Tisane: The King Of Mutants And The God Of Monsters

CHAPTER 8 - The Job Offer

"Joyce, Esther come over, food is ready" she called out.

"Yes mum we are coming" the two girls chorused.

Coming out of their rooms, Joyce and Esther made their way to the dining room. Sitting down on their respective chairs, they salivated at the delectable dish placed before them.

Taking a bite out of her own meal, Joyce couldn't help but lick her lips in happiness.

"You're still one of the best cooks out there mom" she praised as she shifted her gaze to their mother whom was about to take her seat at the dining table.

"Thanks dear, I take it as a responsibility to satisfy your tastes" their mother smiled.

"I just hope we don't become obese due to constant eating of your food mom" Esther said.

"That's foolish talk, Esther, there is nothing wrong in eating good food. It keeps you healthy and strong" their mother corrected.

"By being fat?" Joyce interjected.

"By looking healthy" their mother corrected again.

"But mom, we are already as healthy as we can be"

"You girls don't get it" their mother shook her head. "As young ladies in Africa, you must make sure to stay healthy at all times. Cos as the saying goes, ``an apple a day, keeps the doctor away``

"We get it mum" Esther said.

Their mother shook her index finger at the two girls "no you don't. Remember, a healthy woman also makes a potential mother"

"Huh?" the two girls stared at their mother with their food in their mouth.

"Anyway, you'll understand when you are older. So how's school, anything depressing I should know about? Like a difficult roommate, personal experiences?" then she looked at them with a twinkle in her eyes "or a pushy boyfriend?"

"Mom, come on, seriously?" Joyce interjected.

"What?" their mother had an innocent look on her face. "What did I say?"

"You know what you said mom" Esther look at their mother with nocked eyebrows.

"Haha..." their mother chuckled softly.

"Besides there is no difficult roommate or pushy boyfriend" Esther followed up.

"Well if you say so... " their mother surrendered smiling broadly. "Am just happy you are both home safely"

"We are also happy to be home" Joyce and Esther smiled with warmth as they resumed eating.

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Tisane felt depressed, even after the party had ended and some people had gone home while others did a sleepover.

He couldn't help but think to the moment when melvina pushed him with that embarrassed look in her eyes.

He knew he had messed up. 'What was I thinking? Coming unto her so strongly and in front of everyone!' He face palmed himself as he recalled the scene.

'I have to apologise right?' he kept thinking when all of a sudden he felt someone's thick long arm around his neck.

"Hey birthday boy, a penny for your thoughts?"

Tisane glanced at Bayo and noticed that he had changed his outfit from the initial white trousers and colour patterned sleeved shirt to a simple T-shirt and shorts.

"Hey Bayo" Tisane greeted dispiritedly. "So everyone's asleep already?"

"Yep, am quite exhausted myself" then he glanced at Tisane. "So what's up why aren't you asleep yet?"

Tisane sighed and shook his head. "Am not tired nor am I feeling sleepy"

"Something's bothering you" Bayo said narrowing his eyes. "Having such a mood on your birthday is not good Tisane, am not trying to be superstitious but getting sad on your birthday can jinx a lot of good things in your life. So come on, out with it"

Seeing that Bayo would not leave him alone until he's curiosity is satisfied, Tisane said "I messed up bro. I don't think she will forgive me"

"Who?"

"Melvina man, I mean you were there, you saw the look in her eyes and the way she reacted. Gosh, why did I kiss her in front of everyone?"

Bayo had a confused look on his face. "Wait who are you talking about?"

"Melvina, weren't you paying attention to what I have been saying for the past five minutes?"

"Uhuh..." Bayo nodded with an incredulous look on his face. "So you think she is angry with you?"

"It's not what I think bro, it's what it is"

"What makes you think that?" Bayo asked strangely.

Hearing Bayo's question, Tisane frowned. "Seriously? Do you really need to ask that?"

Bayo mysteriously narrowed his eyes for a few seconds before opening them wide. "Wait is that why you've been sitting down here and crying?"

"I wasn't crying dude, I was just w-----" Tisane sensed something was wrong with Bayo's behaviour but was not able to catch on before...

"Buahaha!!" Bayo's burst of laughter resounded through the quiet night...

Tisane was caught unawares and was shocked by Bayo's sudden outburst.

"Hahaha!" Bayo kept laughing, which was beginning to make Tisane angry.

"What gives dude? You think its funny huh?" Tisane's face was as red as a tomato.

Bayo was waving at Tisane, trying to control his laughter.

In anger and embarrassment, Tisane stood up. "Well if this is how you decide to console me, then I'd better leave"

Tisane made an effort to leave but was immediately held back by Bayo. "Come on bro, am only messing with you that's all"

Tisane gave Bayo an icy stare, not believing him one bit.

Bayo immediately ceased his laughter and adopted a serious look on his face.

"Tisane you should know me by now, I joke about a lot of things. It doesn't mean that I was making fun of you"

Tisane's icy stare seemed to seemed to have a noticeable change when he heard what Bayo said.

"Just sit down bro. We need to talk" Bayo said maintaining the serious look on his face.

After a while, Tisane grumpily sat down.

"First of all Tisane," Bayo chuckled. "Melvina doesn't hate you or have an anger towards you in any way. I mean if she did, why would she kiss you back?"

"..."

"It's like I need to share a secret with you" Bayo said leaning closer.

"What secret?" Tisane asked out of curiosity.

"Do you know who informed us all and cajoled us to set up such an elaborate birthday party for you?" Bayo asked with a mysterious smile.

"Who?"

"Melvina" Bayo stated slowly.

"R--really?" Tisane's eyes widened.

"Yep," Bayo said giggling. "According to her, she wanted you to have a wonderful birthday celebration"

"...." Tisane was more speechless.

Seeing the shocked look on Tisane's face, Bayo had an urge to laugh at his friend's insensitivity.

'So she did all this for me?' Tisane fell in deep thought.

Shaking his head and smiling, Bayo patted Tisane's shoulder. "You know she's asleep right now, but when she wakes up, you should go and make it up to her. I mean she waited for you for hours man"

Seeming to realise something, Tisane's eyes widened the more as his mouth fell agape.

Bayo chuckled again, seeming to enjoy this moment. "What? Did you think her action after you both kissed was because she was angry or embarrassed?"

"Aish...." Bayo seemed to feel sorrowful as he shook his head and sighed. "Dude, you just missed an opportunity to get laid"

'What?!' Tisane's thoughts were in disarray. 'She was waiting for me to----'

"Don't worry about it man" Bayo said as he patted Tisane's shoulder. "She likes you, you like her. It's only a matter of time before a second chance presents itself right?"

Hearing Bayo's reassurance, Tisane felt a bit relieved.

"Anyway, enough of that mushiness" Bayo said. "The main reason why am here is to discuss a job offer with you"

"Job offer?" Tisane snapped out of his thoughts.

"Yeah" Bayo nodded. "Am sure you heard what happened in my Dad's company right?"

"Yes I did" Tisane nodded. "Some workers were arrested for stealing and embezzling company funds"

"Exactly. After the arrests, we became short of workers, so my dad entrusted me with the recruitment of competent and trustworthy workers to bolster the human resources of the company"

Tisane widened his eyes in understanding. "So you want me to come to come work in your dad's company?"

"Yeah" Bayo nodded and stared at Tisane in anticipation.

Tisane stared back for a few seconds and then said "b--but I--I don't think am competent enough to accept such an offer"

"Why not?" Bayo asked. "I mean you are a graduate, with a good qualification and not to forget, my best friend"

Tisane fell in thought.

"I know it's all of a sudden but please can you think about it before you give me your answer?" Bayo asked hopefully.

"Okay" Tisane nodded

"Thanks man" Bayo smiled broadly. "Anyways, while you are waiting for Melvina's permission, Jennifer is always willing and ready to get laid anytime, even now"

Catching Bayo's drift, Tisane rolled his eyes "Yeah nice try. Thanks but no thanks"

"Haha..." Bayo laughed. "You do know I'll always look out for my little brother's well-being right?"

"Euk!" Tisane almost tripped over. "And who the hell is your little brother huh?!"