Today is really a great day. At least, it would be better than last week. My swollen eyes had become manageable, my bruises healed, and my hopes as high as ever.
Food for today? Well, just the leftover soaked garri I had stored the previous night, and guarded with everything I had in me. Like literally, I held a cutlass while asleep.
I had borrowed the garri from James, with my self-esteem in the thrash.
In case you missed or have forgotten what happened to me in part one. First of all, quick reminder, my name is Daniel. Your one of a kind fresh graduate. I got into trouble with a military officer, which didn't end too well, but hey! I am still surviving.
So…guess what? I got a job interview scheduled at Johnben publications, a well known organization specialized in printing books.
Not my dream job though, but I can manage. Let's be honest, I don't really have a choice. Hunger is a driving force, and we tend to share the same bed. Even my trousers seem to look at me in utter disgust.
James? He is busy with his cooking, making life unbearable for the rest of us as usual.
I wore my suit, yeah the one I wore the last time, and set off for the job interview. Mama Nkechi seems not to have forgiven me for what happened to her daughter. She even had the guts to question my degree. Who does she think she is?
Regardless, I won't let her spoil my mood today. I made my way down the hallway, and walked over to the bus-stop. I flagged down a taxi (coughs), and entered the last seat at the back. At least, I would be free from any drama.
The bus was at rest, due to the fact that it had to get filled before moving. The conductor kept yelling that everyone should hold their "change" (exact amount for the trip). I held 1000 naira for a 50 naira journey, but it wasn't bad. Since everyone sat down comfortably, I believe they all had "change" with them.
The journey started, and I was just starting to feel comfortable in my seat, when the conductor decided to start collecting the transport fare from everybody. He started from the front row, to move towards the back.
The first person handed over to him a thousand naira note.
Both I and the conductor were shocked.
The second person? The same one thousand naira note
Same went for the third, fourth, and continued up to the next row. The conductor was already fuming with anger.
"I said you all should enter with your "change", what's these you all are giving me?"
There were murmurs in the bus, many gossiping as though they never heard him say that.
It got to my turn, and seeing me in a suit, and looking good as always, he beamed with joy.
"Brother, please pay your t-fare."
I hesitated at first, but handed him a thousand naira note. His smile disappeared instantly. He kept his gaze on me as though I knew something about what he was passing through.
"I said it! As I saw all of you, I knew you all won't be able to obey simple instructions. Take a look at this brother now, despite the fine suit, and his handsome face, he gave me a thousand naira note." He said, pointing his index finger directly at me.
"He wore a suit, and I thought that he had as much as a little sense. After all, to whom the brain is given, sense is expected. But now I have confirmed something else. I discovered that smart people aren't to be judged by suits they wear." He said, wagging his fingers in my face, many turning to look at me.
"This particular one, on the right side of his brain, there is nothing left, and on the left part of his brain, there is nothing right."
Passengers began laughing at me, some beating their laps in the process so as to contain their laughter. I felt embarrassed, and I hated the fact that I didn't have a comeback.
The rest of the journey saw me sulking, with the passengers around me making it worse than it was. My steeze and composure was already at the red bar.
We arrived at Johnben publications and I alighted. Well, I had already exchanged words with the conductor on getting down, which nearly resulted in us exchanging fists, but I held myself. It wasn't as though I couldn't beat him, it's just that violence is not always the best answer.
The building was magnificent, with a big book statue at the center of the compound. To think people complain about no money in the country, and someone had the guts to erect something like this. I guess that saying is just for the poor.
I walked in, and after a brief chat with the receptionist, I made my way to the manager's office. Standing in the queue were people of different shapes, sizes and colors. Many wore suits that were well ironed, and their shoes well polished.
As for me? I looked like a rejected racoon. I was even ashamed to tell some of them that I was here for the interview. After discussing with a few of them, I discovered that many of them were master's degree holders, and some had a PHD.
All I had was a bachelor's degree, that the school had given me as per they had gotten tired of me, and decided to let me go. How was I going to compete with that?
The interview started, and people kept entering in and out. Many I had known to have PHDs came out, some were crying, others looked like they had given up in life.
The ones with master's degree were worst. Many were talking to themselves as they strolled out of the office one by one. My heartbeat kept increasing. If these people saw hell with all their qualifications, what of me?
I was finally called in, and I entered the office. Sitting across the room was a woman who looked like someone in her mid fifties, a bald man whose hair looked like someone who wrestled with a rat, and a guy who wouldn't take his eyes off his laptop. I think he isn't interested in whatever was happening here.
I sat on the chair, and they marked an "X" on their paper. I could tell from their hand movement. I haven't started the interview, and they have already marked me bad, probably because I sat without permission. But still, do they know how hard the street is? Have they lived in the streets?
"Good day. What's your name?" The woman asked me, her face devoid of emotions.
"My name is Daniel Williams also known as fine boy with no pimples 1 of Benegota." I said with confidence.
Another "X"
"It says here that you attended Harvard university."
"Yes, I told the cafe guy to put Oxford, but since he couldn't spell it, he decided to put Harvard. Can you imagine?"
The interviewers looked at me shocked, but quickly composed themselves. I think they were impressed.
Another "X"
"So what's your level of experience?"
"Sir, you have already given me three "X", and you are still asking for my experience." I said, looking at the paper in front of them.
"Do you want the job or not?"
"Sorry sir."
"So let's continue, what's your experience level?"
I began searching through my documents looking for my experience, but I couldn't find it. I can't believe my neighbors stole my experience. I said it! I knew they hated me, but not to the point of stealing my experience.
I have two suspects in mind; Mama Nkechi or James. It's either one of these two.
"What are you doing?"
"Ma, they have stolen my experience. I kept it in my files, but now I can't find it." I said, still searching for it.
"So they have started stealing experiences?"
"Yes ma."
They began to whisper among themselves. I couldn't pick out the words, but I think I heard them say that I don't have sense.
"So tell me Mr…"
"Daniel sir, also known as fine boy with no pimples 1 of Benegota."
Another "X"
"Oh Daniel. So tell me, why do you need this job?"
"Sir, look at my tummy. If your child's ribs show like this, will you be happy?" I said, unbuttoning and lifting my shirt up for them to get a good view.
"Excuse me! It can't be my child!"
"Sir, I am not saying it's your child, just that….."
"You will explain, don't worry." The bald man said, looking intensely at me.
Another "X"
A few minutes later, security bursts into the room, looking around for any signs of danger. I guess they must have called them.
"Get this man out of here!" The bald man shouted at the top of his voice, glaring at me.
"Emm….sir, did I get the job?" I don't even know what made me ask that.
"Oh yes, you did. Congratulations! You will be our exit manager." He said with a fake smile on his face.
"So why are they dragging me like a goat?"
"Don't worry, that's how we welcome our new employees."
I was thrown out through the back door. These people don't know the big mistake they just made.
Imagine tossing a man of my pedigree, someone of my caliber, like a toy. They will regret not hiring me. I am basically the smartest person they will ever meet.
I dusted myself, and made my way home. Food? I'd just go to bed hungry.
I am sad, but at least my team is playing today at 7PM. I'd love to watch them play, to get my mind off today.
I hurried home, spending my last dime on transport fare. Football awaits me.
To be continued….