Intimacy in the Vines

Season1: Episode 3

BBC—Bad Boys Company—was a bad part of Tema to be at at night. The ghetto boys who had stopped me began to surround me, and I knew that I was dead. One of them looked like he was on steroids.

I knew one of them from our area; they called him Bomber. Bomber hit my chest and asked me why I was out that late. I told him my mom had sent me to go and collect perfume from a friend. They wanted proof, so I showed them the perfume I was planning on giving to Bela.

The one that looked like he was on steroids, Mixi, told me to give him money to buy a spliff. I told them that I didn't have any money. Suspicious, Bomber started to search me. He saw the money my mom gave me for her 'kelewele', and they took all of it.

Thankfully, they left me after that and I quickly ran home. My mother was awaiting me eagerly, and even though she was relieved when she saw me, she insulted me with her British accent for taking so much time.

She asked for the 'kelewele' after that, but I just stood there, looking at her. Knowing I hadn't bought it, she then asked for the money and I was still tongue–tied. By then, she was really angry. She sent me off to my room and I went to shower.

When I was done, I checked my phone and saw a message from Bela. "Goodnight, bae," she'd texted. I replied but she wasn't awake so I just slept off.

                I woke up around six am. I was startled shocked when I turned around and saw my mother at my bedside, peering at me like she'd been waiting for me to wake up. I quickly shook the sleep off and sat up fearfully, assuming she was there to murder me for not buying the 'kelewele'.

She revealed that she wanted to talk to me. She started telling me about when she was a child. She talked for a long time, but soon enough, I realized that she just wanted to talk about my girlfriend. She told me about sexually transmitted infections, and that I should always use protection if I ever wanted to have sex.

Then she asked me for my girlfriend's name, assuring me that it will be our secret. I told her, and we talked for some time. She also gave me a box of condoms and a youth educational guide, then asked me to bring my girlfriend for a visit so that she could meet her.

I was so shocked. I thought I was dreaming.

When she was done and she had left, I turned my phone on and checked my messages.

Bela had texted, saying, "Good morning, bae."

Lukazdino also texted me, saying that he was waiting for me at his house. I went to shower, and I took money from my father before he left. I rode to Lukaz's place, and when I got there, I stored the bike and we both walked to go and buy waakye.

He was telling me about the girls in the area, informing me that some of them were interested in me. I quickly told him that I was in a relationship and when he asked me about the girl, I told him about Bela. The guy started warning me, saying that she was dangerous. Bela was going to break my heart; he said.

On the way, we met a girl from Achimota secondary school in Accra. She was just returning from school. She looked nice and Lukaz quickly went to take get her number. Her name was Whitney and she was going to Italian flat, so we helped her carry her bags. Soon enough, she and I were engaged in conversation.

I could see that it was annoying Lukazdino. She was one of those church girls, yet I was making her laugh. She even invited me to come to her church. Whitney lived in Italian flat, block E, which happened to be Bela's flat also, although she lived on the ground floor. I didn't care if it was unlikely that they would see me; I left as soon as I possibly could, hoping to avoid an awkward altercation.

After we dropped her off, Lukaz told me to back off, that she was his, but I assured him that we were going to be just friends. He still went ahead and promised me that he would get me. I couldn't tell whether he was joking or not.

We forgot about the waakye in the end, and I went home to go and eat my mum's food. As I was doing so, an unknown number texted me, warning me to stay away from Bela, and even added that he would make me suffer in school if I didn't. The message confused me, and I couldn't rest without finding out who on earth the person was.

Later, my best friend 'Debaddest' called to tell me that Bela's, ex that burly senior at my school was looking for me. I didn't even know how the guy found me out. He was Baki Larry, and the guy had a reputation. Debaddest told me Larry lived in Tema, community five.

I asked Debaddest where he'd heard that Larry was looking for me, and he told me that Larry was in our online school group; asking people if they knew where I lived.

I went to the school group to check immediately. Larry was asking for my house address and he was dissing me. I thanked Debaddest for the alert.

I immediately went back to Lukaz's house for my bike. The gate was opened and I was heading into Lukaz's room to tell him that I came for the bike, when I heard him talking with someone. I didn't think much of it until I heard my name.

I waited behind his door; my ear pressed against it as I tried to listen in on his conversation. He was telling someone where I lived. I realised then that it was Lukaz who told Baki Larry that I was dating Bela. Feeling the sting of betrayal, I took the bike and left without saying anything.

When I got home, Bela called me. Her mom said I should forget about her daughter if I would not come and meet her. I turned my phone off and went to bed, too tired and slightly angry to do anything about that issue.

The next day, Debaddest called me to come play basketball at our church's basketball court. I changed into my basketball attire and went with my bike to the court. The game helped take my mind off everything that was happening. During the match, Debaddest used the ball to hit me to get my attention.

I turned to him angrily to ask why he'd done what he'd done, but he quickly pointed with his index to the entrance of the court. Larry and his boys were coming to play basketball, but luckily, they hadn't seen us yet.

Debaddest quickly carried my bike over the church wall. I helped him jump the wall, and then it was left with me. I was trying to jump but I could not. I was just too fatigued.

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Edited by KendallBlacc