“Useless man.” He said, as he took the glass of water and threw it on me.
"How many times did I repeat this order to you, I told you to sweep that place?" He got up in a bit of rage as he raised his hands to slap me.
“clam down sir, you have been way too moody, why shout on your worker like this”. A soft voice from the back said, it was a slim, fair, pretty young lady who had visited the restaurant occasionally, she had usually tried effortlessly to get my attention but I told her I was married.
“Mr man, just because he is still even working here is why you are already making tantrums like a six-year-old girl.” She sighed.
“young woman I don’t know who you are but you cannot even be up to my daughter's age, how dare you….”
“Oh please spare me those details, old man, you are just a rude old man, you know you should apologise for even raising your hand to this man. What if I tell you that I am a lawyer and that you could be arrested for attempted assault on this man? What would you do then?” She looking very serious.
“who are you and how dare you speak to me like this”. My boss became even more angry as he walked away.”
“can you just stop this please or how much trouble do you want me to get into today?”. I shouted at her, "Thanks a lot but I don't need your help”. I said.
“Tony”. She paused. “why do you still insist on doing this?” she asked expecting me to respond, but I remained silent.
“Tony, Tony! Tony! Alright then don’t answer me, it seems you don’t want to hear what I have to say.” She said as she pretended to walk away, I remained silent and continued to clear up the mess on the table I was cleaning.
“Tony, you are still as stubborn as ever, back then no one could easily make you bend to their will and look at you now, despite the fact that you have lost your memories, your character and traits are still the same”. She smiled. I paused for a while, remaining unshaken. “don’t ever call me that name again”.
I carried the plates of food that were on the table and took them to the kitchen. As soon as I came out to clean the table, I saw that she was still here.
“You are not going to get what you are looking for from me, I already told you before I am married”.
“Maybe my approach last time made you jump into the conclusion that I was into you, although you being married is a real shocker, I never saw you as a family man, but I must tell you, you are not cut out for it anyways”.
As she walked closer, she took a chair and sat directly in front. “you were not born for this, what did that man said again? Ahhh yes… “useless man”, well he wasn’t wrong, you being here is a complete waste of time and talent”.
“And who are you to determine that?” I said angrily.
She stood up and came close to my ear, as she whispered “come back to the Dark Dragon with me”.
I stepped backwards. “wha…what are you talking about?” I stammered.
“shhhh… don’t cause an unnecessary scene, look I have been trying to make you realise that you are not this ordinary”. She said as she used her hand to weigh my appearance.
“I have never seen someone who would reject to have a very sweet life alongside all the money he needs and could ever want but instead choose to be a waiter, you may despise the name Tony but that was what we all called you. You once loved that name so much."
"How can you not remember anything? Not even one, I know that you were involved in an accident in one of the missions you were sent which made you lose your memory but I can’t believe that you would just forget it all like that.”
“Look lady, woman or whatever you are".
“Trina, that's my name”. She said,
“Whatever name it is you call me, I have told you countless times I don’t recall anything for the past three years, please let me be. Please understand that I am now a different person, I don't know how I was back then but this is the new me, so if there’s nothing else I still have a lot of work to cover”.
As I made an attempt to leave. “Does that mean you have no interest in your bank card?” She said…
“What bank card?”
“Well you know just the special card that has a huge amount of money given to every member of the group, I am sure yours must even contain more as you are one of the most respected member of the group, aren’t you going to try and use it to get out of this nasty place and job where you are treated as trash.” She said, smirking.
“I am pretty sure you must have seen the card, if I were you I would think about it seriously, anyways here is my business card and the card, I hope to seeing you next time.” She smiled and left. That woman had some kind of strange aura around her.
I continued to serve customers when I heard a shout. “where is he, where is he…. Oh there you are; you are a useless man”. She grabbed my shirt as what I was holding fell from my hand.
“Mama calm down please, please let’s take it outside”. “don’t ever call me that I might be your wife’s mother but I am not yours, she won’t even be your wife again, not for long”.
“What do you mean mama?”
“What is all the noise about?". My boss said, “Dumebi why are you disturbing the customers, please take this out with you and don’t return here once you leave”.
“Sir please, please just give me a moment to discuss with my mother-inlaw, I will not disturb the customers, I……”
"That's enough excuses, I don’t have time for this just leave now, I have it with your incompetence, no more begging just go please, ever since you started working here one problem to the other just leave abeg”.
"Oh ooo you see na, it is not only me who sees you as a useless man, your boss self-don tire from you.”
I dragged my mama outside. “mama what is all this? What is all this? Why did you come here to my work place? Mama if you needed anything you could have called me and then….
”She started to laugh," Call you?" “mama if you needed anything you could have called” like you can do anything, you broke man, do you even have a penny to your name."
"Anyways this is why I am here”. She said as she brought out a brown envelope from her handbag, "open it."
I collected it and began to read it. “Divorce papers!” I exclaimed. “mama what is this again I thought we talked about this.
"We didn’t discuss anything o, this is it, you know that Uloma's friend who is a Rich Lawyer, he has offered to marry my daughter and give us the life we deserve." "We are tired of this poverty stricken life you have given us. Look, Uloma has signed, you better sign yours also."
“Demebi signed.”
“yes o, I am tired, she too is tired so therefore we are moving on."
"Just sign please and yes we are taking the house too, at least let it not look like nothing came out of this marriage. Sign please”.
"Mama you can’t possibly want to take my house; I mean I bought that house with my own money”.
“And what is my business with that? "Didn’t you put it in my daughter’s name? Hence the house now belongs to her, whether or not you bought it that is not what the papers say. So biko just sign it.”
I signed the papers with anger and disappointment.They didn’t deserve me.It’s time to make an end.
“There”. As I flinged the paper and walked away.
I reached my hand into my jean pocket and brought out the special card “Let's see if Trina was right about who I was or not. I can’t believe I am about to do this but at this point this is the only option I’ve got.”
I muttered to myself and walked into the nearest bank I could find
The sun was scorching hot and they was barely any breeze. Still contemplating at the gate of the bank. “Sorry sir, can we help you?” one of the security men from the bank gate asked. “Me?” I pointed to myself unsure about if it was me they were talking to.“Yes you sir, were you sent by someone or?” He asked further.“I don’t understand sir is this not a bank where I can withdraw money.” I said, puzzled? “Oh sir, it seems like you don’t understand. This bank is not just for anybody, it is…""Let the man go in and let the receptionist answer him, why are you questioning him?" "He won't understand all this one you are saying, just let him go.” The second security interrupted. “It's a bank why all the fuss.” I muttered to myself as I went into the gate, I had just walked two steps.“Dumebi? Dumebi I was right, my eyes are not deceiving me.” She laughed. “what are you doing here?” “It's none of your business Uloma.” I replied in anger. “How dare you talk to my baby like that?” the n
“Welcome Sir, we’ve been expecting you, please do come in and have a sit.” As we enter a room,a sweet feminine voice coming from the corner said. "I’m the director and I’ll deal with your business in person. You want to check your account balance right? ” she said as she sat in front of her desk, took a laptop and a mini kind of ATM machine which she brought from a drawer."Can you please give me the card?” She asked politely. I brought it out from my jean pocket and gave it to her.She placed the card into the machine, the machine kind of started to scan the card, immediately after that an information popped up on her computer. I saw a part of it which contained a passport photograph of someone who looked exactly like. The name was Tony Dark from DARK DRAGON.That name again, where did I hear that from, I just couldn’t remember. Not able to rest, I adjusted backwards. "So what does the card say, how much is in it?” I asked all curiously. "Hmm, there's only one figure here.” She s
"Stop, stop!” John shouted from behind. "John, what is wrong? Is everything ok?” I was confused wondering why he chased me all the way here. "Wow, I can’t believe that Mr Kunle would get fired just like that, I mean could it be because of our bad work service.”"No, I am pretty sure it’s nothing of that sort, just enjoy your new position as the new supervisor ok, speaking of which I forgot to get my salary.” I patted his back, as we both head back to the restaurant. Getting into the restaurant, our supervisor, Mr Kunle, was still beginning his job.I can’t believe this man could ever look desperate, well look at him now. I chuckled to myself, as it was so satisfying to watch him be at the other receiving end. “Mr Dumebi, I am truly sorry for this man ill manners and behaviour towards you, please forgive me for not paying attention to it all these years.” The manager said.“It’s ok sir, you don’t need to apologise, firing him is enough, I think he must have learnt a lesson today an
"What are you saying, Dumebi, do you think this is a joke? I am talking $10,000 here and you are saying you can pay it, common man.” He replied. "You don’t believe me, well I don’t actually blame you but what if I can?” I asked again. "If you can? Well first of all I am going to ask where on earth you got such an amount from, secondly who are you and what have you done with my friend.” He laughed. "Nice one though, it really helped lighten up the mood.” He said as he got up from the pavement and stretched. “I have to get back to work, can’t afford to lose my job like someone I know.” He said as we both laughed knowing who he was talking about. “Alright then Dumebi whatever path you are heading to, always remember to look forward. I wish you luck.” He said as he waved me goodbye. What is the first thing people do when they become rich is to buy a new house or a car, change his appearance, go to fancy restaurants or try to get richer where should I live though and what exactly sho
I woke up at exactly 10:00 am in the morning, this was something I wasn’t used to because back then I had to wake around 5:00 am to prepare for work and to top it off the bed that Uloma and I used to share was very uncomfortable, let’s not even talk about her snoring too but those days are officially over. "Ring, Ring..., Ring.” My phone started to ring. It was Maggie. "Hey, Maggie what’s up.” I said with that early morning voice. "Ae you just waking up?” she asked. "Yeah what’s up.” I responded as I sat up. "Well yesterday you asked me to buy BRADON the company that houses the small company CELL, I have get news, with the help of my influence and your money of course, we have been able to buy BRADON.” She said. I jumped off from the bed. I am now the boss of BRADON, where my sister in law, said I should work as a cleaner. "Well done and thank you Maggie, thanks so much, you will surely be rewarded for this.” I said smiling. "You are welcome Mr. Dumebi, you know you ca
"My boss? Are you insane?" She almost laughed to tears."He's absolutely crazy! Hey you stupid security men, can’t you do your job. Please get this misfit, useless man out of here, are you guys deaf?” The man standing beside Lizzy shouted, as the two security men jumped off their post and walked towards me. "Yes,sir!"The security guards shouted.“Mark let’s not waste time here , let’s go inside.” Lizzy said as they both walked into the building leaving me with the security men. "Hey,you jerk leave here right now,or I'll make you regret it forever!” One of the security men yelled."Don't waste time on him. Mr Mark is the head of HR department. Beat him up and throw him out of here,we'll definitely get a promotion!" A tall man snickered.Head of HR department?Interesting. I thought that I'd got the first thing to do after signing the contract."Throw him out!"They surrounded me immediately. They were too weak. I didn't even move a bit as they were getting close to me.One of them w
As we walked through the hospital corridor, I couldn’t help but be more infatuated by Dr. Paula’s beauty, I mean there was no surprise to why I would actually chase her. Then suddenly she turned to me. "Alright we are here, this is the lab, there are just some series of tests we need to run, trust me it won’t hurt and the process is fast.” She smiled at me. I couldn’t help but notice how she looked like she was not from earth. I was lost staring at her face when Trina wiggled me from my trance. "What’s wrong with you, get yourself together and enter the lab.” Trina said as she pushed me into the lab. As expected from a secret organisation specialist hospital, the lab was on point, they had all the equipment. I'm talking the analyzers, ELISA Reader, Spirometers and all. This made me more eager to know who exactly these Dark Dragons are to have such a powerful hospital, with all these numerous staffs and all. "Sit down here.” Paula said as she called one of the lab scientists t
"If I were you,I'd choose to shut up."I stepped towards them slowly, staring at their eyes like my prey.Now,I'm the king of the DARK Dragon,not the despised son-in-law any more.As I went closer to them,they stepped back with fear."Hahaha,cowards!" I laughed mockingly. They're just ants in my eyes,not even cockroaches."Listen I am not here for you so it’s none of your business. Mind your own business and you'll be grateful for your smartness one day.""You might be able to enter and go out of a bank, but Dumebi this place is definitely not for, this event is for only the rich not for commoners, so find yourself back to wherever you stay now.” Emeka said laughing.He's pretending. I could tell that from his trembling hands. "Well I don’t mean to be rude, but if you keep talking to my boyfriend like this, I will be forced to make sure you both don’t attend this function and FYI his name is no longer Dumebi, his name is Tony. Tony lets go.” Maggie said as she locked her arm with mi
I wanted to save his face the disgrace of his past life. I asked him to walk to the cafeteria while I follow him behind and he did as I commanded him. The cafeteria is a big one with so many serving tables here and there. Some of the costumers were eating some Kenyan delicacies and you needed to see how they were devouring the "sumptuous" meal. It had a good aroma that would cause anyone that is famished to salivate but this wasn't the time to try their food. Douglas and I had something important to discuss. We sat at the nearest serving table as I signaled the waiter to get us soft drinks. My kindness caused Douglas to fear the more. He thought I was doing him a favour that he would pay back in a thousand folds. But this wasn't so. He wasn't thinking well enough. I wanted to hear his story. Everything about him. The waiter had served us the drinks. It was enough to calm my nerves down. I gulped it as I was thirsty. Douglas felt very reluctant to take his drink. But I asked him to tak
I wasn't too sure if the idea of naming the child George was a good one. How will John and his wife take it? Will they be happy about it? Will I be mocking them with the name? I hope my son will not die prematurely like the late George? My mind was preoccupied with these thoughts so I had to relax for a while. When there wasn't any other name that my heart desired, we named the child George. Sometimes, our fears only threatens us but if we shun the threat, we would be heading for success. The christening was a success and to my greatest surprise, John and his wife were happy about it. The way they snuggled the child in their arms read a million meanings. Lyda said that he looked like George during his days as a toddler. She smiled and hoped that he lived long. Thank Goodness I didn't change the name. After another week or so, I travelled for a leadership conference at Nairobi - the capital of Kenya. It was hosted by one of the most accomplished business man in the world and it was hel
Maggie and I were having all the fun in this world. It was just she and I. No disturbance. I kept the news of Mama's death at the back of my memory. I wouldn't let it interfere with the nice time I was having with the love of my life. The wailing was for Uloma and Lizzy to do. I wailed enough while she was alive. Even in her wickedness, I loved her. I hope that her soul find rest in heaven or wherever! It's God's choice not mine. It was the first time Maggie had a sexual experience. She was a virgin. No one would believe she was because she was a full grown up lady. All through her years with Malid, they maintained "sexual distancing". Malid must have his own good sides too. Waiting till after marriage before such an experience must have come with a lot of patience. But maybe he wasn't patient enough so he loose his girl and not only his girl, but now, his life. I wonder what explanation he was going to give his creator for taking the life that was given to him on a platter of gold. I
In as much as we all enjoy peace, no one desires an eternal peace or say rest. But this wasn't the case for Mama - Uloma's mother. She desired death even though her children rebuked her severally. "Mama, don't say that!" "Mama, stop!!!" They cautioned. They warn her on a daily basis about her pessimism but she turned deaf to everything they ever said to her. She wanted a ticket to hell or wherever because life was teaching her hard lessons. She suffered from chronic fever, an illness one would consider "minor" or "ordinary" but it was getting worse by the day. There wasn't any kind of treatment Mama didn't receive. They did one thing or the other to ensure they meet up with the bills. They sold some of their properties and even their bodies for money to take good care of Mama. They went out of their comfort and did some menial jobs and secured something profitable for themselves. There was virtually nothing they didn't do. But their efforts were not amounting to any positive result.
I danced David's dance at the reception of my wedding. We were so elated and fulfilled. I now had a woman I could call mine with confidence. Friends and family joined in our dance. The bridal train were not left out too. The songs were so melodious. I mean, it was remedy for any broken heart. The musical instruments synchronized without any flop and we were just taking different steps - from left to right. We heard of the tragedy. It was as though we didn't hear the right thing. But it was true. Zero lies. It was so pathetic - the untimely death of Malid. No one could have thought that he would kick the bucket so quickly with the life of wealth he lived in. It was no news that he killed himself with poison right inside his room. He just wasted his life for nothing. He threw his poor family into mourning and complete bitterness. They hearts were heavier than the stone that was used to cover Jesus' tomb. The rumor was all around the place. It was everywhere that the founder of El-Tech c
Nobody would believe that I "snatched" Maggie from him. After all, I didn't do that. She simply got too tired of him so she "kicked" him out of her life and will not allow him back. Thank God for Thunder who stopped him right at the gate perhaps he would have done something worst. He was such an animal. I think God assigned some angels to create him and that day, they were too tired to add a pitch of calmness in him. He just liked to burn everywhere he is found. But the fire from a lantern is not same as the one that erupts from a cooking gas. Thunder's punches were enough lessons for him and a warning never to thread the path of lions like us. Malid got home badly injured. He collapsed on his couch in tears. He had sacked all his staff and some of them resigned because they could no longer be patient with him. He was acting like a demigod and they wouldn't let another man trample on them like a snake Malid hates to see. He was growing more wild by the day so they all had to leave him
I think Maggie is truly the divine woman made for me because for the first time in my entire life, I felt truly loved by a woman. I was betrothed to Uloma by her father who considered me a responsible man. He was sure that I was going to take good care of his daughter because of the traits I displayed during my stay at his house. I felt like I was marrying my step sister even though we were not in anyway related by blood. This was his death wish so I decided to honour the poor man. But one of the lessons I have learnt in life is never to marry a man or a woman in pity. I had compassion for Uloma and her family especially after the demise of their lovely father. So I married her but I regretted it quite too early. I wonder how Uloma, Lizzy and Mama coped with a man whose spirit provoked their demons. He was just one of a kind. A complete father and an epitome of love. I mean, he took me in without knowing a thing about me. Just assumptions and the fact that I was a human being as him.
Now I had to tell Maggie the story of my life to clear the air. She kept asking too many questions and I couldn't deny her the right answers because she was now very dear to my heart. I mean, can one withhold the truth about the colour of one's skin from one's buttocks? That would be eating beans with the eyes. Maggie was pensive when we got home. It was as though she had just finished watching a Hollywood movie but this time, she didn't watch it on screen but on set! She was amazed to see me take them down, one by one, as if I had prepared for the attack. I didn't prepare for anything but that sharp thought that flashed through my mind was enough to sense something. I usually had such a feeling when something goes wrong. My demons were never asleep. They kept on knocking the door of my heart until it dawn on me that there was something wrong about the route we were taking. I told Maggie about the Dark Dragons something I never mentioned to Uloma. Paula knew about it of course, because
It is true that once a soldier, always a soldier. But I also think once a fool is always a fool or maybe... Once a culprit, is always a culprit! Malid was at it again. His usual display of foolishness. I called it "foolishness" because he thinks he can play smart and get me tied to his trap. Me? What a dream! Malid couldn't sleep well. Of course, he wouldn't have. He was dreaming of the impossible. So how possible was it for him to find sleep? Sweet sleep are for those who have laboured in truth. Not some evildoers like Malid! I sensed it from the smile, the handshake, the gestures, uneasiness, friendliness, useless talks... everything! I knew he was surely up to something. Can I ever forget Aunty Raina? Even if she belongs to the family of evil-doers with Malid as the head. She would say; "a rat does not run in daylight for nothing. He must have seen a cat or something." Malid is the rat here but instead of staying clear, the idiot remains adamant, like a forgotten morsel of pounded