“Excuse me , son. What did you say again?” Mr Jonathan asked in exasperation after Jordan spoke.“You heard me, Mr Jonathan. I need 1000$ as advance payment.” Jordan spoke again for the third time, but he still didn’t manage to pull of the dense scowl off Mr Jonathan’s face.The old man found it cliche’ and unbelieavable that Jordan wanted to squander all his first salary on those people who didn’t seem like they could even raise a dollar to repay him. After all, they had explained themselves to his face that they had nothing to offer him in return for what Jordan was about to do for them. How could Jordan go ahead after hearing their confession and witnessing their poor state and decide to ask for advance payment and spend on them? Mr Jonathan had heard of so many brainsick things that people do with their first salary, but Jordan’s idea sounded the most pathetic one. I mean, how?“How can you spend your first income, an advance payment for the job that you are even yet to start, on
“It is alright, Jordan. I am sure it will be put to better use. I am sorry if I was a bit harsh. Please make use of it, and that is on me.” Mr. Jonathan said He felt embarrassed for arguing with Jordan over the issue. The gesture from Jordan to the people of Kibra was indeed a good one. Someone like a father would be so proud of his son's actions. Something worth earning him a heroic monument. He didn’t know why he was so blind and dumb to just agree with Jordan’s idea at once. ‘A bit harsh? You were extremely too much, old fool.’ Jordan thought inwardly. All the same, he needed the money he had gotten. He did not doubt that the extra cash would go a long way. She shoved the cash in his pockets. ‘One problem down.’ He thought as he looked back at Mr. Jonathan, who had a wide grin on his face. “Okay. You stay indoors and rest. You need a lot of rest for your wounds to heal faster. Stay as still as possible.” Jordan explained that they were walking back into Liya’s house, which was
Liya was awfully quiescent as they trekked on the befouled grounds towards the meeting square. Jordan noticed it, but he decided not to say a thing. He thought he had explained the situation well to Liya and trusted that the girls would find a way to sort out their differences.Soon, they arrived at a tree shade at the far end of the houses. The place was cloistered with stones laid in straight lines, which served as seats. This was where the council of the Kibra neighborhood met whenever they needed to address something. They consisted of old men and women, and no young person was supposed to be in the middle while the elders spoke.Liya looked at Jordan when they stopped. “I will have to leave you now. I am not supposed to be here," she explained. She would have wanted to stay with him, but she knew the rules, and she trusted Jordan would be okay.“Alright. And Liya, please watch over Mr. Jonathan and Ana. Make sure they rest.” He said.'Ana again’ “Okay. I will.” Liya said, urging
Jordan might have thought he was just kidding when he told Liya that he ate a lot, but his hoax turned into reality when the food was brought onto the table. He ate like an elephant. Even he was flabbergasted with himself.“Are you sure you were just joking a while ago when you said you eat a lot, or was it my mistake for taking the statement lightly?” Liya asked as she poured Jordan a third round of soup and tortillas.Ana threw them a glance. She didn’t think they would hold such a deep conversation to reach that point. So, what else had he told her? His favorite food?“I also can’t tell. A lot has happened in a blink. Maybe I have transformed, and I don’t know.” Jordan responded as he munched on his food.“But you have done a lot since last night. Throwing all those blows must have really taken a toll on you.” Liya said, looking at Jordan with admiration as he continued eating without minding anyone.“And carrying me to the hospital. I am sure I am heavy, so that might have really
“Speak, Liya! What is your problem with Ana because I have seen it. Didn’t you give me your word back at the hospital that Ana was as much welcomed here just like Mr. Jonatha and I?” Jordan questioned Liya.“And I was, Jordan. I was willing to accept her in even if I didn’t understand precisely why she had to come with us. But that was until her family followed us here and caused a terrifying scene. And now, after what has happened to Mr. Jonathan, do you still expect me to remain calm? Do you know who exactly all these people will blast if anything happens?” Liya spoke.“I will take the blame. That man is causing all this because of me. So, if anything happens, which I remember assuring you that it won’t, I will bear all the blame. So, Liya, leave Ana out of this unless you have another hidden problem with her.” Jordan explained.“You are just starting to build your trust with my people, Jordan. Are you willing to risk them seeing you as a bad guy for nothing?” Liya spoke again, and
“I am sorry, Jordan. This won’t happen again. You all can stay. I am sorry, Ana.” Liya said, looking at anything but their faces. She felt ashamed for her childish actions.“I don’t expect it to happen again, Liya. I do not want to see you and Ana fight again. Is that clear?” Jordan asked, and they both nodded their heads in agreement.Then Jordan turned to Mr. Jonathan. He had been quiet, listening to the discussion. He did not seem like he was contemplating taking Jordan and Ana’s advice to leave. Gazing at him, it was apparent what Mr. De’Luka had done was such a huge blow to him. The man was just trying to act strong.Jordan spoke. “So, Mr. Jonathan? Are you leaving?”The man shook his head as he pulled off an obviously strained smirk. It was slight, with so much concealed meaning. It was like he knew what Jordan and Ana said was true, but he was willing to defy it all and do what his heart wanted. “Naah!” He spoke.“No? But you know that that means more trouble. This man will be
“Please help us!”Jordan and his crew almost crashed into a woman outside the door with a child of around three years in her hands. The woman’s face was drenched in tears as she pleaded with Jordan, with a lot of people behind her.She handed the baby to Jordan before he could even say a word. Jordan remained cool as he assessed the girl in his hands. Her breathing was rapid. And she was burning with fever. Her eyes looked so weak.A life had been placed in his hands, which he had to save. Yet again. “What is wrong with her? What happened?” Jordan asked as he turned back into the house and placed the child on the sofa. The rest of the people also followed. They all wanted to see how he would tend to the kid.Jordan stood up and spoke. “Please, I would like to request that you all step outside. We might suffocate the child from all the concern. I would like to be left only with the girl’s mother.” He said.The people walked outside and waited patiently, although with mounting anxieties
On the ninth day, at exactly quarter past four in the evening, Jordan was checking on the last person. He was exhausted like a horse. He had checked every one of them and administered drugs for them."Like I advised every single person, cleanliness is key. Boil drinking water and leave it in a clean place to cool before taking it. Eat a balanced diet and get the prescriptions that I have written down from the drugs’ desk.” Jordan explained, handing the prescription to the young lady.“Thank you so much, sir. I know that everyone has stood in this seat with the same words, sir. Please know they all came from the deepest parts of our hearts. You have given us all your services for free, and on top of that, you even bought us medicines. You have spent your precious time doing free work for some poor people that you don’t even know. Only the gods can reward you. May you find favor and all that you yearn for in the eyes of the gods. Bless you, sir.” The kind lady stood up, ready to leave,