What A Ooze!! || Creative Nonfiction #79
It was on a sunny morning, the cool east wind had suddenly reappeared in the middle of the February hot weather, leading everyone's face to look so dashing and admirable. Mike and I met at the junction as usual to board a bus to our place of work which was an hour's drive from Amen estate where we lived.
What's up bro? How was the night?
Mike came out with such a good spirit unlike when the first thing he would have done was to complain that the state of the nation and its economy was becoming unbearable.
good. At least, one was able to have a sound sleep. Thanks to the sudden cold weather.
I replied to him with a smile as we continued our trekking to the bus stop to board a bus to work. When we served at the bus stop, the crowd of passengers was just too much and the buses plying that route were few.
Some folks were discussing the sudden queues that have emerged in filling stations across the state, depicting a possible increase in the pump price of petroleum products and the emerging scarcity. That was about the only discussion around the bus stop. One complaint or the other, all bordering around the cost of goods, especially food.
A Marcopolo bus arrived and the whole crowd, not minding where the bus was headed, started hustling to get a seat. It was a thug of war. At that moment, it was all man for himself. I couldn't find Mike by my side. He probably might have sorted himself out to get a place in the bus.
Etwr with your change oooo. Any bus stop along this route is #600. No change ooo.
The bus conductor shouted on top of his voice while the passengers were still struggling to find a seat. Usually, the transport fare for such bus along that route ought to be #300. This conductor was mean. He was ready to squeeze out juice from our pockets. Out of dexterity, we had to hop in.
Sooner than we were settled. All seats were occupied and some people had to even stand. I noticed an offensive smell oozing from the person sitting next to me. She was a plump size with heavy sweats. At that moment, I knew that I was in a fix. I started feeling like I was being suffocated.
Conductor, come and have your money and let me have my change.
The plump lady said.
In my entire life, I have not perceived such a smell before. I felt so sick but there was no way I could have changed my sitting position. I just had to bear the situation. The worst of it all was the lady was a pandemonium of parrots, all in herself. She spoke with no one in particular, complaining of the government and the agberos who have become another force controlling the public.
I just wanted the bus to halt at my destination so I could escape this danger that was robbing me in the face.
Looking ahead, I found Mike. He didn't get a place to sit and he was sweating profusely on his head. He must have been stressed out.
When the bus finally stopped, I rushed down to find fresh air. Unfortunately, the lady dropped with Mike and I. When we got to the office, we saw her coming in from behind us.
Good morning.
She greeted us.
I am Demilade, a corps member. I was transferred here as my Place of Primary Assignment.
In my head. So, she is going to be here a whole year. I moved away, directing her to the head of the personnel office.
You are welcome. Kindly go to the head of the personnel office.
She moved towards the office as I looked at Mike and walked into my cubicle.
At midday, we were all called to the boardroom for a briefing. Demilade was also present. Since I knew what I suffered from her in the bus, I moved far away from her.
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I would like to introduce you all to a new member of our company. She will be observing her one year NYSC programme here with us. She is in the person of Miss Demilade.
We all applauded her as she rose from her seat. She waved at us and sat again.
Please, admin, kindly find a space for her in any of the offices upstairs.
In my mind, I knew we were going to have a problem if she was eventually assigned a space in my office. I quickly ran to the admin after the office to help her out with finding an office for Miss Demilade, all in a bid to make sure she wasn't assigned a space in my office. My plan fell through and I am glad.
Hahahhahaha! This had me laughing all through. The worse thing that can happen to anyone is to sit besides someone with some unpleasant smell coming out from their body in a cramped bus. You can't even hold your breath because for how long will you hold it for? You are lucky your wish was granted.
Seriously, I almost suffocated. I had to accept my fate and breathe but it was a trying time 🤣🤣, my fairy was tested.
Did you get what you wanted? We cannot help but feel that certain rejection when we dislike something. It happens very often when we go to places crowded with people and we start to notice strange things. At least everything turned out well for you.