Bukky - S01 E06

Story 2 years ago

Bukky - S01 E06

Read Story: SEASON 1 EPISODE 6

Bukky removed the last batch of the bean cake from the hot

oil. It wasn’t even noon and almost all her wares had been

bought. It’s being six days since she started the business and

news had travelled fast. She was patronized by people living

on the street and also in the area. God had truly blessed her

business. She hoped to construct a wooden shelter soonest,

so that when it rained, she would still be able to sell her

akara.

“Good morning.”

She raised her head, “Morning,” she recognized the cyber

café attendant. He was the guy who tried to teach her how to

browse and opened an email address for her so that she

could communicate with her boyfriend.

“How is business?” he grinned at the hot bean cake in the iron

sieve.

“We thank God,” she used a piece of rag to lift the hot fry pan

at both ends and placed it on the sandy ground.

He brought out a piece of paper from his pocket, “Your guy

sent you a mail.”

She sighed with relief. She had been expecting him to write

her since he resumed school. She looked around her. They

were alone. She gave him the signal to read the mail. Soon,

she hoped, she would be able to read her boyfriend’s mail all

by herself.

“My sweetest pie…” he cleared his throat, “I have missed you

so much.”

Bukky blushed. She missed him too. She suddenly felt shy

that someone else was reading her love letter.

The café attendant tried to keep a straight face and read on,

“School is okay. Lectures are running smoothly, although,

some days, I get so tired, I can hardly get off the bed. I am

really looking forward to coming home for the Christmas

break. I miss home. I miss you. I can’t wait to see you. I am

expecting your reply. Love you loads, your dearest,

Oluwagbemiga.”

She scratched a spot on her scalp. Her newly plaited hair was

beginning to itch, “Did you bring a pen and paper?”

“Yes,” he smiled, “I will write down your reply and mail it

today.”

“Okay, good, thank you,” she mused for a while, “My

darling… no, my dear, no, no…” she scratched her head,

thinking of a better word of endearment, “My love,” she

glanced at the café guy and blushed.

He stared down at the blank paper and tried not to laugh out

loud, “Okay, my love,” he wrote it down.

Bukky dictated how she started her bean cake business, how

much she missed him and hoped he would come home

soon.

“Okay. I will send it today,” he folded the paper and kept it in

his pocket.

“Thanks. Wait, let me give you some bread and akara,” she

took some old newspaper and poured some bean cake in it.

“Thanks,” his mouth watered.

She placed the wrapped bean cake in a black nylon,

alongside a medium size bread and gave it to him.

“Thank you,” he beamed, waved and strode off.

“Do you still have akara?” a tall brown skin, thick, young man

hurried to her side. He was in a pair of sky blue shorts and

black long sleeve tee-shirt.

“Yes,” she looked up at him. She recognized him. He was one

of her customers living a street away.

“Thank God!” he brightened and smiled at her.

“How many pieces do you want?” she looked into his dark

brown eyes and smiled.

He looked towards the iron sieve, “How much is everything in

there?”

“Hmmm…” she did a quick count, “About two-fifty.”

“Bring everything,” he brought out his wallet.

She grinned with relief. She would be able to head to the

market early and prepare for the next day. She thanked God

for blessing her business.

“What’s the name?”

She gave him the wrapped bean cake in a small polythene

bag and collected the five hundred naira note, “Bukola.”

“Bukola… Bukky for short right?”

“Yes,” she met his inquisitive gaze.

“Call me Chike,” he stretched his right hand.

She shook his hand, “Okay.”

“I moved into this area recently. I am an Engineering student

of Unilag.”

Her eyes brightened, “What level?”

“Three hundred level.”

“So, you will be graduating next year.”

He chuckled, “I wish. My course is a five year course.”

“I see…” she thought all the courses in the university ended at

the fourth year.

“Are you in school?”

She lifted her dark eyes and met his firm stare, “No,” she

dropped her gaze and started to arrange her things.

“Oh… Waec issues or JAMB problems?” he stood akimbo.

She got to her feet, “None.”

He raised an eyebrow, “Why aren’t you in school?”

She put out the fire and zipped the purse tied to her waist.

“I am sorry for prying, just wondering why a pretty girl like

you isn’t in school.”

She blushed and started to laugh. Some of her male

customers, both single and married had also told her that

she was pretty. Many of them had also tried to ask her out.

“Bukky…”

She met his gaze, “I am not lucky like you. I don’t even have a

primary school certificate. I will get educated some day, I

have not given up yet.”

His eyes widened in surprise. He watched her while she

gathered her things, “But, you speak well.”

She shrugged, “But, I can’t write well. I watched a lot of

movies while growing up, I guess I pick up a few things along

the way.”

“I am impressed.”

She chuckled and stared at him.

“There is an Adult Education Centre close to my school. If

you start now, by the end of the year, you will be able to

acquire your first school leaving certificate. Then proceed to

write the GCE and then the JAMB examination.”

She laughed, “I need to save first.”

“Then save.”

She directed her gaze at him. He looked serious.

“I can take you to the centre this evening if you are ready.”

She scratched a spot on her head, “I don’t know if I have

enough money to…”

“Just come along and find out exactly what you need for the

enrolment.”

She sighed, “O-kay.”

“Great! Do you know how to get to Akoka?”

She looked towards the bus stop, “I think so.”

“Good, we will meet at the Campus gate. The centre is close

by.”

She nodded in agreement.

“I have to run. I am late for lectures already.”

She waved at him as he hurried away. Joy filled her soul. A

zing of excited flooded her. Finally, the realization of her

dreams would come true. She carried the bottle of vegetable

oil and headed into the building.