DANIEL POV
I got up from the bed and walked over to James' room. Loud music was playing from the inside. I guess he had brought a girl home. Well, that's none of my business. All I care about is the food and possibly medicine I would get from him.
I knocked on his door, but there was no response. I had to knock up a couple more times before he came out, sweating like who had run a marathon race. I can't believe he is doing such a thing this hot afternoon. He really has no shame.
"What do you want, Daniel?" He asked, looking impatient.
"Who's that honey?" I heard a tiny voice call from the room.
"It's just some guy that loves to borrow." James answered.
I lowered my head in shame. This is what we call "see finish". No more pride, no more steeze. I have lost my self respect in front of James and the whole compound. It's no wonder that our street chickens no longer have respect for me again. They literally walk in front of me as though I wasn't there.
James looked at me from my head to my toe, probably thinking of the best words to insult me with. Well, I was prepared for it anyway. James suddenly smiled, and asked what I wanted.
"Emm…can you borrow me…." I hadn't completed my statement when James interrupted me.
"Ehh! I said it. It won't be more than borrowing. Borrow that you won't even be able to pay back. Have mercy on yourself Daniel. Don't you hear how silly you sound. A graduate for that matter."
I swallowed the entire insult because the poor man doesn't involve himself in fights. Also, the encounter with that lady has opened my eyes to the fact that I was just a walking broomstick surviving on begging. I asked James if he could give me money for food and medicine that I would pay him back later.
James laughed so hard. That kind of laughter that would make you wanna crawl into your skin and hide. His 32 yellow teeth are visible for me to see.
"Don't bother, I know u won't pay back." He said, laughing again.
His babe came out, and I greeted her. She looked at me with scorn before turning to James with puppy eyes, urging him to discard me quickly. James went into the room, got some money, and handed it over to me. But he made sure that his girlfriend snapped him giving me the money.
It wasn't for any evidence. It was to spite me on the compound's WhatsApp group chat. He literally posted the pic with me smiling in it, and tagged it: "Providing for the poor and needy". I got to know about this through my neighbor since my phone was lost at that viewing centre due to that incident.
Regardless, I was grateful that I won't be going hungry tonight, and probably be able to go job hunting tomorrow. I am tired of being insulted because of my condition. I used a part of the money to get ingredients for Jollof rice, and went ahead to borrow gas from my neighbor after receiving another round of insults, to cook the rice.
I slept that night thinking about my life. This is not what I envisioned when I left school, when I threw up my graduating cap with my coursemates. I am grateful that I have something to eat, but what if the money finishes? How will I drag myself to James' room to ask for money again? I will be disgraced for nothing.
I decided to use the rest of the money with me as transport to the place for the interview.
I managed to sleep, my mind repeatedly wandering over the events of my life. I can't keep living like this.
***
I got dressed up in a nice outfit I had borrowed that early morning, sprayed perfume on myself, looked at my mirror more often to make sure I was impeccable. I just hope today goes well. I know Benegota, they love to disgrace someone.
I've made up my mind, I won't greet anyone, smile with anyone, or argue with anyone until I get the job. Where I was going was quite far from my house, almost an hour's journey, so I had to leave early. If I do get the job, then I'd have to find a way to live closer. It won't be possible to go over there from here.
I walked down the passage of the compound, James playing his usual song in his room, and frying some chicken. The goal? To make everyone question their life choices. I ignored it and was about to go out the gate where I bumped into mama Amaka, the mother of the girl that got beaten because I helped her in her assignment, allegedly.
She used her big body and pushed me to the side of the gate.
"How can a poor man use perfume?" She asked, looking at me with scorn.
"But you know that we both are poor." I replied, trying to get past her, but she blocked my way.
"Yes, that's true. But even among the poor, you are poorer. Even the poor have to give you something to eat. Why do you always beg James. We could literally hear his voice in our rooms. Don't you feel ashamed?" She asked, not with concern, but to spite me.
"It's not your shame, mama Amaka. Just leave me alone." I said, trying to get past her.
"Okay," she said, finally giving way. "I wish you success in your interview." She laughed. "That's if you will be successful."
I ignored her and walked out of the compound. Just you wait mama Amaka, when I eventually get this job, y'all will be begging for crumbs at my table.
I boarded a bus, and despite the drama that started there when some women started fighting with the driver, I refused to get involved. I knew Benegota was secretly setting a trap for me. This time, it decided to use women. But I ain't falling.
One of the women was even tapping me to input my suggestion, but I refused to talk. I won't lose my interview because of anyone or anything.
I arrived at the place. This was D & E publications, where they publish books and market them to the city. It was huge, with many people in suits walking in and out. I breathe in and out before making my way into the firm and towards the reception.
They were hiring new editors and only had two slots. I hope to get one. I do have a bit of experience in book editing, so I will try my best to get the job. I have learnt my lesson from my previous job interview and wouldn't make the same mistake again.
I was warmly received by the receptionist, and they directed me to the manager's office, where a few people sat, waiting to be called in for the interview.
Just then, my blood froze.
Sitting a few meters from me was no other than the girl I had met yesterday at that party. She was neatly dressed, with light make-up on her face, and she was radiating like the sun. As much as I hate her, I can't deny the fact that she looks beautiful.
She hasn't seen me yet, her eyes still focused on her CV, probably searching for something.
ROSE POV
I sat on the chair provided, scanning through my documents. I didn't want to be taken off-guard or to be seen as incompetent.
I had left home early that morning in search of a job. Yes, you heard right. I know I said I was a blogger with just 5,000 followers on Facebook, but hey! That ain't gonna put food on my table. I couldn't sit still and wait until my dad finally chased me out.
That night, I laid on my bed, thinking about my life. I just had to calculate all my life decisions, and I was convinced I was heading into a life of being useless. I didn't have anything to my name despite graduating as among the best from a prestigious college.
My dad was right. I was too old to be in his house. I needed to find my feet, to be able to take care of myself. So…I decided to go in search of a job, and ta-da! Here I am.
I felt a pair of eyes constantly watching me, so I turned around sharply to see that it was no other than that poor boy. The boy who had the audacity to throw my food on my body. The guy who poverty had dealt with so badly that one would have mercy on him by just looking at him.
I wonder what he is doing here at this interview. Does he think this is where poverty lives? Or does he think that poverty is the manager here? He had better find his class, this place is too sophisticated for him. I doubt he went to college. Just take a look at his ugly self. I am sure that suit was borrowed.
I spent the next five minutes looking down on him. Our gaze was still fixed on each other, none willing to break eye contact. I'm pretty sure he's saying terrible things about me in this his pear-shaped head, but I couldn't care less.
Finally, we had to break eye contact after an announcement was made, alerting us of the start of the interview.
DANIEL POV
I stared at her, refusing to break eye contact. This is really the first time I am taking a good look at her face. Her eyes had a shade of blue, her lips full and well carved. Her face? It was beyond beautiful. I feel like I'm staring at an angel right here.
"Are you crazy?" My subconscious yelled at me.
I mentally slapped myself, bringing myself back from my day-dream. Suddenly, an announcement was made, and the interview began.
People began walking into the office for their interview, one after the other. My heart was beating faster than I could control it.
This is it…
TBC.