So I
typed this with speed and alacrity because I didn’t want to forget details. Having two posts in a day is gonna be a huge plus
for me.
But
this gist sef can't pass my readers by.
I went
to write a training exam yesterday for the sake of formality and thereafter decided
to go make my hair. Thankfully, I got to the salon in good time and started
making my hair almost immediately. When I got to the salon I met a lady who was
just about completing her weave was ready to mat her weaveon. In the process
she was also doing her pedicure and manicure. I really didn't pay much
attention to her as I minded my own business.
As I
was getting bored I decided to write my first post since it was a good
opportunity. It took me about 1hr to complete the draft and I realized the
lady's hair was still at the same spot I met it. She was however done with her
manicure and pedicure. Did I mention I was braiding my hair? Yeah, and at that
time I was almost halfway done with it. At the time, I wondered why she wasn’t
making any progress with her weave but decided to mind my business.
Fast
forward, I finished my braids at about the same time the lady finished her
hair. I wondered at her patience because the guy making her hair kept leaving
her to go attend to some other persons. When she was about leaving the salon I
heard her asking for directions and I realized she was going my way. Still I didn't
pay much attention to her and I left the salon.
Getting
to the bus stop, I saw her waiting for a bus. As at that time I wasn't sure
what route to take home, so I was just waiting on my instinct to guide me. I
jumped into the first bus that came my way and I noticed the lady was still
standing there. I called out to her and said she should come along as I was
going her way. She obliged and entered. (In retrospect, I wonder why she even answered
me sef cos we didn't have any exchange whilst in the salon).
So the
journey began.
First
thing she says to me is ‘did you collect
your receipt at the salon?'
I said
‘No, I didn't.’
She
said she made sure she did. I told her I had collected receipt on previous
occasions and it wasn’t much of a big deal, as I was not particularly
accountable to anyone about my hair expense.
We got
to the first stop and alighted to board another bus and then the rain started.
Not my lucky day, I thought, cos I didn't have my umbrella. Because she fixed a
weave on her hair and I was on braids I was nice enough to give her the nylon I
had with me to cover her hair. When we realized the rain was quite heavy, we
took shelter with a recharge card seller. The rain was quite heavy and in no
time our legs were messed up with mud.
However,
as a smart Zinger, I started stretching my legs out from under the umbrella and
stylishly washing my legs in the rain till it was quite clean. But, my (what should
I call her now? Lemme say acquaintance) wasn't smart enough. So when the rain
eventually stopped she had to buy ‘Pure Water’ to wash her legs. She didn't
have change so I paid the money (no biggie at this point).
We
continued the journey and took d next bus. I paid my fare only o! Along d way,
I decided to start a conversation. I asked if she was working or schooling. She
said she just finished from Yaba College of Technology and was going for NYSC
next week particularly stating it's just 3 weeks of orientation (like she was
trying to educate me). Nice, I thought and I asked where she was posted. She said somewhere in Victoria Island.
Whaaat!!!. I thought I hadn’t heard her well; is the new Lagos orientation camp
now at V.I?
Still
trying to process what I just heard she went further to say, she was posted
there with her friend and ‘they’ will be paying her N2000.00 per day. I kept
quiet and I could have bet that my expression was sorrowful (I wish I had a
mirror or someone to confirm it). I just couldn't laugh. It was just too
pathetic. The next thing she asked was how much a dollar was; I panicked and
recovered almost immediately. I told her it was an average of N160.00. Then she
asked how much was two dollars? I murmured the name of Jesus and responded N320.00;
easy Math right?
Thankfully,
the bus ride was over, so we got off… just one more bus ride together and I was
free; at least I thought so. I was wrong.
There
was a short walk to where we would take the next bus and she just started
chattering. She said she made her hair and all other stuff at the salon for
free cos she happened to know the owner of the salon and he told her to come
(that added up to the reason why she had to be patient despite the way they
wasted her time). However, I wondered how she was able to collect a receipt? I
am still wondering…. (Don’t’ judge me, She mentioned that na.)
I just
kept nodding my head to everything cos I had heard too much already and as if it
wasn't enough, her slippers cut suddenly and I made a deep sigh. Thankfully, just
a few steps away we saw a shoemaker and we haggled for almost 5 minutes over
N100.00 (yeah I’m a bigs gals). She said she could only pay N70.00 and
eventually I told d shoemaker to go ahead because I was already getting edgy
and still trying to be nice.
After
the repair I gave the shoemaker the money. She thanked me and I flew into the
next available bus. However, not before she got my phone number. I gave her my
less active phone line though.
What
an encounter!
I
didn't even ask for her name.
At the
end of all these, a lot of thoughts flooded my mind: Why did she lie? Is she
that ignorant? What da heck was all that drama about?
Then I
remembered my post on foundations and change, and imagined what she has built
for herself.
Anyway,
in case I was wrong and I over reacted, or judged her wrongly, please let me
know.
Is
there an NYSC camp at Victoria Island where they pay N2000.00 per day?
Have a great week people!
