My very first post here.
So I was at this restaurant hungry and waiting for my meal to be served. In came this neatly dressed young man, probably about my age. " abeg ( local English for please) give me 300 naira (about $.30) rice, no put meat o(don't put meat). Sharp guy, lol. I could relate. "shey you dey forbid meat chief? "( don't you eat meat?) I teased him. "no o, my pastor say make we no eat meat today" ( my pastor said we should not eat meat today) he fired back at me. I couldn't control my laughter. I offered to pay for his full meal, on the condition that he eats the meat. Off course he accepted. So much for "my pastor say...."
This scenario brought back memories of my time at the University. Funny as they were, they were golden moments. This were Days that helped in shaping my life as it were.
Looking back, Some conditions you find yourself can make you accept what you are not. Imagine telling people you are the opposite of who you truly are just so you don't get ridiculed. I remember one time, in my year two, I told my friends I have turned 'vegan'. They were baffled of course, but if only they know. If only.
You see, back in the days, going to school was hell. Coming from a poor home, should give you an insight to what I went through. I remember times I go full days without a good food. Some days I would get to eat once in the morning and maybe in the evening, especially if am still fresh from home.
There was this particular semester I had informed my friends and roommates that I have turned "vegan" during the holidays. So, i would not be cooking or eating meat anymore. I did this so I don't get savaged,knowing the kind of friends I have. So you know, this guys have a degree in making jest of anyone. And honestly that was the last thing I wanted. Now, whether they believe me or not is inconsequential. That's their cup of tea. I don't bloody care, I have passed my message and that's it.
Things was going as planned. As I cook my food(I don't eat out) to save cost, it was easier to live the lie I had told. No more meat. After about three months, they were beginning to believe that maybe I might be real about it after all. If only they know how much I have missed meat.
A particular week was really tough for me. Have not eaten anything decent for some days not to even talk of meat. I was almost at my last penny. Out of no where an angel appeared. A course mate (not particularly close) invited me to her parents wedding anniversary the following Saturday. You see how God works?
Saturday came fast enough. First I have to go pick up a text book before heading to the party. I was so happy, at least there will be something decent to eat and maybe, just maybe, I could get some take aways. Fingers crossed.
I had gotten to the party venue much later in the day. Then my first shock, some of my friends were also present at the party. " who invited this guys"? Somehow I was not too pleased with this. Why, you say? Just hold on.
Party was in full swing, everyone was having fun. It got to item seven (food) on the order of programme. Sumptuous and mouth watering food were on display. I was looking forward to enjoying the meal when I had the second shocker. One of my friend, Juliet, was part of those serving the meals. I felt cold. " well, she would not be the one to serve me" I tried to console myself. Indeed.
Serving got to my table and I could see the dish about to be served me. The meats were so inviting and uncountable. For a moment I totally forgot am a "vegan". I stretched my hands to collect the food, then a voice shouted. " no, no, don't give him, he is vegan, he doesn't eat meat" . It was the voice of Juliet." are you for real", I nearly shouted at her. I was speechless. I have not eaten meat for almost 4 months now. But then I had to accept, after all I am a" vegan" I cursed the day I got to know Juliet. Who needs an enemy when you have her.
After that day, I avoided her like a plague. Till we left school, she never understood why I cut off from here. I was not even ready to explain. Such wicked soul, lol.