Written by Amah’s Heart
I walked into the store and the sales attendant standing close to the cashier greeted me warmly. I smile back in response before proceeding to what I came to buy which was a shoe polish.
I searched all round the place for this particular shoe polish.
My uncle had sent these particular shoe for me from London and is been over three months I have not used the shoe. He sent it with a pack of polish but I don’t know how the polish got missing. I have searched, scattered the whole house even ask my family and friends if they saw any polish but none of them did.
My friend’s wedding is coming up this Saturday and I have already plan on how to rock my shoe for the first time but it needs a little shining to be able to stand out.
I’m part of his groomsmen and almost everyone is set for the wedding and I don’t want to disappoint on Jide’s big day.
Since I couldn’t find the polish I decided to check it out in stores. I need to be in my best who knows I may also find my own missing ribs. It may even be my shoe that may attract her to me or my smiles but I need to be in my very best.
I may even get to connect with Ireti.
I have checked three big stores before coming to this particular one and it looks like I will have to walk out of here with a sad feeling knowing well I may not be able to rock my shoe for my friend’s wedding and it will require me getting another matching shoe for the suit.
I really don’t want to wear another shoe except the one my uncle sent.
The shoe was made with original outstanding leather and it was creatively designed with little heel.
Everything in it was moderate and beautifully made. The only thing remaining is the polishing and it will definitely stand out.
Alot of people will get to see me because is a big occasion and I’m also among the groomsmen.
Ireti may eventually be mine at the end.
” Excuse me sir, can I help you with anything?
I turned and saw the same sales attendant that greeted me earlier. She was wearing a cheerful smile which can easily calm a disturbed nerve but I was too troubled to notice her that much.
” I’m looking for a shoe polish, burgundy colour. Something like deep brown kind of shade but is not here. I have searched through can’t find anything close to it”.
She went straight to check out the shelf but I know she was only wasting my time because I have already searched but nothing like that.
She brought out three shades of brown polish but I have already seen those ones before so I shakes my head sadly, telling her that I have seen all the polish there before she came and what she was doing wasn’t necessary because the polish wasn’t there.
” I’m sorry sir, do you need it urgently? She asked with a straight face after my harshness to her.
” Yes…I do. Today is Tuesday, I need it before Friday because I will be using it on Saturday. Do you know where I can go and buy it?
She mentioned two big supermarket which I have already been to and I told her I have gone there before driving down.
” Burgundy colour is not so common sir…
She said with a worried face.
” So what exactly are you saying? Does it mean my shoe will only be admired and worn with the eyes instead of leg, all because the colour isn’t common. You all need to start upgrading your stores… all this is bulshit..
She remained calm and did not utter a word all through my angry rant.
Why should she even say anything, she was only doing her job and I shouldn’t carry out my frustrations on her.
I turned and started walking away, she called again.
” Excuse me sir. maybe, I can help you check out other stores. On my way home I can search many other supermarket for the burgundy colour. But I need to see the colour of the shoe first to be able to know what exactly I’m searching for.
I stood, not knowing how to respond to her kind gesture.
But all that really matters was to get the exact colour for my shoe so I quickly brought out my phone and showed her the shoe.
She asked me to send it to her WhatsApp. without thinking I got her number and forward the picture to her. I gave her money for the shoe and even extra Just incase is expensive since I don’t really know how much is been sold.
I went into my car and drove home.
I waited and even searched few shops again but nothing.
Friday morning I was already giving up when I got a message on my WhatsApp. She sent pictures of burgundy polish and asked me to pick the exact colour but her camera wasn’t so sharp so I couldn’t see the colours clearly.
I was even angry with her for sending such a dull pictures. why can’t she afford a quality phone that has good camera.
I was optimistic when I entered my car and started driving to her store to check out what she got.
I kept hoping and silently praying that she got the exact colour I’m looking for.
I need to slay on my friend’s day.
Ireti will be at the wedding. I have been crushing on ireti for so long, she was a slay queen and came from a rich home. Ireti is beautiful and smart. the wedding day will be a good time to get connected and talk with her because I know I was a good dresser too and I will be looking dope.
She won’t be able to resist my cuteness.
Now, this sales attendant who I don’t even bother to know her name have to make sure she got the polish or my day will be ruined.
EPISODE 2
I drove down to the store and just as I was about to step down from my car I saw the sales attendant walking towards me with a bag in hand.
She greeted me and I nodded absent minded, all my mind was in getting hold of whatever was inside the bag.
It was as if she knew my thought and quickly handed the bag over to me. I first saw two deep brown polish and frown. I started boiling angrily and did not bother to check the next item.
“What is this…what is the meaning of this rubbish? After giving me hope that you will help and get the polish you got this rubbish for me. Does this looks like a burgundy color to you? Were you deaf and dumb or is it that you cannot understand simple English when I was mentioning the exactly color that i needed. What kind of disappointment is this eeh? Tomorrow is the wedding day…what I’m I supposed to do. This is bulshit menhhh! If you couldn’t get it why not tell me on time so that I will know what to do with my life? Now, what exactly I’m I supposed to do with all this useless stuffs you got?
I waved the bag to her face angrily. I was so angry and boil as I rant.
She was calm and did not even move. She must have been used to aggressive customers because I don’t understand how she can maintain her calmness throughout my anger.
After flinging the bag to her angrily, she caught it. I was about getting into my car when she deep hand inside the bag and brought out the last polish which I didn’t bother to check again after getting out two wrong ones.
She waved it to me and I quickly pause, I blinked just to be certain I wasn’t seeing double.
I grabbed the polish in her hand and checked and it was exactly what I needed, exactly what I was looking for. My mood changed immediately. I became so excited.
“I got those other two first and it took me time before I finally got the exact one you needed. I did not want to disappoint you which was more reason I strive to get it and I’m glad you finally have your Burgundy shoe polish.
She said to me before turning to leave.
I know I must her bruised her with my words. I called her to wait and she did. I took out my wallet and brought out some cash which I handed over to her but she rejected it.
“Thank you sir. The first money you gave me was enough to run around and to also buy the polish…
“No, you must have gone through stress to get the perfect colour that I wanted. This is a token from me…I just want to say thank you.
I said more calmly trying to make her collect the money but she looks like she was not going to bend to it. She thanked me again and walked away leaving me standing with the money I want to give her.
I got back into my car. All that matters now is that I have gotten my shoe polish. Ireti, will all be mine because there is no denying that tomorrow will be a great day. A day to mingle and catch up with my crush.
The following day I dressed up so early, joined other squad and we all drove to church.
My friends admire my shoe and even wanted to know how much I got it and it was to my delight to tell them that my uncle sent it to me from UK.
I was looking like the celebrant, and couldn’t wait to flash my cuteness on Ireti.
Throughout the time while the wedding was going on I was using my eyes to scan through the crowd for one person that matters to me.
I searched left, right and center for the only lady that I have dressed so much for.
It was during the reception I saw her dancing with her friends.
Why haven’t she noticed me all this while, my dressing was top notch and there is no way she won’t notice me.
I have wanted her to melt at my look but here she was acting as if I don’t even exist. I looked at myself and even at my burgundy shoe and everything began to piss me off.
Since it was reception time and everybody were dancing and having fun I decided to walk pass her side maybe she will see me.
I walked slowly and past her but she appears to be enjoying the music which have gotten into her. she still did not notice me.
I walked back again pretending as if I was on phone, I passed exactly where she was shaking her backside to the rhythm, I deliberately push her gently and she fell back, I caught hold of her.
“Watch where you are going please. there are other road to use why must you pass here. You almost push me to the floor.
She said getting irritated that I interrupted her dance.
I swallowed hard and quickly apologies.
“I’m so sorry, it wasn’t deliberate. I was carried away with the phone call and did not see where I was going…I’m so sorry.
She nodded and went back dancing.
Oh my God what is wrong with me, this was my time to make the move. Since she did not notice me let me make a move on her, I may get lucky.
And with that thought I cleared my throat and said to her.
“By the way, you got good dance move. Wow! I must confess you are a great dancer. Your steps are out of this world…I wish I can dance like you. I’m actually a worst dancer and have been looking for who to teach me some skills as this. You are beautiful with a beautiful dance steps.
I knew I caught her right at the main spot because she turned to me with a smile on her face and said.
“Thank you. I love dancing right from when I was a little girl.
I was waiting for her to say more but she didn’t. she went back dancing again.
Words failed me and I don’t want to push my luck buttons too hard. I swallowed my remaining smile and started walking away she said something that made me to quickly turn back and asked her if she was talking to me.
The Dj was so loud that I couldn’t hear as she repeated herself again. I have to lend my ear close to her mouth and she screamed the word into my ear
“I said I love your shoe. Is beautiful…I love the color and pattern. Is that wine or brown color?
I wanted to exclaim happily. Ireti actually noticed my shoe. But I maintained my smile and acted cool before whispering back into her own ear, using that opportunity to inhale her cologne.
“Is Burgundy…is neither wine nor brown…just burgundy color from Uk.
“Oh! Wow…that’s interesting. It looks good. You better don’t expose it too much or you will be surprise to get the fake ones out soon They can pirate anything in this country. Very soon they will start selling the similar fake of this your shoe which is more reason to secure it. The shoe is really nice…
I wanted her to say I look very nice too not just my shoe but as the saying goes, Half bread is better than none. I expressed all my full blushing smile and thanked her. I wanted more of the conversation but she was getting back to her dancing. She quickly grabbed a drink from an usher carrying a tray of Champagne. I also grabbed one glass before turning to leave and I speed down again the moment I heard her say something.
She actually knows how to get me.
“Are you Jedi’s friend or relative?
She asked while gulping down her drink.
“Yes, a friend. We went to the same university.
I was ready to say anything to keep this precious moment going.
And that was how I went running my mouth on how we school and even talked more than she requested, I answered her questions and even more.
I wanted to get her full attention and I wondered why she had not noticed me for long when I have seen her many times. She was related to Jide’s wife and was mostly seeing around during any party or get together and that was when I started eyeing her. Speaking with her now was a dream come true for me and at the end I summoned courage and requested for her contact directly and she gave it to me with her name and that was how my day was made.
I achieved so much on Jide’s wedding day more than I have achieved in a long time. Ireti gave me her contact and even spoke with me, that was too much of an achievement for me and I will treasure that moment with all my heart.
I went back home after the wedding. We spoke a little during the week and while scrolling down my phone one day I saw the sales attendant whom I saved her name with “burgundy polish” I quickly remembered what Ireti told me about people redoing my shoe.so I sent the sales attendant a message, asking her to delete all the picture of the shoe I sent to her. She read my message and did not reply me immediately so I called her.
“Hello, is very rude to read people’s message without replying…
“I’m sorry sir, I was busy with a customer and couldn’t reply immediately.
“Fine. All I wanted to tell you is to delete all the images of the shoe i sent to you. Delete everything because if I see anything similar on any body’s leg I will hold you responsible. Don’t go and show them to your boyfriends and they will take the pics to a cobbler who will make something similar for them. That shoe is very expensive and also rare so delete every picture of it from your phone.
I said and kept repeating myself so that she will get the message.
“I have deleted them even before you asked. I saved more important things on my phone. Since my phone memory is almost filled up I don’t save irreverent things any more. So before you asked I have deleted them all. No need to panic. I have to get back to work sir.
She ended the call and I held that phone on my ear trying to ascertain if that was an insult or what. That sales girl indirectly insulted me. Calling my Uk original shoe “irrelevant and unimportant” she said it with so much attitude and gut.
I wanted to call her back and asked her if all that attitude was for me or was she referring to someone else but I held myself from doing that.
I try to forget the insult or the way she sound but I couldn’t understand why a common sale’s girl that I can pay her salary twice will speak to me in that manner.
So I resulted to sending her messages again. I sent her a message asking her to go and get proper training on customer care since she doesn’t know that customers are always right and should be treated with respect at all time. I told her exactly what was on mine mind and she did not respond again.
It was later in the night she sent “okay, I’m sorry sir for the way I sounded, the pictures are all deleted”.
I felt good and smile like a boss. I don’t want some sales attendant giving me attitude over some little help she rendered to me.
I spoke with Ireti that night who promise to visit me by weekend and I was at peace and felt very happy.
I forgot about the sales attendant and looked forward to how I will make Ireti feel comfortable when she comes.
Getting Ireti’s attention was a dream come true for me. I’m yet to reveal my true feeling for her and with hope that when she comes this time I will let her understand that she occupies a large part of my heart. All thanks to my Burgundy shoe for connecting me and her.
Nothing matters this weekend, except me and my crush, Ireti.
EPISODE 3.
That Saturday Ireti came but did not waste time. She said she was attending a party and just wanted to stop by and know my place but she will return back the following weekend and we will spend time together.
Within the week we get to talk more and I was loving the way she made me feel.
On the following weekend, Ireti was coming to spend time with me. I couldn’t just keep calm. My heart was over filled with joy.
My house was in a perfect order. I must impress her in everything. Since I wasn’t a good cook, I decided to order Chinese and other African food from a big restaurant. And they delivered it all in time. I also ordered some continental dish.
I don’t know the type of wine she will like to take but I made sure there were varieties of things. If she doesn’t want one she will want the other.
I set it up on the dining and turned up my power air freshener to freshen up my whole apartment. The air condition was cooling so well. Everywhere smells and feels nice. With the way I was acting anyone who sees me will think I’m expecting somebody that has a key to long life and prosperity, nobody will understand is all for my woman crush. My own pretty Ireti was coming to visit me and to spend time with me. I do not want to disappoint in any way. I want to prove how much of a gentle man I was.
I checked the time and knew she will soon arrive. I called her to know where exactly she had gotten to and she said she was very close.
After sometime she called asking me if is okay to park her car outside my gate or can she drive into the big compound.
I rushed out of my door to the gate and told the gate man not to bother opening the gate for my guest, I want to be her personal gate man today.
Musa that have been guarding our gate for years stood at a distance and watch me as if something has gotten into my head.
I ignored him and opened the gate for Ireti. I told her not to park outside she should drive in and park right beside my own car, since there was enough space in the compound.
She did that and I left the gate for Musa to close while I rush to direct Ireti so that she will not park wrongly.
You may think something is wrong with me, but what did you expect from a man who had admire a lady for long and she was finally paying me a good visit. I was ready to do anything to show that I was indeed a gentle man and a good man to keep.
As she was about opening her car door and step down I held the door widely open for her and she came out with a cute smile.
Ireti was really beautiful and I can’t hold back myself from the way my heart was pounding on seeing her step out like a goddess.
I wanted to give her a loving hug and maybe a peck but I did not want to appear too forward. It was as if she read my mind and gently spread her beautiful hands around me.
Oh mine, it was just a mere hug and my whole body was already on fire for her. I swallowed hard and guard her to my own apartment.
When she got inside she exclaim happily.
“Wow….your place is so beautiful and smells nice too. The first time I came I was too much in a hurry and did not really look round. What is that beautiful fragrance I’m perceiving?
I gave a satisfying smile to myself before saying calmly
“Is Lavender power air freshener. I’m glad you like it. Welcome to my home….what can I offer you please. I have different wine, both alcohol and normal fruit wine. I have food too, both Africa and continental dishes…I even ordered for some chines noodles just in case you are interested…
She was still walking round the house, admiring my house interior décor. I turned down the air condition so that she won’t be cold.
I have good taste for good things and everything about me was in high class. I had a mini artificial aquarium which looks so real and it was well positioned in a corner of my sitting room.
After my university, I went to London for my masters and returned with the artificial aquarium. And it had been gracing my house for over two years now. And I love the way people usually exclaim while looking at it. The aquarium was one of the most beautiful decorations in my house.
I was happy watching Ireti rub her manicured hand on the glass surface.
I asked her again what she wanted me to offer her after she came to sit down on the cushion and crossed her fine leg, exposing some thighs in her short dress.
“Nothing for now. I’m not really in the mood for food. Bring the alcoholic wine let’s be chilling with it while we gist”.
I got the wine and poured some in a tumbler before handing it to her. I sat in the next armless chair close to Ireti with a glass of my own wine in hand.
“So Mart, tell me about yourself, deep things about you that we haven’t really discussed before. Are you in any relationship…?
I smile deeply. I’m always happy anytime she calls me Mart, my nick name. That was what my friends calls me and when I told Ireti she adopted the nick name instead of my real name, Martin Jr.
“I’m from a family of six, Mum and Dad inclusive. I’m the last born and only son. I have three elder sisters two are married and busy with their families. The single one is a successful lawyer in Georgia and My Mum stays with her. Dad is in the country with me and he has a big farm in another state where he spend most of his time. He was an agriculturist before retiring. Mum was a principle, she owns a school but entrust it into able hands before leaving for Georgia. I finished my university here before proceeding to London for my Master degree program. I stayed with my uncle, my father’s only junior brother who wanted me to stay over there and get a job but I got my own plans and wanted to start my own company back here in my country….I’m a full country man, no place like home. Hahahaha! My Dad also wanted me to come back after my master degree program, been an only son. I returned back three years ago and started my own company here. And is been flourishing. I still travel sometimes but just for a visit. Planning on starting my own family soon but haven’t been too lucky with ladies. I’m not in any relationship at the moment. Dated while in UK, during my program days but it ended last year because of distance. No lady at the moment. But I have cousins and friends visiting and they stay days, weeks and even months with me. I love having people around me, been alone in this house can be boring and I also visit my Dad whenever I’m, less busy with work. Well, just me and myself with my people. So, back to you…are you in any serious relationship?
She smile, gulped down her wine and poured another one for herself. She did not answer the question. Instead, she said
“Your life sound so interesting and stress-free, I envy you though. Getting all the attention as the baby of the house.
I laughed out before replying her.
“No…not really. I work so hard as if I’m the first born of the house. The only good thing my family did for me was education and making me a master degree holder. That was where there strength stopped and I picked up from there. Is my turn to make my family happy and my parents proud. There’s really no benefit in been the last child or only son. My people expect too much from me already as an only son and I really do not want to disappoint them. Now, enough of me, Ireti. Let me hear about your own life. Are you in any relationship and how was your growing up like?
She smile again before gulping down another cup of alcohol. I wanted to ask her to take it easy with the way she was drinking. She was in her fourth cup and I was still in one. I restrained myself from doing that. She must be used to taking too much of alcohol.
She poured more drink into her cup, looked up at me and said with a cute face while waving her hands with her long fixed nails, which she painted all black.
“Well, my Dad got money, I’m not a poor child. I came from a rich home. My Dad gave me everything I want. I got money and my life is moving so perfect. That’s the end of my life story.
She laughed out loudly and I joined in.
I watch her with a smile as she drank deeply again from her cup. Her phone began to ring. She quickly picked up and said.
“Hello papi! Yeah…I’m fine. With a friend. I will see you when I get back. Okay…thanks. Love ya too…
With her last word, I took a sip from my drink and pretend to be concentrating on the television. She started using her phone, I guess she was texting somebody. I allowed her and still use my side eye to watch and wait till when she will have my time. When it appears she was taking long, I turned to her and said.
“Maybe we can eat now….
“Hold on Mart, I need to send this to my Dad and reply few messages too from friends. You know been a pretty girl from a rich home requires a lot. One of the benefits is getting different types of messages. There’s also a friend who was supposed to transfer some cash to me today, I need to send my account details to him…we will eat once I’m done, alright?
I nodded with a smile. Do I really have a choice, all I did was to wait for her to be done.
I later guide her to the dining after she was through with her phone.
With all the alcohol she took, she was still cool and wasn’t acting drunk as I have expected her to be
I asked which of the food she wanted to eat first. She looked round the table and twist her face sadly.
“You don’t like any of the food? Is there a problem? There are varieties to eat here. You can make your choice…
Ireti said none of the food on the table interest her. She wanted a chicken shawama, with some vegetable in it.
I gasped out and stare right at the filled dining table I set before her. Where I’m supposed to get chicken shawama.
I remembered a place but is a long drive from my house.
“I feel like eating shawama. Nothing on this table interest me at all. I don’t want to eat any of this things here. I wish you can get it for me…but if you can’t then…
I quickly interrupted her.
“ofcurse I will get it for you Ireti. Anything for you honey. Do we go together to get it or you want to stay behind?
I wanted her to go with me, sit beside me and we go on gisting like lovers but she said she wanted to stay behind and wait for me.
I went inside my master bedroom, picked up my wallet and told her I will be right back, she smile and said she will be waiting.
I rushed to my car, asked Musa to quickly open up the gate and I zoomed out of the compound to shawama joint.
A little traffic but I did not spend up to one hour and I was back with her shawama.
When I got inside the house the whole place smells of cigarette. She was not even in the sitting room. Music was blasting so loud. I quickly turned down the noise.
The dining was scattered, I went closer and saw that the dining was really in a mess. She ate out of all the food that I left on the table. Both the African, the chines noodles, the continental dish were all touched. Half eaten chicken was even on my chair and food oil was spread everywhere both in the sitting room and on my dining. The bottle of alcohol that was half empty before I left to get shawama was now empty and lying carelessly on the floor. The cigarettes she smoked was under my table with one leg of her high heel shoe. My throw pillows were spread all over the sitting room. “What the hell is all this? I said to myself sadly.
I didn’t even know where to start from. My house looks unrecognized. Ireti had told me clearly she doesn’t want any of the food on the dining which made me to rush out to get the shawama but now she had eaten out of all the food. Spread oil and pieces of food all over my house and the curtains where not left out with the food oil. The sweet smelling house before I left was turned upside down.
She eating the food was not my problem but messing up with my house was what I did not understand at all. Another leg of her high heel shoe was on the cushion. She probably dropped it when she was dancing. Since she once told me that she love dancing.
I breathed deeply, dropped the shawama on the table before entering my master bedroom and there she was, she spread her leg wide on my bed. She was half naked but my mind was too occupied to even notice. Some of the Chinese food was littered on my bed, staining my white bed spread.
My wardrobe was open. I can’t remember leaving it open.
Something quickly caught my attention, the carton that came with my burgundy shoe was at the foot of my bed. My heart was almost popping out of my chest as I rushed to it and find it empty. I checked around and saw my burgundy shoe, I gasped in relief. I repackage it back to its carton.
I picked up things that she left on the floor.
Was she still the same lady I was crushing on and was ready to die for? Is this still same Ireti or someone else?
I asked myself while looking round my room.
Messing up my dinning and sitting room was not enough for her but coming inside my room to scatter my personal thing to the extent of bringing out my precious shoe. A shoe that was so close to my heart.
What exactly was she looking for to have gotten to my burgundy shoe? I felt like shaking her awake from her sleep. I guess she was over fed and couldn’t even lift herself. Since she wanted the food why did she make me drive out in search of shawama for her?
I stared at her on the bed as she sleep not knowing what to do. I shake my head sadly before going back to the sitting room and resume cleaning and brushing up again. I packed some food out to Musa instead of throwing everything to the waste bin.
I swept, cleaned and brushed up everywhere. I was still on it when she came out. Yawning loudly and scratching her hair roughly.
“Hey Mart, you are back…when did you come in? I waited for you for over an hour and I was too hungry, I couldn’t wait anymore and ended up eating some of the food on the dining. I also had a good dance and I drank some more wine too. I was really exhausted and I decided to find a road to your room where I relaxed. Was thinking you will wake me up whenever you come back…did you get the shawama?
I swallowed hard while staring at her. I don’t know if I should be angry or pity her. I try to wear a smile before saying.
“Yeah, I did. Little traffic on the road but I didn’t spend up to an hour. I’m glad you enjoyed yourself. Did not want to bother you when I saw you sleeping…Here is the shawama.
She smile and collected it while I went back cleaning my house and grudging in silent pain.
To be continued Tomorrow…
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