myself.

Me: You are right. These are your options Felix; try getting an older member of the family to talk to your father on your behalf. Show this person how much you dislike medicine and your passion for political science. You could also get a part time job to earn some money for your fees to let your father know how serious you are about your choice. When you are confronting your parents, make sure you have enough information to back what you are saying.

Caller: Ok, what kind of information?

Me: There are reasons why your father doesn’t want you to read any other subject right? Look for important facts that support the study of political science, the areas you can work when you graduate, the salary, exposure and other key things. You don’t want to look green about your future when you speak to him. I hope you understand me.

Caller: Yes I do. Wow, I never thought of it like that. Thank you very much, this was very helpful. If there is any other thing I want to know I’ll call back. Bye.

Me: Have a nice day, bye.

Phew, that went well. I really don’t mean to be rude but wasn’t that obvious? Oh well, so far as I’m getting paid people can call me and ask the time! I remembered I had to put down my comments about the call and did just that. 

The rest of day was terrible. People called with the silliest issues known to man. You won’t believe the amount they were paying a minute. One lady even asked if it was ok to sleep with your boyfriend if you were both Christians. Huh? I didn’t even know what to say to her. People are a bit strange. Patrick came to see me when I was taking my break to congratulate me. He was so impressed and excited. Clearly he felt I was going to be here for long…guess again, happy boy! 

Just like in the movies the best call came last. It was a guy. He sounded familiar or maybe he just sounded good. He spoke English like he invented it, sleeeek! 

Caller: I usually wouldn’t do this but this issue has been bugging me for a while now and I thought talking to a neutral person was the best way to handle it.

Me: Ok, I’m here to listen. Please go ahead.

Caller: I met this girl about a month ago. She filled the part of me that was empty at the point. I don’t really have strong feelings for her but I’m extremely attracted to her physically. I hope you get me.

Me: Yes I do, please go ahead. (sh*t he’s taken! lol)

Caller: She felt the exact way and so we got physical but the thing is…..I have a girlfriend and I love her so much. We are even getting engaged soon. I have tried to forget the other girl but it’s just so hard.

Me: Oh ok. I understand you but what is it about this other girl that attracts you to her?

Caller:….she’s very attractive. She like a goddess. She has the most amazing boobs and body, she's so independent and…no that’s silly. (giggles)

Me: What is it, say it. (giggling small too)

Caller: Well….she makes the most delicious jollof.

Me: I see, that’s a very strong hold eh? (smiling)

Caller: Yep, you know men don’t play with their food. Don’t get me wrong my girl cooks really well too but that jollof is crazy!

Me: Ok, have you told her you have a girlfriend, that u intend on marrying?

Then the phone went dead! Oh just when I was having fun. This wasn’t fun at all. I looked at the clock, it was time to close. I sat down quietly waiting for him to call back. After ten minutes I realized he won’t call back so I packed up and left the office. Yup, you guessed right, Patrick came and thanked me for a good work done…smiling as usual. Sadly, I had to come back the next day.

Definitely to be continued... :)

I loveD you

Boy I guess you won't believe what I've got to say to you
I know it's strange for you to see me leave without a cue
My heart breaks when you cheat, when you lie
but I closed my eyes coz I loved you

You did me wrong everyday for the whole world to see
I stood with you any way coz I thought you would change
I was so wrong in many ways, so stupid in love
But I realize I can't love you

I'm leaving now, yes today I can't stand you anymore
There's nothing more for you to say, I'm walking out the door
I hope you learn from your mistakes, your silly games
Now I know for sure I don't love you

His friend

I looked at myself one more time in the mirror. Just when I was about to redo my hair, my phone rang. “We are almost at your end.” Kevin said. I gave a quick ok but then what he said just played again in my head. “Who is we?” I asked curiously. “I’m bringing you a date. Don’t worry you will see him in a bit.” He replied and hung up. Guys are so odd. I saw Kevin’s car pull over in front of my house. I put on my final ‘killa’, perfume and rushed downstairs. “Wow, looking good. Anyways Afua, this is Travis.” Kevin said. I smiled and turned to Travis. “Hi.” I said and waved. He was really cute. “What about me?” A girl said, coming out of the car. “Eii sorry oh, this is Jessie.” Kevin added. I giggled and shook her hand. This night was going to be fun!

The pub was almost empty, just how I liked it. I was glad Jessie was easy going because we were cracking girl jokes the whole time. The guys decided that we pair up and play pool. I was with cutie, I mean Travis and Jessie was with Kevin. Travis was really good, or maybe my eyes were just being bias or maybe too it was because I knew how to play pool a bit better than Jessie, hehehe. We won twice! It was really nice potting the balls and watching Jessie pot one particular ball, the white one! Occasionally I would ask Travis on tips just so I could hear him talk close to me. Jessie and Kevin on the other hand didn’t do cheezy things like that at all. They were holding each other here and there with little kisses in between. It looked a little odd but I’ll explain why later. The night ended just too soon. When Kevin brought me back home, I said goodnight and went in. I was a little upset that Travis didn’t take my number. Oh well.

I woke up the next morning with a wide smile. It was nice seeing Kevin again and it seemed like we were friends again. You see Kevin is my ex-boyfriend. We broke up about four years ago. It seemed like we kept having one fight after the other after that. It’s not that he wasn’t a great guy or anything he was, actually one of the best I ever had. We just started dating too early and at the wrong time. It looked like he wanted us to be pals again and I liked that. I just hoped he didn’t want to hook me up with Travis. He kept talking about me getting a boyfriend and I really didn’t think it was part of his business. I got out of bed and walked downstairs to do some chores. Then Kevin called me. “What do you think about Travis? I’m sure he likes you.” He said. This was exactly what I didn’t like. “Kevin, Travis is nice but I can find my own boyfriend. Thank you very much.” I said sternly. “I know but he’s the perfect guy for you.” He encouraged. “I’ve told you I’ll get a guy when I’m ready ok? I have to go. Got work to do.” I rushed off. What was his problem?

That night just when I was about to sleep Travis called me. He was really interesting. He was hilarious too, yup Fanti. We spoke for a very long time and he promised to call me the next day. I tried to remain stable and not fall for him. It was a bit hard but I’m a very determined girl. He seemed to like me a lot because from then on he called me every single day... at least thrice! I rarely returned his calls and text messages. Maybe I was being a little too uncaring but I couldn’t help thinking that he and Kevin had planned this. I mean Kevin and I have had our share of battles, who knows maybe this was his most deadly weapon. 

Travis and I got closer every single day. He came over a couple of times and we had the most exciting chats ever. Kevin was right, he was a great guy. For some reason I could see he really liked me and one faithful night he made this very clear to me. He asked me out. It’s not every day that your ex-boyfriend's friend hooks you up with a good guy. I told him I’d think about it. It was just too odd for me. I guess I’m probably too old school. A week later Kevin came over to my house and I decided to ask him more about Travis but I couldn’t. No, not because he set us up and I was pissed off about it but because of what he said. “Afua I need to tell you something.” Kevin said, when we were in his car. I nodded for him to go ahead. Without any warning he grabbed my hand. “I think we should give us another try.” He said, stroking my palm softly. I was confused. I wasn’t sure I heard him right. “Kevin, we broke up four years ago and we have been fighting each other since. We can’t just get up and try again.” I managed to say. “I know but I really like you.” He added. “What funny game are you playing? What about Travis? Didn’t you yourself set us up? What about Jessie.” I asked. I really felt like hitting him. “Jessie has a boyfriend, she’s just a pal but you said you didn’t like Travis.” He answered. I seriously didn’t plan for this.

Just like magic, the frequency of calls from Travis reduced drastically. When I asked him why, he blamed it on school. I was the one doing all the calling and texting (3mr3 dani). I sat back and looked at the big picture. Maybe it was really a plan. I fall for Travis, he ignores me and Kevin is there to save me from a broken heart. Well it was a little late for that now. I was angry with Kevin. I made him aware that he had no right to mess around with my feelings like that. I honestly can’t be sure why things went the way they did but I thing I know for sure is that…..beware of the ex-boyfriend’s friend!