My second Challenge!

Ok so a friend of mine has a blog where he gives certain tips to be used to make a story. I thought it was fun so I tried it.  “A train is the location, money is the root of all evil is the theme. A newspaper is an object that plays a part in the story.” Here we go!!

"Excuse me, you are in my seat." I said to a rather fat woman sitting at seat 15. She looked up at me and shrugged "There are empty seats everywhere. Go and take one." she said rudely. This was beginning to get annoying. "If that is the case why don't you just get up?" I added holding on to my briefcase. That was what set her off. She turned to look at me and gave me a full downpour of insults, mostly about disrespect. It even got physical and my rather healthy physique was called 'lenge lenge'. The other passengers did not hide their laughter. I saw her smile as I walked to the attendant.

"Madam what is the matter?" he asked me. "I purchased a ticket for seat 15 and a certain woman wont get off the seat." I complained still refusing to budge. The attendant looked at me like I was asking him to jump off a cliff. He moved closer to me and whispered. "Madam,but you can have any other seat." Was this guy for real? I stood there looking at him, without even blinking. "I am not sitting on any seat besides seat 15." I said sternly. He hesitated for a moment and went to do his whisper thing to the 'Obolo' woman. Don't look at me like that, she started it. She yelled out, "I'm not leaving this seat. If she's a woman she should come and carry me off the seat. 'Sagaa'! I’m going to Spintex and I’m siting right here!" That was really uncalled for.

When the train was ready to move I grabbed a handle in the middle and leaned on a pole. All the time I was looking at this woman. She dozed off in a matter of seconds too. "Madam, you no go sit down?" A newspaper boy said pointing to the many empty seats. "Don't worry I'm fine." I said and gave my first smile. He smiled back and asked if I wanted to buy a paper. I nodded. From the huge stack he was holding I didn't look like he was having a good day. Then my light bulb came on.

I whispered to him like the attendant did. He smiled broadly and I took out 30 Cedis from my bag and gave it to him. I took one newspaper, winked at him and he walked away. I watched him as he went. The train stopped and the paper boy went straight to our woman and tapped her. “Spintex stop oh. This no be your stop? Hurry up.” He said to her. She got up hurriedly and walked to the exit. When she got to the door she noticed we were nowhere near Spintex. “Ah, but this isn’t my stop.” She said and turned around. “H3, foolish boy. Don’t you know Spintex?!” She yelled at the paper boy who had gotten off the train and was smiling. She muttered more insults and turned around. And there I was sitting on seat number 15 and this time she was the one being laughed at. Deuces!!

Hi Stranger 2

Esi made a quick introduction. He was called Vincent but they all called him Vince and the other guy was…ermm ehhh ah yes, Yaw. Anita drove behind them as we went to the beach resort. From the number of cars at the car park I could tell the place was pretty active. The beach was really nice. There were lights all over the beach and people were sitting on the sand. There was also a live band playing fun music. I even saw some people dancing. I was enchanted for a while. “You like it right?” Vince said from behind me. He almost startled me. I turned around and nodded. “Hey don’t take the glory for this oh. It was my idea.” Yaw said and I smiled. 

We sat down on the sand like everyone. There was so much fun in the air. Anita took out her camera and screamed, “smile!” She took a shot of us then tossed the camera to me to take a picture of her. “Poor Facebook.” Vince said, shaking his head. We all burst out laughing because he wasn’t wrong at all. We had a pretty silly conversation about the things we didn’t like about Facebook. Vince was so funny. He didn’t seem shy at all too. The guy was so straight forward, it made me loosen up and have a good time. After a while I noticed we had to walk to the bar to order drinks. “I’m going to get a drink. Does anyone want one?” Vince asked getting up. I noticed his body structure better now and all I can say is WOW! “Get me what you usually get.” Anita said. Yaw paused for a while and said the same thing. Before I could say anything, he held me and pulled me up. “Let’s go.” He said. I smiled and walked with him, up to the bar. 

“Are you expecting an important call?” Vince asked just after we placed our order. “No, but why do you say that?” I asked surprised. He raised one eyebrow. “You keep staring at your phone especially when you hear some sound.” He explained. I was guilty. I just shrugged and he smiled. We took the drinks down to the squad and joined in their conversation. They were talking about girls and shoes…so embarrassing. “My sister has more shoes than she knows. It’s amazing how she keeps looking for more too.” Yaw said. Anita stood up and pulled him. “Yaw let’s dance. That’s my song.” She said. He was hesitant for a while but she managed to convince him. Vince came to sit next to me. “Did I tell you I was psychic?” He whispered into my ears. “Oh really? Tell me more.” I said dramatically. He giggled and took my hand. “You, my fair lady are not from around here.” He said with his eyes closed. I laughed out loud. “But Anita already told you that. Quack psychic!” I teased. He giggled and said, “Ok, that was just comic relief. Now, you are troubled about something…maybe someone.” He said. I managed to smile and shook my head to hide my surprise. “Oh wrong again? Ok my last try. You are a really cool young lady.” He added. Was he making a pass at me? I was so shy, I looked away. “Ouch mosquito. Thank you.” I said and scratched my perfectly fine leg.

For those few seconds my head was racing. I was at an amazing place, pretty far from home, with a hot guy and he seemed to be making a pass at me. Wasn’t this so nice? I leave for Accra the next day, a little fun wouldn’t be bad at all but there was just something nagging me, actually someone…Odoi. 

Then my dark side spoke again. Forget the boyfriend. Who knows what he is up to at the moment? I had been out of town for four days now and he called just once. Didn’t I deserve better? “Should I get you a mosquito repellant?” Vince said and cut my thoughts short. Just then his phone rang and he stood up to take it. “…Do you know how much a microwave costs?” He asked me in between his conversation. “Oh depends but I’m sure it ranges between a 100 to like 400 Cedis.” I replied. He told the person and walked off to talk some more. When he left I had enough time to think. As much as this would have been an amazing adventure, flirting with a stranger, I was committed to Odoi and I wasn’t going to do anything silly. Even though things weren’t perfect, I believed we would get through it. 

“Are you buying a microwave?” I asked when Vince came back. “Me, oh naa. It’s my girlfriend. She wants to move out of her parent’s house.” He said giggling. I was almost speechless. “Yaw is such a lousy dancer.” He teased. I took the opportunity to laugh it out. I think I over did it. “Do you know how to dance?” He asked. “No, I’m worse than Yaw even.” I lied. He paused and turned to me. “Let’s find out.” He said, pulling me up again. He dragged me to the where Yaw and Anita where and started dancing. “My goodness Esi is such a good dancer.” Anita said and the guys cheered. I laughed out so loud and danced away. This was so much fun. Vince was so much fun.

After dancing we were all so worked out. We fell flat on the sand to catch our breath. “Obolo get up and let’s get some water.” Anita said to Yaw and they both left. Vince and I were now alone lying next to each other and facing the sky. “I just knew you were a good dancer.” He said. I giggled and gave a little bow. Then all of a sudden we turned to look at each other at the same time. For at least 7 seconds we were staring at each other speechlessly. My eyes went straight to his lips. They were just the right shade of pink and made my heart jump. I knew it was a 100% lust on both sides. 

To be continued...

Hi Stranger

I looked at my phone to check the time. It was 9:15. Anita wasn’t back yet. I considered calling her but something caught my eye. A lady wearing a very small dress was collecting a cue. Was she seriously going to play pool in that? I watched patiently and took a sip of my drink. I wasn’t the only one staring, I’m sure everybody was wondering the same thing. She took the cue and walked over to a certain dark guy sitting alone at a table. She handed it over to him and sat on the opposite chair. Such drama! I shook my head and turned away. What an annoying couple. I heard a guy go like ‘mtcheeew behind me and couldn’t help giggling. I bet that was an anti-climax for him. I turned around to see the face and noticed another guy sitting with him, a really good looking one. 

I turned away so this guy wouldn’t think I was staring. From the little I saw he had a very neat haircut, was wearing a decent polo shirt and some sweet smile. He had one of those ‘Asante Tre’, you know the extended occiput just like Theo Walcott, the Arsenal striker. I loved those amazing heads, lol. The guy’s head reminded me of my boyfriend. He had one of those. Then I thought about him. Odoi and I had been having a rough relationship for the last couple of weeks. When my cousin called me to come for her baby’s out-dooring, I felt it was just what I needed; to get away from him for a while. You see, we work in the same company so I see him everyday. I told my boss about the event and was given a 3 day leave. The planning was so hectic but we pulled it off and the event seemed almost flawless. My cousin Ewurama, was married to a Doctor and they lived in Cape Coast. They had been married for five years and this was her first baby. The whole family was excited and the event was massive. 

Well enough about her. So I’m sitting at this bar in a city that I can easily get lost in. I didn’t come here myself though. I came with a friend, Anita my Uni buddy. She lived here and since I was going back to Accra the next day, decided to take me out. A few minutes after we ordered drinks she saw a friend of hers and told me to excuse her for about 10 minutes. I should have realized she wouldn’t be back soon when she grabbed her purse. I had been sitting alone for close to an hour. What nonsense is that? I called her several times but she wouldn’t answer. This was beginning to be annoying. I decided to call Odoi to see how he was so I walked outside to talk. 

Odoi: Hello.

Me: Hi, how are you doing?

Odoi: I’m fine. How was the outdooring?

Me: Oh it was good. I just hadn’t heard from you in a bit and decided to call…

Odoi: Esi, can I call you right back?

Me: Oh are you…

Odoi: Yea I’m kind of tight now. Will call you back ok? Bye.

Me: Ok, bye.

I felt very bad. I don’t know what made me more upset, the fact that he rushed me off the phone or the fact that I heard a girl talking in the background. I managed to think positive. It was probably nothing. I put the phone back into my clutch and walked into the bar. On my way I saw Anita’s car and breathed a sigh of relief. I walked in and saw her chatting with Mr. Cutie. What are the odds? He was smiling and talking. I sat down at our table, a little shy. Anita noticed me and turned around. Then our eyes met. I won’t lie, his eyes twinkled. I looked away quickly and Anita walked over to me. I prayed she didn’t notice or else it could have been pretty awkward. 

“Oh Esi, I’m so sorry. My friend had some stuff in her car she wanted me to see. This car marketing trend is becoming common oh. Anyways do you want another drink?” She said, just about to call a waiter. “No, it’s fine. Chale this place is kind of boring. Isn’t there any other place to go?” I asked looking around. Anita thought for a second. “Oh I have an idea. My friend was talking about some cool beach resort that’s having some event tonight. Do you want us to go to that with them?” She asked leaning forward. “What kind of event?” I asked rolling my eyes. “Ermm, hang on, let me ask him.” She said and stood up. She walked to Mr. Cutie. Just at that moment I had made my decision. Even if it was a history event I wouldn’t mind, hehehe.

To be continued...

Justin's surprise 4

A nurse walked over to my bed and checked my drip. She turned to me and noticed I was awake. “Hello, let me get the Doctor.” She said and walked off. I wanted to know what I was doing in a hospital and why my body felt so weird. I calmed down because the Doctor was probably the best person to ask. Then my mind went to Justin. If I was hurt, where was he? I tried to remember what happened but it was so hazy. All I could get was me and him together sleeping in the Hotel. What the hell happened?!

I opened my eyes when I saw a tall dark doctor walk towards me. He was holding a folder and reading through it. The nurse was by his side. “Hello, I’m Dr. Gibson. You were involved in an accident. How are you feeling?” He asked. I blinked twice. “Thirsty, and my body feels heavy.” I replied. Before he could comment I asked, “Is Justin ok?” Dr. Gibson looked at me sharply and stopped writing down his notes. “I beg your pardon; who?” He asked. “The last thing I remember is being with my boyfriend. I just hope he is alright.” I explained, coughing from a dry throat. The nurse walked off. “Oh, I’m sure he is fine. The man who came with you wasn’t badly hurt. Please excuse me. The nurse would be with you soon.” He said and quickly walked off. I breathed a sigh of relief. Maybe the hotel caught fire or something, while we were asleep. 

The nurse brought me some ice to suck on and asked me several questions. When she was done I asked to see Justin. She said she wasn’t sure if he was still around and that she would do her best to locate him. I lay in bed for a while before I heard the all too familiar voice. It was Eyram my roommate. She rushed to my bedside. “Marie, oh how are you feeling?” She asked. I managed a very weak smile. “I’m not that bad. The nurse said I would be up and running soon.” I explained. She put her hand on mine and smiled, properly. There was a bit of a silence and she grabbed her phone from her bag. “Your mum called me, she wanted to come here to check up on you but I told her you would be fine so I’m responsible for you now. I hope you are not mad at me. I just thought that would be what you want.” She said feeling a bit guilty. “No, it’s fine. You know me well. It’s not necessary for her to come all the way here.” I said. She immediately calmed down. “Here. I’m calling so you talk to her.” She said and handed me her phone.

My mum was her normal worried self. She even managed to get Dr. Gibson’s number and called him. Sometimes it’s like she loves me too much. I was just about to ask Eyram about Justin when the nurse came to me. “I think I have located your friend. He was just being discharged. He’s just filling some forms so he should be with you soon.” She said and walked off. I thanked her before she left. Eyram had a call and walked out to take it. I tried to sit up. I turned to the table next to my bed and saw a few items on it. A box of fruit juice, some biscuits and a bar of chocolate. I knew these were from Eyram. She is like that. I smiled and looked around. The nurse had taken off my drip so I knew I would be leaving the hospital soon. I had a few dressed wounds on my arms but nothing too painful. Then I noticed something interesting. Justin’s necklace was shining in the light. I smiled and rubbed it with my hand. What a dramatic end to a beautiful romantic weekend.

I was just about sleeping when I heard somebody enter my room. It was a man. He was short and had a huge bandage on his shoulder. I sat up again. He greeted me and I responded. He struggled with the English but I could understand what he was saying. Basically he said the accident wasn’t his fault and that the other car rather run into him. He also added that the other driver also agreed. I nodded and asked him why he was telling me all this. It wasn’t like I was accusing him of anything. He looked dumb-founded and asked why I wanted to talk to him then. I smiled and told him that I didn’t ask to speak to him. He walked off and murmured, “nurse wei paa”. I shook my head and lay down. I was almost irritated when the nurse came back. “Did your friend come here?” She asked. I shook my head. “No, the only person who came was the taxi driver.” I replied. She paused and looked at me. “Ah but he was the only man who came with you oh.” She said. My heart missed a beat. Where was Justin?!   

To be continued...

Justin's surprise 3

I sat upright on the chair and looked straight at him. Justin made a joke about a show on TV but I wasn’t moved. We had to talk. He noticed the distraction wasn’t working so he turned off the TV. Just when he was about to talk there was a knock at the door. It was room service. The waiter brought in the tray, put a huge dinner on the table and left immediately. Neither of us said a word to him. When he shut the door Justin got up to take a look at the food. I was starving but I really wanted to hear what he had to say. Just when he went for the glass of juice, I slapped his hand. “We talk before we eat.” I said. I giggled when he held his hand back and said sorry. “Violent girl.” He teased.

He sat down next to me and pulled my arm. “My dear Rima, remember I used to call you that?” He said smiling. “How can I forget?” I replied, softening up. “There’s a lot I have done that I shouldn’t have, a lot I haven’t done that I should have. I’m sorry for the stupid things I did Marie.” He started but I held his face, got closer to him and kissed him. “Justin, we have been through this. What you did is all in the past and I’m still here aren’t I?” I said and he smiled and held my hands tight. It felt like I was in a movie and even though my hair was in a ponytail, I could almost feel wind blowing through my hair.

Justin kissed my hand and looked straight into my eyes. “Hey, are you crying?” I asked when I saw tears form in his eyes. “Look at you, you are so amazing.” He said, fighting the tears. I was almost in tears myself. Then he said it, for the very first time ever. “Marie, I love you.” You know how they say when you look into a person’s eyes deep enough you can see their desires? Well it came true for me that night. I could see that he meant it but I could also see a bit of sorry. Maybe it was guilt but whatever it was, it was there. He sealed it off with the most passionate kiss. It was like he became an amazing kisser just that moment and I actually had butterflies. “I love you too Justin.” I said after the kiss, almost out of breath. There was no way I was going to forget that night.

We had dinner and enjoyed every bit of it. I even overate and was so full I almost couldn’t move. Justin made fun of me the whole time and wouldn’t even allow me to lie on the bed. “Oh but you said you loved me.” I teased but he wouldn’t budge. He even turned on some music and grabbed me to dance. This side of him was so much fun! I thought my surprises were over until he turned me around and put something around my neck. I rushed to the mirror to take a look at it. It was Silver with a locket that said ‘Be strong’ with a big M. “Justin this is so beautiful.” I said, touching it. It felt expensive. I turned around and hugged him. Then I paused and gave him a suspicious look. “Are you doing this so that you will get lucky tonight? Hmm?” I said. “Oh Marie, but will I?" He said. I laughed out loud and hit him with a pillow. “No you won’t, bad boy!” I yelled at him in the process.

I went to bed with the necklace on that night. I loved it. It was the best present he had given me and I didn’t want to lose it. . I held my new necklace and smiled. I realized I never asked him what the ‘be strong’ was all about. “Justin, what does the ‘be strong’ mean?” I whispered to him. “You are too sleepy now, tomorrow. Goodnight sweetheart.” He whispered back to me. It must have been the stroking of my hair or the food because I fell asleep very quickly after that. Maybe it was also my mood, happy. It seemed like morning was a second away. I opened my eyes and heard a beeping sound. There was so much light, I had to open my eyes very slowly. The first thing I saw scared me. It was a blue ceiling. That was very strange. I looked around and noticed I wasn’t in our hotel room. It looked like...like a hospital!

To be continued...