Chapter 6
They had been one of the early arrivals to the theatrical staging of Annie a play about an orphaned girl who inherited a fortune.
Their front row seats had been worth double their price. Susan thoroughly enjoyed the play, she told Elunke she was glad it was not a serious Shakespearean play, but entertaining, lighthearted, and classy. Elunke was glad she had such a positive impression about him and her weekend, and remarks about Julius was fast fading into the background, for good!
They drove through the light Sunday afternoon traffic and was at the train station in less than thirty minutes. Liverpool train station was a combination of light rail, shuttle, and standard fare local rail. Never idle, never completely silent, and certainly never completely vacant. Elunke pulled into a spot in the parking lot, turned the engine off and sat back in his seat looking at the vast number of cars, vans and trucks, lining the garage. Your train does not leave for another 35minutes, may I buy you coffee or tea? Susan said ‘I would be delighted’.
They sat in the baker’s shop overlooking the platform and spoke during the long intervals between arriving and departing trains, it’s deafening noise temporarily cutting off any hearing. Their conversation resumed as the screaming train left sucking up all air into the tunnel. Susan had earl grey tea with a pastry that was shaped like a bowl of soup. It had a dry crusted base and a soft brownish pink middle with butterscotch filling, that simply melted in your mouth as you bite into its sides.
Susan took a bite, rolled it around in her mouth savoring the fresh bust of alcohol and exclaiming suddenly ‘Oh my! As the chilled honey vodka spilled into her mouth. Elunke having all the fun, a playful squint in his eyes, said “AHA!, another cup for you? Susan eyes wide, hands flailing pointing to the last bit in her hands and her mouth and saying between a slow delicious chew, said ‘this is amazing! Elunke picked up his cup of coffee and pointing to Susan said ‘to nieces who are poised to conquer the world!
Susan smiled back draining her cup, the heat from the cup streaking out from within the cold fog and rising into the air. Elunke glanced at his watch it was 1 pm. Elunke said with a broad smile unless you want to stay till tomorrow, you should get your ticket’. Susan said ‘No I have class tomorrow, and I have truly enjoyed my visit’. She picked up her purse and pulled up the strap of her luggage, saying “would you walk with me? ‘Sure’, said Elunke, I’ll be here till your train leaves’.
They weaved through the crowd and Susan paid for her ticket walking past the ticket machine. In a few minutes the deafening noise of the train smothered every sound and it came to a sudden stop with equal abruptness.
Susan gave her uncle a hug saying ‘goodbye uncle, I hope you have an enjoyable week and my love and greetings to auntie Osu’, referring to Elunke’s wife Osufulo and the kids.
Said Elunke “I will my daughter, you have a safe trip, call me to let me know when you arrive and may God bless you’.
She dragged her luggage into the cabin and looked for an empty seat. Gradually the train came to life and she waived Elunke goodbye.
Julius closed his eyes for a a few moments trying to gather his thoughts, he had a busy morning, and he was a little tired. He opened his eyes and unlaced his shoes, sat forward head in his palms, face looking down at his feet, for a moment. He sprang to his feet and headed to the showers, he finished showering and lifted his uniform off the hanger, his charcoal grey pants, his spotless cotton white shirt, his black tie, all was on in a few minutes.
Stuffing his morning underclothes in his disposable plastic bag, he decided almost immediately after getting the second job, he must travel in the morning with a second pair of underclothes.
He found them in packages of five, he bought them in assorted colors including white.
He wore white underclothes in the morning and packed a pair of red underclothes for his afternoon shift. Next day it would be a different mix. He put on a long sleeve non-stick fabric, thick enough to provide a warmth twice the expected protection for the cold evening blast he would most likely face. He pulled open his locker checking his appearance in the tall mirror on his locker door, after all a front desk associate’s appearance is critical as he meets and greets every guest on their arrival.
He particularly liked the transformation from short sleeved checkered uniforms at caterers unlimited and the ‘ever on the move ‘retail one on one contact to the more fixated requirements of the front desk, the need to look more clerical and cleaner to the very minute details.
The occasional chance of a wealthy guest who walks out in the middle of the night handing out a business card and or a large tip for the kind and courteous attendant. A very little smile crept into his face as he consciously wiped it off his face he thought ‘I just might succeed’. Susan settled in after her weekend trip, she was truly supprised and pleased to receive the gift package from Julius, she placed the card beside her bedside lamp. She had no doubt he meant every word on the card, yet theirs was a relationship doomed never to get any support, and her family was too powerful to contend with. She sighed silently’ I will miss him’.
She pulled her scarf close to her neckline, her long coat providing warmth to her her ankles and one last check in the mirror. Again, she called out “Quan are vyou ready? She went to her door and knocked rapidly and pushed in the door at the third knock, Quan was picking up her notebooks as she looked in “ready’, Quan replied. Susan and Quan had class at the same building and at the same time of day, a frequent occurrence. ‘Did you speak to Julius? Quan queried, searching her eyes, “No I havent’t, I called he was not there, he is at home most afternoons but he wasn’t there when I called’. He was pretty excited when he came by last week’, said Quan.
‘Yes he is a nice guy’, replied susan, with a chuckle, not quite with the steam or passion of a love bird. Quan almost pressed for more details, one eyebrow ached but dropped the issue and switched a less controversial topic; Quan said ‘I may visit home at the end of the year during school brake ‘, ‘What’s new, asked susan showing some concern but just really curious, ‘my family back home is growing and I would love really to see them’. “if you go will you stay long? “I could not possibly stay longer than one month; besides I think I may start an internship soon after’. “Yes, you are right an internship would help you make a quick transition.
As Estella walked out of the dressing locker, past the front desk, she heard her name from the desk clerk, ‘you have a message, the wide eyed Ghanaian spotting a clean cut sparkling afro, his shiny skin so black even charcoal will blend in just fine; he had been working the front desk for nearly two years to supplement his room and board, his tuition scholarship ensured that he would stay in school. He smiled broadly as he handed Estella the note, ‘this is for you’. She smiled, the surprise showing on her face ‘thank you she said politely. Taking the note and walking towards her lecture hall she unfolded the note, it read ‘please call me when you are done with class, much love’, – Julius.
She folded the note and stuck it in her bag, she had one more class to attend in fifteen minutes, then she would call Julius. A smile appearing around her lips as she pushed open the doors to the James Warmford lecture halls.
The class one of her favorite classes ‘Existential Sustainability’, a life science class was never dull. The professor a middle-aged man from Scotland, with polish mother, with degrees, in physics, economics, an accomplished pianist and a masters and doctorate in industrial engineering, he challenged his students to picture the world as their own domain. He had an elaborate desk next to his table, a three-dimensional map of England. Sections you could move apart and around, He challenged his students to look at their world with a critical view, to find something affecting them in a negative way, and find out why, and determine who in history, has suffered such omissions, what solutions they applied, how and if their civilizations survived or surpassed such omissions. Which factors were present in such civilizations, are they present now?
Can the missing sector or section be replaced, repaired, even reinvented?
Could such inventions be done on scale? And when all the missing sections have been reviewed, rearranged, reinvented, repaired, and finally organized in its desired fashion, would the result be or be close to the desired objective? He challenged them to apply this method in an abstract manner, in a pictorial manner and in practical and logical manner, to everything in their lives…. and when they have found a situation or an obligation without parallel in history, can business, industrial scenario that had never been tried before anywhere in known history, to use the three-dimensional picture to create and itemize, how it might become a plausible objective.
Allowing the students to be creative and warning that thoroughly completed project whether an improvement on a historical event or the bringing to life of an abstract idea, when it is thoroughly and completely documented will account for 45% of the entire class. Therefore, every week through new principles discussed one piece of the map is dissected and the class is helped to see what can be gleaned and applied to their individual objectives. Estella picked up her books and dropped them in her backpack. Slinging her purse over her shoulder, she went down the stairs stopping briefly to pick up her latest scores from last week. The professor standing close to the foot of the stars of a classroom shaped like a semi-amphitheater smile looking up at her and saying ‘here you are miss Kefawek, make sure you complete the review items before attempting this week’s work’, ‘will do thanks professor’, ‘have a great weekend’,
Estela was eager to find out what Julius wanted, he had called to request that she called him after classes’.
It was almost 5pm when she got home. She grabbed a glass of pineapple juice and headed straight to her room. She picked up the phone and dialed Julius’s number, he picked up on the first ring, ‘this is Julius, his voice came over the phone’s ear piece, clear and raspy, ‘Hi Julius’, ‘this is Estella, so glad you called’, ‘Estella, you got my message, are you done with class? “I just got back from class’, said Estella, ‘I wanted to ask what your schedule is for next week Saturday, your college is conducting an open house and this is my chance to visit you’. “Now that’s the best news I had heard all month, my schedule is free on Saturday. The open house is scheduled for 10am to 2pm’. ‘We can have the rest of the day together, that’s absolutely delightful plan’, said Estella excitedly.
Julius said: “we have so much to discuss and I can’t wait to see you.’.
You are not as eager to see me as I am to see you, Julius, I am counting the minutes.
“Wonderful’, said Julius, “I will call you before leaving Saturday morning’. “Thanks Julius’, talk you soon’.
Tuesday had been a particularly busy day, but for Estella and Julius, they felt as refreshed as the bright morning sun.
Julius indeed had so much to discuss with Estella. In less than two weeks he must begin a second job which will occupy most of his afternoons, which mean ‘t that in slightly over a year he would be ready to head on to college ‘permanently removing any fear he maybe he may have had of either being harassed or deported by British immigration. So said his new acquaintance, Barrister Loubuck Longnose. Longnose was a man of genuine intimidation in size, in depth of voice in mastery and comprehension of British law. Everything about Longnose spelled ‘total Command, respect and intimidation’, intimidation and a total command of respect .From his oversized head to his extra-long legs to his bushy eyebrow, to his heavy lips, everything about Loubuck Longnose said “be respectful’, listen carefully, or ‘watch out’, Rolling his eyes, his eyes’, ‘Really Big Eyes’, from side to side’, and swirling around in his chair, he said “Julius, you are a hardworking and serious, and I like a man with a plan”. ” I am happy to off you my services, and provide my professional guidance through this intricate process, I am confident you will come through just fine’.
Getting to his feet Julius stretched out his right hand, his left-hand clutching brochures and details of his first free consultation, he said ‘it has been a pleasure to meet you Mr. Longnose, I look forward eagerly to working together’. There, that’s the spirit, boomed longnose, as he now performed the feet of springing, No, lifting all of his 6.5feet and almost 328 pounds off the chair, and opened the door for Julius, Longnose bowed slightly and Julius left.
The beautiful city of Essex had been a favorite of many scholars, both local Britons, Europeans and foreigners. eager to obtain their own piece of legitimate British knowledge. The sprawling grounds of the European university on Essex laying on all of 2600 acres overlooking a peaceful lake front from the north east and most of the south eastern section of the land. The lakefront of provided a calm peaceful and secluded getaway for both students and faculty sometimes to study and many times to unwind.
Julius walked into Krossqueens Resort, a short distance from the royal landashire embankment. The noise and the gusty wind blown into his face as the train left still resonating in his ears, as he walked off the tunnel, Julius was beginning his second week at the Krossqueens. His colleague, Fontua Banloh, was almost done with his regular first shift, he had been working at Krossqueens for almost 6 years, he seemed to have a vague idea of what challenges Julius might be faced with. Fontua Banloh had looked at Julius with a blank bemused expression, when the assistant manager introduced them a week ago, when they were alone, he asked Julius directly, “when will your time be up? Julius with an equally blank expression said “What the dickens do you mean? Julius believed this was simply an impetuous nosy person and was not ready to add any additional complication to an already difficult situation. Julius knew a fisherman when he saw one.
Of course, Julius knew what he meant. In response fontua said, “I just imagined that you are here temporarily and will have to leave when your visa expired”. “Yes’, said Julius cryptically, “Most people, see me and come to such conclusions’, and became silent. Fontua knew then, that they were only going to be workmates.
Julius now all smiles said to Fontua, “you look so relaxed, did you work all morning? Fontua looked up at Julius, rubbed his eyes smiled in response saying “most of the morning was busy and it trickled down about an hour ago, but I am glad you are here now! Are you doing anything special tonight? asked Julius, “Going to the movies tonight, my cousin bought a ticket for four and he and his girlfriend and I will take my girlfriend’.
Julius said ‘it is only Wednesday night! Said fontua “yes, but I have a day off tomorrow’. So, it’s going to be a late night? “Okay, well I hope you have a great time!
“I intend to’, thank you Julius and I will see you on Friday’.
‘Certainly’, said Julius as he took off the back pack hanging on his shoulder.
Julius was eager and exited but his trip to Essex, his surface rail ticket promised a comfortable journey, boasting a scenic route that will engrave in one’s mind, lasting memories. The seats were plush and comfortable. Julius had breakfast before leaving home early on Saturday. He suspected the train will keep to its promise of not delaying a minute longer than its schedule had outlined. He was proven to be right in his estimation. The train left promptly and Essex proved to a very delightful place.
Because the college grounds were in a secluded property, out of the way from the public roads, stretching into the woods for about a mile. The public shuttle service ran to and from the college week days Monday to Friday, 5am to 12 am. But on weekends the college ran a hourly shuttle every hour all day. Julius decided to take a Taxi. He looked on curiously as the taxi wove through beautiful landscape of hills, tall poplar and pine trees, lush green shrubs and evergreens, all neatly trimmed than as they approached the entrance to the school the air became cool and the road slightly more elevated, clearly, they were on an elevated plain and they were now descending.
The gates opened as the taxi approached and they drove into a large parking lot. The driver pulled up along rows of cars and turned around saying “I hope you have a very enjoyable visit’.
The parking grounds was halfway filled with cars, vans busses and scooters. College open day was not the only event attracting visitors today, it seemed, from the number of vehicles. The Entrance to the school was about a block away from the gate. Julius gave his name and the faculty inviting him to the open house, the attendant pointed to an L shaped building and said smiling ‘enjoy your visit’.
Julius was awed at the vastness of the building once the tour began. The ceilins where at least 65 feet from the ground, a large section was devoted to displays of historical materials, research materials, some at artifacts, all highlighting one faculty or the order. All disciplines that was offered at the college and how the college is continuously improving in refining its courses. there were themes on display ranging from water Sciences , Purification, Conservation, Sources and future of water, to land allocation, conservation, comparison of land quality with current usage and the preservation of air quality, the value of quality air.
Value and uses of the sky above our physical domain, the usage of our physical domain, an awareness of the endless space above us, what is known is little compared to what is unknown, the endless possibilities of the space above us, the underground, the wealth that is constantly sort by excavation, by drilling, by exploring things underneath our earth. Charts, artifacts, showing trium’phs, frustrations of explorator’s, the effects of climate fluctuations, surprising and unintended consequences of explorations, to the ever-growing and important health sciences. How the college hopes to keep pushing for increased and refined research, a history of its own achievements by date by contributors, in the areas of human health. The leading tour guides one faculty member and one administration director taking turns to elaborate on specific areas in answering questions as a large group of visitors, numbering more than 40 person’s, slowly made their way through the buildings, until they got to an open area of the building with a long table of refreshments was waiting for them.
They were given the option if they wanted to sit for a few moments and eat or drink while the 2 tour guides responded to some questions after while the group appears to be enjoying the short break including tea, coffee, biscuits, short breads and cakes. They were invited to the final section of the tour at large theater which actually served as the inhouse college at room to watch a special presentation of the colleges history a full 15 minute production the entire event that lasted exactly 95 minutes from the first “Welcome” to the well ladies and gentlemen and students this concludes our tour don’t forget to take a faculty brochure on your way out, and sign up as soon as you can”. The group broke up into small circles and gradually began to disperse. Julius felt overwhelmed by all of the of the information he was receiving, he turned around to find his way back to the front entrance where Estella was waiting, she waved as he got closer to the entrance it was already 2 PM.
Julius was delighted to see her waiting, a broad cheerful smile filled his face .
Julius and Estela had lunch at the college coffee a highly subsidized restaurant open only for students faculty and occasional guests must either be accompanied by students or faculty or have a token obtained from the college. Julius was giving a token when he checked in for the open house and indicated he was there for the weekend, the college café was elegant yet simple in design the ceiling was painted in milk white, the celling wall had a thin lavender moulding trim, the tablecloth was burgundy, it’s simple cotton polyester had the college logo as its centerpiece, as did all the cutlery and furniture in the café, the walls were painted in light charcoal.
Estella had trout on a bed of beetroots, deal, baby carrots, sea buckhorn cooked in Apple juice and a side of agnolottis, Julius had cote de Porch, on a bed of pumpkins, sprouts, pickled walnuts, and roasted baby carrots. And for desert they both had apricot and lemon frangipani tart.
It was close to 4 PM when they stepped out of the café. Julius in a pleasant tone said ‘I have a suggestion’ Estela tilting her head sideways with a bemused smile ‘yes I’m all ears’, said Julius ‘let’s not stay at the college tonight let’s do something outside the college’, “Okay, said Estella “Where and what do you want to do?
The carriage inched forward towards a much more delicate and colorful estate, Grosvenor resorts’, announced the guide, exclusive hideaway, all-inclusive vacation spot for short or long stays. 115,500 square miles, of spa’s, fishing lake’s, golfing grounds, cinema’s, and five-star dinning’s. The carriage picked up speed making a right and a left turn, and another left turn into bursier road and once again the landscape blended in with most roads in the city. A cute little cafe came into view as they galloped past it and gradually faded into the background, behind it, it had a parking spot double the size of the café. The parking was half filled. Julius pointing at the fading structure said” is that not Reedy’s? he had seen the ad in the local paper about a pop star guest appearance. “Yes indeed’, said the tour guide ‘dance, classic wines and malts, a variety of local and regional cuisine, occasionally they have guest appearances’, splendid’ said Julius. Glancing at his watch. The tour soon wound up and Julius and Estella caught a taxi back to the campus. They chatted into the night forgetting time and place. It was way past ten pm when Julius headed to his guest room.
They had breakfast together Sunday morning. The college arranged a service for students who wanted to attend. Julius and Antonella were back from Sunday service by 12.30.
After lunch, Julius said “lets go dancing, “super’, said Estella, I am sure I can find something to wear’.
After about three and a half hours they returned to campus.
Julius said, “I would love to sit on the waterfront”, “then we shall go sit on the water front, said Estella, joyously delighted this visit was going so well. They chose a spot close to the southeastern tip of the college, the water seemed very calm, and a gentle cloud swept up from the calm water, as it flowed effortlessly north and ultimately out to sea. Julius held some pebbles and tossed them into the water one after the other playfully, slanting his toss so the pebble glided across the surface of the water. Then held Antonella hands, looking into her eyes he said “I am having such a great time with you this weekend. Unbeknown to me the time has left us so very quickly, how I wish I could prolong this weekend. I have had such fun and I don’t want it to ever end’.
Smiling she said, “I have enjoyed every moment with you Julius, I am sure I selfishly wish you did not have to leave’. Julius laughed, a cheerful laugh, saying “the people whom you love and those who love you don’t really ever leave do they? “‘true, she said. ‘Do you know sometimes I have a sense of panic, if I think I was going to lose you? And that is something that has never happened before. “I’ve loved before, yes, but I have never had a sense of panic, this is different, you are different, I really love you.
Julius said, ‘I know you are everything I have ever wanted in a girl, and I hate waiting any longer, before tomorrow throws us a surprise, we are not willing to accept’. Estella’s eyes got wider, showing reddish pink blush on her face, holding on to her hands, one knee on the ground he said “please marry me? It would be the best thing that ever happened to me.’ Julius produced a white and gold Jewelry box and brought out a star shaped sparkling stone and engagement ring, white diamond cut into delicate gold.
He held it up and waited. She went from happy chatter, to surprise, to ecstatic, to calm satisfaction she looked past the sparkling stone at Julius saying ‘that’s is the very best thing I have heard in my entire life’, oh’ Julius this is so unexpected’. She held out her hand and he slipped the engagement ring unto her finger. They kissed and hugged, his arms around her in what seemed like moments, but more than two minutes, they talked about school, family, immediate goals, travel, barrister longnose, it was endless.
Early in the morning Julius took the 5 o’clock shuttle out to the train station and headed straight to work.
