Time no dey

Time wasting is like kente in Ghana, it's part of our culture. Ghanaians find all sorts of creative ways to waste each other's time. Sometimes it almost feels like a sport. One that has no ending time. Then again it could be a game to the death. We waste each other's time ahhh till we die. You go to the bank they waste your time, you go to the restaurant they waste your time, you die and are ready to be buried sef they will waste your time. No one is safe at any stage!
I'm sure you are reading this and going like "I know right? Ghana dier so so time wasting" but you naa you are part of the problem. That doesn't mean you should stop reading oh. I beg. But let's be honest we are either equally a time waster or you are helping this very bad habit. I'm not excuded oh. In fact far from it. I'm also one of the Dj Time Wasters but let's look at this on a whole shall we?

To be honest I'm tired of waiting. I'm not saying making someone wait is a crime but at least people need to know it's not good. One day I was asked to come for a meeting at 2pm. The person told me not to be late so I got there just before 2 and had to wait for an hour because the person was out on his lunch break. What the hell?! I was not amused at all so when he finally came back I asked him why he asked me to meet him at his lunch time and guess what he said "Oh I didn't want you to come late so I'll have to wait." If it wasn't for the fear of God and good training my parents have given me I would have done something jail warranting to him. How is it ok for ME to wait?! People need to stop this thing.

Most people don't see anything wrong with asking people to wait. In their heads it's like "oh but will sitting down for 2 hours kill you?". Well it probably won't but will attending to me on time kill you too? We all know the answer to that. These days, you are actually tricked into waiting by your own loved ones. Who has ever been to a wedding where the starting time was a lie? That thing can pain eh? Some ladies have a limited time span their make up can last and you trick them into coming early, how wicked! I don't know about you but I don't want to start my marriage on lies. At least use words or phrases like 'prompt' or 'kindly be there early' or 'refreshment will be served just before the bride enters' or something just don't make me come and wait.

It's simple, let's just try to consider our fellow men and women. Let's put ourselves in each others shoes and act accordingly. There's the general perception in Ghana that if you require something from someone you should be prepared to wait no matter how long they ask you to and it's bad. Ei especially at Ministries. That place dierr it's just a place you go to wait. Let's change our habit because it's not fresh. It's time we showed some respect for each other because the honest truth is that you never know the amount of harm you are doing to someone when you make them wait for hours. So my dear Ghanaians unless you are ready to pay people, don't make them waiters *drops mic*.

Grace of fear 2

 The bikers rode around yelling at each other for about 10 minutes and left. When all was clear Baaba looked for her keys and made a run for it. Luckily for her they didn't return. She breathed a sigh of relief when she entered her Auntie's house. Her hands were still trembling with fear when she laid down to sleep. After another 30 minutes she managed to fall asleep.

 Baaba went about her morning chores very quickly the next day. It was Saturday and she wanted to tell Ralph the good news. As she did her usual trip to the market for her auntie, she was so tempted to buy herself a thing or two with the money. She knew her Auntie would suspect her if she did so she left praying that where she hid the money was still safe. She called Ralph and asked him to meet her at the market. When she saw him she smiled and told him to guess the good news she had for him. He didn't seem amused at all. In fact he was quiet unhappy. This was strange.

   Ralph liked meeting up with her and was usually happy when she initiated it. "Ah, what's wrong? Did Bra Yaw ask you to pay for something again?" Baaba asked concerned. Ralph shook his head and shrugged. Bra Yaw owned the fitting shop where Ralph worked. He was very stern and would make his workers pay for every tiny mistake they made. Bra Yaw was another reason why Ralph wanted to leave for Kumasi. "What is the surprise? I have a lot of work to do." Ralph snapped. Baaba felt offended. Why was he taking all her fun away? Just then, Ralph's phone rang. He signaled at Baaba and walked away to answer the call. He was speaking very low so she wouldn't hear what he was saying. When he walked further away and turned his back to her she left. "I'll keep everything to myself then." she muttered as she walked away, a little heart-broken. B

 Baaba took the long route on her way home. She wanted to think. It was hard to think with her auntie yelling and screaming in the house over trivial things. As she walked home she couldn't help thinking about Ralph. He was the first friend she made when she moved to her auntie's house. She enjoyed his company because he was always full of smiles. He would always listen to her complain about her auntie and reassured her. Baaba didn't understand why he was acting strange. Maybe there was another girl. One who entertained his leaving town plan more than she did.

As she walked, she saw a large number of people in front of a house. She recognized one of the people, Agnes. Agnes used to work at the bar with her. Baaba walked to her and asked what was going on. "Some people robbed the man who lived here yesterday oh. They said the robbers used a special key to open all the doors. We are not safe anymore oh. The man and his daughter were asleep kwraa. They stole some plenty money the man had and shot him too." Agnes narrated. Baaba listened. "Ei, is he dead?" Baaba asked. "No he's been sent to the hospital. I feel sad for Nasara, his daughter. Her mother left the father last year. They said she preferred the father. Now she'll be forced to live with the mother. That woman is terror." Agnes continued. Baaba's heart sunk. She knew what living with a terror woman felt like. She noticed the time and rushed home.

 When she got home she was scolded for leaving a single plate unwashed. Baaba could not take it anymore. She was leaving, with or without Ralph. She went to her room after cooking the evening meal. She noticed Ralph had called her a number of times. She rolled her eyes and put the phone aside. She took out a pen and paper to write a list of what she needed to run away with. Then she locked her door and took out the money. She hadn't even counted it. The piece of paper around the money had something written on it. Baaba noticed it was a list. It read, "tomatoes, fresh fish, cabbage, light bulb, story books for Nasara..." Baaba froze.


 To be continued ...

Eli's wife 10

Eli opened his eyes. When he turned around and saw Sena sleeping he knew it wasn't a dream. He stared at her for a while. Just then his phone rang he quickly muted it but it was too late. Sena's eyes opened slowly. She smiled when she saw him. "Good morning." Eli said, smiling back at her. They went downstairs and had breakfast together and left for work.

Eli walked into his father's office with Sena behind him. Sena looked around and saw her father passing with his hands folded at his back. She knew something was wrong. "Eli, I hope you are proud of yourself now." Her father said. Eli looked at his father-in-law and at Enyonam, Sena's sister, confused. She picked up a newspaper and gave it to him to read. "What is this? What's the matter?" He asked reading the article. Enyonam shook her head. "Since you haven't heard I'll tell you. He has been invited to be interviewed on Political Truths tomorrow night." She explained staring straight at Sena.

"You two caused this. Your fishing for the truth has created a perfect way to launch someone's career. People are interested in this guy and he says he has evidence." Enyonam shot at him. Sena took the paper and read it as well. Her sister was not overreacting as she thought. The person had information on Tina, Doctor Richard and was going on air to shed more light on the matter. This journalist shared her exact suspicions. Finally, she wasn't the only one who thought the President had something to do with Tina's death. Sena looked at her father, not sure of what to say. "How could he have found this information? Could the doctor who examined Tina be behind this?" She asked. "I was going to speak to the stupid journalist but Dad said no." Enyonam said. Sena explained to her father that it was best they spoke to the journalist. At least if they knew why he was doing this they could figure out a way to solve this. Her father told her he wanted to discuss the matter with President Tamakloe first but listening to Sena he finally agreed.

  Enyonam parked her car and looked around. Eli stepped out of the car first. "A parking lot? This is the most cliché meeting place I've ever heard of." Eli said. Enyonam was going to comment when Sena gave her the 'calm down he's not serious' look. They waited for a while and heard footsteps. Then Sena's heart missed a beat when she saw Charles walk to them.

"Hello, sorry I'm late. I just had to wear a bulletproof vest and let my work mates call the Police if I don't return in 5 minutes. Yes that's all you have got, 5 minutes." he said with a wide smile. Sena was frozen. Eli just stared at him. "We just have a few things to ask you." She said and turned to Sena. She didn't budge. She just stood there. Enyonam rolled her eyes but before she could ask anything Charles spoke again. "Sena, my baby are you alright?" He asked mockingly. Eli took a step forward and said, "What is wrong with you? Leave my wife out of this." Sena's head was down now. She could feel the tears forming. "Oh so your wife didn't tell you about... us? Such a shame." Charles said smiling. Enyonam looked at Sena and saw a tear drop. "Sena, what's he talking about?" Enyonam and Eli said at the same time. "All those nights she came home late, she was spending good quality time with me."  Charles said and walked away.


To be continued ...

Eli's wife 9

 

Eli folded his arms and watched his father. His father pulled the appropriate golf club and walked to his ball. "What is this I hear about you talking with Richard?" He said after his swing. Eli shook his head. "I knew this wasn't a father and son leisure activity. Why didn't you just call me to ask me about this?" Eli said. His father kept looking in the direction his ball went. He signalled to his cabby and they wtalked that way. Eli followed reluctantly. "It is very unfortunate that Tina passed away. You need to let it go." President Tamakloe said as they walked. Eli explained to his father that he would not rest until he found out the truth about his ex girlfriend. President Tamakloe pointed to Sena, who was on the other side of the golf course playing mini gulf with Afi, Eli's sister. They were both laughing. "That is one of the strongest and most influencial women in this whole country. Love her and she will get you straight to the top." He finally said. Eli knew how amazing Sena was. He had known that since they were little. There was even a time he felt she was out of his league but Tina's death left a hole in his heart.

  On their way back Sena asked Eli what the conversation with his father was about. Eli shrugged. She stared at him for a while. "I think your dad may have something to do with Tina's death." She finally said. Eli turned to look at her like she was mad. "What? Are you crazy? My dad is a lot of things but a murderer is not one of them." He shot at her. Sena expected this reaction. She told him to put the evidence together. Eli just shook his head as he parked inside their garage. He told Sena he was too tired to listen to her nonesene. Just before he went to his room he said, "My dad really likes you. You on the other hand...err goodnight." He said and slammed  his room door shut. Sena felt bad. She felt like talking to someone about it. She called Charles but he didn't answer. He hadn't returned any of her calls for two days. She sent him a text message.

  The next day Eli called Sena when she was at work and told her he spoke to the doctor who took care of Tina. The doctor said the unknown compound he found in her was confirmed to be fentanyl a strong pain killer and that amount couldn't kill her. Eli added that he knew Tina was self medicating because she had a  knee problem. He told her not to bring up his father taking part in Tina's death anymore. Sena politely apologized.  

It had been a whole week since Sena heard from Charles. She drove over to his apartment to see if he was ok. When she got there she knocked on his door. He came out  and stood at the door staring at her. He wouldn't let her in. "Why what's wrong?" Sena asked taking a step back. Several thoughts went through her mind. Is there another woman in his room? Did he finally find out she was married? He looked at her sternly. "Sena I'm sorry but this, what we have, is not working so let's just end it here." Charles said. Sena looked into his eyes. For a moment she didn't know what to say. Then it hit her. She asked him if it was because she wasn't ready to sleep with him. He shook his head and later told her to leave. He had the courtesy to say he was sorry and closed the door. Sena stood there without words for a few minutes. Slowly tears fell from her face. She wiped them quickly and rushed off.

  Sena met Eli sitting in the living room with a glass of Vodka. She sat next to him. Before he could say a word she collected his glass and drunk everything in it. Eli turned and looked at her. She signalled for him to pour some more into the glass. "Whoa, are you sure? Someone had a crazy day today." he teased. Sena put her hand in her pocket and brought out her wedding ring. She put it back on and stared at it.

  Eli watched her as she drunk some more alcohol. He cheered her on and Sena laughed. He had clearly never seen this side of her before and neither had she. "Eli is there something wrong with me?" She asked. Eli looked at her in surprise. "Of cause not. What's wrong? Everyone loves you. You are amazing." Eli said. "You think I'm amazing?" She asked. Eli nodded. "Yea, why do you think I married you?" He said. "You were forced to marry me, silly." Sena said hitting Eli with a pillow and they both laughed. After a moment of awkward silence Sena leaned over and kissed Eli. For the first time in a long while Sena felt no guilt at all. She was making out with husband and it felt amazing.

 To be continued...

Waiting to run 2

I slipped the rest of the money into my pocket and smiled. In to time at all, I had mixed feelings about keeping the money. He seemed very absent-minded. Maybe he didn't even know he had given so much money. There was only one way to clear my conscience. I rushed out the door to ask him. He couldn't have made it past the hotel lobby. I jogged there and saw him. Obviously I couldn't shout Mr. Strange! I rushed over and tapped his shoulder. "Sir. I think you overpaid." I said, still not sure why I was doing it. He stopped and turned to look at me. He was sweating. He looked at me with so much surprise it startled me.

I stretched out my hand with his change in my palm. "Keep, just keep it." He stuttered. I tried to smile but just when I was about to turn I saw something terrifying. It looked like wires. He saw that I had noticed it and quickly grabbed my hand. "Be calm." he whispered to me. My heart was racing! "If you move or shout I will press the button and we will all be blown into pieces Smile." He said. I did as he said. Then I thought aloud. "But if I'm quiet won't you still blow up the place?" It wasn't after I asked that I noticed I shouldn't even have been talking. I didn't want to die. At least not then and not as a waitress. He put his hand around my shoulder and I followed his eye view. He was looking outside. Just when a man came out of a black Toyota Camry he started to shiver.

 I was so close to him I could feel his vibration. I squinted to see the man properly. It was George Wilson the lawyer who was all over tv some weeks ago. He was known to be the best lawyer in the country. Why did this man want him dead and why like this? I tried to give a hero speech but I didn't know what to say. "Please let me go. I swear I won't say anything." I pleaded, still trying to keep a straight face. "If you want to live, do as I say." he said and started moving.

He was holding my hand like he knew me. He turned and smiled at me and I smiled back. We were just a few feet from Mr. Wilson and I could feel his sweaty palms. I'm going to push you out of the building. Run as fast as you can. Good luck." he said and without any warning he pushed me out the door. I didn't even turn around. I run down the road and in exactly 5 seconds I heard and felt the explosion behind me. The force pushed me down and my ears felt blocked. I was shaking with fear as I managed to get myself up and look around. There were car alarms blowing all over the place and people screaming. I managed to run to the bus stop and take a cab straight home.

I fidgeted when I tried to unlock the door with my keys. The keys fell down twice. When the door finally opened I rushed inside and shut the door behind me. I stood with my back against the door for 10 minutes, trying to calm myself down. My phone rang and I jumped.

To be continued...

The transformed 2

Dean opened his eyes. He couldn’t see clearly. He was on the floor but from a distance he could see someone walking up to him. He tried slowly and managed to stand up. He looked around and the place was pitch black, all he could see was a man in a suit walking to him. He took off his sunglasses and said. “Hello there.” Dean smiled immediately. “Hi.” He responded. Then he looked around again. “Excuse me, where am I?” He asked. The man smiled. “Where so many people will die to be. Not literally though.” He answered and giggled. “Take a seat.” He said and they both sat down. “Is this some kind of job interview?” Dean asked. The man put his hand on his chin. “Well yes, it is.” He said. Dean smiled broadly. “Dean Ofori, I have seen a lot of potential in you and so I want to make you an amazing offer. One you can’t refuse." 

Dean sat up right. “Let’s talk about the pay. We are looking at 6,000 Cedis a month, a car, a Range Rover to be specific, a 3 bedroom house in East Legon which will naturally get you all the girls. You know what I mean?” He said and winked. Dean’s pupils were fully dilated now. “Wow, this is amazing! When do I start work?” He said excitedly. “I love your enthusiasm. If you sign the contract, I’ll take you to your office and you will start today. These are the keys to the house and the car.” He said jiggling the keys in front of Dean. “Just sign here.” He said handing him a pen and a document. “Wait!” Dean shot back when he had the pen. “This is a dream isn’t it? Good things don’t usually happen to me this easily. I am going to wake up and be back at my yawa job.” He shook his head put the pen down. The man looked at him in surprise. “No no no, this may seem as a dream but it’s very real.” He replied a little less comfortably. “Forget it! I don’t even remember applying for this…” Dean started but the man cut him short. “So you want me to give this offer to somebody else because you think it’s fake?” He asked. Dean looked around and noticed they were in an office. He attempted to get up but the man stopped him. “You know what, let me put you on probation. You can start immediately and you will see if it’s a dream or not alright?” He said. He got up and signaled for Dean to follow.

“Oh this will be your work phone.” The man said, handing him the latest Blackberry phone. Dean’s jaw dropped. He took the phone and couldn’t help fidgeting with it. They walked out of the empty office building onto the street. When Dean saw a trotro he started getting flashes of his accident but immediately the man put his hand on his shoulder and asked, “are you ok?” everything disappeared. He walked to a brand new 2011 Jaguar and signaled for him to have a seat. “My goodness, is this your car?!” Dean asked almost hopping around. “Yes, this is actually my favourite of all my cars.” He smiled and said. On their drive to their destination, Dean asked. “You know, you never told me your name right?” The man stopped at a red light, turned to Dean and smiled again. “My name is William but you can call me Will.” Dean shook his head. 

Will pulled over at a huge estate with the biggest and most amazing houses. He got out of the car and Dean did too. They walked to the front of one of the houses. “Man, is this your place? Gosh your job must really pay you well. Young guy like you paa…” Dean said looking around. William laughed out loud. “No my friend, this house is for you. Mine is a 6 bedroom.” He replied. Dean was for the first time speechless. Will opened the door and the inside was just as Dean imagined; Beautiful. It was fully furnished with everything a man can ever ask for; a huge tv, surround sound, video game, comfortable chairs and even a chandelier! Dean walked through the house without saying a word. “These are your keys. The car is in the garage. I have some business to attend to so I’ll leave you to enjoy this space.” Will said and sneaked out. Dean didn’t even notice. He was completely dazed.

To be continued...

The transformed 1

Dean tried sparking the car again but it wouldn’t budge. He walked out and checked the engine one more time. “What’s your problem?” He said to himself. “We are already late for this show!” Fiona thundered. She opened the door and stepped out of the car. “I thought you had enough fuel.” She said. He looked up at her. “It’s not a fuel problem.” He replied. She murmured to herself and took out her phone. “Oh Fiona, I can fix it. Don’t worry we won’t miss the show.” He reassured. She shook her head and took a few steps away. He could hear her chatting on the phone. He reached for his own phone and called Greg. “Hello, chale your car no dey want move oh.” He whispered so she won’t hear. He took instructions from Greg on how to have it fixed and rushed off when he heard Fiona approaching. 

“Dean, I can’t miss this show. I’ve called some friends and they are coming to pick me up. They’ll be here soon.” Fiona said grabbing her clutch from the car. “You don’t have to do that. I’ll be done with this in no time. Just give me 5 minutes.” Dean said taking out a tool box from the boot. She giggled when she saw him. “Your car is old; you should get a new one and be free.” She said rudely. Just then a sleek Benz pulled over and she walked to it. “See you later Dean.” She waved and walked off. “Fiona wait, don’t do this.” He called but she didn’t even turn around. 

“Ah Dean are you leaving work already?” Afua asked. He stopped and smiled. “Yes oh, I need to meet somebody for something before I head home. I’m still going with Greg though.” He replied and rushed out of the office. He got to the bus stop sweating and looked around for his friend but couldn’t find him. Just when he was about to call him he noticed him get off a bus. “Chale I have to rush so let’s make it quick.” He said stretching out his hand. His friend dropped a used Blackberry in his hand. “Ok, so everything dey job right?” Dean asked examining the phone. His friend nodded and he handed the money to him. Dean didn’t waste any time. He quickly took out his SIM card from his old phone and slotted into his new one. 

When Dean got back to the office Greg had left. Apparently he tried calling when he was switching phones. He had no option now but to take a bus. The bus that would change his life forever. He rushed into a bus that was heading his way. Immediately he sat down he took out his new old phone and sent a text to Fiona. “Hi, I’m sorry about the other night. I’ve sent my car to have it fixed. I just went to pick up my bb. What’s your pin?” He typed and sent it to her. He smiled broadly and made himself comfortable. Almost instantly she replied. “Oh it’s ok. You finally picked your bb from the repairers eh? I want to get a new one for myself. A white one. You should take me to see a movie this weekend. Will your car be fixed by then?” She replied. Dean smiled but the smile faded when he realized he didn’t have enough money for a movie. “Why God, why am I so unlucky. Is having a girl like Fiona it too much to ask?” He said to himself. It was when he was replying that something went terribly wrong. There was a loud bang and the bus skid off the road ruthlessly. There were screams everywhere and bus run straight into a big tree. The impact was so great it threw some of the passengers out of the bus. 

To be continued...