Chapter 8: Chapter 8
Early in the morning, noise came from different directions. There was quarreling and war of words. Richard was in his room. They lived in a family compound with a lot of boys who had refused to go to school when they became teenagers. Yet some are hustling while some go out to sit with friends until the food is prepared. Richard could not bear their noise and stood up to go and take his bath. He checked his towel, it was missing. One of his brothers or cousins might have taken it. He suspected someone but kept quiet. He thought “If I report to my mother there will be more trouble. If I report to my father, it will be worse.” He decided to hold his peace and pretend as if nothing happened.
A week passed Richard decided to pay a visit to Valor in the south, knowing he will be back from work. It was on an afternoon; they sat outside the verandah and had their conversation. It was a long talk, Richard explaining his family challenge. “Sometimes they laughed because I went to school and am not working while some of them are working. Yet they cannot provide simple things for themselves like comb, shoes, towel, and the rest. If I buy mine, they all struggle to use it. Worst of all, they will not return it. I wish I was still living in the south, that our family compound is a mess.” Valor replied, “Can’t you talk to your parents that they should leave the house.” Richard replied, “I guess you don’t know what you are saying. My father will not leave that house because he contributed a lot, and he is the next kin after all. So, he won’t listen.” “Can’t you try this last time?” Richard responded with a serious look on his face, “Valor, where is your brain? Is it them that should leave, or I should be the one to leave?” “It’s true; you are the one that’s supposed to leave.” “Now you’re talking. I was even planning to go to Akwa-Ibom or Lagos and begin a new life, maybe I will find work there just like you.” Valor giggled, then answered him “do you think I am fully a worker or staff? The hospital won’t pay.” “Why?” “Am not a citizen of the state, currently they are accepting indigenes alone. I got this information from the lab technician and I see it to be true. So, I had to stay to further my training.” Richard had dropped his temper, being astonished by Valor’s words. He then said, “I thought you were being paid all this while.” “No, I was not. If you follow tribalism, you won’t go anywhere.” “What is your plan?” “I had no plan other than to wait for a letter to work because I also applied at different private hospitals.” “So then, are you still waiting, or you’ll join me let’s move over to Lagos, Uyo, or elsewhere.” Valor saw it as a very impressive idea. “Yes, I always wanted to leave the house. I agree with the idea.” “At least we can share rent if we stay together.” “That’s certain. When do you suggest we should carry out this plan?” “Next week.” “Is it not too short so I can tell my mother and we prepare for my departure.” “Tell her at once. By Wednesday we should be leaving because I cannot wait, I am tired.”
Valor had to discuss with his mother about the plan. He spoke as if it was a command without giving her the opportunity to negotiate and extend his stay. She was angry and did not enjoy her food. Her anger was that Valor would be leaving her alone in the house. She said, “I have provided everything you ever needed, and you just want to leave the house and go and suffer.” “Don’t call it suffering. It’s another form of exposure. I’ve been here right from childbirth; I’ve never left home for once. I believe there are greener pastures outside that I should achieve, and I can’t make it if you hold me bound in this house. Whether you like it or not, Wednesday next week I am leaving.” She was shocked at the date he mentioned. It’s just a few days and she knew that Valor had made up his mind especially being backed by his friend Richard. She said, “Fine, Prepare yourself. As you wish.” Valor became joyful “Thank you.” she replied, “why can’t you and your friend make it one month.” “No, you won’t understand. I can’t wait to care for myself. I’m sick and tired of being in this place.” She asked, “what of your friend Alice, are you leaving her. She’s very nice and good for you.” “Oh, that should not be your problem, everything has been handled.” “Fine” she moved into her room and left Valor alone.
***
Valor had started his preparation as well as Richard. He packed and arranged his room. Putting books in order. He placed the one he will travel with on one side. He had a box, his mother warned him to put his chemicals and some medical kit he had inside it.
Valor was very serious with his preparation. He had burnt some clothing, books, and some of his old toys. It was a joyful thing that he couldn’t wait for. He washed and ironed a few clothes that he will be using. In the case of Richard, he washed his clothes bit by bit so that no one would notice. He never wanted anyone to suspect his movement, not even his parents.
On Tuesday night, he sneaked out with his luggage to valor’s house and dropped them and went back to his house. Truly no one knew his plan. He slept waiting for the next day to come. when it finally came, he went to the park and got a car for their journey and moved to Valor’s house. Valor’s mother had prepared food for them and the driver. In a little while, Alice showed up in her nursing uniform. She had obtained permission just to be with them. Valor said, “I’ve been waiting for you, I thought you won’t make it.” She replied, “What in the world will keep me busy that I wouldn’t see you before you leave.” They embraced each other firmly. Valor’s mother held Richard by the ear talking to him with a low and sharp voice. It was a strict warning. “make sure nothing happens to my son. You know, he is the only one I have. I swear if anything happens to him you are going to pay” he replied, “I assure you, madam, he will be fine.”
Valor’s mother gave each of them a hug before they left the compound. Some children in the compound came out and waved goodbye. Valor’s mother was bold, she didn’t shed tears in their presence neither before the children nor the tenants. Alice promised to be coming to see her as the car drove out of the compound.
The driver had taken a route that would be in Alice’s favor so that they could drop her in the clinic where she was working. She opened the door, kissed Valor for the first time since they dated. “I hope you will be doing fine,” she said. “Of course, I will.” “make sure you write to me immediately you reach.” She closed the door and wished them a safe journey.
Richard sat at the front and smiled. Valor spoke, “that’s something to remember my bro.” Richard replied “I believe you will not forget that in a hurry. “she’s good” “yes she is.”
While on the way, Valor reminds Richard of something, “you said you won’t let your family know you are leaving, but at least you should bid farewell to your mother to make her happy with you rather than feeling bad.” “Not all mothers are the same. If she knows, she will become very emotional as if I am going to a strange land or wilderness. I have a plan; I will just get my guitar and leave them there.”
Richard stopped the driver a few meters away from their compound. He moved out to get his guitar. All the extended family members at home sat outside the house discussing including his parents. He greeted them and entered the house to his room and said a little prayer, “oh lord, let my departure bring me more blessings as I pray, Amen.” He hung the guitar and carried a little speaker with the guitar cord. He left the house and locked it. He called his kid brother that was cycling outside to escort him to the main road. The extended family thought he went for a concert since he carried his guitar, But not as usual with the speaker. After all, what do they know?
His brother cycled the speaker along with him requesting money, “brother, please give me money let me buy a catapult.” He answered, “you should behave yourself because you won’t be seeing me in this house again.” “Why? Where are you going?” “right now, I’m traveling to Uyo, I will be living there from now henceforth.” “Are you serious, you did not tell mummy and daddy? What of your clothes? They are all inside here. He stopped and opened the boot of the car. It was surprising that it was a box his brother had known. And he asked again how come? Stop asking questions. I don’t have time.” He brought out a paper and gave to him, “do not open it. Give it to daddy, be sure he reads it immediately.” Richard removed N300 from his pocket and gave it to him. “Share it with your sister secretly. Don’t allow it to be stolen.” “So, when are you coming back?” “I don’t know yet.” Richard entered the car and refused to answer further questions. He said, “go and deliver it now.” The driver started the car ignition and moved while he also cycled along. The car passed in front of his compound and Richard waved at his extended family members. They also waved not knowing who that was. His brother reached the compound and delivered the letter and then said, “Richard is leaving the house to another place.” His father opened the note and read, “I am the one that waved. I’m leaving for a greener pasture to start afresh in Uyo. Please, take care of yourselves till I’m back, Richard.” After listening to the note content of the note, they all ran to the road looking in the direction he passed. His mother exclaimed “my son.” The whole family remained speechless for a while and later returned to the house.
***
Valor and Richard enjoyed their journey together. It was a brave decision to travel to a place they have never been before to start a new life. The driver had mentioned and showed them some places that they have probably heard before. He showed them the popular rubber plantation, also the power plant and the Itu bridge. At the end of the bridge, Richard sitting in front read from a billboard at the roadside which says “do not take or give bribes.” “wow! this is serious,” he said.
The driver had stopped for them to buy some eateries, which they bought fruits. Valor was joyful, he had nothing to worry about not even his mother or Alice or friends. He was happy to see new places even though it was less civilized, he was able to gaze at them. He could perceive the smell of cooked palm kernel. There was a mill whereby children and their mothers had their basin of palm kernel on their head as they walked along the road. Finally, they reached a park and they removed their luggage. They took a taxi to Richard’s friend’s house where they stayed until they found their own house.
***
A month had passed, and the boys had begun to get used to the areas. Richard had applied as a basic science and music teacher in several schools while Valor had an assurance at the teaching hospital to become a Doctor. Richard was given a date for an interview. He went very early before seven 0’clock but was told to return by 10:48. He went home and relaxed on his bed, but he slept off. Exactly 10:48, Valor woke him up. “Oh! he exclaimed. Wore his clothes and departed for the interview. He met the principal the second time. “young man, I’m seriously busy at this moment. Kindly return by 3 pm. By that time, I will be through.” Richard was not happy with it but he has to come back since he needs the work.
This time, he went with Valor for the interview. Valor sat at the reception, while Richard went inside to meet with the principal. Richard stood in front of the principal and greeted, “good afternoon sir.” “Yes! explain yourself” Richard stood speechless. The principal asked again, “what do you want?” Richard replied, “what do you mean by that? Do you think I am one of those that you can be playing around with? Come this time, come later, come around this period, I’m busy.” In the principal defense, he replied to Richard, “don’t insult me,” repeatedly. Their voices got loud and louder. Other staff came to hold them in case they start a fight. Valor was already holding Richard; he knew that his moves were unpredictable. The security man came and took them out of the gate. Richard turned to the security and asked, “is this how he treated you when you came for a job?” the security man was pleading with him to calm down and leave.
Just in time they were about to leave, an elderly man came and asked him what the shouting was about. Valor explained while Richard stood at the other side with his hands on his waist. After the explanation, the elderly man turned to him and asked, “before this happened you had submitted your credentials?” “of course, I did.” “just try to calm yourself. I understand why you are angry, okay.” Richard nods. But you wanted to fight him? “No, I had no such intention. I only tried to make him understand that one cannot use his position or office to influence another.” “I get your point; you better leave now.” the elderly man departs into the school compound as well as the two of them to their houses.