IN TIMES LIKE THIS (Ep1)

IN TIMES LIKE THIS (World of the Stars #1)

EPISODE 1

© Esther Ebunife

The night was not as dark as it used to be in Arimoje kingdom, but most of the inhabitants had retired into their various homes to rest. The whole land was unusually quiet, even the frogs didn’t croak and the crickets made no sound. The bright full moon shone down, revealing two young men, sitting opposite each other under a tree. They sat still for a while, neither of them spoke a word, the breeze stung their skin with cold. 

There had been a party earlier for the send-forth of Richard Odunayo, who was leaving the kingdom in pursuit of his dream. After the party, everyone had gone quietly to their homes except Richard who now sat with his closest friend, Desmond, under a tree.

“I’m going to miss you, dude.”

“Me too, but don’t worry Desmond. I’ll write you as soon as I’m well settled there.” Richard told his friend and patted his back.

“Anyway, it’s for good isn’t it. Just be careful with those boys out there. No drugs, no cult, okay?"

“Yeah, I will. And don’t worry yourself about the bad boys, I can handle them very well.” Richard said, laughing.

“I’m serious, Richard. If the only way to become a star is for you to go into drugs and cults, then quit. The last thing I want is to see my best friend behind bars or in a rehabilitation centre.”

“You can trust me, Desmond.”

“I know, but I’m just of the motive that anyone going into this kind of thing ends up being something really bad. You’re lucky to have the scholarship but why not go and take up a course of study, go to school instead of wasting your time with competitions?”

“Desmond, I will study along with this.”

“How are you going to concentrate with the studies when there’ll be a lot of pressure on you?”

“Desmond…”

“You can’t rely on this, Richard. What if you don’t make it? Find an alternative.”

Richard took a deep breath. “I will make it to the top. I will be a star.”

“You’re brilliant, I trust you’ll do great.” Desmond said and got up to leave.

“What about you?”

“I'll be going to school. I’ll sit for the next Entrance Examination.” Desmond replied. “Goodnight, Richard. Get a good rest before leaving tomorrow.”

“Yeah, thanks. Goodnight to you too.”

Richard stayed outside for a few more minutes after Desmond left. He ruminated over what they’d discussed and smiled as he recalled his friend’s warning. Desmond was just being Desmond. They'd been friends since childhood. Even while they were still in high school, Desmond kept saying, ‘don’t follow the bad guys, the last thing I want is to see my best friend behind bars or in a rehabilitation centre’.

His mother and his sister, Eliza, were fast asleep. His father was the only one awake. He sat on his usual seat, going through Richards pictures with a smile on his face. Richard went and sat on the arm of the chair. 

“I knew you’ll be a footballer when I saw you on the football pitch that day.” His father said, pointing at a particular picture. It was the one Richard had taken when he’d won his first football match at eight years old.

“Yeah, Dad. It had been on my mind ever since.” 

Frank looked up at his son. “You’ll do great, Richard. I just know you’ll succeed, you’re a brilliant chap and I am very proud of you. But Richard, don't get involved in any vices to get to the top. Even if you don’t make it, I’ll still be proud of you.”

“Dad, I’ll make it. Trust me.”

“I do.” 

His mother came out then.

“You should get some sleep, Richard. You know you have to wake up early tomorrow.” She said.

“Okay, mum. Goodnight.” 

Richard went to his room feeling very excited. He dreamt that he was on the football pitch playing very well. Then as he was about to score the last goal, something from nowhere banged him over the head and he fell.

Richard opened his eyes and was surprised to meet himself on the cold floor, he’d fallen from the bed while he dreamt.

“Ouch.” He rubbed the side of his head that ached him. The time struck five. Quickly, he took his bath and dressed up.

“Come and have some tea before leaving.” His mother told him as he got to the living room with his luggage.

Eliza poured him some tea. He collected it from her, giving her a peck on the cheek. She giggled and went back to her seat. They all chatted for a while till Desmond came to see him off.

They got to the station and waited for a while before Richard took off, waving at Desmond.

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(Thanks for reading)

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TO BE CONTINUED...

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Picture Credit: The Internet