A night to remember 1

"Ei best man, how are you doing?" Terry teased. I knew he had seen the post our friend who was getting married had put up on social media. "I beg oh I'm not the best man. I'm a mere groomsman. Do you know how much the best man suit costs? I no get that kind money." I confessed. The whole idea of buying a new suit just for a wedding pissed me of but Kwesi, the groom was a close friend so I had to suck it up. Kwesi was a social media fanatic. It was a picture he put up of us having a fitting of our suits that had sparked Terry to make fun of me. "So how much is your suit?" Terry asked. The price rolled up in my mind but I was too angry to mention it. "Chale I don't remember. Where's my laptop? Did your guy fix it well?" I changed the subject. Terry nodded and brought the laptop out for me. I inspected it and gave him the money I owed him. That laptop was my life! I had work on it that my boss would sack me if I didn't present it to him the following week.

"I need to get going. I'll see you later." I said picking up my things. Terry teased me one more time as I left his house. He was right to make fun of me. I was being a fool. Spending over 2000 Cedis on a suit and shoes? Why was it my wedding? I was just glad the wedding was in a few days. Finally it will be over with so I can wallow in poverty before the month ended. I stood at the junction deciding on how to go home. I could take a trotro which would cost me next to nothing but it was late. What if someone robbed me and took my laptop. I took out my phone a requested a cab. If I was going to spend all my money I might as well do it in comfort and style anaa?

The cab came in minutes and a '5-star rating'  hungry driver picked me up. I could tell because he was smiling unnecessarily and kept asking if I was ok with this or that. There was a bit of traffic so I pulled out my phone and scrolled through my friend Kwesi's feed. I hoped he hadn't put more pictures of me on there. It was worse! He had put up a video of me and his best man taking a look at the suits for the wedding. He captioned it as "the finest bridal party in Ghana. Yo ladies come for your MCM." A smile formed in my face when I read some of the comments from some ladies. The next thing I knew the car door opened and a lady hopped into the back seat next to me. "Hello, I know this is strange but can I get a ride? I'm just going to the next junction. I've been standing here for an hour and I'm not getting a car," She said. I wasn't sure what to say because the driver turned to look at me.

She did look tired but the first thing I thought about was con artist! Who just enters someones car without permission? She looked good in a low cut office dress and long wavy hair but that was usually the bait right? "I'm sorry but this is a private ride. You can try the next car." I managed to say. She turned to look at the driver who slowly looked away. Dude needed his 5 stars. He was loyal. She looked surprised at what I said, like she never expected it. Good looking girls think they can have it all eh? "I'm surprised but it's cool," She said. She opened the door and paused for a second. She then threw an empty water bottle at the driver. "You too you won't even talk for me!" She said angrily and left the car. I leaned over and asked the driver if he was ok. See how the tables just turned?  He said he was fine so I sat back and that was when I noticed my laptop was gone!

To be continued...

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Grace of Fear 3

Baaba froze. Her heart started pounding like the night before. Then a few pieces came together. The bikers must have been the robbers and they may have accidentally dropped the money.  She grabbed her phone and with her shaky hands and called Ralph but he didn't answer. He was the only one she could talk to. She rushed out of the room with the money in her bag and headed for his workshop.

   When she got to Ralph's workshop she was directed to go into the store room. "Ralph, something bad has happened. Some man got robbed and..." she blurt out as she entered but stopped when she realized he was not alone. There was a tall guy standing in front of Ralph. He turned to look at her. "A man got robbed? Where?" the tall guy asked. Baaba looked at Ralph and back to him. "Somewhere around Kaneshi School Junction, in my area." Baaba replied. "What's his name? I know some people who live there." The tall guy added. "I don't know his name but he has a daughter called Nasara. They say the robbers used a special key to open all his doors." Baaba added. The tall guy said wow and smiled. "Bikers are just strange." Baaba said grabbing Ralph's hand and sending him outside. "You heard they were bikers?" the tall guy asked. Baaba froze. She realized she had said too much. It happened a lot when she got nervous. "Ei, did I say bikers? I meant robbers." She said and faked a laugh. Ralph excused himself and went outside with Baaba.

   "Baaba what is this all about?" Ralph asked when they were alone. She hesitated for a while and finally said "it's about the armed robbery I was talking about." Ralph looked scared all of a sudden. She told him the whole story of how she picked the money. Ralph looked a little excited and scared at the same time. Just then the tall guy walked passed them. Baaba turned and watched him. He kept stealing glances at her too. It was when another guy on a bike came to him that things became clearer to her. 

 Then she saw it, the snake tattoo on the other biker's leg. Her heart missed a beat then she heard Relph's voice. "Baaba, stop looking at them. Look here." he said. She managed to do as he said. "Yo, ma guy. We dey go come." The tall biker yelled and hopped onto the back of his friend's bike. Ralph nodded and waved as they left. "Were you part of them? Ralph what is going on?" Baaba asked almost in tears. "I needed the money so we could leave this place. I had nothing to do with the shooting. The man brought his car here and his key holder had his house keys so I just made a copy. That was all. They said they'll give me 500 cedis if they got the money. The man is very rich so it's not so bad. I swear I didn't know they would shoot him." Ralph explained. He had to get her to trust him.

Baaba listened in shock with her mouth slightly open. "I think we should send the money back. I can give it to the Police." she said. "Are you mad?!" Ralph yelled. He looked around to see if anyone heard him. If the Police find out, I'll go to jail or the biker boys will kill me. Those guys are hard. Let's just take the money and go." He suggested. Baaba felt guilty. "What if the man dies? What will happen to the girl? If we tell the Police about the bikers we won't go to jail. Just say they forced you." She said. Ralph considered it for a moment and shook his head. "Look, these guys are untouchable. Even the Police are afraid. Where's the money?" He asked, looking around. When he saw that Baaba wasn't convinced he held her by the shoulders and looked into her eyes. "If you go to the Police both of us will die." He said.



 To be continued  ...

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 ...

Grace of fear

  Baaba kept her head down as she walked home. That part of the road had so many potholes. She had to watch out for them before she tripped and fell. She had fallen before. It was darker that night than usual because she stayed an extra 4 hours at work. It was because her head was down that she saw it, a bundle of 50 cedi notes and a piece of paper attached to it.

   At first she wasn't sure it was money so she bent down to take a better look. She gasped and picked it up. She instinctively looked around. The lonely street was just as it always was at 2 am. She put the money in a secret compartment she had in her bag. She made this compartment for her money just in case she met any robbers. Luckily for her she hadn't met any yet since she started working at the bar but today it was very late so she didn't feel safe.

 Baaba walked faster now, completely forgetting the potholes. She was busy imagining what she was going to buy with the money. She was sick of working around drunk men. She guessed the money would be at least 2,000 cedis. When her house was in sight she broke into a run. She was planning what to do next. She would hide the money inside her mattress. There was no way her auntie would find it. Then she would run to Kumasi with her boyfriend, Ralph. He had been bugging her about running away for so long. She smiled as she run.

 She was just five minutes to her house when she heard the sound of motor bikes moving in her direction. Baaba was so startled that she missed her step and her bag fell. She picked it up quickly. Bikers at this time was never a good thing. She turned and looked in the direction of the sound. She saw shadows and lights getting brighter. They were moving very fast but she knew they couldn't see her yet. She dug her hand in her bag trying to locate her keys. There was a chance she could rush in before they saw her. When her shaking hands couldn't find the keys she shook her head and dashed into a bush nearby.

 In seconds they were on her street. She could hear them talk but couldn't make out what they were saying. They went up and down the street slowly. Baaba just sat in the bush with her heart beating faster and faster. She clung on to her bag like it was her baby. From where she was squatting all she could see were their feet. One had a tattoo of a snake around his ankle. Baaba closed her eyes tightly and prayed he wouldn't come any closer.


 To be continued...

Tua Wu Ka Company Limited

Andy struggled to enter his room with all the things he was holding. The noise brought his younger sister, Herty, walking towards the room. She smiled and helped him with his luggage. "I'm so tired. These new buses aren't as comfortable as the old ones. Where are your parents?" He asked when he was finally in his room. "They are preparing to leave for work. Aren't you going to the office?" Herty asked. "No, ah after that long trip? I have the day off." He replied lying on his bed.

Andy brought out a pair of traditional leather slippers and gave them to her. She beamed with joy and tried them on immediately. Just as Herty was leaving she instantly remembered something. "Andy, some men came here looking for you oh. They are from Tua Wu Ka. Do you owe anyone money?" She said frowning. Andy rolled his eyes. "It must be Selassie who hired them. I owe him some small 400 cedis too oh. He calls me several times. I won’t pay." Andy said. "Ei don't say that. I heard the Tua Wu Ka people are scary oh. They'll do anything for the money." Herty said but Andy brushed her aside and turned around to sleep.

That evening Andy got a call from a friend. He asked if he was home and Andy said yes.  He told Andy he'd be visiting him soon. When the doorbell rang Andy smiled in anticipation. He walked to the door and saw two, tall dark and very well built men outside his door. "Are you Andy?" One asked. His voice matched his size perfectly. Andy's heart missed a beat. He remembered what his sister said. "No I'm his friend. Let me go and call him for..." before Andy could finish his sentence. One of the men grabbed his hand. "I'll go with you." He said. Andy's heart missed a beat. Just then his mother called out "who is at the door? Andy is it your friend?" Andy swallowed hard. He had started sweating in the cold harmattan weather. He looked at the macho men. One had several marks on his face, ruthless. "It's 400 Cedis eh? I was going to pay oh but..."Andy started but the macho man tightened his grip and Andy got the message. "Ok let's go." He said, slowly losing his breath.

Andy walked to his room with one macho man close behind him. He took out his wallet and with shaking hands gave him the money. The man counted it and looked up at Andy. "But this is 425 cedis." he said. "Oh saa? Ah then the rest is for your transportation." He said. The man nodded and left. Just then Herty appeared in laughter. Andy was furious. "I told you about them. They are the only people who will come for money you owe them and you'll add a tip." She said laughing and holding her sides.

If you owe anyone money just pay or else you know who they are gonna call...

What matters most

0ne night my wife and I had a terrible fight. It was very late and I he was just coming home. “Frank you need to seriously decide what is more important, your family or your work!”  She yelled. She was furious because our only son was very sick and I rarely had time to spend with him. “Mercy, we are two parents. When I’m not here you are here. Have you forgotten I have paid a nurse to come and take care of him here? Where do you think this money comes from?” I snapped back. “Jackson, are you listening to yourself? He is your son for heaven’s sakes! What the hell is wrong with you?!” She shouted even louder. I was really tired of hearing her nag every night. She would shout at the top of her voice too. I turned around and took off my glasses. 

This had to stop. “You know what? I will just quit my job and stay at home with the two of you. How about that? So who will pay for Junior’s medical bills, you?” I asked, trying to stay calm. She opened her mouth and closed it again. “I didn’t think so.” I said and walked off. Then she said something to me. “The medicine keeps him alive but love makes him feel alive.” I turned around to look at her. “Mercy, I love my son and he knows it.” I said and went into the bedroom. I passed by Junior’s room. He was asleep in bed. I noticed the toy car I bought for him two days ago on his wheelchair. I smiled and went into our bedroom. 

When I was in bed and ready to sleep I had a call. It was my boss. He wanted me to get ready for a meeting in Nigeria. I was to take the first flight out. I quickly agreed and jumped off the bed to pack my bag. I had to print certain documents too. Mercy came into the room and said nothing. Don’t get it wrong, I love my wife but I feel she can get very exaggerative about certain things. “Mercy, I’m going to Nigeria tomorrow. Quashie was supposed to go but he is sick. I will be back on Saturday.” I said after I finished putting my things together. She didn’t reply. I got into bed, next to her and slept. Things had gotten cold but I was doing my part. 

I was ready to leave at about 4am. I turned to look at my wife. She was still asleep. I wrote a note and put some money in an envelope for her. If I woke her up she would either argue or even cry. It was too early for that. I stopped over at Junior’s room and put a 20 cedi note under his pillow. I looked at the pile of drugs on his table and my heart cried. He was just 6 years old. Just then my phone rang. I quickly answered it and walked out. It was my boss. He was already at the airport and wasn’t very pleased that I was now leaving my house. “Jackson, if you make us miss the first flight I’m cutting down on your travel allowance!” He thundered. I rushed off as fast as I could to the airport.

I got there just in time. My boss still wasn’t thrilled. Immediately we took off I remembered I had to finish some typing I was doing the night before. I took out my tablet. Junior had been playing games on it the last time. I just had one bar of battery left. I had to be quick but something caught my attention. There was a recording on it. I pressed play. I heard a rambling sound. My poor son must have hit the record button by accident. Then I heard some voices. I plugged in my earphones to try and hear what was being said. The nurse was leaving the house and was talking to Junior. “I will see you tomorrow ok?” She said. There was a brief silence and Junior responded. He was trying to convince her not to leave and she explained that she had to go. Then he said it… “You are the only person who loves me. Ok, you and my mum. Everybody else thinks I am weak so they don’t love me.” 

When we got to Nigeria, all I could think about was my boy. The meeting went smoothly. We had the rights to sell our products across Nigeria but I wasn’t happy. I would be receiving a travel bonus of 1000 Cedis but I wasn’t happy. Unfortunately I had to stay for another three days to give some of their workers some training. My boss left for Accra the next day. All the time, I kept calling my wife but she wouldn’t respond. I knew she was angry with me. I left at the time she said she needed me. I decided to let her cool off. The first day when I was doing my training a man came late. “Sir, I’m sorry I’m late.” He said. “My mother wouldn’t let me stop eating her food, so sorry.” He added. “Be careful oh. If you eat her food so much your wife’s food won’t be nice to you.” I teased. The whole class laughed but he gave a quick comeback before he sat down. “Oh the same way I love them differently I’m sure I will love their food same.” Some people giggled some more and I had to ask. “How would you do that?” He smiled at me and said. “Sir, when you love someone your brain always thinks of ways to fix things. I’m sure if my wife’s food is too salty I will eat it and take a sweet drink to balance it.” Everyone burst out into laughter again. This guy was pretty funny, and then it hit me. He was right!

Instead of teaching for two hours and doing another two hours the next day, I did all the training in one day so I could go home the next day. I booked the first flight to Ghana and felt so proud on my way back. I bought a bouquet of flowers for my wife and toy car for my son. I had thought and found out ways to squeeze in time to spend with my family. When I got home I rushed into the house and called my son’s name. There was no response. The nurse met me in the hall and said my wife was in the kitchen and my son was in the bathroom. I smiled at her and gave her a tip. I rushed to the kitchen. My wife was cooking. I sneaked up on her and handed the flowers over to her. She gave a feeble smile and said thank you. My show wasn’t over. I lifted her off her feet. She shouted in excitement and asked me what was going on. “Did you get a promotion?” She asked. I shook my head and kissed her. She was overwhelmed. “Mercy I love you. I know I haven’t been the best of husbands and fathers but please give me another try.” I said. She smiled and hugged me. It’s like she could feel my sincerity. “Jackson you are a good husband and father. I just want you to show that to Junior.” She said. 

Then a loud shout cut in. I dropped everything I was holding and rushed into the bathroom. Junior was on the floor. There was blood on the floor. He was attempting to get into the bath himself and he fell, hitting his head on the bath. The trip to the hospital felt longer than ever. Waiting for the doctor’s report in the waiting room felt even longer. He was taken straight into surgery. I prayed to God and asked him to save my boy. I closed my eyes to pray some more. When I opened my eyes, I saw the doctor walk to us.

The funeral was quick and simple. My wife and I wanted it that way. “Jackson, I’m sorry for your loss.” My boss said shaking my hand. I nodded and he left. I had spent days blaming myself and my work for the death of my boy. What was the point of working so much and making so much money if there’s no on to buy that Play Station, toy gun or even perfumes for? What eats me up the most is the fact that my son died thinking his father didn’t love him. I turned to my wife. She was crying. I held her hand and she put her head on my shoulder. She mattered very much to me and I made sure I would let her see that till the day she died.

 

The transformed 4

Will took Dean back to his house and told him to start the next day. He told him to keep his old job till he was sure he wanted to leave, which he assured would be very soon. All Dean did was smile and nod. He couldn’t believe his luck. Will said he had a party to attend and left him alone. Dean went to the bed room and saw how beautiful it looked. He jumped on the bed and thought hard. He grabbed his new phone when it was ringing. It was his mother. “Hello mum, I’m sorry I didn’t call you.” He said. She nagged a little bit about the time and asked when he was coming home. Dean looked around said, “Ermm not anytime soon oh. I am at Kumasi now oh. We had to come and do some work at our branch here. The guy who was supposed to go was sick so they took me instead.” His mum sounded surprised. “Oh don’t worry they are paying me more for this. I will be back next week ok?” He added. She calmed down a bit and told him to stay safe. After his call he decided to take a shower. 

Dean was getting more and more comfortable with his house as the minutes passed by. He noticed he didn’t have any fresh clothes. He had to get some! “Oh what kwraa. I’m just going to sleep.” He said walking around in his boxers. Then the doorbell rang. He froze for a while and wore his clothes. He rushed down and opened the door. It was her! She was in a black tank top and very small shorts. “Hi, I just wanted to say I’m sorry for rushing off like that earlier. I had a class to attend that’s why. I brought you a cake. Hope I’m forgiven.” She said. Dean was just amazed. He nodded and she let herself in, holding a big slice of cake. She gave him the cake and sat down on the sofa.

 “Nice place. I love the lighting.” She said. Dean was just standing there with the cake. He noticed how yawa he looked and walked to the dining table to put the cake down. “Aren’t you going to eat it?” She asked. He turned back around and picked it up. “Sure thanks.” He finally said. He took a bit and sat down opposite her. She was a sight for sore eyes. “Anyways I have to run. Have a goodnight, ok? If you ever wanna talk about this place just give me a call.” She said. She wrote her number on a notepad on the center table. As Dean got up to lead her out he couldn’t help but stare at her. “Thanks for the cake.” He said as she walked off. “Ah Dean, your mof die oh.” He said to himself when she was out of sight.

The next day, Dean woke up late. To his surprise there was a new shirt and trousers hanging on the wardrobe. He rushed to take a shower and wore his clothes. He was running late for work. “Kwasi, I’m leaving ok? Where can I get a car to Circle?” He said almost running into the gate. “Oh no, I wash your car give you. Will send someone make he come change the car. He say you for use this one.” Kwasi answered and handed him the keys. Dean walked to the garage and saw his car. It was a brand new Kia Cerato. He did a little dance and hopped into the car. He waved to Kwasi as he drove off. He made it to work just on time. He swayed his keys as he walked into the building. “Ei you, Greg has been looking for you.” Afua, the secretary said when she saw him. Dean smiled and asked where he was. He rushed to him immediately. Greg was behind his computer when Dean found him. He dragged him away to the store room. “Oh ma guy, what is this about?” Greg asked when they got there. 

“Chale you won’t believe what happened to me yesterday.” He started. Greg signaled for him to go on. “I met this guy and he gave me this amazing job. It’s like an advertising job. They will pay me 50 Cedis an hour and guess the best part?” Dean narrated. “What?” Greg asked with almost no enthusiasm. “It comes with a 2 bedroom house and a car.” Dean answered and waved his keys in Greg’s face. “Ei for real?” He asked taking a look at the car keys. Dean led him outside to see the car. Greg was shocked! He put his hand on Dean’s shoulder. “Chale have you done your background research on this company? Are you sure they aren’t doing any Sakawa jobs? These things are not good oh.” He said. Dean was a bit offended. “That be what you dey tell me? I thought you would be happy for me kwraa.” Dean said and walked away. Greg ran after him trying to explain.

 To be continued...

The transformed 3

Dean turned on the TV and sat on the comfortable couch. He looked at the phone Will gave him and put his hand into his pocket. He brought out the second hand blackberry and went through his contacts. He couldn’t wait to ping Fiona. “Chale let me make use of this before it’s too late. They probably got the wrong guy. This can’t be for me.” He said looking around. Just after he sent the message with his new phone the doorbell rang. He froze. Then it rang again. Dean got up and walked to the door. He opened it slowly and couldn’t believe his eyes. There was a super hot girl standing right in front of him. “Hi, my name is Efe. I live next door. I need a little favour.” She said. Her short hair was swaying in the wind. The sun was reflecting her spotless skin into his eyes. She had her hands on her very broad hips and her slim waist made Dean’s heart miss a beat. “Ermm, hello, hi…yes what favour?” Dean said confused. Efe turned around and pointed to a car. “That’s my car. It won’t start. I have no idea why. Can you help me out?” She said with a little smile. Dean smiled 10 times more and nodded his head like a sheep. 

They both walked to the car and he took a look at it. “What seems to be the problem?” He asked looking at the almost new VW Polo. “It won’t spark. I stopped to take a call and now it can’t spark.” She said, opening the door and sitting in it. Dean walked to her side and couldn’t help but stare at her cleavage from that angle. “Look.” Efe said but Dean wasn’t paying attention. “Ermm try it again.” He finally said when she turned to look at him. She tried it again and Dean smiled. “You have locked it. It’s a steer lock. Turn the steer in the direction u are turning the key.” He instructed. Efe looked confused. Dean held the steer and asked her to turn the key. The steer got unlocked and the car sparked. Efe laughed immediately. Oh I thought it was a big issue. Aww thanks so much. I’ve got to go. I have a class.” She said excited and before Dean could say a word she had driven off. “Oh this girl. She no ask ma name self.” Dean said.

Immediately Dean got back into his place he rushed for his new phone. He was about to send the message to Fiona again when he heard a car park in front of the house. “Efe!” He said and rushed to the door. Unfortunately it was William. “Eii he dey come sack me oh.” He thought. William walked to him and said. “I spoke to the boss. He says I should show you the office. You can work part time till you are fully ready to join us. The way will be small though.” He said and signaled for him to come along. “Shouldn’t I lock up?” Dean asked, turning around. “Oh you don’t have to. Kwesi!” Will called. A young man came running from behind the house. “Lock up the house eh? We are going out.” He instructed. The man nodded and rushed back. Dean was speechless. "Ei, there was a caretaker too? This was paradise!" He thought.

The office building was huge. It was at least 15 storeys high! Very glassy and very expensive. It was a 100 times bigger than his workplace. Dean tried to keep his mouth closed. William led the way as they took the elevator. “You are on the 3^rd floor.” He said and pushed the 3 button. Dean just smiled and nodded. The 3^rd floor was amazing. The whole floor was divided into glass offices and there were people working in all of them. There were also people outside the offices on desks. They looked like desks secretaries. Dean smiled and followed Will to the biggest office. This one, very opaque and black. Clearly it must belong to the boss. Will knocked on the door and stepped in. He saw a middle age woman behind a computer. “Will, you are welcome.” She said and stood up to hug him. She smiled and turned to look at Dean. “Is this Dean?” She asked, like he was her long lost son. She walked over to him and shook his hand. “I heard you are doing part time. Trust me you will love it here. I’m Korkor Donkor.” She said. Dean smiled and shook her hand. “Thank you. This place is lovely.” He managed to say. Will spoke to Korkor for a while and let Dean out.

He met his supervisor next, Joseph. He ran him through his duties. “This is the marketing department. We sell our products to people. We start with phone conversations, follow it up with meetings. Those on the 2^nd floor look for the potential clients so you will be given a list. You will call them and try convincing them to go for our products and services. We pay per hour and after close of day you get your cash.” He explained. He didn’t seem very enthusiastic, unlike Dean who was more than excited. “Wow really? That’s cool. How much per hour?” He asked eagerly. Joseph put the file he was holding down and said. “50 Cedis.” Dean did some quick math in his head and smiled broadly. If he worked the whole day he would make more money than he made in a month at his own job. His eyes widened, he almost couldn’t believe it. “Can I start immediately?” He asked and Will laughed.

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...