the luscious vegetation, numerous rivers and surplus supply of assorted food crops. To top it all, people lived in communities and are generous with food and drink.
Patrick found himself and few others sitting around an outdoor table constructed with rough hewn timber.It was however painted with the popular colours; yellow, red and green. Colours that have been associated with African consciousness of African descendants in America. Nicky and Sharon were the hosts. They were about the same age. Middle aged would be appropriate here, Their teenage son; Tevon was nearby, making Christmas Jerk Chicken for the family. Sharon's brother Kirkland was also at the table. Kirk lived in America once and so his perspective on life had become elephant in the room;don't fight elephant.Sharon is pretty and energetic and had an uncanny ability to coordinate cooking, washing pressing, gardening and every other chores in the house. Tevon already made a career choice.
He wanted to be a Chef and his Parents were comfortable with that. In fact Nicky counts himself blessed. That was because Tevon was already making money working in a nearby 3 star hotel.
Patrick being a Nigerian that he was could not hold back his disappointment."How could an able bodied young man jettison college opportunity in favour of cooking and dishing. What he did not know was that behind his back people talked and said that Nigerians were strange people who would rather have certificate than jobs.
While trying to camouflage his reservation Patrick poked a joke at Tevon
"Jerk Chicken expert, any time you decide to come and join us at the college, You will have my protection"
Everyone laughed uneasily and exchanged glances.Tevon's response was awaited with some urgency. To their relief Tevon smiled and came up with a good response'
" You know they say the Chef owns the Hotel, That is because it is the food that brings the tourists. Clarissa will be your ward at the College in a few years time. Count me out of that college project"
Patrick did not laugh or chuckle with the rest of the family. Instead He startled them with question about Clarissa.
" That reminds me: where is Clarissa? She is always avoiding dinner tables on Christmas day. What exactly is she doing in the house?"
Tevon Replied " This is your house. Go in and find out"
Patrick made face and strolled into Clarissa's room. He soon comes out horrified:He exclaimed
" Clarissa is drunk. who gave her alcohol?"
Kirk smiled and joked " Drink is not the only thing that make people high"
Nicky was alarmed, " There is no alcohol in this compound as far as I know. I am a Seventh day adventist"
Sharon abandoned what she was doing and rushed into Clarissa's room and bundled her out, obviously intoxicated and incoherent.
"You are only 8 years" Sharon clapped at her. " Tell me right now, Who gave you alcohol or ganja or any other drug"
Clarissa replied" I did not smoke. I only ate some black cake"
By that time everyone surrounded Clarissa with ears cocked to an angle to hear what she was saying.
"Oh, the rum cake I brought for desert" Kirk tried to divert a barrage of attention from himself" You are not supposed to eat desert until after the dinner"
"But how much rum do you put in your own rum Cake Kirkland? asked Sharon "Must you always embarrass me and my family"
Nicky Tried to control himself "Kirk you are not supposed to bring rum cake here. I told you we are Adventists! We do not drink alcohol for God's sake!"
Kirk dedcided to speak up " With all due respect my in law. it is this same attitude that made me put enough rum in that cake. You cannot invite a big man like me to your house on Christmas day and tell me you don't drink alcohol. what am I supposed to do?"
"Shame on you" said Sharon as she tries to nurse Clarissa. She noticed that Clarissa was trying to say something.
" What is it Clarissa ?" Asked Sharon with some irritation in her voice
"I also ate the Cake in Uncle Kirk's bag"
" What took you to his bag Clarissa?" Nicky asked and noticed a look of horror in Kirk's face.
" We must take her to the hospital immediately" Kirk demanded urgently
"You put rum cake in your bag too?" Sharon Cried "Kirk answer me"
" I am sorry sister, It is Ganja cake a friend gave me" (cake baked with Marijuana)
Oh no, marijuana cake!!!!. She is my hero. Meanwhile, what a lovely story. Kudos to tevon's reponse, my dear be the best at whatever you do, education is not and should not be for everyone.they are handy people (plumbers, technicians, paintes)around that still can make a life out of what they know best to do.wejust need to find out within our inner most self what we are cut out for and live that dream.
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ReplyDeleteLol, was anticipating the marijuana.... it has become a norm in this generation
ReplyDeleteGanja cake! That's hilarious! I must say I didn't see that coming.
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