Me with You

CHAPTER 5

Efo

I sat in my akpasa with my chewing stick in my mouth watching news thinking about myself when I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. I picked up my phone to check whatever it was but then I couldn't really see the screen clearly.

"Vinye  vaaaa" I called Nali to come and check what it is. (Translation:My child come)
She was in the kitchen with her mom like she normally does every Saturday morning                                                                                                     
"Yesss, Efo"
"hɔ na check phone ahh nam" I handed to her to check what message it was. ( Translation: Take the phone and check it for me)                 
 "Efo someone sent you two million Ghana cedis"               
    "Mega mind wo by now 419 tɔ wae"  ( Translation:Don't mind them by now they are the 419 people)                           

"No, Efo it is actually true and the reference is Bride price" She said in a very low and disappointing tone.

These rich people are they trying to buy my daughter. In this messed up economy they are wasting money like that. When some of us have dept and stuff to pay.

"We have to return the money " Dzifa, my wife pointed out.
"Check the number" I told my daughter.               
"But what if it was from a mobile money agent?" Nalikem said which could be highly true. Dzifa asked me to keep the money so the next time that woman comes to the house we will return her money.

I kept thinking about the dept I own Gadafi, one of the most dangerous loan sharks in town. I borrowed money from him to pay Nalikem's school fees and other stuffs she needs. But I promised my wife that I wouldn't touch my account until the money is returned.

****

I went to the shop to check on things and see what is going on. Maybe I would get some coins. When I got there, and the doors were locked. Which was impossible because Kojo is supposed to be at work, and I swear to the Gods that I opened my store in the morning myself or I'm I am dreaming.

I got out of my taxi to get a closer look maybe my sight is getting worse. I got out and got too closer to the store and it was locked with a very big chains with a bigger padlock with the inscription Gadafi very big and clear that anyone with eye problems such as mine can see.

"Efo Ese, where is my mɔney" he said robbing two fingers against each other indicating money. I know very that I don't have the money. but if I tell him that He will kill me.

"Give me some time and you will have your money."                                         "Efo I've given you plenty time and maybe if I take your wify ahhh you eye go geblɛ." he switch to his usual pidgin

"no"                                                                                                                                         "boys check am. check ein phone. if he send some give someone ahh" he othered his boys to hold me and check my phone the last alert I received was from that woman if they take that money, I am dead. that money is even more than I owe Gadafi.

Two of his guys held me while the other guy checks my phone and just like that, he saw the message. His eyes popped open when he saw the amount.

"Gadafi spy "                                            "so Efo"                                                        "it is not my money"                               "a start dey transfer am already but a lef something small for inside."           "Thank you Efo, it was nice doing business with you now mention your pin "                                       
 "it is not my money."                              "I know now mention the code"            "4440"good he said throwing the keys to the store on the floor. I don't know how I am going to tell my wife this.

*****

I got back from the store after running all the errands I sent to run by my mom. I got home to realize how noisy my house was. the noise coming from my parent's room sounded like they were in the middle of a heated agreement. My parents never argue they always talk through it, so what happened why are they arguing.

I got closer to their door. I was contemplating weather to eavesdrop or not. I just had to. I tried to get close to the door but then I heard it. what I didn't want to hear is exactly what I heard who sent there. the Only I could mentally save my self is pretend I didn't hear it. I walked over to the hall and sat in a couch waiting for whatever my parent had of me.

My parent came out of the room. My eyes were bloodshot red from crying and Efo looked constipated I smiled at both of them. Who am I kidding? I know now that's the only way forward.

"Your father borrowed money from Gadafi and ..."                                         "Ma, its fine. I will do." I cut my mom off. because I don't want to hear it, I will just cry which won't get me anywhere." I can't believe it. little did I know all I read in those romantic novels would come true. I am getting married.

*****

she is getting married. We are attending a wedding

end of chapter. please comment😃😃