1)Reunion
Deborah drove towards the main town in the highest of spirits. She had applied for this particular job exactly 8 months ago and finally got called to come for an interview today. Debbie, as her auntie who she lived with called her, felt very prepared and was totally optimistic she will land the job.
She sped on the highway in her auntie's Honda civic going over possible interview questions and how she could best answer them in her head. She didn't notice she was moving way beyond the speed limit till she glimpsed a police patrol car behind her flashing their headlights in a bid to signal her to stop.
"Oh no" she said in awe. " This isn't happening right now. I really can't be late. I have to get this job." She however pulled over to the side of the road and waited as an officer dropped from the passenger side of the patrol car that had now parked behind.
She smiled at an idea of speeding off and trying to out run the police but she reminded herself this wasn't her car and she was not in any capacity to pay for any damages that could occur if she acted negligible.
"Good day madam", the officer said as he reached her rolled down window. " May I ask why you were speeding way above the speed limit this morning? ". After trying to explain in many ways that she had a really important interview, the officer was still reluctant in letting her go.
She was so confused because the more time she spent parked there, her scheduled time for the interview approached. Then she asked the officer in an exhausted tone, " Please can I speak to your superior? " the officer motioned her towards the patrol car where a senior officer sat by the driver in the front. When she set eyes on the officer she couldn't believe her eyes. Before she even spoke the high ranking man in the front seat shouted "Debbie !! . wow is that you? It's been quite long". This was Philip, her course mate and close friend from college who she in a way lost contact with. She didn't know if to be happy or sad because her interview time was fast approaching and she was nowhere close to the venue but she was happy to see him.
It was 8pm and Debbie walked into the premises of Chez Afrik, a bar and restaurant in East Legon. She had scheduled to meet Philip there later in the evening after the encounter earlier in the day. As she walked into the premises Philip waved at her from a seat close to the car park because it was an open area with no ceiling. The idea is to have customers enjoy the fresh air. She got to him and hugged him. God! She missed this guy. She thought.She held on the hug a bit longer than a usual hug. Back in school Philip had constantly proposed to her but she had always said to give her more time. Today this was Philip and he looked so good and even much muscular than she remembered him.
" Wow Debbie you are looking really beautiful and you smell good. I hope you did not find it difficult locating this place" he said to her in all smiles. " Thanks very much" she replied " for the compliment and for the escort today. Earlier today after she had made known her agenda to Philip in the patrol car, he had ordered his driver to lead her through traffic with their sirens so she actually ended up being very early for her interview. The interview also went quite well but it might be a few days before she will hear from them about the job. For now she was thinking of how things could go with Philip as she sat across the table from him. He was not in the police uniform this evening. He wore a white long sleeve shirt and fitting jeans. "Debbie please don't assume I asked you for this date as a payback for the escort today okay. It's because I have really missed you wow and seriously you're looking so pretty." He maintained eye contact with her all the time and kept his smile. He was being honest about how he had missed her. She was his crush during school days and out of nothing short of a miracle here she sat with him. He had been totally shocked to see her today now she was right here with him looking so beautiful in an awesome white blouse and a flair red skirt. His heart skipped a beat whenever she smiled at him.
Somewhere in the United States Afia thought of her bestest buddy. They hadn't conversed in a while but she remembered her friend had told her about an interview she will soon attend. She prayed her friend will get the job because she knew how terrible it felt to be jobless so many months after school for she had also been in the same situation till her application for a scholarship to do her Masters degree in UCF, a university in Florida went through. She was now living in Florida of the United States with a part time job to help sort out her accommodation. She had been in the States for over a year and was even seeing a guy from her school whom she really liked. He liked her too. They usually spent their free time planning their future, taking walks and visiting lots of fun places. His name was Boflot and he was Ghanaian too but was in the United States much longer than Afia. He had been there since childhood and longed to get back to Ghana to meet his family whom he hadn't seen in a very long time.
Afia planned she was going to call Debbie right after work today. Due to the different time zones, this was kind of difficult because Debbie might be fast asleep when she calls but she couldn't take it any longer. She had to check up on her best buddy.
Deborah saw Afia's call. “A minute please. “ she said to Philip. “I have to take this.”
“Hi babe” Afia said over the line when Deborah answered. “Hello my dear. How've you been? I've missed you bunch” Deborah replied. “Aww I miss you too dear. I was scared I wouldn't reach you due to the time.” Afia said chuckling. “ I've been great. Just got home and wanted to check on you. Have you had the interview yet?” She asked curiously. “Babe, the interview was today o and on God you won't believe what happened” Deborah said happily “but I'll have to get back to you later ok?” “ Okay babe. Take care. Glad to know you're cool. I'll be waiting to hear from you. Bye “ Afia said with a smile. Deborah was like a sister to her.
“Sorry” Deborah said to Philip who kept smiling as he looked into her eyes. “It's fine” Philip said. “You still look amazing” he added, holding her hands over the table. Deborah felt her heartbeat rise. Would it be too rush to say yes to anything he would say tonight? She thought. She felt he had been a gentleman tonight and was very composed. She felt safe with him.
2)A close shave
Jason run with all his might. He could not be caught. He told himself as he dashed across some moving cars on the street. He got to the bus stop and was able to get on before the bus moved. He had no idea where his partner was at that moment. He prayed Raul was safe. He got off at his stop and walked in quick strides to where he lived. He dialed Raul's number. “Yo bro! “Raul answered after it rang once.” It's done bro”, he added. Jason sighed in relief. “So have you received payment?” He asked anxiously. “Yeah bro”, Raul replied. “I'll give you your cut tomorrow at the base.” He added, sounding a little breathless.” It was hasty bro, but everything went well. I was kinda worried about you, but you're a hard guy, amigo, and that's what gave me motivation. We'll vibe tomorrow. I've got to sort some stuff out with my folks, so let's talk tomorrow, yeah. Safe bro. One!” Then he hung up.
Raul had dinner with his grandmother whom he lived with, smiling at himself. They were having spaghetti with cheese and chicken. It was one of his favorite dishes, and he loved how his grandmother made it. In his opinion, she was the greatest cook. She was the only family she had in the States. He was just five when his mother gave him to one Señor Henendez who was coming to America from Mexico. He just had a picture of his mother which she placed in his pocket before he left. He was to be handed over to his grandmother in Tampa, Florida, where she did menial jobs to make a living and that is how he ended up in the United States. He was put into school and that's where he met Jason. Jason was a go getter to him, because Jason had fought with him to overcome some bullies that were disturbing his crush one faithful day during lunch break. They bonded right there and then. He was actually the only one that had stood up to the bullies that day and was totally outmatched when a boy of African descent ran to join him. That was Jason. It ended with a lot of bruises, but till today they always laughed about it, saying to each other “you should see the other guys!”
Deborah got a call two days later. It was from the firm with which she had the interview. “Yes!” She shouted with joy. She has a job now. She couldn't wait to tell Afia and her auntie about it. She immediately began to psyche herself about her new job. She had already read through the job description which had been sent to her email address more than ten times. She knew she was ready.
“Aunty Yaa I got the job!” Deborah said, excited as she sat by her auntie who was watching a telenovela on television in the hall.
“We! Thank! God!” Auntie Yaa exclaimed. “I always knew you could make it,” she said happily, hugging Deborah tightly. She was like a daughter to her. She had taken her as her own when her brother and his wife, Deborah's parents, had gone on a road trip and lost their lives in a gory accident. It took a toll on me. She thought to herself. And my dear girl had to bear that since childhood. She was very proud of Deborah. She was a very strong lady.
Deborah was overly excited and felt so optimistic about her days ahead. She checked on Afia later that night, excitedly revealing the good news. Afia, so overjoyed, said over the phone “Babe, I wish I was in Ghana to celebrate with you o. But for real, my dear, you need to treat yourself to something special. Uhm something like a spa day girl.” Deborah could only smile. She knew Afia and her would have a girls' day out to celebrate. Oh no! She almost forgot to tell Philip. Deborah thought to herself. They had communicated constantly since their last meeting at Chez Afrik. Philip had also had gifts delivered to her; chocolates, ice-cream, roses and even network airtime for her phone. She was very impressed at his gestures, and it was obvious he would probably propose. That's if he was truly always this charming and thoughtful. She thought. He had even made known his intentions of coming to see where she lived and also meet her auntie, which was an action any serious or responsible gentleman would take.
Jason walked along the school hallway looking around, trying to spot Raul, his friend. He met him opposite the computer laboratory talking to a senior. Could there be another job? He thought to himself. “Yo Raul!” He called out. “Bro!” Raul responded. “Hello”, greeting the senior who nodded approvingly. He turned to Raul and told him to meet up at the end of classes for details. It definitely was another job. Jason excitedly said to himself, thinking about the proceeds from the last job. Raul had not yet given him what was due him, but he trusted Raul and knew he would never shortchange him. At least, any endeavor they had both undertaken that involved sharing money never brought up any fracas. “What's up bro, how've you been? “ Raul asked him as they walked together to class. “Couldn't be better,” Jason responded, asking how Raul was also holding up.” As a matter of fact amigo I am great. And here!” Raul answered and handed over a brown envelope to Jason. Jason knew it was his percentage of profits from their last job.
After school hours, Raul and Jason met the senior with whom they met in the morning at the cafeteria. His name was Felix. "So this is what we are gonna do." He started, staring at them with a strict expression. "They are usually out during the day and back at night except for weekends. For that, there will definitely be someone present on the premises. I should not be the one to tell you how dangerous it is on that side of town. Also, the only way out of the area once you have acquired the goods is through the sewers. " Raul made a face" eewww, the money better be worth all that trouble hombre"he said, interrupting Felix. "It definitely is, my brother." Felix responded in an encouraging tone. "This is the address. Call me when you have the goods, yeah?" "Ayt", Raul and Jason responded in unison, then exited the school building while discussing possible strategies that could make their assignment as smooth as possible
.3)A new breeze
Deborah called to check on Philip from her new office. She had been able handle her daily assignments effectively and on time. She was enthusiastically getting used to the environment. She had not yet attended a general meeting and as such had not met the entire staff. My Gyamfi, her direct superior was who she mostly interacted and then three other staff. They were Andrea, Rita and Toby.
“Hello Phil. How're you?” She said when Philip answered. “A little bit of a ruff day here my dear” he replied in a sarcastic way, chucking “ All because you aren't here to save the day.” Deborah giggled softly and said,” Oh come on. I'm here for you all the time.” “Glad you called. Do you think we could grab a bite in about an hours time? That's lunch time right?” Philip asked anxiously. “Sure” Deborah replied. “Where though?” She asked. “ uhm… should we do Kfc?” Philip suggested. “Sure big man” Deborah said laughing. Philip laughed hard at his end of the call promising to pick her up by one pm.
This was a stealth mission. Raul's features were totally camouflaged by his dark leather jacket and pants. He had a black baseball cap on as well. Jason was also suited up in a similar outfit but had an olive green color. They had gotten off the bus three stops away and had made their way through the alleyways to where they stood now. They were in the backyard of a two storey detached house. The back door was opened as they had been told. Jason glanced around the kitchen and noticed a cat slouched on a wide cushion. They made their way carefully to the study where they found a neatly polished wooden box as large as a single door wardrobe. Raul and Jason got to work on its lock. Jason held a very thin and long pin into the keyhole as Raul used a similar pin to fumble the other parts of the keyhole unlocking the lock in minutes. “Yooo “ they said in unison when they glanced in the box.
Boflot and Afia held hands as they walked down the lightly crowded beach. They both had off days today and were enjoying each others company. They had began the day using rollerblades through the neighbourhood and had picked up a quick breakfast at Star Bucks. Afia claimed they were generous with their whipped cream. She was a frequent customer. Though Bofloat frequented there once in a while, he was a fan of preparing different dishes at home. He had on several occasions treated Afia to a buffet of pies, spring and sausage rolls with a fruit punch or sometimes Cool Aid.
“Bae do you see those birds gliding up there?” Boflot said to Afia, sqeazing her hand gently. She looked up wandering which particular bird he was referring to because there were many birds in the sky. “ Those two love birds right there.” He said with laughter pointing at the horizon. “Oh where?” Afia asked, looking confused. “Come on bae. Look very closely at where I'm pointing. Look at those two love birds holding hands on the beach.” They both laughed hard. Bofloat then swept her off her feet and ran towards the approaching waves playfully. They both dived deep and soon resurfaced for air. “Knock knock” Afia said. “Who's there?” Boflot asked. “A shark!” Afia screamed playfully. They both burst into wild laughter and swam towards the shore as if Afia's joke was a que to leave. They knew there were lifeguards and coast gaurds in speedboats looking out for such hazards so they were not freaked out. They had been actually out all day and mutually felt a bit exhausted.
“Any word from Jason?” Boflot asked Afia as he drove towards his apartment. He had hoped Jason had joined them beause it had been a very fun day. Afia would have wanted him present too but Jason had declined the invitation when Afia reached out to him last night. He said he had some assignments to take care of and promised to visit her soon. Boflot had prepared some spaghetti with cheese and chicken before they left for town in the morning. All he had to do was heat it up and prepare a nice fruit punch to go along with it. “Bae” Boflot called out while walking up the basement stairs. "What's up dear?" Afia responded. "I swear I think there's been a break in. He had just gone to the basement to get some wine for the night. "What?" Afia exclaimed in a panicking state. "How? When? Did they take anything?" She was scared. There hadn't been any case of burglary before and here they were in such a predicament. She thought to herself. "We have to call the police" she suggested with a worried look. "Did they get anything?" She asked again anxiously.
Boflot placed the wine on the center table in the living room where they would have their meal and walked to the kitchen to get glasses for the wine. It was one of her favorites and quite ancient. He had been lucky to purchase a whole cellar of similar kind at a wine auction few months ago courtesy of one of his very close friend. He was expressionless as he did this but sat by Afia and gave her a kiss on her cheek. "They actually did" He said, finally answering her anxious questions and with a serious look on his face. He uncorked the wine, half filled both glasses and handed one to Afia. Now he turned to face her and said, "There's been a terrible break in and my heart has been stolen." He ended with a wide smile. "Oh!" Afia let out in relief, almost in tears because she got the intended joke now. She smiled and leaned in slightly, which prompted Philip to lean in much closer, looked passionately into her eyes and kissed her deeply.
4)Paths align
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the city of Accra, Deborah sat at her desk, reviewing the latest reports for her new job. The office was quiet, the soft hum of the air conditioning the only sound breaking the stillness. She glanced at the clock on her computer screen, realizing it was almost time to meet Philip for their planned dinner. Philip had become a constant presence in her life ever since their chance encounter on the highway. His kindness, wit, and unwavering support had captured her heart, and she found herself falling for him more with each passing day. As she shut down her computer and grabbed her bag, she couldn't help but smile at the thought of seeing him again.
Meanwhile, halfway across the world in Florida, Afia sat on the balcony of her apartment, gazing out at the twinkling lights of the city below. She had been reminiscing about her time in Ghana, missing her family and friends dearly. Though she had found happiness and love in the States, there was always a part of her that longed for home.
Her thoughts drifted to Deborah, her best friend since childhood. They had shared so many memories together, from late-night study sessions to wild adventures exploring the streets of Accra. Despite the distance between them, their bond remained unbreakable, a testament to the power of true friendship. Deciding to take matters into her own hands, Afia picked up her phone and dialed Deborah's number. She knew it was late in Ghana, but she couldn't wait any longer to hear her friend's voice. After a few rings, Deborah's cheerful voice filled the line, and Afia felt a rush of excitement. "Babe, it's so good to hear from you!" Deborah exclaimed, her voice filled with warmth. "How have you been?" Afia laughed, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. "I've been good, just missing you like crazy," she admitted. "I was thinking about you and wanted to check in. How's everything going at your end?" Deborah's smile was evident even over the phone. "Things are great, actually," she replied. "I started my new job, and it's been incredible so far. I'll have to tell you all about it later." Afia's heart swelled with pride for her friend. "That's amazing, Deb! I knew you'd nail it," she said enthusiastically. "We definitely need to catch up properly soon. Maybe we can even plan a trip to visit each other." Deborah's eyes lit up at the suggestion. "I would love that," she said eagerly. "Let's make it happen." After exchanging promises to stay in touch, the two friends said their goodbyes, each feeling a renewed sense of connection and warmth.
Back in Accra, Deborah stepped out of the office building and into the warm evening air, her heart fluttering with anticipation. She scanned the bustling street for any sign of Philip, her eyes brightening when she spotted him leaning against his car, a charming smile on his face. "Hey there, beautiful," he greeted her, opening the passenger door with a flourish. "Ready for our evening adventure?" Deborah felt a rush of excitement as she slid into the car beside him, the scent of his cologne enveloping her. "Absolutely," she replied, her voice tinged with laughter. "Where are we off to tonight?" Philip winked at her mischievously. "It's a surprise," he teased, starting the engine and pulling away from the curb. "But I promise it will be a night to remember." As they drove through the streets of Accra, the city lights twinkling like stars above them and Deborah could not help but marvel at the beauty of her surroundings. Accra by night, as everyone jokingly called it. With Philip by her side, she felt as though anything was possible, and her heart swelled with gratitude for the love and joy he brought into her life.
Meanwhile, across the ocean in the United States, Boflot and Afia strolled hand in hand along the sandy shores of Miami Beach, the sound of crashing waves echoing in the distance. The air was warm and balmy, the sky painted with hues of pink and orange as the sun dipped below the horizon. Boflot looked at Afia, his eyes full of adoration. "I'm so glad we decided to take this walk," he said softly, his voice carrying over the gentle breeze. "It's moments like these that remind me how lucky I am to have you in my life." Afia smiled up at him, her heart overflowing with love. "I feel the same way," she replied, squeezing his hand gently. "Being with you feels like coming home, no matter where we are." They continued their walk in comfortable silence, the only sounds the rhythmic crash of the waves and the soft murmur of their voices. As they reached the end of the beach, Boflot turned to Afia, his eyes sparkling with determination. "There's something I want to tell you," he said, his voice serious yet filled with warmth. "Something important." Afia's heart skipped a beat, her stomach fluttering with anticipation. "What is it?" she asked, her eyes searching his face for any hint of what was to come. Boflot took a deep breath, his gaze never leaving hers. "I love you, Afia," he said simply, his voice filled with sincerity. "More than anything in this world. And I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy." Tears welled up in Afia's eyes as she listened to his words, her heart overflowing with emotion. "I love you too, Boflot," she whispered, her voice choked with tears. "With all my heart." At that moment, as the sun dipped below the horizon, time seemed to stand still. “I landed a job with Dotcom group of companies” Boflot said. "They are willing to wait until I graduate before I assume the position full-time. For the time being, I am permitted to work on issues remotely by phone calls and emails." He added. Afia jumped excitedly into his arms at the news. “This is awesome. Wow. I'm so proud of you love” she screamed, barely able to conceal her joy. Boflot concluded “I really need to know I will never lose you. Ever my love. I'm going to take excellent care of you love.”
5)Banging Wheels
“Let's go rollerblading on the beach road, mi amiga” Raul said to Jason. “Yo, we don't have our rollerblades here, they're at Michele's”, Jason answered. A big smile on his face already agreed with him. “Dude, we have new rollerblades, and they are right here hermano”, he said, getting off the bed where they were seated, playing a PlayStation 3.
Raul pulled open the lowest drawer of his wardrobe and pulled out two brand-new rollerblades all completely mat black. Jason laughed and took his from Raul's hands, strapping his on very quickly. Raul also dropped by him and strapped his on.
Jason's phone rang. They both saw who was calling and smiled at each other. “Hello sis. My most beautiful Queen aside, mum, of course”, Jason said playfully over the phone when he finally picked up.
Afia giggled at her end of the line. She was calling to invite him over for a day out, but Jason declined the offer but promised to go see her sometime soon. Days out with her and, obviously, Boflot were extremely memorable and totally worthwhile.
Raul raced Jason along the sidewalk as they skated towards the beach. “Well”, Jason thought to himself. There was a great probability of them running into Afia and Boflot at the beach. That is if a day out, according to her, was going to be at the beach. It would nevertheless be fun, although Jason thought it might be a bit awkward if they did run into each other because he did not really give any specific or tangible reason for declining her invitation earlier. “Anyway”, he thought again,” it's all good”.
Raul jumped a bench on his rollerblades when they got to the beach. There were about a dozen people also on rollerblades and skateboards. The whole environment was in a frenzy. Jason performed a stunt in three quick steps but fell when he attempted to add another stunt. He was not injured though, because they both had crash helmets, elbow and knee pads on as well. He got back on his feet and started doing a stunt where he kept spinning and then stretching in dance-like movements.
They had been skating for about two and half hours when a loud bang was heard. It was extremely loud, and it came from the street close to a shop where they had gone to grab some sodas and chocolate bars. “Wanna go check it bro?” Jason shrugged “What if it was a gunshot?” He asked. They both thought about it. It was possible, but they still skated towards where the sound had come from. They threaded carefully all the same. If it were really a gunshot, they would definitely not want to get involved. There were not many gun-related issues on their side of town anyway, and they were now about to find out what the issue was.
The area was very crowded, dismissing any suspicions of a possible gun fight. It was a thick crowd, making it more difficult to move on the rollerblades. They kept catching some words from the crowd about a car. When they were able to finally squeeze through the crowd and get close to the action, they noticed a red BMW sports car doing burnouts in the middle of the street as the crowd cheered on. It seemed to be a music video because there was a camera crew as well. The driver of the sports car was a blonde female in her thirties. She revved the engine and caused fire to emit from the exhaust, followed by a loud blast. It was an awesome scene in Jason and Raul's books. The whole area was covered in smoke and the smell of burnt rubber. The scene continued for about half an hour when two events happened simultaneously. Amidst the crowd cheering, the siren of a police cruiser sounded just as the rear tyres of the sports car burst.
“No way”, Philip said in awe, holding his phone to his ear as his eyes were locked with Deborah where she sat across the table. She also had a surprise look on her face. They had been having their meal with laughter when Philip's phone rang. He had picked up and listened for a couple of minutes when he said that in disappointment. When he hung up he had a serious look on his face. “I'm so sorry dear, but we need to go now” he said to her, holding her hand and getting up. “There's been an emergency, and I am needed at work”. He dropped Deborah off at home and promised to make it up to her.
There was an accident on the George Walker Bush highway and that was his jurisdiction in terms of patrols and traffic control. He had to get to the scene as fast as he could. “He picked up his walkie-talkie and gave instructions to his deputies to alert the fire service department as well as arrange for ambulances to be at the scene.
A taxi had run a red light and was hit in its rear by a truck. The truck driver had a severe cut on his forehead, whilst the taxi driver sustained a broken shin and was unconscious. The truck driver was being administered first aid in the ambulance, but the taxi driver was being taken to the 37 military hospital where he would be attended to. Philip and his team took in all the detailed evidence they could gather as well as statements from eyewitnesses. In the end, the vehicles were towed to the police station.
Deborah said hello to her auntie when she got home with a prolonged warm hug. “How was your day?” Her auntie asked, smiling. “Aww it was amazing. And what of you Ma?” She replied, asking in return. “My day was fun too”, Her auntie said. “I actually went to see a play”, she added. “ Wow really? What was it about though? You will have to tell me all about it” Deborah said excitedly.
Philip called Deborah later that night and knew she was anxiously waiting to hear from him about what had happened when she picked up the phone at the first ring. “Hello dear, thank goodness I've been really worried. I hope you are in one piece”. She started when he said hello. Philip laughed and told her all about the accident he had been called to attend to. She freaked out about the taxi driver's condition and said she will pray for him and hopes he gets better. Philip had added that the truck driver had been treated and discharged. He also told her he was missing her and would have loved it if she were in his arms that very moment.
