CHOICE

8

Zechariah trudges along the rough path adjacent an overflowing river that housed a dam along the area he resides. The river unconsciously created it own residence in the area and converted the whole path to its own as vehicle owners now prefer to ply the untarred that passed through the Chuks residence. He hums "When the roll is called up yonder" as she continually hits a folded paper lying carelessly on the road. He is about to cross to the other side of the road when a light feminine voice calls out, "Uncle! Mister! Uncle!". He looks around for confirmation that the fair lady dressed in blue turtleneck top, grey jean skirt and black sneakers was beckoning to him. He motions for him to come close and he goes over to stand in front of her as he notes the creasing lines of worries despite her professionally caked up face.
"Good afternoon." He greets.
"Afternoon young man. Please I need help with fixing my car," she says and points to the black glittering Lexus LX 600 packed by the road side. His eyes widen as he sees the model of the car and he stylishly goes back to check for reconfirmation.
"Do I look like I can do it?" He queries fixing his gaze solely on her.
"I wouldn't have called you if you didn't. I will pay you okay? Please, just assist me." She pleads putting her hands together and blinking her eyelids at him.
He shakes his head and goes over to the car's bonnet. He checks the radiator and she tries to engage him in a conversation. She clears her throat and he looks at her for a second.
"Normal guys your age will probably be at their work place. So why are you walking around in this hot sun on a work day afternoon?"
"Well, probably because I don't have a job I guess. And some lady sighted my inner mechanical skills and decided to stop innocent me heading out for a relaxing moment to fix her car." He sarcastically replies as be busies himself with bringing the car back to life.
"Really? You don't have a job?" She asks coming closer to him.
"Do I look like I have one?"
"I don't know."
"Well, I don't. Now you know."
She pouts and looks at him for a while. Since you are assisting me shouldn't I assist you too." She says as she tilts her head in a way to incline that she's deliberating something.
"I do my things because I'm obligated to do them as a Christian not because some lady wants to reward me. I don't expect my reward from man. God pays me enough."
"Exactly why you don't have a job."
"Excuse me?"
"Nothing." She whispers and leaves his side feeling a little guilty. He comes to her side and closes the bonnet.
"Are you done already?" She asks.
"Fire up the car." He replies.
"Excuse me? Fire what up? This is a Lexus LX 600! You think it's just one of those cars you see on the road anyhow?" She goes wild as she rants and throws her hands about in the air.
"What are you saying? I meant that you should start the car. You didn't go to school at all?
"I guess I should ask you that question. You sure don't know how to do anything. Not even make a decent conversation."
"And I just repaired your car?"
"I haven't confirmed that." She says and goes over to the steering wheel. She puts the tribbe car key into it's place and turns it once. The car roars back to life and she squeals. She runs out of the car to Zechariah and gives him a hug. He stands in shock for a while before she pulls away.
"Thanks so much. You're sincerely appreciated. Like...." She squeals and pats the car like a dear child.
"Can I go now?" Zechariah asks obviously tired.
"Not yet please." She goes into the car and returns with a business card and a black Loewe puzzle bag. She zips the bag open and counts some new #1000 notes and stretches them to him. He hesitates for a while but then decided to take it.
"Thanks."
"I should be saying thanks. I will never get a wink of sleep knowing my baby is lying out here with no assurance of safety. And please contact me. Let's do something about your employment." She waves and returns to the comfort of the luxury vehicle. Zechariah waves back as she zooms off leaving dust to trail in his face.
"Rich kids can be spoilt. Thanks to attentive skills, I got #10,000 just like that." He debates a little on which way to go before the returns to the route he came from earlier.

This chapter is dedicated to Thewordnpen2 for this beautiful cover. Isn't it nice 😍. And what do you think about this lady with one of the latest cars? Me just noticing we didn't mention her name 😂😂. Thanks for checking out this book, the way you're giving me hope ehn😊. And you should tag your friends and inform them na. Oya quickly do that for me 😳. Don't forget to vote and comment. Do enjoy your week.
Yours in Ink; Bethel ™