THE GRIND
778 Words
Day 17.
The 3 months had started.
5am. *Wandegeya Boda Stage.*
The air was cold and smelled like petrol and roasted gonja.
Jimmy was already there. Wiping down his boda.
He had 760k at home. But that would finish fast if he didn’t work. He knew exactly what goals he was supposed to meet in three months time. He had to be focused.
"Early bird," a voice said.
*Alex.*
Alex was 25. Two kids in Gulu. Always wore a reflector and a serious face.
He parked next to Jimmy.
"You look tired," Alex said. "The moms visit go well?"
"Two of them," Jimmy said. "3 months deadline."
Alex shook his head. "Man. You and Jessica need to work double."
"I know," Jimmy said. "That’s why I’m here at 5."
Then a loud hoot. A red boxer skidded in.
*Craig "CJ".*
Craig was 23. Jacket too big. Smile too wide.
"Boys! What are we making today?"
"Money," Alex said flatly. "Not trouble."
"What? Me?" Craig laughed. "I’m just trying to eat."
*The Stage Meeting*
By 7am, the stage was full. 20 bodas.
Musa, Shadia’s boyfriend, Brian the collector’s cousin. Everyone.
Alex pulled Jimmy aside.
"Listen," he said low. "I heard Brian asking about you yesterday.
About the loan boss paper. Be careful."
"Brian?" Jimmy frowned. "What did you tell him?"
"Nothing," Alex said. "But Craig was talking loud yesterday.
About your mom giving you 200k."
Jimmy’s stomach dropped.
"Alex, that’s salon rent money."
"I know," Alex said. "Watch Craig."
Craig walked over, chewing roasted maize.
"Yo, I have an idea. Night shifts. *Kikoni*.
We make 80k a night. Girls, students, club people."
"Kikoni?" Jimmy said. "That’s where we ran."
"Exactly!" Craig said. "No one will look for you there.
Too many bodas. Too much darkness."
Alex cut in. "Bad idea, CJ. You want him arrested?"
"Relax, Mr. Pastor," Craig said. "I’m just trying to help my guy."
*The First Fight*
10am. Jimmy got a call. Jessica.
"Babe, Shadia is fighting me at the salon.
She told Aunty Prossy I’m using salon money for rent."
Jimmy dropped everything. Rode to *Wandegeya Market*.
Inside the salon, Shadia was yelling.
"You think we don’t see you? 52k a day and you still look broke!
Where is the money going? To that boda boy?"
Aunty Prossy stood in the middle. "Enough!"
Jessica was crying. Quiet. Looking miserable but firm like as if her whole life a single turning point she was not ready to let go.
Jimmy walked in. "What’s happening?"
Shadia pointed at him. "Him! He’s the problem.
She should go to Fort Portal like her mom said."
Alex appeared behind Jimmy. He must have followed.
"Shadia," Alex said. Calm but firm. "Leave her alone. Give her peace.
Or I’ll tell everyone you’re sleeping with Musa for free hair."
The salon went quiet.
Shadia sat down. Mad.
Aunty Prossy looked at Jimmy. "Take her home. please.
She can come back tomorrow. But no more drama in my salon."
*Night*
That night, Jimmy and Jessica counted money.
42k from Jessica. 35k from Jimmy. 77k.
"We need 25k a day to hit our target," Jessica said.
"It’s possible," Jimmy said.
His phone buzzed. Craig.
_Yo, Kikoni is moving. 3 rides already. Come._
Jimmy stared at the message.
Alex texted 1 minute later:
_Don’t. Stay home._
Jimmy put the phone down.
"Alex is right," he said. "No shortcuts."
Jessica leaned on him. "Thank you."
*The Warning*
11pm. A knock on the door.
Jimmy opened it.
*Craig.* Drunk.
"Why didn’t you come? I made 90k!"
"Go home, CJ," Jimmy said.
Craig stepped in anyway. Saw the money on the table.
"Whoa. Is that from the mom?"
"Don’t," Jimmy said.
Craig laughed. "Relax. I’m just saying...
If Brian asks me where you got money, what do I say?"
Alex appeared in the doorway. He had followed Craig.
"Say nothing," Alex said. "And get out."
Craig looked between them. Rolled his eyes.
"Fine. You people and your stress."
He left.
Alex stayed.
"Jimmy," he said. "I’m not telling you what to do.
But Craig will sell you for 50k and that's the most terrifying thing.Stay safe, stay vigilant.
Protect Jessica. Protect that money."
He left too.
*That Night*
Jimmy and Jessica sat in silence. Brains buzzing nonstop with solutions to their wellbeing. Their future depended right on their efforts.
"Two friends," Jessica said. "One good. One dangerous."
"Welcome to Kampala," Jimmy said.
He held her hand.
"3 months. We do it clean. No Kikoni. No shortcuts. No trouble."
Jessica nodded. "Deal."
Outside, Wandegeya was loud.
Inside, they had allies and enemies.
And 89 days left to put everything right as to what agreements were made with the mothers.
- Writer
