
01/08/2025
Hard Way Episode 2
I was confused at first, This was the man my father sent to bring something for me from the house.
Wait? Did he just pass out? For what? What happened to him I screamed my lungs out.
I looked around there was nothing on him, no food stuff, nothing.
What is the meaning of this? I didn’t care about the state of this middle-aged man, my own was that he shouldn't come here empty-handed without bringing any of the items I was expecting. I have been starving and my father promised to send something through someone.
I didn’t care how he managed to get whatever, my own is that he should find a way…he is my father and I am his responsibility.
I tried to search his pocket but I didn't see anything.
I looked around in frustration, sweating under the scorching sun.
“I think you should take him to the hospital a woman said from the small crowd. He seems to be unconscious”
Sam came out and ran towards me.
“Guy what happened to him” he said immediately he saw the man
“I don’t know “ I managed to utter while scratching my head hard
I was in pain, not because of the man lying before me but because I didn’t understand why my life was falling apart.
My eyes were hot and I could feel my heartbeat rise.
My hands were trembling, and it felt like the world was against me.
We later carried the man to the school clinic and he was revived after some hours.
It turned out he was attacked on his way to my lodge with my items.
He ran for his life and ended up dropping in front of my lodge out of panic because his blood pressure was high.
I didn’t care though, it was Sam who showed concern.
We got home tired and hungry, and I was so pained.
“What is all this sef”? I shouted and carried the only chair in the room and hit it on the wall in anger
Sam ran out of the bathroom and held me.
“Fred, stop it….control yourself, man, nobody died, and as long as there’s life? There’s hope guy “
“Shut up” motivational speaker”
I yelled at him while pushing him off in fury
Motivational speaker? Sam asked looking at me in dismay.
Yes, I said it….don’t come and add to my irritation this evening Sam.
I left the lodge and wandered around the school area.
I wanted some distractions.
Walking on the desolate road that leads to school all by myself. I came to a shop nearby and saw some freshly baked bread and some roasted chicken, my favorite.
I salivated and wanted to go closer, then I remembered how broke and wretched I was.
Immediately I tried to turn back and leave, I heard “stop there fine boy” in a hideous, and intimidating male voice.
I turned and saw 5 guys, they were not just ordinary school boys.
They were notorious and the most feared gangs in school. They have tried severally times to initiate Sam and me into their depravity group but we have been running from them as fast as our legs could carry us.
Immediately I saw what was happening, I tried to run but it was already too late. They blocked my way.
Where do you think you are running to? Ehh Mr. Fine Boy”
The leader of the group asked calmly as if he couldn't hurt a fly.
Nowhere sir” I responded sharply before I received a hot slap on my face.
“I see you wanted to buy something ehh ” he added while bringing out some money from his back pocket.
I shook my head and said no with both eyes wide open in fear.
One from the third street away could hear my heart racing.
Don’t you ever lie to me in your life again… he shouted and his saliva landed on my forehead, I almost cried.
I see how broke you have become in school, you are no longer the shining amour.
Too bad Fred, too bad but I can help you.
I don’t need your help please” I said and one of the boys raised his shirt immediately and I saw they were ready for me
I’m sorry please forgive me for talking back at you” I apologized at once while holding my mouth with both hands.
Good, he continued….
I will help you, but I want you to do something for me.
Once you do it? I will give you a lot of money tomorrow morning.
I want you to deliver your best friend to us this night for initiation, we need him in our group. We don’t need you anymore, you are not man enough.
Go home and bring him out to us and by tomorrow morning you’ll be restored again but this time around much better than before, because your money go long.
Sir? I answered with my eyes fixed on his lips as he mentioned money
Yes, Fred, you’ll be happy again and sort out your school work and graduate.
Do we have a deal?
I couldn’t utter a word at first but I didn’t have a choice, my life was falling apart and needed to be fixed in one way or the other. I didn’t want to betray my best friend Sam but I couldn’t say No either.
Right there, I put a call across to Sam to come out and get me that I injured my ankle.
Within minutes, Sam was seen coming towards where I was waiting for him. He had a worried looks and anxiety on his face.
He saw me and ran towards me shouting my name “Fred, Fred what happened to you?
I watched as the gangs crept out of their hideout and double-crossed my brother and my best friend Sam. I stood there and couldn't say a word
His eyes reached out to mine and he asked with a voice full of pain and shock.
Fred, Why?
To be continued
By Chika Christina