Babalanlord Ep 13

“Finally! The famous Iya Cow”

“Iya Kawo!”

“ I know I know I’m just teasing. Thanks for bringing me here. I don’t remember the last time I had egusi this good. I’ve been suffering. Need to have a word with my cook.”

“ hahaha he has a cook. Lord in heaven.” 

Dr Deji shrugged, as though to say yup I do. 

“Can I order take away ?”

“I think so, but you need to have your own bowl. Maybe she’ll sell you one. Anyway, thanks a lot for the reference with the Dr for Folake. I think she’s started talking to her. There’s only so much I can do. I feel like worrying about her has consumed my whole life. I’ve lost focus. I don’t even know what I want to do for myself. But I feel selfish because she’s in a lot of pain - physical and emotional - so it’s like she should take priority.”

“Let me give you some advice from my experience. You can’t want it for her. As much as you want her healed. As much as you want her safe. As much as you want the best for her. She ultimately has to want it for herself. You can only do your best to remind her, and honestly, sometimes the best way to do it is by setting an example in the way you treat and prioritise yourself. I think you’re a great friend. But try not to get to the point where you’re empty, or she becomes over dependent on you.”

“Sigh. Thank you. I just want her to leave him fully. But her mother makes it difficult as well.”

“Yea, it’s really tricky. I’m sorry and honestly here if you need me.”

“Thanks. You don’t have to say that. I know you have a lot on your plate. You’ve done enough already.”

“I mean it. Anyway, enough about Folake. What about you ? Who are you ?”

“That sounds like such a deep, heavy, philosophical question ...”

“I’d like to think I am all those things you mentioned.” He said, feigning a serious face before we both bursted out laughing. 

“There’s not much to tell. You know what I do. And the traumatic experience my friend is going through. That’s basically my life for now.”

“Okay tell me about before.”

“Before I sold soft drinks in between job interviews. And before that I studied computer science.”

“How did you go from computer science to soft drinks to lesson teacher? It feels like your skills are in high demand ?”

“Please if you know those hiring. Let me know. I don’t want to sound like I’m making excuses, but it’s been hard. Living where I live, no electricity, even less money for data, I’ve really struggled to keep my skills current. At a point I used to go to the Internet cafe to get some opportunities to learn more and practice my coding skills but the connection was so slow and I had to focus on selling the drinks and finding any job that would take me.”

“Okay, I have some tech friends that maybe you can speak to? They might have some connections or even roles for you.”

“Oh My God really ?! WOW! thank you so much. Really? Wow. You’re such a literal and figurative life saver! Just like that ? Really ?”

“It’s nothing. I just happen to know people. Unfortunately we live in a society that favours only the haves, and it’s tough luck for everyone else. I get that.”

“How come you’re so socially conscious?”

He shrugged. “I don’t know. Remember where I work part time. I see a lot. I’ve spoken to a lot of patients. It’s opened my eyes to a lot of harsh realities. And made me rethink my privilege a lot. Obviously I could do more. I’m sure the holidays I go on could fund many things for a lot of people. So ... I’m not philanthropist. Guess I’m just trying to do my own part.“

“That’s a big part. Thank you so much. I really appreciate it. Gosh you are so unreal.”

“Don’t thank me just yet. This is not for free. I need my cut in all of this.”

“Lol which cut?”

“Nothing much. Just another lunch. Maybe eventually dinner when you become a big shot techie.”

“Hahaha. Okay It’s a deal.“

We carried on talking. About other things. The crazies of twitter and the memes of instagram. For the first time in a long time I laughed the kind of laugh that you laugh when you have no worries in any plane of existence. It was a pure laughter. A great one. And we shared it over iyan and egusi outside on a wooden bench beside a vulcaniser near my area. For a few hours in that day. I did not care about anything. 

And then we both had to depart. He to work, me back home. 

“This has been one of the best lunches I have had in a while. Thanks.”

“Thanks, me too. Okay let’s go. Iya kawo, mo ma ri yin later.” I said to our able chef. 

“Ko buru.” She replied, agreeing to let me settle the bill later. 

“Oh! That’s even true, it’s your treat.” He said, putting his wallet back in his pocket with a cheeky grin. 

“Abi. Let me do the small one I can do.

“Very much appreciated. So you’re heading home to Folake now?”

“Yea. Luckily there’s been no more drama for a while. I think she’s finally coming round to the idea of moving on. Between her mum and that dude. It’s been a tv show.”

“Hahaha all the best. I’ll see you tomorrow. I’m coming over to check on molade.”

“Thanks. See you tomorrow.”

As I walked back to my house, I smiled to myself as I replayed our conversation in my head. Such a joker. 

I got home to meet a super tidy, but empty home. On the single table in my living room, I saw a piece of paper. The writing was clearly Folake’s

“My dear friend,

Thank you so much for everything. 

I’ve done a lot of thinking and I have to do what’s best for me and my family. Thank you for everything you’ve done. I’m hoping some of this can cover some of your data needs. I’ve watched you worry about me for weeks, abandoning your own self. Now you don’t need to worry anymore. I am okay. 

Thank you so much. 

I appreciate everything. 

Love,

Folake. 

ps. I have changed my phone number so you will not be able to reach me. It’s for the best. Just focus on being your best self now. Don’t worry about me. I will be fine.” 

I surprised myself by putting the letter down. Calmly going to fetch water, taking a shower and going to bed. I left the money there. It was a lot. It could only have been from him. I said a quick prayer of thanks to God that my situation hadn’t lowered me to accepting such money. Somehow I slept. Deeply. Folake said she was going to do what was best for her family. I decided from that moment. I would do what was best for me. 

Before I drifted off to sleep. I sent a text to Dr Deji:

Thank you for today. You’re the best. 

He replied:

Wow you beat me to it. I didn’t want to look too eager. Thank you for making me laugh and feeding me. By the way, I set up a few things with my friend. Just need to know when you’re available and we can firm it up. 

Sleep well. Sorry for the long text. I’m an eager person. Okay bye for real now. 

In my numbed state, I was still able to laugh at a Dr being unable to play it cool with me. Felt good to have one clear, drama-free thing in my life. Even if it was not going anywhere, I was glad that I had the Dr somewhat. Folake’s absence made me realise how few friends I had. 

Before I could take the thought any further, I fell asleep. Exhausted from ... everything.