3| Had a great time.
1385 Words
We both started digging in our food and we were both silent for some minutes before Owen broke the silence.
“Do you enjoy the food?” He asked.
“Yes, i do.” I replied.
Owen looked at me, smiled and said “You’re beautiful Hazel.”
That was totally unexpected, but I smiled and complimented him too.
“So are you, you’re handsome”
“So you’re from Ogun state? Where In Ogun?” He asked, ignoring my compliment.
“Abeokuta.” I replied.
“How many siblings do you have and does your family stay here in Lagos?” He asked.
“Four, I have four siblings. Only my mom is in Lagos right now.” I replied.
“But you stay alone, don’t you get lonely?” Owen asked.
“Well, I do sometimes. But I’ll be okay.”
“Are you still single?” He asked.
“Yes. Although I have been in a couple of relationships since that time but they all didn’t work.”
“Why? Trust issues?” He asked.
“Yes.” I replied.
Owen placed his palm on my hand and gave it a little squeeze before saying, “don’t worry, everything is going to be okay.”
I smiled and nodded my head, knowing that it might never be.
I asked him to tell me about himself. He was quiet for a few seconds and then proceeded to say. “My story is a little bit sad but motivating. Are you sure you want to hear this?”
I looked at him and said. “Absolutely.”
“My name is Owen Olayemi, I’m a medical doctor. My favorite food is the popular Nigerian rice. My favorite color is black. I grew up in the orphanage. I was told my family died in a ghastly motor accident and I was the only survivor.”
“Oh My God I’m so sorry” I said, interrupting him.
He looked at me and I could see a hint of sadness In his eyes.
“It’s okay.” He said, then continued. “I was only 2years old. The government took me to an orphanage home where I spent my childhood. I was lucky to have been sponsored to primary and secondary school, even though no one adopted me. After I completed my secondary education, I had no hope of furthering my education, so I decided to take the bold step of escaping the orphanage home, so as to hustle and make a better life for myself. I spent the first night under the bridge and many more nights. Sometimes I wouldn’t have what to eat, so I would have to beg. I worked many odds jobs and I was able to save up and sponsored myself to the university, where I studied medicine and surgery. While I was in the university, I got a job as a sales representative for a company. Working and studying was so tough for me. At a point, I almost gave up. But, i had to do it because that was my only hope of getting a better life. It wasn’t easy but I made it. I graduated, got a job and here I am, living a good life. I’ve come a long way.”
By the time Owen finished narrating his story, I was already crying profusely.
Owen looked at me, shook his head and said “Come on Hazel, do not make me sad.”
“How could I not? It’s so sad, you’ve gone through hell Owen, and I’m so proud of you that you made it this far. Some would have given up on life.” I said, in between sobs.
Owen picked up a tissue paper and wiped off the tears rolling down my cheeks.
He gestured at the waiter and when the waiter came, he asked for our bill.
“One minute.” The waiter said and disappeared.
He came back shortly after with our bill and Owen paid with his card. He tipped the waiter afterwards.
“Thank you very much sir.” The waiter beamed.
Owen reached out for my hand and said. “Let’s get going.”
The drive to my house was quiet.
He parked in front of my house and said. “Goodnight, We’ll talk on phone.”
“Goodnight, drive safely” I said, as i dropped from the car and entered my house.
I was tired, so I decided to take a quick shower before going to bed. As the cold water poured down my body, I remembered all the things Owen said and I started crying again. I said to myself ‘some people had it worse.’
After showering and wearing my pajamas, I laid on my bed and picked up my phone. I noticed that I missed two of Owen’s call.
I dialed his number and he picked up almost immediately.
“Hello, sorry I was in the shower that was why I missed your calls.” I explained.
“It’s okay, I had a nice time with you today.” He said.
“I had a great time too.” I admitted.
The phone conversation went on for a few minutes, before I told him that I was sleepy.
“Goodnight Hazel. I’ll see you tomorrow yeah?” He said.
“Yeah. Goodnight Owen.”
“Ok, bye.” He said and we ended the call.
The weekend passed by, so quickly, and it was Monday again.
I woke up feeling all relaxed. I wish I could have more sleep but I had to go out early because of Lagos traffic. I wouldn’t want to get to work late.
I brushed my teeth, took my bath, dressed up in blue jean and sea green top. I could wear mofty to work because I am a detective and I only wear uniform on ceremonial basis.
I headed out with an empty stomach. I couldn’t wait to have breakfast because I was running late.
Thankfully, traffic that day was not heavy. So, I got to the station in no time. I grabbed a coffee from the coffee shop close to the station, before entering the station.
“Good morning everyone.” I said to my colleagues, as I walked down to my corner.
“Good morning.” I heard voices say. I didn’t know who answered and who didn’t.
I had just finished solving a murder case.
The body of a young girl was found in a shallow grave. She had been missing for days and her family had filed a report, prior to discovering her body.
After thorough investigation, the shocking truth that it was her boyfriend who murdered her, and buried her, was uncovered. He was charged to court and sentenced to life imprisonment with hard labor.
Some of the evidences I worked with were still on my table. So, I gathered them in a box and took them to the evidence room.
On getting back to my desk, my phone started ringing.
I looked at my phone and my mom’s name flashed on the screen.
I slammed my palm on my forehead, when I realized that I had totally forgotten to call her back, as I had promised.
I took in a deep breath, before picking up.
“Hello mom, I’m sorry I forgot to call you back.” I apologized.
“It’s okay my baby, I just wanted to check up on you. It’s been long since you came to see me.” My mom said over the phone.
“I’m sorry mom, I have been so busy. I’ll come and see you soon.” I assured her.
“How is work? Hope you are not too stressed? Please take care of yourself.” She said.
“Work is fine. How are you?” I asked.
“I’m fine.” She replied.
“Hazel, boss wants to see you.” My colleague- Tunde, interrupted me.
“Tell him I’ll be with him soon” I said and continued the phone conversation.
“Okay I’m glad. Mom I have to go now, I am at work. Please take care of yourself.” I said.
“Take care of yourself too my baby. Bye.”
“Bye mom.” I said quickly and hung up.
- Writer
