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The security guard at the front already opened the door even before Ade got out of his car although he had been on a call. So Ade gave him a tiny nod as he passed him by with a smile that promised the guard would be getting a tip before he closed for the night.
Although Ade was a bit early than usual, he was surprised to find Jude already there. The others would be here before the sun set properly and they would leave long after normal people had gone to bed for Ade didn't see his band of friends as anything normal.
He walked to the corner where Jude was seated and got greetings and waves from familiar faces. Most of them frequented this establishment and although they all agreed this was safe space where everyone was equal regardless of their status, but was It? he thought as he made it to the corner. Ade sometimes felt like some of the customers were judging his group of friends.
Big J how far na he said in greetings to Jude whom they called Big J in jest mainly because of his small stature as they shook each other hands.
I'm good o brother, just surviving everyday as always. And your day? replied Jude. Not minding the name Big J as he was already used to it and had decided he actually liked it.
7:30 pm and another man walked in. A quick glance at him and you would notice two things about him, firstly this was a man accustomed to money and secondly unlike most of the people who came here he was not here because of the physical stresses of life but something more.
And if you were also an old customer at
the bar, you would also know that this man's name was Kayus coined from the Yoruba name Kayode and you probably might get free drinks tonight. So in your best interests you would all raise your glasses in acknowledgement as he passed you by with his smiling face as he headed to the corner where two men were already seated.
Look at this band of old men, you're not yet 30 and you're all looking grumpy Kayus said in his usual way of greeting.
Ade and Jude both laughed as they stood up to welcome Kayus with hugs.
You're welcome back to the band brother replied Jude still laughing as they all sat down together.
The others are not here yet? I thought Sam was taking a day off from work today Kayus asked
Yeah I think he should be here soon, I got a call from him saying he was closeby just as I was coming out of my car replied Ade
Talk of the devil said Jude while pointing to the entrance of the bar as two men walked in this time around.
Sam and Jamal walked in to greetings and acknowledgement from the others in bar as they walked to the corner. Sam and Jamal both worked at a mechanic workshop owned by Kayus. Although he was technically their boss, they still hung around together because they had been friends who attended the same university. Kayus had done them a favor by giving them jobs amidst the unemployment crisis in the country.
Sam had taken a day off to be with his pregnant wife at the hospital the day before. So they were here tonight to celebrate with the new father. Jamal on the other hand left work early so he could pick him up in one of Kayus cars.
Papa pikin(baby) they all said in turns congratulating him as Sam and Jamal got to the corner
They all ordered drinks and continued their conversation while teasing one another. Sam announced that he would be paying for everyone present in the bar. Kayus tried to object but Sam would have none of it. He was in a celebratory mood and he wanted to at least show his gratitude to his friends for always being there for him.
Mhen today was hectic, I carried this guy from Mushin today and he refused to pay Ade said
Wetin u con do?(what did you do) Jamal asked.
Omo I change am for am oo, till he gimme my money (I refused to let him go till he paid up) replied Ade
But some people can be wicked oo. why will you order for a ride and refuse to pay Kayus chipped in
This country is filled with different kinds people, somedays we meet the crazy ones replied Ade
Just yesterday I concluded this move for one of my clients after he paid half upfront. Now the guy has been dodging my calls since yesterday said Jude. He owned a small haulage company which he just started a few months back
Wahala for who get client oo( That problem is for you guys that have clients) Sam said as they all burst out laughing.
Ade met Jamal first before he met the others amongst the group. It was one Saturday morning when Jamal had ordered for a ride but later discovered unfortunately that he misplaced his wallet. Ade was understanding and agreed to allow Jamal go. They both exchanged contacts with Jamal promising to pay later.
Ade felt it was one of those days where you just had to compromise so he was surprised when Jamal called him later in the day and paid up. Jamal on the other hand was surprised at Ade's understanding and patience so they went on to become friends. Jamal would later on invite Ade to the bar where he would link up with the other guys.
From them on they were as thick at thieves and they met at the bar frequently to discuss about life and enjoy each other's company.
Kayus was an orphan who inherited a mechanic workshop business from his parents. Things weren't always on the bright side but he would go on to think that MAYBE he was the luckiest man alive to have another family in these guys again.
Sam and Jamal would go on to think that What if they hadn't attended the same university with Kayus. They might still be struggling to get a job on the streets of Lagos.
Jude on the other hand might think MAYBE it was just enough to have friends he could sit with at the end of a days stress and feel like there was a bond they shared.
Ade too would think What if he hadn't compromised with Jamal. He definitely wouldn't have met any of these wonderful people.
These were thoughts that always crossed their minds whether they were together or not.
They would continue to think their WHAT IFS AND MAYBES but it didn't matter, because the joy was is in the fact that they were even present there together in each other's company.
In a way, it was a day of RECKONING
THE END