We got to V.I and the bus came to a stop, Mike Spencer and I alighted from it and the driver drove off like he had an appointment to catch. Soon I knew that Mike Spencer will be biding me goodbye, those moments with him was filled with laughter and smiles, but then he has to go to his family. I was no longer feeling hungry, I had eaten enough doughnuts to sustain me for the night, as we stood in the bus stop, Mike waiting for a taxi, I was literally waiting for him to go so that I can walk back to Mr. Andrew's.
Mr. Andrew happens to be a native of Ekiti State, he took me in three years ago when I ran out from the orphanage, he has been nice to be, providing shelter but he has not much to feed his six children and I. He kept promising that everything will be alright, his wife is a petty trader that goes around selling groundnut in construction sites. Mr. Andrew works with a cobbler, he helps to get materials and equipments. Mr. Andrew is devoted Muslim, while Mrs. Andrew is a Christian, the children are shared between Christianity and Islam, the family understands and respects each other belief, they're happy together.
Everyday Mr. Andrew goes to work, I follow suit in search of menial jobs to help contribute to the family, my family now. His children are all in government owned secondary school, the eldest about to graduate from the secondary school, whereas two years ago I graduated from secondary school. And this was one of the reason I ran out of the orphanage, I was the eldest among the orphans, more orphans are brought in and no more space, less food and medicine.
Mike Spencer brought me out of my thoughts with a tap on my shoulder as he said " here's the taxi and am headed to Banana Island " Banana island is a home for influential and wealthy families, predominantly politicians, musicians, businessmen and actors.
I had to decide to either open up to him or pretend like everything's fine until he finally get tired and go home, but this kid is not showing any sign of giving up, so I let it out "I'll be heading back to Ikoyi's Prison quarters, I stay with a family who rented a kitchen space in the quarter. I.. I really thank you for everything, I was going to Victoria Island to get dinner from the Chinese restaurant, but the doughnuts you bought filled me up and... "
Mike cuts in " it's okay, I understand. you're my friend now and you can reach me anytime" he dipped his hand into his breast pocket and reach out to me "here's my number, call me any time, I'd be glad to help in any way possible and oh... you'll be needing this for transportation back to Ikoyi" I was surprised at what he let out, he actually stretch 3,000 Naira bill to me, just for transportation that is 100Naira. "Mike, don't you think it's too much for transportation back to Ikoyi?" I asked to be sure, " just take it and meet me at Shoprite Ikeja tomorrow by 1pm, goodnight Jack and thanks for today " he said as he stepped into the taxi and instructed the driver to move.
I stood as I watched the taxi disappear from my sight, and I boarded the next taxi back to Ikoyi, "Mr. Andrew will be so happy with this money, it will sustain us for a few days" I thought looking at the card handed over to me by Mike Spencer, "he actually wants me to meet him at Shoprite Ikeja Mall tomorrow?" and then this sudden smile enveloped my face.
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I apologize for any error as I write this chapter, am preparing for my project. please share with friends, encourage my first ever written story, I know it will be messy but I'll try not to make it predictable.