BIG DAY GONE GREAT!!

I am happy because of two things. One is Argentina lost to France and two, the event was a success. The invite only party was so good that I even found the guts to bring home some of the delicious meals that was served by the outstanding chefs from Imaniz. 
What was more memorable for me was the chat with Sam. He sounded wiser and more intelligent than the Sam I used to know. Right after lunch, we had the chance to talk before the main programme began.
"Ras, once you get someone who loves you, no matter your situation, fight for her and never let her go."
I don't want to brag, but I ate at the VIP section with the likes of Sam, Emma and parents from both sides. My invite enabled me this privilege. Too bad for my pal Tom who was late and had to queue with the rest for the little portions being served.
"I can see that Doris really loves you. Just never disappoint her or lose her."
"Sam, you know that is never a guarantee. Once she gets to college, she would lose interest in me."
"That's highly unlikely. With Doris, she would be yours. If not in three years, then in ten. Trust me, when that time comes, you will be the one inviting us for your wedding."

Wedding is on August 2

I was not sure about who told him about Doris. Emma avoided my eyes for the duration of the party and up to the end where she called me aside for a small chat.
"I want to thank you for turning up. I really appreciate it."
"That was nothing. I also owe you one for that day."
"I know. But seeing you there and even sacrificing the World Cup really touched me. And about Doris."
I scrambled my senses for the worst.
"She really loves you."
"Look, let's leave time to decide whether it will work out or not. It is too early to start all this sentimentalism."
She agreed with me. Despite the obvious risk that the occasion provided, she gave me a long hug and I felt something in her belly. Could it be that she had eaten to her fill or something else?
Let's not speculate. The wedding will be on August 2nd. 
Right now, Uruguay are leading 1-0 thanks to Cavani.

COUNTDOWN BEGINS

I had to take a leave from work to prepare for tomorrow's big event. Sam has not been seen around town since last week and probably he is handling the logistics of the event and other minor details. Emma too has gone MIA and neither her sisters will say where she is. Anyway, that was not the point of writing today. I am feeling so excited that I am literally feeling butterflies roaming freely in my stomach.
Even the local music programme at Kass TV isn't doing enough to calm me down. In the morning, I saw the men preparing the tents and trimming down the overgrown bushes at Emma's family compound. Doris had also left for school after we had some fun in the past week she was at home. That explains why I was away for most of the time.
Susan is yet to be released from hospital. Though from the news reaching me, her condition is improving rapidly and she might be released early next month. Good thing is that she won't be able to disrupt the big day tomorrow.

"Ras, You have an extra suit?"
"I don't have any Tom."
"What will you wear then?"
"I don't know."
Tom also had to take a break from his business. He had also been invited by Emma and he had promised to attend. But like me, he had a serious dilemma on what to wear tomorrow.
"Maybe we should just wear our usual, you know, casual dress."
"Okay. But we will have to seat far away."
I don't know about that but I have to agree with Tom on this one. Let the count down begin.

                                                           *******************
Susan's favour wasn't carried out because of the obvious risks involved. My lovely Doris had volunteered to do the dirty work and when she came back, she confirmed the worst: There was no diary.
"Babe, That was a trap. When I got there, some guys had refused to grant me access to that house. They only did when I told them that I am her cousin."
"And the diary?"
"There was none. She was bluffing after all."
"So that was the plan? To humiliate me. How evil."
"They could've beaten you up babe."
I wonder why she didn't succeed in her suicide quest. That girl is just pure trouble!

NO ONE WANTS TO DO IT!

The past two days has seen me trying to locate and hold down Martins. Ever since the Miriam scare, he has been avoiding me. Doris has also told me that he had failed to come during that invite and that the pregnancy story was nothing but a bait and a test.Martins had failed the test and as a result, he was declared a non persona non grata by Miriam.
"Ras, I haven't seen him at all." Tom sadly gave me the bad news and I knew the game was up.
"No worries. Susan will have to do it herself."
The cold is biting as usual. Tom's porridge is the best remedy but due to the rise in the price of sugar, the prices of the liquid has also risen especially for those who loved to take porridge with the bigger mugs.
"I don't understand why she wants you to go to her house and destroy her personal diary. Why you yet she has her female friends?"
"Imagine. Doris can do it."
"I suspect that it might be a trap."
I was also suspecting the same thing. Could it be that she wanted me to be caught up in some kind of a scandal so that my invite for the Sam-Emma wedding be cancelled? Susan was and still is capable of being treacherous. If she could separate Sam and Emma for three months, what could she do to a nobody like me?

A close shave

"In fact, Ras, don't even talk to that woman. Leave her to deal with her depression alone."
Tom was pleading with me to stop the association at once. He also cautioned me against Doris whom he suspected to be up to no good.
"If Miriam could scare off a grown man like Martins with a fake pregnancy, Doris would do the same to you."
"I don't think so."
"Yes she can. Birds of the same feather flock together. I hope I won't see that happening to you."
Tom was soon occupied with another customer while I crossed the footpath to my stall to watch the trailers of upcoming movies and series.
Then I recalled the day I met face to face with Maritim, Doris' father. Lucky for me, he wasn't in the mood for some chit chat as he was also there for his appointment with the Asian doctor over his cardiac issues.
That was a close shave. 

HER FINAL WORD

Just before we left the ward, Susan asked me to stay behind for a word. Doris was okay with it since she wanted to clean up her face and apply her make-up afresh. Once she was gone, she struggled to sit up and even rebuffed my attempts to help her.
"Ras, Does she know?"
"About what?"
"My situation?"
"What did you do?"
She could've screamed at me were it not for her situation. She composed herself and breathed in through the oxygen mask and removed it.
"I wanted to die. Happy?"
"How could I be happy? Stop making up things."
"Okay fine. Look, I want a favour from you."
"A favour?"
I wondered why she would ask me to do something for her. If it was about spying on Sam then I'm out. If she wants me to sabotage the event this Saturday, I'm also out.

Could I be in trouble?

"I hope it isn't something bad."
"Of course it is not. You don't have the guts to do it."
That was true. I cannot argue with an obvious fact.
"What is it that you need to be done?"
"Go to my house and find my diary. Once you get it, destroy it."
"Why?"
"Just do the goddamn thing. Destroy it and give me the report tomorrow."
"It won't be possible. I am needed at work." She stared at me with amusement written all over her pale face. She reminded me of a character in the movie Wrong Turn.
"Then tell Martins to do the task. If you cannot do it."
That was my way out. I was getting wary of her devious means and did not want to be associated with her. Like I said in my previous article, Suicide is greatly frowned upon in our community.
"I will try, but don't expect miracles."
Then I left to find Doris outside with her father. Could I be in trouble?

MISSION CRITICAL

Despite my protestations, I had to escort Doris as she went to see her cousin now lying in hospital to try and give her hope. She was in the cold about what happened to her and I wasn't ready to be the one spilling the bad news. I played dumb on the whole duration during the short walk to Siloam hospital.
"Bae, why did she do it?"
"Do what?"
"Suicide. She almost died."
"Oh, suicide! I thought it was something malaria or else."
Doris was convinced by my dumb comment. She held on to my arm as we entered the lobby. She did most of the talking and I was surprised when we were given the pass to go to the private wards. A nurse escorted us and gave us twenty minutes with her before she was given her dose of medicine. In other words, we were the last people allowed to see her.
"Babe, lets' go."
"Just go, I'll be waiting here."
"No, we have to go."
"But-"

I got the message

"Please don't disappoint me." She gave me that look that sparked the deadened sexual urge in me. I knew that if I failed to appease her, I wouldn't sample those goods. She was teasing me yet at the same time passing a subtle threat which she was dead serious about implementing it.
"Okay. Happy?" I tickled her a bit and she responded with her characteristic scold.
"Bae, They will catch us." She gave me a naughty spank and smiled sheepishly like nothing ever happened.
We enetered the ward and she was overwhelmed with emotion after seeing the pale Susan with an IV drip on her hand. Her lips were dry and parched. Her eyes lacked the zeal and passion. Instead, they looked bored and lazy. This time, the marks left by my loveley Doris were more prominent since she was without make-up.
"Doris..Ras."
"I'm sorry cousin." Doris wept at her side while I stood there, dazed at how women easily became emotional. Susan looked at me while she embraced Doris. That familiar look returned. I got the message. 

SUSAN IN HOSPITAL

At first, I thought that it was just a cruel joke. But when I saw the look o Tom's face, then the gravity of the situation hit me. It was indeed true that either Susan was seriously sick or she was trying to commit suicide. Tom seemed more convinced by the second reason than the first.
"Ras, that girl wanted to die. She had drank a whole bottle of sleeping pills with vodka.'
"Uko sure?"
"Yes. The police were there to record statements. Suicide is not a joke."
"But Susan has an uncle who is a cop."
"Maybe. But she was definitely on a suicide watch. No one can see her except her family."
Who cares any way? I thought. If it was true that she wanted to kill herself, then nobody would want to associate themselves with such a person. That was the reality of the village. Death was okay as long as it was either natural or sickness killed you. But not when you want to kill yourself.
"Ama its' because of Sam dumping her for Emma?"
"Who knows? That girl was really desperate for Sam's love."

"Too bad Sam doesn't care. So far, he is preoccupied with his pre-wedding to Emma next week."

How I missed this.

I took another cup of Tom's sweet porridge. His lemon-flavoured porridge has remained popular at this Baraka stage despite the controversy over the poisoned sugar going on now. Nobody seems to care anyway because it is probably a business war between the cartels.
"When will you go to see her?"
"Me? Are you crazy?"
"Why? You two seem to like each other."
I didn't know whether to cry or laugh. Susan and I getting along?
"Look, you just told me that the hospital only allows family alone. How will they allow me yet I'm not even her family?"
"Through Doris. She's home."
Doris is already home? I thought she told me that she won't come home. Maybe she was not sure after all.
"Ako home?'
"Yes. Right behind you." Came a feminine voice. I quickly turned to see her smiling.
"Sasa hun.." She gave me a big long hug. 
How I missed this! 

WEDDING ON THE CARDS?

I received a surprise visit from Emma today while I was opening my workplace today. It was on a short notice since she was on a hurry to reach her destination, Nairobi, to do some shopping. Ever since she got back together with Sam, she has been bubbly and vibrant. Even her greeting seemed to have changed.
"Sasa Ras. Long time?"
"Yep. Long time dear."
After the brief handshake. I stopped unlocking the locks and lent on the stall walls to have a small chat with her. Jay was not around today since it was his day in court over the Sylvia child support case. And this was the same lady that Tom was on the verge of courting a while back!
"Have you seen Susan?"
"Nope. I don't even want to."
"Understandable. That day she would have done something stupid."

I nodded in agreement. However, so many things have happened in the span of two days. Egypt getting knocked out of the world cup in six days after waiting for 26 years to play at this stage, Colombia losing to Japan and surprise surprise!! Senegal winning against Poland to register Africa's first win of the tournament.

Don't forget the card

The world cup is here and it has been preoccupying my thoughts. A busy week it has been, the number of women buying series and movies has risen up. Predictably, they have lost out on the controls of the remote controls to their boyfriends/husbands. They also need to be busy watching something you know.

"Ras, I have come to give you this." 
She took out a white card board with neat calligraphy and my name was printed out boldly. 
"Serious? A pre-wedding?" She was pleased by my enthusiasm towards her big day. How could I not yet this was my first wedding to be officially invited as an adult?
"Where and when?"
"Next week Saturday."
Perfect. Just perfect. This would give me ample time to find my wardrobe and get some new suit for the big day. 
"Don't forget this card. Without it, you won't get in."
She hugged me and left. I admired the card even after officially opening the business. Now where will I get a decent suit before next week?

LIFESTYLE AUDIT FOR JAY TOO!!

Kenyans have been up in arms on social media platforms demanding accountability from their leaders over their wealth. The hashtag, we know your salary has been trending for the past three days with Kenyans sharing pictures of the alleged wealth of their leaders. This is in defiance of the Cyber Crime Law of 2018 that was aimed at stifling dissent and other form of Cyber crimes.
"Don't you think that Its time we demand that Jay gets the audit too?"
"Yeah. But who will do it? I don't want to lose my job!"
Tom and I took our time to deliberate on this matter. It is remarkable on how Jay has managed to become a multi millionaire in a span of five years. He not only owns our stall, but several others in Litein, Kapkatet and in Sotik which deal with different kinds of retail like selling alcohol, movies and even clothes.
How did he do it?

Possible godfather links

Theory one: His alleged connections at the County Government.
Jay's godfather is one of the influential hot shots in the local government. I won't name him for fear of causing problems to myself and family. With this connections, Jay could be a conduit for monies laundered in the government albeit smartly. The godfather conducts business with the government in a mutually beneficial way.
"Might be true. That's why those lousy County askaris cannot dare step into the premises lest Jay makes them lose their livelihoods." Tom remarks as he sips his porridge.
But why the constant delays in disbursing our salaries on time? Why is he hesitant to pay Sylvia child support money even after a court order was slapped on him by the Kericho Children's Court?
"I don't know. But I agree with you there. Maybe he doesn't look moneyed as we believe."

His impressive work ethic

Theory two: He worked himself there.
As I wrote before, Jay had to rise up from the ashes to be where he is today. He had lost a good amount of money in a con scheme that nearly drove him to suicide. Despite this, He worked himself out of the depression and build an impressive empire that He fiercely defends to this day. He would not even allow Sylvia through the courts to have a share of it, ten court orders and two threats of arrest not withstanding.
"Ras, let's get back to work, we might be as lucky as Jay too."

HAPPY FATHERS DAY

Away from the shenanigans of Susan, Doris and other busy bodies I often write about here, today I take this hallowed opportunity to write about the most under appreciated and undervalued of people today. 
The men in our lives. Our fathers.
No one seems to realize the value fathers have in our lives. Especially sons. I never had any close bond with my father owing to the distance we had. He used to work in different parts of Kenya, breaking his back to ensure that his three children get better education and never lack. Though we never had silver spoons in our mouths, what we had was a beautiful childhood that I'm far more appreciative of.
I will not forget his patience with me when I used to beg for some sustenance money while I was in Campus. I did this through mother since I was and still is mortally afraid of father's temper. The last time he actually hit me was back in secondary school when I was suspended for three weeks due to a strike in school.

Anger had subsided

"Nalipa school fees usome yet unashikana na majambazi kuchoma shule?" He landed a hot slap and I fled there and then. I was not seen for two straight weeks since I was hiding in my elder sister's home. I only returned after his anger had subsided. I will not forget this day till I take my last breath in this world.
I will also not forget the lessons he taught me especially when dealing with girls. When my mother and I were residents of Nakuru, Free Area near Afraha Stadium, I was once involved in a fight with a girl who had insulted me while at school. All I could remember was me hitting her and giving her a black eye. 
Quite predictably, the girl's parents came to complain and my mother punished me for that action. Though she started it, I got the dog's beating and when dad arrived at night, I had long resigned to yet another beating that would be twice as thorough and vicious.

Won't fight Susan

But Lo! He sat me down for a chat that changed me.
"Son, never fight with women. Some are just stupid and will provoke you for nothing. Just walk away because if you fight a girl, you will be judged harshly.."
That's why I won't fight Susan despite her stupid provocations no matter how severe. Thanks to father, I feel honored to be his son despite the fact that he doesn't approve of my dreadlocks.
Happy Fathers Day to all the fathers, and mine too!  

NASTY OUTCOMES

Emma walked in while Susan was still crying on my laps. I wished that she hadn't uttered a word because at Susan's fragile state, anything was bound to happen. My wishes were denied and Emma, curious at the sigh of Susan weeping, on my laps must have stirred inside her.
"Ras, what's up?"
That was the point I rued my decision to come here. Susan looked up and sprang at her feet.
"You!You dirty little Bitch!!" She made to grab her blazer but Emma ducked and stood behind the safety of Sam who stood up to shield her.
"Susie. Kwani nimefanya?"
"If only you stayed with Max, none of this would've happened to me."
"Max? Ras, what's up?"
"I don't know. I'm lost here."
Susan was creating a scene. All the customers at Lenox Hotel stopped their activities, even the waiters stood to witness the spectacle. Free entertainment to them but Sam was having none of it.
"Look, Susan, calm down. You are making a scene."
"I don't care."

Walked off in a huff

I stood up and tried to calm her down. But I should've known.
"Don't touch me. You and Sam mko hivi..If you were a man enough, Emma wouldn't have left you for Max."
Good thing nobody laughed at the joke. But I found it offensive and in a bad taste. How dare she drag me into her mess? I must state for the record that I still hold Emma in high regards and would never bear any grudge against her. But Susan? She could go hug the nearest transformer for all I care.
"Look, if you were really mature, you will realise that Sam has made his choice and leave him in peace. Just stop with the drama and dragging other people into your mess."

Out of line

"Mature? Heh. What about dating young school girls? Is that making you mature?" Had Sam not intervened, I would have slapped the daylights out of her and drench her 10,000 shilling weave in water.
"Cherono, you are way out of line. That's why I'll never love you. You are insulting Rasta who urged me into this meeting but now..Lets go dear."
Sam picked up his coat and walked off with Emma in tow. I also picked my phone and walked out leaving a distraught Susan crying hysterically as the waitresses tried to console her. I couldn't care less. The meeting had produced nasty outcomes that I didn't like it.

FRUSTRATIONS GALORE

Susan was becoming unreasonable as the meeting progressed. Though we were only three there at Lenox Hotel, there was a fourth seat there, meaning that either Emma was around or someone else was there. I couldn't tell because the occasion there couldn't allow for serious thought.
Now and then, Susan would make to cry but then her tone would take an angry pitch. She was volatile and unpredictable!
"This is so unfair,Sam! After all that now you're shunting me aside for her?"
"There was nothing Susie, You wanted me but I wanted her."
There went the back and forth between them. Suddenly, Susan began to cry. This time it was real. Her make up was partly ruined by the torrents of tears but she was not about to give up yet.
"But you said that you loved me. What happened? Or were you using me to sooth your ego after she left you?"
"No. Please understand I cannot love you."
"So what was the sex all about?"

Emma walked in

It felt like a scene straight out of a soap opera movie. In an instant, I could see Sam becoming Pablo Herminio and Susan becoming Cindy. Emma was now Maya. Susan was alternating between begging Sam to stay with her while at the same time threatening to do something stupid if he did not. I sat there fiddling with my phone and wondering when it will all end. It was now an hour since we stepped inside here with Susan and it did not want o stop.

Frankly, I didn't want it to end. The more long and drawn out this affair was, the better my entertainment would be. This was real entertainment unlike those we watch on TV which are largely scripted. As long as I was just a spectator, I was fine with the happenings.
"Ras, say something." Rats!
"What? You heard him. There's nothing I can do. This is way beyond me."
"What do you mean?" 
She came menacingly close to me. I felt threatened. What is she trying to do now? bite my ear off?
"Oh, why me?" she slumped into my hands and her head straight onto my laps. She cried so much that I felt for her. I began feeling bad for saying those words to her. Sam looked sad but there was the firm resolve that he won't back down.
"There now. stop it"
Emma walked in. I couldn't help but admire the sudden turn of events. 

CRUSHED EXPECTATIONS

Its been two days since I stepped into Martin's Pharmacy to deliver the news. I'm now back at my station trying to make ends meet by selling those 50 bob movies to students and the snobbish middle class folks here in Kericho. At the back of my mind, I have consigned those niggling worries there including Doris' dilemma of helping out her friend. As far as I am concerned, it ain't my problem.
"Sasa Ras.."
I look up only to see a smiling Susan at the stall. Is she here for business or her tete-a tete conversations?
"Poa. You're here for Season 7?"
"Yes, but first." She sat at the visitor's bench and beckoned me to follow her. I hesitated for a while before crossing the barrier and standing close to where she sat. I had to be careful lest there was someone out there waiting for the perfect pose to take a picture for pure blackmail purposes.
"What's up?"
"Sam called me yesterday. He wants us to talk."
"When?"

He hates third parties

"During lunch. I want you to come with me."
Incredible. She wants me to keep her company when Sam has explicitly stated that they should talk. Three is a crowd but clearly, Susan was not reasoning when she is passing the invite.
"I'm sorry. But Sam hajani invite. Also, its a private talk between you two."
"Aki, don't bail out on me."
"Sam hasn't invited me Susie, can't you understand that?"
She obviously didn't know how Sam loathed third party antics so much that he even bowled out his own cousin when he unexpectedly crashed his date with Emma a while back. There's no way that I would put myself in the line of fire for her sake. She and I were still in a state of war.
"I have a bad feeling about this date."
"Just go alone. Don't bring anyone with you. because Sam hates it when uninvited people crash into intimate moments like this."
"You sure? Because he has texted you right now. Check." I fish out my phone and sure enough, Sam has texted me, urging me to escort Susan to their lunch date.
"Guess you're right. I'll have to inform Jay first." 

OLD FOES MEETING.

I felt awkward walking into Martin's chemist not as another customer, but as the bearer of some bad news. I was feeling so unease that I contemplated aborting the venture all together but I made a promise that I would deliver on my word. As a man, I am bound by honor. Failure to meet this honor would mean disgrace. 
I will have to do this despite the past animosity between us over Emma. I will explain how.
Martin and I were friends long before Emma came into the picture. Like Maxwell, we both had some interest in Emma. So there was some competition which at one point turned ugly. We both employed all means to win her heart, subterfuge, undercutting, you name it.
There is only one winner, that was me. Martin was humiliated and he left without a fight. But he was mad at me. Now six years after this incident, we meet under different circumstances. He is a KMTC graduate and I am a proud KIMC graduate.
"Vipi ras?"
"Poa Marto." That was a good sign.

She called but he didn't pick

We exchanged banter and even discussed the upcoming world cup in Russia. It was a way to reduce the tension building up inside me before I could tell him the real purpose of my visit.
"How's Doris?"
"She's good." This was the moment I was waiting for.
"Marto, Jana nlienda Londiani."
"Oh, so uko na report yangu?"
"Yeah. Miriam alikusalimia. Na anataka uende ukamtembelee." That was finally out of my chest. It was difficult to gauge whether he was happy or not. I didn't care as long as I delivered my message.
"When?'
"Kesho. This is the number I was given by her friend to give you." I handed over the number and she analyzed it keenly like some specimen in a medical laboratory.
"I've seen this number. Kumbe ni yeye."
"Alikupigia?"
"Yeah. But sikupick. Labda ni emergency."
"True. Anyway, I'll be on my way." I left not knowing if he would work on it or not.

TROUBLE FOR MIRIAM

You can recall that I had to leave the hotel in a rush after Tom called me with an emergency. I met up with him at the boda boda stage where  he was at his usual job of selling porridge and some snacks to the riders. The drill was short and simple. He handed me a pink note which I instantly recognized as Doris'. 
I sensed that all was not well. I opened the note and immediately, sweat formed in my back despite the biting cold. She wrote:
Sasa sweetz,
Hope ur good. As alwayz, school is boring and I'm really missing u. I need a favour from you dia, Its about Miriam. She has bin sick for a while ever since dat day. I suspect that she's PG. Matron will be conducting tests next week n she's scared. Call 07***** and tell Martin wa Chemist akuje kesho huku. Its really urgent.
PS- Sitakam home 1/2T. But i'll find a way for us to meet.
Love you big..
Doris.

I owe her one

Phew! At least she wasn't the one with the pregnancy fears. If she was then It better not be mine. No way! I am not ready to cater for a child nor its mother. With my meagre earnings in this hellish economy? No way. I also use protection as a precaution too.
Poor Miriam. How am I supposed to call Martin the chemist guy to inform him of the happenings.I don't even know him well. But for the love of my life, I will try. I also owe Miriam some gratitude too. Were it not for her evil scheme to sneak out of school, I wouldn't have sampled the warmth of Doris. She also played a vital role when I was trying to woo her back in February when she accompanied Doris to my work place.
Tom must have gone for a while before coming back to give me a cup of porridge. I took it mindful that it would be difficult to enjoy such a delicacy going further into the month.

I have to help her out.

"Doris ako poa?"
"Yeah. Ni Miriam."
"Martin ako in big trouble."
"Maybe. But I have to tell him about this."
Tom agreed to inform Martin about the trip to Londiani where his girlfriend was. I would have to do all I can to help her out. I cannot afford to abandon Miriam at this point and stage.

WHAT IS SHE UP TO?

I wouldn't be surprised to find out that Susan is really considering my plan. On Friday, I casually told her to try 'by all means' to try and get Sam's child so that she wouldn't suffer the ignominy of being shunted aside every time Sam and Emma reunite.
Like a smart woman she is, she is seriously considering that. We're just from morning mass and we are exchanging small banter while heading home. I am gradually relaxing and getting used to her company. But I must not forget the evil she  is capable of. I must be on guard at all time.

"Tony, Some coffee?"
"Sure."
That's how we ended up at Lennox Hotel. We've been sitting here close to an hour.
"Nikipata ball ya Sam, anaweza niacha?"
"How? In this era of a strong FIDA and child support? never."
"But that will mean I wait till they fight."

 That was true. So long as Sam is on good terms with Emma, there's no way he'll find time for Susan. At this time, such an ambitious undertaking is bound to fail.

Close resemblance to the better half

"Hamchat?"
"Wapi. Akiwa busy na huyo dem?" That was the hostility I was looking for. That was all I need to push further into the root cause of her animosity towards Emma.

"Do you think that it is her fault?"

"Yes. Yes. and Yes. If not for her, Sam would be in my arms as we speak." Seeing her talk reminds me of Bianca of the recently ended telenovela, the better half. Bianca had a deadly crush on Marco whom had fallen in love with Camille. She hated Camille so much as a result of this. Her psychotic love towards Marco saw her commit crimes that resulted in anguish and suffering for Rafael, a former playboy who falls in love with Camille and changes his ways.

Long story short, will Susan follow in the footsteps of Bianca? Looking at her face is really difficult to determine if she truly hates Emma or if she is faking it to get a reaction from me. Women are crafty people too.

Emergency phonecall

"Whatever you do, just don't be blinded by hate for Emma or your desire for Sam. You'll end up like Bianca." She laughed her heart out.
"Don't worry. Or will you squeal to anyone about this?"
"Nope. If you do something crazy, I will."
My phone rings. It is Tom calling. What could be the emergency about?
"I have to go. Bye." I rushed out of the hotel.

SORRY, IT WAS SHORT AND SWEET

Susan left yesterday after lunchtime where she, of all the people, ate our hustler meal. She was in need of someone to hear her out. I was the only one at that place who was there with her. Jay saw it fit to leave the shop through the back door. Maybe he didn't want to buy her lunch. Or he couldn't want to be dragged into women's issues.
"Tony..I am lost."
"How? You're here."
"No, silly. I mean I don't know what to do."
"About what?" She took out her phone and opened her whatsapp to show me saved photos of Sam and Emma in some exotic place. Looked like the treetops in Nyeri or something. Emma looked beautiful without her glasses and Sam looked younger. 
"Oh, I get you."
Susan was looking dejected. She could not believe that Sam could raise her hopes up and then like it was nothing, crash them down by reuniting with Emma. She was so sure that their thing was long gone especially after that incident at the cops and the several meetings that they had had. 

She sounded sincere and hurt

"You mean you guys used to meet?"
"Yeah." She gobbled down her ice cream despite the cold weather. 
So she was the one behind the nasty split. She was the one feeding Sam with the rumors about Emma visiting Maxwell yet it wasnt true. But why?
"I always wanted Sam. Ever since we met back in High School.He was two classes ahead of me." She went on to reflect on those memories and touched my knee to emphasise the point.
It's Saturday and I'm busy watching the trailer of the upcoming film, Night School that will feature Kevin Hart. This is all in an attempt to hide the scenes of Susan and I sitting close to each other listening to her bullshit.
"Why can't you just get his baby? You'll have something to hold on to."
"How Tony? Yet he always insists on using protection." Tough luck dear. All I can recall of that incident is us talking about some series, ah that one called the haves and haves not which she bought. I transferred the movie via cable to her laptop.
As I reflect on our meeting, she sounded sincere and hurt about it. I didn't want to tell her that what they had was just a fling. Sam was just keeping it short and sweet.

PAYDAY IS HERE.

Finally, Jay has settled my dues. I am finally off the hook.
I can now settle my week old debt that I owe Tom. Thanks to his patience and understanding, I was able to beat off the cold with his sumptuous porridge and the generous servings of chapati and beans. I could now afford to eat in restaurants of my choice and even buy some food for Tom, just to break his monotonous meal of ugali mix.

One thing now is to plan my expenditure well. I need to save some for a rainy day, literally and figuratively. But first I have to pay off some of my outstanding debts. I have sto start with Tom then Sam and then my rent.

"Asanti Bro." Tom receives the money with open arms. His face shows huge optimism before it resumes his poker face. He is back to business, selling his porridge to his daily customers. I also need to get back to work. The 'strike' is over.

As I stroll back to my stall, I see a familiar figure waving at me. It is Susan. What did she want today? Is it a movie or what? As far as I can remember, Susan is a loyal subscriber to Showmax and Viusasa. She has no need for the 50 bob movies that Jay sells (Through me)
"Sasa Ras."
"Poa."

Women and money

She takes a seat and resumes chatting on her phone. She is tapping away furiously at her latest Oppo smart phone and she is focused on one guy whom I do not know.

"Form ya Friday?"
"Labda wewe. I can see umelipwa."
Women and money! I am surprised at how she has learnt of the big day. Not unless she saw me paying Tom, or Jay is having a thing with her. 
"Can't. I've got work to do"
"Anyway, heard anything about Emma?"
"No. Why?"

"She must have ran off with Sam. Both of them are not picking my calls."
"I don't know a thing. I've not seen both of them since last week."
If she thinks that I'll open my mouth  and blurt out the obvoius about the reunion, atajua hajui. But I'm lost here. Looking at her while she sits at the bench, dressed in her jeans and trench coat, she doen't show any signs of leaving any time soon.
What's up?

ITS A COMEBACK!!

Just when I thought that it was all over between Sam and Emma, fate spins yet another surprise at us. After all the drama and intrigues of the past two months, which culminated in the arrest and brief detention of Sam at the local police station, suddenly they are back together. I got this news courtesy of Sam who posted a picture of this n his Whatsapp status of them frolicking in bed.
It did not look like his usual bed at his Wessyde apartment, but wherever it was didn't matter. They were together and seemed to have made up.
"Tom, looks like they've reconciled."
"Nani? Diamond na Zari?"
"No, Sam and Emma."
"Oh," He did not look surprised at all. It sounded more like a sigh of relief from someone who was expecting it to happen.
Deep down I knew that Sam still loved Emma. I could see it from his countenance where he used to avoid insulting Emma in my presence. I took this to mean that either he knew that I was still talking to Emma or he didn't want to expose his real feelings there and then.

Rob me of my arsenal

What about Susan? where does she go after this? Granted, I feel like she was just a rebound in this intricate game of love. Part of me felt sad for her since it would mean that she has lost out to Emma again. They say once bitten twice shy, but for Susan, its like being bitten twice but still never shy.
I was also worried too. Their reconciliation would rob me of my only arsenal against Susan, the only thing that provided me cover against her devious blackmail schemes. I have to find something else to restore or even tip the balance of power in my favour, if not equal it.
"Sasa tungoje harusi."
"Yes. But it happened so soon."
Tom ignored me for a while and proceeded to serve the boda boda men with porridge. The biting cold is God send to Tom due to the record sales he has been making. 
Anyway, if Diamond and Zari are giving it a try after the nasty split of February, President Uhuru and Raila reconciled after the election fallout of last year, why not Sam and Emma? After all, they still love each other.
Let's see how the whole thing unfolds. 

SIDESHOWS AND SMOKESCREENS..

It is a chilly morning today in the green county of Kericho. Predictably, Tom has delivered his porridge to the container stall where I work. He is ever jovial and bubbling with excitement oblivious to the dread that is hanging around the shop today. Yesterday, we all received valuable intelligence that the county askaris would be swooping down on the place over unpaid dues.
Needless to say, we were all in a state of heightened alarm.
"Ras, wapi Jay?"
"Sijui Tom..Lakini, unaonaje hio story?"
Tom sipped his porridge and fiddled with his ear lobe. That was his way of deliberating serious matters. It did not take a while before he came up with a strange but plausible theory. Probably the best thing I have ever heard from his mouth.
"He might be stalling on something."
"Like what?"

"He has something up his sleeve."

He must pay up.

Tom spent the next minute trying to demystify the lie that the county guys would be here at the moment over so-called unpaid dues. Tom was right at the end. Jay was financially well-off and the 5,000 bob business permit for the two shops in the town are just pocket change for him. 
"Bado Jay hajakulipa?"
"Bado. Sijui shida ni gani."
"Then he's with someone."
I was not sure about that.By all definitions, Jay was a legendary tight-fisted man when it comes to finances. Though he lived quite a distance from the town center, he preferred to walk instead of paying the 20 bob fare. I could go on about his frugal ways but some of the stories being swirled across may be a little bit exaggerated.

Child Support Payments

"Nilikushow about Sylvia?"
"The hairdresser?"
"Yes."
So all this back and forth with our delayed salaries was because of Jay trying to forestall paying child support to Sylvia. I could see a pattern here. Every end month, Jay takes off to heaven knows where and comes again after ten days. His excuses border on absurd. 
So much for his side shows and the smokescreens. But he must pay up or else!!

LENIENT BOARDING SCHOOLS?

I can't believe that my lovely Doris had sneaked out of school just for sex. Not with anyone, but with me. How she could pull that off still amazes me. When she described it to me, It felt like an episode of Prison Break with Michael Scofield being in the loop. Perhaps they should ban that show completely, Scofield has a double out here and it is a girl called Doris.
"Babe, Shule hakuna roll call after ten. So hapo nikavaa civilian then am here."
"Ukishikwa?"
"Siko Solo. Tuko na Miriam."
She must have seen the apprehension on my face. She kissed me several times and rubbed my skinny chest with her soft hands. However, despite her spirited efforts, it could not allay my fears over her act.
"Babe, Half time is just two weeks away, mbona ukakuja mapema?"
"Nilikumiss. Tena this urge couldn't wait."
"Na self service?" She laughed heartily. Maybe the slang was funny or the fact that I was suggesting that she uses masturbation to quench her desires.
"Babe, That's so wierd."

Attract any attention

I was happy that she had come. However, after all the sex and fun, she had to leave surreptitiously back to her school. The school watchman had been bribed to facilitate this escapade. I cannot establish if it was monetary or carnally. I will revisit this later on.
"Bye babe." She kissed me and hugged me tightly before leaving with Miriam, who had accompanied her. The two were dressed in jeans, hoodie jumpers and sneakers. They had chosen dull colours which wouldn't attract attention. The time was 2 AM in the morning.
What has come over our schools? It isn't even a week after that rape incident in Moi Girls Nairobi. Doris was so daring to escape just for some quickie. It seems that when the urge comes, she couldn't help it. Hers was a private school. Ironically, it is hard for a parent to enter the school without an appointment. The fences around the school are designed in a way that you couldn't breach the compound from outside. But Doris and her accomplices managed to beat the round the clock patrols and sneaked out of the fortress. Was it her first time? So many questions but I still wonder if our boarding schools have become so lenient.    

LIFE NECESSITIES WE TAKE FOR GRANTED

The past two days have been quite hectic. Two reasons here; one is Doris' father and the other was my birthday.
It seems that fate is conspiring to bring me and Susan close together. It all started on Friday when I received news that Molel, Doris' father had collapsed while he was out there inspecting his tea nursery. There was pandemonium but thanks to the timely intervention of the kind villagers, he was rushed to hospital in record time and got treated.
It turns out that he was suffering from a heart attack. Had he delayed for an hour, he would have died. My father was among those who had taken him to hospital and sure enough, I had to visit too. But it was against my will. Mom had to send me there to bring him his warm jacket and some food in case he stayed there.
On Saturday, I bumped into Susan as she was trying to cheer her uncle up. We had to set aside our animosity for the better good of seeing Molel get better. Thereafter we had lunch together and talked a bit. The handshake was alright, but I am still keeping an eye over her. You never know when she'll strike.

A page older

I also turned a page older. This is my first birthday as a full adult and out of campus. Unlike before, there was no huge party nor drinking. I was just alone, away from technology and civilisation at the Tenwek falls. It was there where I made some reflections and did some accounting on my life so far.
There were instances that I have been taking a lot of things for granted. This life and my relationships. It took the serious life threatening heart attack of Molel and the death of my former KIMC mate, Dennis to make me appreciate the value of life. I have been railing here about my poor finances and this awful job of selling movies yet I am still healthy and strong. I think I should be grateful for that. 
Also, I was seriously contemplating leaving Doris, yet when I look around, I see no viable candidate around. Susan is a big No No while Emma has some unresolved issues to deal with. There, no one else. Save for the few hits and misses with random girls outside my locale, I think Doris deserves a better treatment from me. 
I just hope that I will live long enough to see my blessings.