Hushed Echoes

As the vehicles moved to and fro with the mass of Ghanaians rambling their way through the streets, Marco was busy feeding his eyes on the exotic cars and the mass of people rushing to no where in particular, he tried as much as possible to put everything that had happened between him and Carolyn behind him.

He was believing God that all would be over, he would soon secure a job and get his own place, he hoped to become a new person, he decided never to discuss the secret with any living soul apart from his mother.

Darkness came and let loose the nightcrawlers, Marco felt it was time to return to the house bearing in mind that Fred should have been back, he walked back home slowly and after exchanging few pleasantries with his friend, he went straight to bed.

The following day being the day for Marco’s interview, he woke up before the couple and by 6:30am he had taken his bath and was already dressed.

Although the interview was scheduled for 10:00am, he had to leave very early, not because he wanted to be there before the kickoff time but mainly because he did not want to be left alone with Carolyn in the house.

He felt she might begin her foolish act again which he knew was capable of wrecking him emotionally all through the day, though 6:30am was still very far from the interview time, there was nothing he could do but to go out.

When was he going to stay till then? What was he going to do to pass time until he was due for the interview? All the same, it was better for him to go somewhere else and prepare himself for the task ahead rather than to stay at home only to be tempted when he was supposed to be concentrating on the interview.

In order to refresh his memory, he took some time going through some notes, shortly after Fred woke up and could not believe that Marco was already prepared.

“But your interview is billed for ten, how come you are already dressed? Asked Fred.

“Yes, but I have to get there early enough and familiarize with the environment before the time of the interview” Marco said, trying not to disclose his reasons.

“It’s too early, by the time you get there you might not meet a single staff there, besides you are very familiar with the place, why don’t you wait till it’s nine before you start moving”

“Okay, I will wait till you are ready so that we can leave together”

“That is all right” Fred shrugged and went to the bathroom to take his bath.

Marco was still in the dinning room going through some books that was meant to guide him for the interview when he noticed that Fred was almost ready, he went to the mirror to look at himself, what he saw was quite satisfactory to him, he kept turning round to look properly at every part of his body in order to build his self confidence, he was glad that his injuries had healed completely, one could hardly believe that he ever had any blisters on his body.

His skin was looking very fresh and radiant, his shirt too was neat and we’ll ironed, it was the task he has to do last night when he came back from his so called strolling before he finally slept.

When Fred was ready theynwalked out of the house together, befithey left he took a glance at the clockz and it was 7:30am, Fred realized btgatbut was risky for the door to be left open and unlocked.

Therefore he scurried back to remove the key from the door knob inside and used it to lock the door from outside, he threw the key back into the palour through the window since Carolyn was still in bed, sleeping.

“You really look nice with this your shirt and trouser, you had better not overthrow the managing director of the company” Fred teased him.

“Do you think Iam a coup plotter? look at me very well, am I in army uniform? Only a soldier in uniform can understand that language”

They both laughed at their jokes and in few minutes they came to the junction where they were to part ways.

“This is where you will take a bus” Fred said, using his right finger to point at the direction where Marco was to board, ” take this little money for your transportation” he patted him on the shoulder as he handed him the single note.

“Thank you very much fred, God bless you abundantly” Marco prayed.

“Oh this is nothing”

“It’s something and I really appreciate it” Marco said.

“Something like what?” Fred asked.

“You gave me this money”

“Okay, that’s for your transportation” Fred said, avoiding his face.

“There he goes” Marco giggled.

They both burst into laughter and shook hands as a sign of friendliness.

“I wish you success Marco’ Fred told him.

“And you too, I wish you all the best”

“Thank you” Fred said.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

They waved at each other and patted, while Fred was still trekking down the road Marco jumped into a bus going towards his destination, the bus zoomed off immediately he entered.