TALES FROM THE GHETTO pt3
"sir?” a nobody like me? I turned around and i stood face to face with this clean handsome tall dark elderly looking man who could be in his late 40s or mid 50s.
“good afternoon sir" i greeted him as i avoided his eyes.
“good afternoon. How may i help you?” he asked.
I told him i was looking for a wale who use to stay at the boys quarters.
“they have all moved out. Hope no problem?” he asked...his voice holding alot of concern.
As I opened my mouth to speak, the fat lady interrupted loudly - “let him go oh... he's one of those useless urchins and lay abouts”
“sister, please stop this rubbish. I hate it honestly.” he barked at her with such authority that was capable of un-teething the most fiercest beast. With a loud “okay ooooh" she disappeared into the house.
Turning to me, he asked me to look at him; and i did.
He asked of my name and i told him.
“have you eaten?” he asked me.
“no" i replied as hot tears stung my eyes.
“come;” he said and i followed him. We stepped into a massive sitting room and he gestured me to have a sit. He loudly called someone and a girl came into the living room. He asked her what food was in the house and she said- “ rice and swallow”.
“you will have the swallow right?” he asked and i nodded. He asked the girl to get us food and she gave a courteous stoop and left. I could hear the fat woman speak some language and from my host countenance, i could tell he was listening and was clearly disgusted at whatever he was hearing. “keep yourself comfortable and i will be back" he said as he excused himself.
What followed was quite a chill to the spine. I could hear a cold stern warning from my host (obviously to the obessed lady). He was speaking their dialect and i could tell he meant every damn word. The house fell into a grave silence after that. He joined me in the sitting room looking like a jolly saint as he asked how old i was. When i told him, he said – “good. You can take alcohol. I don't mean to embarass you but these days you cannot tell people's age from their looks". We both laughed as he brought a bottle of wine, ice cubes and a bottle of whiskey from the fridge with two glasses. As he poured us drinks, our food arrived. A sumptuous meal of bitter leaf soup and pounded yam . It was delicious and very filling.
As the young girl who served us cleared the plates, the very fat woman emerged and told my host something which he replied coldly. She took her hand bag from the dinning table and left the house. From where i sat, i could see her drive away from the compound from the window.
As we drank, my host (whom i will call Samuel) asked me after my parents. He warned me not to lie to him and from the coldness in his eyes, i knew he was one not to play with. I told him everything about my family and current situation. He asked who wale was to me and i told him he use to offer me support whenever i do hawk. He listened to all i said and then finally asked –
“what do you want me to do for you?”
I told him i needed to go to university as i had made good grades in my senior WAEC. I also told him i wanted to work for it as i didn't believe in “ free money”. Samuel clapped for me and stretched his hands to shake me. He told me i have won his heart from what i had just said. Turned out (from his story) we both had similar experiences. He use to hawk fish in the market in port Harcourt as a child and did all sorts to survive. He’d joined gangs and lived very rough when he was young. He told me he just divorced his wife because he hates people who “all they want is take and not earn the worth of recieving”. He told me it is the problem he has with his elder sister (the fat lady) and had it not been that they are of the same blood, he would have cut her off completely like he did his wife of 6 years.
He volunteered to drop me over at my house to know where i stay. I knew i dared not object. He asked me what it was i wanted to do to earn money and i told him i wouldn't mind cleaning his house or joining the labourers to renovate the house. With a firm nod, Samuel told me to resume anytime i liked and i was blown away.
As he drove me home that evening, i couldn't help but thank God for the unexpected miracle. When we got into my neighbourhood, i spotted Funmi standing in front of her shop. I saw her greedy eyes go wide when she saw the expensive car.
As we drew closer, she took a subtle pose hoping whoever was driving would notice her. Her eyes followed us hoping to catch who the driver was. As we drew very close, she suddenly looked like she saw a ghost once our eyes met. To me surprise, she quickly smiled like we were best friends and waved.
FUCKING BITCH!!!!
“is that your girlfriend?” Samuel asked as he'd noticed her wave. “God forbid” i spat with deep disgust.
“why?......why God forbid?.....” he asked with concern.
My heart froze in my chest. “How can i start discussing my sexuality with this man?... what if he was homophobic???..this will ruin everything..” i thought to myself.
“nothing” i lied.
He bellowed my name in such a manner that truly frightened me.
“Don't lie to me". He said with his voice filled with warning.
Guess he saw how visibly shaken i had become because he suddenly Parked his car by the road side. I looked at the side mirror and i could see Funmi walking towards us. Perhaps she thought we stopped for her.
“please lets leave here i pleaded”. Even though he noticed i was becoming nervous as she approached, he stood his ground. He didn't move. I was scared stiff.
To my horror, he switched off the car engine. I felt like dying. Tears began to pour down my face as i noticed Funmi had almost approached us. I quickly turned my face towards the window as she now stood at the drivers side of the car. I heard Samuels window come down as Funmi greeted him and called me happily. I didn't turn around.
I heard Samuel dismiss her politely saying he wasn't calling her. After few seconds, he called my name and told me i have a lot of explaining to do.
We arrived at my house and when we eventually got in, i could tell from his facial expressions that he couldn't believe his eyes as i turned on the light switch. There were few roaches running around and also, the sounds of scampering rats could be heard...all seeking where to hide from the light.
As if that wasn't enough, as i tried to open the curtain to gain access to the window so as to let fresh air come in, the battalion of huge mosquitoes which flew out of the curtain terrified Samuel to the point he insisted we leave immediately.
“you cannot sleep here” he insisted and we both left after I'd been asked to get what i think i might need. As we drove to his place, he said – “start talking”.
I told him everything.... my feelings for men and how it started from a young age, how Funmi lured me into having gay sex with one of her men friends and ended up hating me, the bullying and the torment i have been facing...i told him EVERYTHING. He was attentive all the while and after i had finished speaking, he told me i should never lie to him again. He made me understand that if he had to trust me, i have to be completely honest with him.
He didn't tell me being gay was a sin and all that. He just told me i was a very attractive guy and that some men will easily get tempted and want to take advantage of my situation. He tutored me on STDs and safe sex which was a first for me. He insisted i go for a medical test first thing the next morning and another in 4 months time. I was so scared. But he assured me I'll be fine and also let me know he would be coming along. He also said even if it were a woman I had sex with, he would still have insisted on a test.
The next morning, we went to a hospital and i did my test. After few hours, i was called for my result and it was all negative. I wanted to rejoice but Samuel told me to hold on until after the confirmatory test in 6 months.
I started working for Samuel and in the course of doing so, i had fallen out with his sister (the one who harassed me) on several occasions. It all started when Samuel had started sending me money for the house building because she wasn't very accountable on her spendings. Not only did he send me the money but he also insisted i accompany her in buying the materials (after she had vehemently kicked against it).
“is that your girlfriend?” Samuel asked as he'd noticed her wave. “God forbid” i spat with deep disgust.
“why?......why God forbid?.....” he asked with concern.
My heart froze in my chest. “How can i start discussing my sexuality with this man?... what if he was homophobic???..this will ruin everything..” i thought to myself.
“nothing” i lied.
He bellowed my name in such a manner that truly frightened me.
“Don't lie to me". He said with his voice filled with warning.
Guess he saw how visibly shaken i had become because he suddenly Parked his car by the road side. I looked at the side mirror and i could see Funmi walking towards us. Perhaps she thought we stopped for her.
“please lets leave here i pleaded”. Even though he noticed i was becoming nervous as she approached, he stood his ground. He didn't move. I was scared stiff.
To my horror, he switched off the car engine. I felt like dying. Tears began to pour down my face as i noticed Funmi had almost approached us. I quickly turned my face towards the window as she now stood at the drivers side of the car. I heard Samuels window come down as Funmi greeted him and called me happily. I didn't turn around.
I heard Samuel dismiss her politely saying he wasn't calling her. After few seconds, he called my name and told me i have a lot of explaining to do.
We arrived at my house and when we eventually got in, i could tell from his facial expressions that he couldn't believe his eyes as i turned on the light switch. There were few roaches running around and also, the sounds of scampering rats could be heard...all seeking where to hide from the light.
As if that wasn't enough, as i tried to open the curtain to gain access to the window so as to let fresh air come in, the battalion of huge mosquitoes which flew out of the curtain terrified Samuel to the point he insisted we leave immediately.
“you cannot sleep here” he insisted and we both left after I'd been asked to get what i think i might need. As we drove to his place, he said – “start talking”.
I told him everything.... my feelings for men and how it started from a young age, how Funmi lured me into having gay sex with one of her men friends and ended up hating me, the bullying and the torment i have been facing...i told him EVERYTHING. He was attentive all the while and after i had finished speaking, he told me i should never lie to him again. He made me understand that if he had to trust me, i have to be completely honest with him.
He didn't tell me being gay was a sin and all that. He just told me i was a very attractive guy and that some men will easily get tempted and want to take advantage of my situation. He tutored me on STDs and safe sex which was a first for me. He insisted i go for a medical test first thing the next morning and another in 4 months time. I was so scared. But he assured me I'll be fine and also let me know he would be coming along. He also said even if it were a woman I had sex with, he would still have insisted on a test.
The next morning, we went to a hospital and i did my test. After few hours, i was called for my result and it was all negative. I wanted to rejoice but Samuel told me to hold on until after the confirmatory test in 6 months.
I started working for Samuel and in the course of doing so, i had fallen out with his sister (the one who harassed me) on several occasions. It all started when Samuel had started sending me money for the house building because she wasn't very accountable on her spendings. Not only did he send me the money but he also insisted i accompany her in buying the materials (after she had vehemently kicked against it).
Turned out she was buying inferior goods (materials) and would keep the quality ones for herself. She automatically became nice and tried to bribe me with a lot of money to keep my mouth shut and also join her in the scheming.
One day, she had asked me what money I had left and i told her i hadn't counted it.. She told me to give her some money but I told her the workers weren't yet paid. She tried to convince me not to pay them and said when Samuel gets back from his trip, we can tell him there was an inflation of prices. . I wanted to keep her dirty games to myself but a voice told me to report it to Samuel once he returned from his trip to America.
The night he arrived, as we drove home from the airport, i handed over the money to him without hesitation and told him all i have witnessed as regards his sister buying low quality materials. He didn't say a word. He only collected the money and tapped me on my thighs.
Thankfully, his sister was following us in another car. Guess because she was too big to fit in with anyone.
When we got home, she came to meet me privately and told me she had already told Samuel that the workers hadn't been paid therefore, the money I had on me was "ours". Once again, she asked me how much was left with me and i told her just over 90,000. She asked me keep it until Samuel had gone to bed.
She had no idea I had already handed over the money to him in the car.
That night while i slept, the unexpected happened. I was woken with a slap. It was his sister. She began screaming and scratching me as she shouted “thief”. In a matter of seconds, the entire house was awake.
“can't i have my peace?” Samuel barked as he came out from his room. But it seemed it all fell on deaf ears as his sister began screaming “you must leave this house immediately”
“what happened?” Samuel asked. The house help stepped forward and said – “ i see this broda (pointing at me) enter Aunty room come take plenty money from inside her bag the time wey you and aunty dey talk for palour".
My eyes and ears almost popped out my head.
Samuels sister launched at me again and began pounding me with her fat fist before her brother caught her hand and pulled her away.
“which time e happen?” he asked the house help.
“the time you and aunty dey talk” she replied.
“That is about 2 hours ago right?” he asked. And she nodded in firm affirmation.
Turning to his sister, he asked her how much was missing and she said over N90,000.
“if he took the money 2 hours ago then it means it will still be in his room right?” Samuel asked his sister and she was positive.
He called the security guard to search my room. As they did, i began to panic. “what if she had planted money in my room while i slept?” i thought.
I stood trembling as my things were searched. After a while, they couldn't find anything.
“someone will surely live this house this night" Samuel said as he left for his room and returned with a bundle of money. I could see a startled look in his sisters face.
“is this the money you are looking for?” he asked her.
Turning to the house girl, she asked her if it was the money.
“sister; am asking you for the last time.....is it this money you are looking for? ... the left over money you wanted to steal from me?...why do you want to set up an innocent boy just because he is receiving help?”
Calling the house help by her name, he threatened to kill her if she lied to his questions and she began trembling with fear.
“did aunty ask you to lie?” he asked her coldly and she nodded.
“my brother....it is the devil ooooohhhhh...” his sister began to cry.
Looking into her eyes, with fury and dissapointment, he said icely- “leave this house this minute". She began crying and wailing. Suddenly, like a possessed elephant she launched at me again.
That night while i slept, the unexpected happened. I was woken with a slap. It was his sister. She began screaming and scratching me as she shouted “thief”. In a matter of seconds, the entire house was awake.
“can't i have my peace?” Samuel barked as he came out from his room. But it seemed it all fell on deaf ears as his sister began screaming “you must leave this house immediately”
“what happened?” Samuel asked. The house help stepped forward and said – “ i see this broda (pointing at me) enter Aunty room come take plenty money from inside her bag the time wey you and aunty dey talk for palour".
My eyes and ears almost popped out my head.
Samuels sister launched at me again and began pounding me with her fat fist before her brother caught her hand and pulled her away.
“which time e happen?” he asked the house help.
“the time you and aunty dey talk” she replied.
“That is about 2 hours ago right?” he asked. And she nodded in firm affirmation.
Turning to his sister, he asked her how much was missing and she said over N90,000.
“if he took the money 2 hours ago then it means it will still be in his room right?” Samuel asked his sister and she was positive.
He called the security guard to search my room. As they did, i began to panic. “what if she had planted money in my room while i slept?” i thought.
I stood trembling as my things were searched. After a while, they couldn't find anything.
“someone will surely live this house this night" Samuel said as he left for his room and returned with a bundle of money. I could see a startled look in his sisters face.
“is this the money you are looking for?” he asked her.
Turning to the house girl, she asked her if it was the money.
“sister; am asking you for the last time.....is it this money you are looking for? ... the left over money you wanted to steal from me?...why do you want to set up an innocent boy just because he is receiving help?”
Calling the house help by her name, he threatened to kill her if she lied to his questions and she began trembling with fear.
“did aunty ask you to lie?” he asked her coldly and she nodded.
“my brother....it is the devil ooooohhhhh...” his sister began to cry.
Looking into her eyes, with fury and dissapointment, he said icely- “leave this house this minute". She began crying and wailing. Suddenly, like a possessed elephant she launched at me again.
“see what you have caused????? See what you have caused???? You this agent of darkness.... the God i serve will expose you” she shrieked as her belongings where gathered from her room by the very happy security man.
I knelt down to beg Samuel to forgive her but he commanded me to go inside and as i did, i turned around to watch him literally drag her out of the house as she yelled.
I felt extremely bad because it seemed i had caused a rift between siblings.
Eventually, i re-did my blood test and it was all clear. Sam was clearly over the moon on my behalf. From the hospital, he drove me to a boutique and got me a pair of shoes and clothes. But our jubilation was cut short. On our way home, i got a call from my aunt telling me my mum had passed away. I was beyond shattered. I wept and couldn't be consoled. I was so traumatised to the point that I'd became ill. Samuel took it upon himself to care for me. Watching a grown successful man clean my vomit, sponge my hot body with cold water and nurse me to health was such a humbling experience. It was in that moment i fell in love with Samuel. I could tell he had feelings for me the way he looked into my eyes and cuddled me when i couldn't sleep.
During my mothers burial, he showed up and covered almost all the burial cost. All through the burial, i could feel his eyes on me....just watching me silently.
After the ceremony, i moved fully into Sam's house...not just his house but also, his bed room. Since the time i fell ill, i hadn't gone back to my bed room...it just happened naturally.
It was after 2 years of living together that myself and Sam ended up having sex. This was how it happened...
To be cont.
I knelt down to beg Samuel to forgive her but he commanded me to go inside and as i did, i turned around to watch him literally drag her out of the house as she yelled.
I felt extremely bad because it seemed i had caused a rift between siblings.
Eventually, i re-did my blood test and it was all clear. Sam was clearly over the moon on my behalf. From the hospital, he drove me to a boutique and got me a pair of shoes and clothes. But our jubilation was cut short. On our way home, i got a call from my aunt telling me my mum had passed away. I was beyond shattered. I wept and couldn't be consoled. I was so traumatised to the point that I'd became ill. Samuel took it upon himself to care for me. Watching a grown successful man clean my vomit, sponge my hot body with cold water and nurse me to health was such a humbling experience. It was in that moment i fell in love with Samuel. I could tell he had feelings for me the way he looked into my eyes and cuddled me when i couldn't sleep.
During my mothers burial, he showed up and covered almost all the burial cost. All through the burial, i could feel his eyes on me....just watching me silently.
After the ceremony, i moved fully into Sam's house...not just his house but also, his bed room. Since the time i fell ill, i hadn't gone back to my bed room...it just happened naturally.
It was after 2 years of living together that myself and Sam ended up having sex. This was how it happened...
To be cont.
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