Naz and Salim (English)

11. Justin

It was on a Sunday and Justin took us to his house, as he said his office does not work on Weekends. Usual thing in Africa lol...
We reached at his place and I am amazed of all that I saw.

It's a small apartment comfortable enough for two. With some really nice Art paints in multi colored designs....Honestly, I must say Justin has some great eye for paints.

At this moment, I should be too exhausted to even think of anything else other than myself. But my mid has shifted from where we were to back home.
How is my Ma doing? How's she reacting to my disappearance? Did she know already why I left? How is Max doing? And......

Salim: Naz? Naz?....snap out of it now bro you've been away for too long. He said in a lazy voice.

Naz: Oh sorry...I was just lost in thoughts. How are you feeling now?

Salim: I am fine...just still a bit tired and some pain on my ass still.

Justin: Sorry man, you'll be ok. I will make you some banana shake to take...got some fruits here too. It will help in healing.

Salim: Thank You Justin. You are nice...

As Justin went on making the banana shake for Salim, I went back home! With everything that had happened already, I may want to call my Ma to talk to her. The truth is, I miss her so much and just want to hear her voice. To tell her all that is going on and how I will stay strong for her. For she always wants me to stay strong.

But again, will she understands all that? Will
She be happy to talk to me? what if she already knows the reason I ran away, and hates me so much for it?

Salim: Naz? Again? Com on man...see I am physically and emotionally sick. But you'll soon go mentally sick if you don't stop all the thinking you doing.

Justin: Salim is right Naz.. it's not good for you Let Things work out for themselves here. Don't be pressuring your self with all these thoughts. Justin came back from the kitchen with the drinks.
He actually made three....So, here you go he said handing us each whiles having his on the table.
Now let's talk. I want to help you guys as much as I can. But first tell me what happened to you two, and why you are in this country.

Naz: (I felt weird instantly! But then if Justin trust us enough to bring two total strangers in his own appartement, then we should trust him with our lives).

Well Justin, first We just want to say thank you so much. For trusting us enough in offering help, going through all these troubles then bringing us to your house. I and Salim appreciate everything.

Justin: Ah com'on it's all fine. You could have done the same too.

Naz: Well we came from the neighboring country. We are both Final Year students at the University and we ran away from home two days back. We left because the police where after us. We could have been dead by now if we had stayed at that place.

Justin: Police?...ok but why were they after you? What did you do wrong?

Naz: well because we are...ummm...

Salim: Justin we are gay!

Naz: Damn! Salim???

Justin: it's ok. It's just hard to classify oneself as gay just like that. But I understand perfectly well and I suspected you are since at the hospital. The way you two care for each other says it all.

Naz: No No...we are not actually dating. We are just best friends.

Justin: oh ok. Well I knew that was it, that is why I didn't involve the police here or anything like that regarding the men who rapped Salim. They would have taken you into custody and then call up your country agency to come take you back. Something told me not to risk that.  Well all the same. Don't feel bad telling me anything because I am gay too. So feel free....

Naz: I wasn't shocked too lol because with all these beautiful paintings I saw when we first came in? My gayder told me he was. Oh, that's fine then...So this is what happened..........

After explaining to him how the police found out and how were about to be dealt with, he hold both our hands and assured us safety to were it is necessary.

Justin: Being gay in Africa is seen as a serious crime and an offense to religion and societal values. You are either burnt alive or beaten by the mob, or worst stone to death. I know alll about that. A lot of people do come here from other countries seeking for help at our office.
We offer what we can and how we can. So be rest assured that you will be taken care of. I will do my level best to make sure you are alright.

Salim: Thank You again Justin. You are such an amazing soul. Thanks a lot bro.

Justin: no need man...so by Monday morning, I shall take you to our office and there you'll narrate your story and the office will see how best to help. For now, I will just get you some new pants and shirt hence your stuff are taken away.

Naz: Not all, I still have our passports here..they were in my pocket since we left the last check point on the way.

Justin: Well great. It may be useful. Naz you come with me to the shop near by. We can get some pants whiles Salim rest. Is that ok Salim?

Salim: Yes sure. I am the same height with Naz so it's ok. Just don't get me a tight one.

Justin: no problem bro and stay safe.

Naz: Justin took his key from the kitchen counter and we left for the shop. He bought each a new trouser and shirt, and a pair of black sneakers. He bought sunglasses for himself. We went further into the market to see what they sell, but here I am not the least comfortable. My country and this one looks so much alike and are so interrelated. There is a very high possibility of someone seeing me here that is from my country. I told Justin about it and he agreed that we leave. We left the market and went home and found Salim still sleeping. I dropped the bags and laid on the sofa too.

Monday morning should come fast. Whatever will
Happened, should happen soon for the positive. I have a little hope🙏🏾.