The Journey Of Life

CHAPTER 3 AT THE SITE

Yes, I'm looking for a job as a graduate of petrol chemical engineering, not to the extent of washing plates in a restaurant, not even a big restaurant but a mama put, with five thousand nairas as a salary per month.

This is incredible I can't do this kind of job.

What is five thousand nairas a month? As I was still thinking about the job Ogechi proposed to me another thought triggered in my ear that I will be given food daily like morning afternoon, and night.

I slept off without a reasonable thought on what to do if to accept the offer or not.

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The next day, I was at the site but I didn't go early to avoid that ugly incident repeating itself, but before I came they have already started working I meet the engineer asked him to fix me in but he declined saying that there is no chance anymore the available positions have been taken that I should go and come back the next day.

I pleaded, but he refused.

On my way home with my working equipment, I was tired so I found a nearby tree to rest. The whole environment of that place I was laying my head was untidy I have no other option than to stay there and rest.

After some time, I moved out of the place to look for another work. on my way I heard a voice of a man calling me, I turned back and walk closer to him.

good morning sir.

The man looked at me from head to toe, he was putting on big trousers with bathroom slippers. To be frank I don't know me and him who is more dressed.

This one you carrying shovel up and down can you cast? He asked as he was still looking at me because I looked like somebody that doesn't have the energy to work.

Cast what I asked.

He laughs and said you don't know what is cast and you are moving around with a shovel who are you deceiving he asked me looking straight into my eyes as if we are having issues with one another, I didn't say a word because I needed the job if there is any.

Can you mix concrete?

I nod in agreement.

He took me to his site where the work will take place, I promise myself that I will mix at least five bags of cement.

When we get there I was instructed that the number of sand to be mixed is twelve while the number of stones is fifteen I abide by the instructions.

I started working as a machine when others are resting I keep on working to make sure I reach my target.

You Mr. man make sure you mix that cement very well and stop wasting that material. I feel like I didn't hear anything I keep on doing my work amicably before 3:15 pm I have already cast three bags of cement I got weak and disappointed when one of those I'm working with have already mixed right bags getting to ten.

His working style got me weak I think I was the fastest without knowing that people faster than I am are working with me as well.

I'm about to arrive at the fourth bag before a nail from the building pierces my leg I felt the pain, I felt like giving up but I remembered an adage that says no pain no gain.

So I continue with my work, but the energy in which I was working decreased as a result of the injury sustained.

I was very hungry and tired so I went and meet the engineer, I was nervous because I don't know how to address the issue to him, I pick up courage went straight to him.

He was very tall with a masculine look and safety apparel which help to complement his profession as an engineer unlike us that are just mere workers. I begin to imagine how lucky he is to get to this level of life.

I forgot myself in front of him because I was wondering what could be the outcome of my action.

How can I be of help to you Mr?

I looked straight into his eyes and used my hands to demonstrate my demand.

He shouted at me I was afraid because he is the boss and I can lose my job at any time if I don't take time.

Hearing the voice, the whole workers in the site fixed their eyes on us to no the next line of action.

What is wrong with this guy? One of the fastest workers said pointing to the direction where I was facing the engineer.

Sir can you give me five hundred naira from the money I worked I want to buy food and eat, during payment just deduct it I said, waiting patiently for his reply as I was looking around the site premises.

We don't do that way young man just go and work if you are tired you can rest after work the money will be distributed according to the number of cement every one of you mix he said in a deep voice.

I felt disappointed after hearing that from him. my target has been terminated, because I have known single straight to continue with the work so I find a place and rest.

After the work we were called to provide the number of bags of cement that we mixed after providing mine, I was given one thousand five hundred naira.

I demanded to know why but the engineer told me that my money is one thousand five hundred naira, I demand to know why it should be so.

Mr. man you mixed only three bags the third bag fourth bag you didn't finish it so deducted the money the engineer said.

But sir...................... I wanted to insist that my money must be complete I later found out that the engineer is just saying nothing but the truth.

I washed my head pan and shovel and went home. while on my way I was still deliberating if I should go and start the work Ogechi find for me or should I leave it and continue with this work that I'm doing currently.

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6: 45pm I arrived home I ate the little food I had took my bath arrange some certain things in my room and slept off.