Everything You Are Not – Episode 4
EVERYTHING YOU ARE NOT. episode FOUR
Mr Ben: Nice to meet you, Solomon. You are welcome to Nigeria.
Solomon: Nice to meet you too. Thank you.
Mr Ben: I’m sure your brother must have told you about me, I am currently managing the company here in Abuja.
Solomon: Oh yea! sure he did!. So how has it been?
Mr Ben: Not so bad. You know we only just started. A few challenges here and there, especially on my own part. It is my first managerial post , so safe to say I am new to a lot of things at the moment.
Solomon: I know. My brother told me and that is why I am here. You’ll soon get a hang of it soon. No rush, I won’t be leaving until you totally get into it.
Mr Ben: That’s reassuring. Thank you! So what is your role in the company back there?
Solomon: Erm, I manage one of our branches too. A much more bigger branch than this one anyway. With one hundred and fifty members of staff.
Mr Ben: that speaks a volume of experience then!
Solomon: You could say that.
Mr Ben: how long have you held this position?
Solomon: quite some time actually. Just after my father handed over the business to us. So we are looking at ten odd years ago.
Mr Ben: amazing! So you have it all off your finger tips. Is it?
Solomon: I’d like to think so, but hey! There’s no end to knowledge! I still learn everyday!
Mr Ben: once again, welcome to Nigeria!
Solomon: Many thanks, Mr Ben!
Mr Ben: So what’s your spec? What can we use to entertain you?
Solomon: erm, my hotel package comes with everything I think I might need. So I’m actually okay at the moment but if I need anything, I’ll let you know. Thanks.
Mr Ben: Nah! That’s different. As the manager, I would like to give you a welcome treat on behalf of the company. So, what’s your flavour?
Solomon: Anything light. As light as can be. Thank you!
Mr Ben: I will not disappoint. I’ll leave you now but will be back with something very light soon.
Solomon: Cheers.
(Does anyone else find it silly that words no longer mean just what they mean, if that makes sense!
Years ago, pussy meant an animal, today, well…. Let’s not go any further into
this. It is very early on a Monday morning.
Well, Mr Ben’s definition of something light is totally different from what Solomon thought. So he got into the car, picked up his phone and started dialing a number….)
Mr Ben: Hello… Good good! Could you please send me something very light…No! My visitor doesn’t seem to like something thick….
50 thousand???…we will pay 40……come on! Treat me like a customer we will be
patronising you a lot this time around…. hmmmm! Okay! Send the order
across….Thank you! Bye!
*********************************************
Claudia: Julia, we just got you your first shift. Ready?
Julia: very ready auntie! what do I need to take with me and what kind of job is it? Trust me, I am very hard-working and will do it perfectly!
Claudia: Unfortunately, I do not have the face to tell you what the job entails, but like you said, you are hardworking and you should be able to figure it out… I trust you to do a good job.
Your performance today will determine if you will succeed in the city or not.
Julia: I’m sure I won’t disappoint.
Claudia: erm, please, don’t tell me you are wearing that maternity gown of yours to work..
Julia: I quite like it! It’s very free on me
Claudia: Julia , This is not about what you like. It is about what makes you fit for the job!
Sapphire! Sapphire!!
Sapphire: Yes, auntie!
Claudia: Please get Julia something to wear she is working tonight.
Sapphire: So fast! Why?
Claudia: I can’t put up with her impatience anymore.
Sapphire: I’m not sure whether she is being brave or daft. But whichever, I wish her the best.
Claudia: same here!
Julia: I’m sure you guys will be surprised by the report you will receive from my colleagues about me.
Sapphire: what colleague? anyway, come with me let’s get you dressed.
Claudia: be fast about it, ladies. Her cab will be here in fifteen minutes…
To be continued