Chapter 5: Chapter 5

Chapter Five

“Once we settle in, l’m going out again,” Imara continued.” I shall leave you in charge and will bring you some goodies on my way back, “she promised. “What do you intend to do?” Klara asked excitedly, l shall tell you more when mission is accomplished,” Imara promised. Klara’s deep set eyes gleamed, “Okay”, by the way make it hob-Nob, she said with excitement. If there was one dark obsession in her life it was for biscuits, Klara was always ready to do anything or serve anyone provided it would fetch a packet of biscuit. “Right, you’ve got a deal then,” Imara said, “I will pretend to go to the ladies, see you later”. Once the entire group had settled down and was engrossed in the game Imara sneaked out. But once outside all alone in the bright sunlight her boldness momentarily disappeared. Pulling herself up sharply she plucked up her courage and in her excitement she walked with her hips swinging to the phone booth nearby. Time to make some calls she said to herself, rummaging her pockets for the complimentary card. “Ah ah where is this card now? She asked herself searching once again. Ah here it is at last, she sighed with relief. Imara dialed the GSM number on the card and it went through immediately, “hello”’ she said “this is Imara, remember me? We met in Pool city, “she paused then continued…” I’m sorry events overtook my plans and l had to travel in fact l lost the admission, she said sadly and paused for a while. “So where’re you now, l will like to see you again then l will be able to explain what happened. “She paused again as she listened “..Brass she asked in surprise, “Okay l will come..” She continued. After finishing her conversation Imara dropped the phone looking radiant with excitement. “Yes l’ve got a base”, she said. “But now how do l move to Brass? She wondered. As Imara moved away from the phone booth, she approached a man standing alone in a nearby park. “Good afternoon sir, she greeted, “Yesss good afternoon fine girl,” the man replied humorously. “Can l help you? He asked. “Yes sir, l want to travel to Brass but l don’t know how to move, Imara said. “Oh that’s easy for a pretty girl like you is it free ride or public transport? The man asked sarcastically. “Show me the two then l shall choose the one that suits me most when it’s time for me to move,” she replied with sarcasm in her voice. “Well my lady,” the man continued smiling at her, “For a free ride take a bus to Kondu toll gate from there, yes right over there, he said pointing to a section of the park where some buses were parked and for public transport just take a motor bike to God is good express there you will get a vehicle to Brass, “the man concluded. “Thank you sir,” Imara said gratefully as she walked away not willing to give herself out as time was almost working against her. “My pleasure,” the man replied walking away in an opposite direction. Imara reached the stadium just in time to watch the final proceedings. Thanks to the excitement of the game none of the group members saw her sneak in. “How was it?” Klara asked very relieved at her return. “But before that where is my biscuit?” Imara smiled.” Well here it is just as we agreed”, she said handing over a packet of hobnob biscuits to Klara. “Thanks for fulfilling your promise”, Klara said as she unwrapped the biscuit for consumption. “Well how was your trip?” she turned expecting to hear the details. “Not now,” Imara snapped. “Back at the centre at night l shall then give you the whole gist. “Klara was contented with Imara’s explanation and did not bother her any further rather she smiled at the sight of her biscuit. “Thanks again!” She said. “No problem, what’re friends for?” Imara replied smiling. Back at the centre, Imara and Klara rushed their dinner before sneaking into a quiet corner to gist. “Alright fire we are now alone tell me the whole story,” Klara urged her. “Yes as l was saying,” Imara started, “you know the last time l ran away from home to Pool city l met this guy handsome, young and charming – “ “what’s his name and where does he work? “Klara fired question after question. “Easy now” Imara chided “And be patient then you will hear the whole story okay?” “l promise,” Klara replied. “Now where were we, “Imara began. Okay the guy’s name is Tony Farouk, we were supposed to meet the day l was arrested and brought back to Rock city but then his complimentary card had always been with me, besides he works with the First National development Bank and he’s a Manager in the Audit department,” Imara paused. “But he’s still in Pool city?” Klara asked. “No”., Imara replied shaking her head. “Tony is in Brass now and he wants me to come down soon and see him, he even wanted to send me flight ticket but l could not disclose where l am at the moment. So I promised to borrow money to fly down to Brass while he gives me a refund when l get there,” Imara concluded. “So what did he say?” Klara asked. “Nothing he agreed to my plan”, Imara replied smiling. “But wait a minute, “Klara began when you arrive Brass, how will you find him? “Oh that’s no problem, l forgot to tell you since l’m coming by flight, Tony said that as soon as we land outside the arrival hall l can get taxi on charter to take me to the Penon Castle hotel along marina road. “Okay that’s good”, Klara said. “At least you know where you are going..”. “Certainly, l’m not taking chances this time,” she said. “It all sounds very romantic”, Klara said with a glint in her eyes. “So what’s your next line of action? “she asked. “Good! That’s where you come in, first, are you going with me? “Imara asked” No –o-o, Klara replied. “Not now, they will catch up with us very easily. You go first while l cover your back by giving them wrong signals when the dust settles and you too settled down with Tony you can send for me then l will join you”, Klara concluded. “Okay, that area is settled for now you know l shall need some of my clothes and l cannot carry travelling bag---“ “no you can’t, you will give yourself away, Klara cut in.” So what will you do now?” “l was about to say it when you interrupted. So next Saturday when we are leaving for the stadium l will wear three of my dresses under my uniform thank God we’re wearing the long gown this Saturday so the dresses will not show,” Imara said pausing. “And you will do likewise for me. Then immediately we settle down l will sneak out and that will be the beginning of my journey into the real world “Imara concluded “But where will you borrow the money you talked about? Klara asked. Imara laughed for a while, “Before those stupid policemen messed up my plans in Pool city, Tony gave me a good sum of money and l had about three thousand bucks tucked away in my travelling bag which the thieves had not stolen since their focus was the money that was in my hand bag. Then when you add some to the tips l get from staff and when we go for ministration it gives s total of fifteen thousand bucks,” Imara replied. “So how do we keep in touch?” Klara asked fearfully not wanting to loose her only friend. “That’s not a problem,” Imara began l will give you my lovers number so you can keep in touch with me.” “That’s okay let’s go to bed before they find out we are missing,” Klara said getting up as both girls disappeared into their dormitory.

At 11’clock on that hot and sunny Saturday, the group was already lined up, and ready to leave for the stadium, Miss Onari’s face was hot and flushed; it was hard work putting things in order today as Imara who was usually dependable seemed preoccupied today. Only God knows what she’s thinking right now, Miss Onari thought to herself and was amazed when Imara suddenly appeared with an umbrella. “Imara, that umbrella won’t be needed,” the harassed Onari told her. “It might rain,” Imara grumbled a reply. “Nonsense, with all God’s beautiful sunshine out here? My friend take that umbrella back and stop wasting my time,” Miss Onari urged her. But Imara stuck out her chin in her obstinate manner, Miss Onari sighed as she knew arguing with her will be hopeless. So she ignored her and the group moved on. The group reached the stadium early and settled down on the front row of the covered stand. Miss Onari was not with the group as usual having stopped at the bus stop from where she went about her other work until the girls came out of the stadium. Immediately Imara and Klara returned to the ladies to enable her dress up in her new clothes and packed the remaining clothes they had smuggled out into a carrier bag. “I ‘m leaving now and here’s Tony’s number,” Imara said pressing a slip of paper into Klara’s hand. “Oh my darling friend, l’m really going to miss you,” Klara replied as they hugged. “Are you really sure you don’t want to come along? “Imara inquired again. “No not now come – on girl run along time is not waiting for you, “Klara urged. “This time make it and don’t let anybody bring you back here!” Klara said with a sense of urgency. “I will keep in touch now that I have the phone number you gave me, please go go … now she urged “Goodbye, my good friend, “Imara said running out of the ladies to the entrance where she hailed a motorbike. “Where? The man asked. “God is Good Express park,” she replied looking back to be sure no one was watching her. “Fifty bucks” the man replied. “No problem, let’s go,” Imara said hopping on the motorbike. As the bike sped off, Klara emerged from the ladies to catch a last glimpse of her friend, “God speed,” Klara said as the bike rounded a bend and disappeared from her view. Within twenty minutes, the bike pulled off in front of the Good is good motors terminus, Imara disembarked and paid off the bike man, and booked a fake name in the list of the Brass bound vehicle which was loading at the moment. While the bus was waiting for the remaining passengers, Imara kept herself away from public view by hiding in the ladies while keeping the bus in view. Unlike her trip to Pool city, this time luck smiled on her as four passengers arrived at the same time. Imara came to take her seat while praying that the bus would move without delay. With all accounts settled, the driver pulled out of the park and gradually Imara left behind her memories of Kondu city and dreamt of Brass. She smiled to herself, life was looking good, she thought. At last she was now in the real world where she would put her fanciful ideas into play. As she had told Klara in the real world you don’t live the dreary life of the hell hole called reform centre, you meet guys with cash to burn and babes waiting for guys who have the courage to toast them. Now she had joined the band wagon too, to have a nice time out of life. And no Jupiter would bring her back she vowed and gradually dozed off. At 5.30pm the bus entered the Good is good terminus in Brass. Imara emerged and moved to a phone vendor to call Tony. After bargaining, she boarded a bike to the imposing Penon castle hotel where she was to meet Tony.

At the lobby of the Penon castle hotel, Imara introduced herself and requested to see Tony. “What’s your relationship? “the lobby manager asked. “I don’t see how that concerns you”, Imara explained. ‘If you doubt my story why don’t you call him”. “That won’t be necessary, l trust you can find your way have a nice day”, the manager said. Imara left and joined the lift, “which floor ma?” the operator asked. “Tenth floor,” Imara replied. They rode in silence making series of stops on each floor, eventually they reached the tenth floor and Imara got out with some other customers. “Yes ma may l help you? “the security man on the tenth floor asked politely. “Yes please l’m looking for room 555,” she said. “Okay go straight, last door by your right”. Thanking the man Imara moved on very polite man she thought unlike the foolish man at the lobby who wanted to pry into her affairs. Turning right she saw Tony’s room, Imara knocked and the door was opened immediately by Tony. “Welcome to Brass city,” he said hugging her. “I’m really glad to see you.” “So am l”, Imara replied. “Come in, come in,” Tony said taking the carrier bag from her “my you’ve really changed – look at you, fair skin and robust body so what’s the secret?” Tony asked smiling. “My goodness you’ve even added some weight behind” Imara smiled, “The last three years has been full of challenges”, Imara began. “Oh pardon my stupidity,” Tony said with a smile. “Here you’re just coming in from a long journey and here l am pumping questions at you”… he paused with the smile still pasted on his face. “First you will take a shower while l arrange for dinner by the way will you prefer to eat out or room service?” he asked. Imara smiled, “darling l think room service would be preferable,” she responded. “Okay into the shower first while l order room service.” As Imara stripped to her under panties, Tony was amazed at the beautiful body before him it took a lot of inner strength at restraining himself from pushing her on to the bed immediately. Calmly he picked a towel from the bed and threw at her. “Thank you”, she said and walked into the bathroom. Soon Tony heard the shower running with Imara singing along. “Whao! What a succulent body, he remarked to himself but l won’t rush her after all she has come to stay with me. Right now l will call room service and give my sweet pie a taste of the real world. As Audit Manager of an entire zone Tony was neatly ensconced in one of the suites of the majestic Penon castle hotel on the tenth floor. Imara finished dressing the same time the setting of the dinner table was completed. “Tony darling,” Imara called softly. Immediately Tony appeared at the door, “sweetheart dinner is ready. I’ve got a wonderful surprise for you, “Tony said smiling. “What is it?” Imara asked walking towards him. “Not so fast, close your eyes and follow me then I will unveil it to you. “So closing her eyes in a playful manner they meandered their way to the dinning section. “Okay you may open your eyes,” Tony said “Whaoo! Darling this is a real welcome party,” Imara said happily “candle lit dinner, Tony this is a real treat”. “Alright shall we eat please?” He pleaded. “of course yes”, She replied taking her seat. This is the real world she thought pity Klara is not here to savour this sizzling delights Tony had not spared any pain in his bid to give his guest a wonderful treat so he had ordered a candle light dinner and so far his lady had enjoyed the meal and savoured the wine that followed later, “so did you enjoy yourself?” Tony asked. “Enjoy is not the word here, I had a wonderful time right now I want to rest and then straight to bed,” Imara said. “Yes! That’s a good idea let’s go into the bedroom”, Tony suggested. “Can we talk?” “Why not there’s a lot to catch up on,” Imara said. “So how come you lost the admission?” Tony inquired. Imara was silent for a while, “it’s a sad story, I lost my father in the Civil War in Rapid Falls,” she said with a tremor in her voice”. I know how it feels, I’ve been there too”, Tony said in a consolatory tone. “You lost someone too?” Imara asked. “Yes my mother but that’s history now,” he said smiling. Imara started nodding like a red neck lizard, Tony immediately put off the light and they both went to bed. It was 9.30am in the morning when they both woke up “my goodness I’ve never slept this long in ages”, Imara said. Tony smiled. “I wake up early on working days, “he said pulling her close to him. I guess you slept well? “Tony asked smothering her with kisses. Meanwhile Imara’s heart beat faster in anticipation of what would follow next. But without warning Tony stopped, he broke into a smile when he saw the questioning look on Imara’s face “later! Right now we will take a shower have a late breakfast and if you don’t mind go down to the pool…” “But I don’t have a swimming trunk”, Imara protested”. That’s no problem we will get one at the hotel lobby for you.” “That’s fine by me.” After a couple of hours at the poolside, Tony and Imara returned to their suite on the tenth floor, stripping off the swimsuit Imara quickly washed herself in the shower and they both dressed before going out for lunch. They spent the rest of that Sunday afternoon catching up on the sights and sounds of Brass city.