Chapter 8. The Adaptation 2

Nevertheless, my first day at work was exciting. The bar closed at 3 AM and we were free to leave. I was wondering how we would go home at that time of the night when some of us slept on the couch. Some used the cushion as a bed. I did the same thing and rested my head on one of the beanbags.  

Unfortunately, I could not sleep. I was troubled by the events of the day. I remembered my family and how much my tips could do for us.

A stream of joy flooded my mind and I said to myself, "Mom will be happy with this."

At that point, I slept off. I was woken after two hours by Andrea.

"Wake up, Julius. The manager wishes to see you," he tapped my legs and informed me.

I opened my eyes and discovered that the day was bright already and some of my colleagues were not there. Indeed, the sleep of a laboring man is sweet. I had never slept like that in a long while.

"Good morning, Andrea. Thank you for informing me," I greeted him and got up wondering how I would clean up before meeting the manager.

"Good morning. Go to the washroom and clean up," he said and pointed towards a door.

"I got it," I said and got up languorously.

"Hurry up and don't keep me him waiting," he ordered me and I hastened up.

I got to the washroom and met my colleagues cleaning up. I had no toothbrush or paste and one of them noticed it.

"You can have my toothpaste, Julius. You can gargle with it," he said.

I was pleased with the offer. I collected the paste and appreciated him. Soon, I was through and left for the manager's office. He was ready to leave but was waiting for me.

"Good morning, Manager," I greeted him.

He searched my countenance, smiled softly, and answered me, "Good morning, Julius. How did you see the job?"

I smiled shyly and responded, "The job is fine."

"Are you sure? What about the fights? You were terrified," he asked me further.

"I was terrified, but I will get used to it," I stated.

"I like that. This is your offer letter. Read through it and see if you can cope with the conditions," he said, handing out the letter to me.

I collected it from him and read through it while he studied my expression. The conditions were not important to me as the payment and I quickly looked out for it. It was not as poor as I expected. I continued reading through, and the conditions were not too much for me to cope with.

"Thank you very much for the offer. I can cope with the conditions," I said smiling from ear to ear.

"I'm happy you like it. Kindly indicate that by acknowledging the receipt of the offer."

I did as he instructed me and handed the acknowledgment copy to him. He collected it, put it in a folder, and faced me 

"Congratulations once again. See you in the evening," he complimented and dismissed me.

"Thank you for the compliment, Manager," I appreciated him and left his office.

I was walking to the supervisor's office to inform him of my appointment. Fortunately, he was interested in the outcome of my visit to the manager's office and came to meet me.

"How did it go?" He asked me anxiously.

"It went well. I have been employed," I announced with glee. 

"I expected that. You are a smart boy."

I was delighted to know that I impressed him. 

"Thank you, Andrea, for believing in me."

"You are welcome. See you in the evening," he said and walked back to his office while I walked away.

Unknown to me, the men at the gate had been waiting for me.

"How did it go? Did he absorb you as a relief staff?" The guard asked me with genuine concern while his colleague eagerly waited for my response.

"It went well, Officer. Thank you for your encouragement. I was not absorbed as a relief staff but a permanent staff," I announced proudly.

"Wow!"

"Congratulations," they said one after the other.

I appreciated them and began to walk back home. My house was a bit far but I was familiar with trekking. Part of the tips I got from the clients could take me home if I chose to board a taxi but I did not wish to tamper with it. Rather, I increased my pace and walked on happily.

Before I got home, I saw some of my colleagues but I did not want them to know my house for fear of identifying my father. I carefully dodged them and walked into my compound. Eugenia was about to leave for work when I walked in. She breathed freely and asked me questions.

I explained everything to her and she was pleased.

"Congratulations. Let me run along or I will be late for my work," she said happily and moved.

"It's all right. Have a great day, Big sister," I said and waved at her.

"Bye," she responded and left.

I walked to my mother's room and met her sleeping. To avoid disturbing her, I walked out of the room. Meanwhile, Milo, our dog missed me. Since I returned from school, that was the first time I was spending the night outside the house. He walked to me and began to circle around.

"Did you miss me, Milo?" I asked him jovially and rubbed his head.

He was pleased with that and wagged his tail. I took him to the kitchen and I got my breakfast. While I was eating, Mother walked to the parlor.

"Good morning, Mom," I greeted her cheerfully.

She smiled broadly and responded, Good morning, Son. What kept you?"

I got up, walked up to her, and hugged her. She was surprised and inquired again, "What's up? Have you gotten a job?"

"Yes, Mother," I released her and answered.

She was enlivened and pulled me closer for another hug. Apart from the support that my income would give to the family, she wished to see me fulfilled like my mates.