TALKING TO THE MAN IN WHITE

Two very interesting things happened today.First after seeing the doctor he asked for my blood sample to carry out MP,WIDAL and PCT test.I was asked to return 4pm for result and meet with the doctor again. it was 12pm already and my concern at the moment was to get home early to return 3pm if am to make the appointment for 4pm.The journey from Maryland to Oshodi cannot only be strenous becauseof the distance, but the group of people,noise,area, traffic jam which a pedestrian bridge could have help, contributed to making there a place i prefer not to visit

As soon as my blood sample was taken i rushed out of the Hospital’s premises.Getting a bike to Oshodi Oke express was quite easy, where i have to confess my sins before racing to the other side of the road that will fetch me bus commuting Maryland. Just as i managed to have crossed successfully, a gentle man in white shirt,he must have  been 45 years excused my attention. He said,’excuse me Aunty,’ ‘yes?’i kept up my pace.
‘please wait i am not a beggar,i just need you to hear me out.’
‘I am listening to you’ i said and still keeping up with my pace.
‘I am not a Nigerian, i just want to know how to get to Johnson street. I need to change my currency,look’He opened his billfold and there were a few dollars in it. When i saw his face they looked agonised and agitated.
‘I am sorry i don’t know there ask someone else’ Just in time, another man was sauntering beside me.He was wearing a shirt and a combat gear in black loffers.
‘Oohhhh.’He said. I looked at him but i was not interested in indulging him knowing i’m in no position help. And starting a conversation that would waste my time is notin my time schedule.
‘You see that man is a foreigner, if we leave him now, area boys will cheat him.’
what is this sudden ‘we’ i thought for a split second. However, i responded.
‘You can help him.’As if i was encouraged by the little interest in his plight, the man in white shirt haulted and walked back to me.He said,
‘Please i just need you to hear me out’
‘Sister just listen to him.’The other man said.’Come brother let us help you’ He encouraged. When i decided i was in a good spot to get a bus i waited.
‘Excuse me, sister are you a christian?’ The man in white asked.
‘Yes?’
‘Am a catholic.’ He demonstrated with the sign of the cross.’And i have this laptops that i brought into the country.I just need to get someone who will buy it.’
‘Talk to this man’ i gestured to the other man.
‘But i don’t trust him.’ Such frankness right before the person? I thought in my head. Then i was tempted to ask.’So what makes you think you can trust me? You just met me too.’ But that urge was interrupted by ‘You said you are a christian right? Can you do the sign of the cross?’I hesitated but ended up smiling instead.And then he walked on.