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*MY ENCOUNTER WITH KATE*

EPISODE TWENTY SIX

I checked my wrist watch it was just 3:25 am, I felt my head aching, I was surprised and annoyed that my roomates were making noise at this time of the night, I wasn't more than two hours since I slept, the noises from people arranging their luggage increased, the room was well lit, the more I tried going back to bed the more impossible it was, I had to endure.

I rechecked my luggage's and made sure everything was intact and complete, making sure they fit into a single bag, Kunle helped in binding my matrass so I could easily carry it.

When I finished having my bath, I, Kunle and Biodun took our luggage to the Pentecostal church, it was where it was most safe, we were made to sign and we were given a number tag for identification, we were left with our matrass, both boy and girls littered everywhere, the deadline was to evacuate the hostel latest by 7pm that day.

The moon was now visible, on my way back to the hostel, I stumbled upon Cynthia a platoon- mate of mine, she pleaded that I should accompany her to the centre for phone charging, she spoke confident of her PPA , she said so because she was a member of the cultural group which automatically meant she was posted to the state capital. I told her that I expected Lagos, we both shared the good memories we had together before I left her, on my way back I saw Ada, we both greeted and I told her to keep in touch, because we couldn't know what to expect, Ada didn't look happy.

When I was settled, I lay my matrass on a pavement and leaned on it, trying to get some sleep. My eyes were heavy, everywhere seemed tensed, it was still early, there was no parade, I sighted Uddy from a distance, I moved closer and it was her, I expected Kate could be nearby, but I didn't see Kate.

I was doubtful if I should still apologize to Kate or just let it go since she was aware that it was the rainfall that stopped me from taking her out.

After about five minutes, I went to meet Uddy, she was leaning on the Yusuf shoulder, my attention woke her ...

Me: "Sorry for the disturbance, how are you doing?" ** shook hand with Yusuf**

Uddy: "Fine and you good"

Me: "Good to hear, please where is Kate?"

Uddy: * points* "she was there a moment ago, just check back in few minutes time"

Me: " alright".......

My eyes were as alert as an owl hunting its prey, I was focused on the direction that Uddy had shown, Alas Kate walked in slowly, I couldn't see her face clearly, I waited for about ten minutes before approaching her, I was anxious, I wanted to see her probably for the last time....


Me: " hi"

Kate: "Hello"

Me: "How was your night?"

Kate: "Good"

Me: " I just wanna say my final good bye, I pray destiny bring us back"


Kate: "Hmmn"

Me: "And for yesterday night, I didn't mean to, it was because of the rain"

Kate: " you are saying this because you want to fulfill all righteousness" ** hisses**

Me: " Kate! Why would you say something like that? Its too harsh o, I have no point of telling lies, I wanted to, that why I called again, see em you have to trust me, I have no point of telling you lies, please believe me"

Kate: "Please its okay, let's forget everything"

Me: "I just want us to leave on a friendly note"

Kate: " I have heard you"

Me: " thanks for your understanding"


Kate was smiling as I cracked some light joke, I went to pick my matrass from where I left it and I brought it to where she was, I placed my chair beside hers and we were gisting so freely like never before, when it was time to submit our mattresses for the collection of a clearance tag, We went together, she was at my front, when I submitted mine, I helped Kate to carry hers, she was grateful,

when it was dawn, we were clustered around our platoon officer, it was time to receive our identity card in exchange for the clearance tag, there were rumors around, people exchange contact, I received mine earlier than Kate, she was nervous at first, I had to calm her down till she received hers too.

We were into each other, she told me more about herself, at a time I was surprised and I was tempted to ask her while the unexpected friendly behavior, I saw a different Kate, it was as if I was in the dream world.

I left Kate for a while, I needed to answer nature's call, when I was back, we continued from where we stopped, she was an amazing person, I did most of the talking and she spoke occasionally, we went to a shade, where we became more comfortable.

It was already shinning bright early in the morning and the sun was hot, Kate complained of back ache, I tried to calm her down, I gave Kate my phone while she took nice shots of me, the shots were adorable especially the one where I stood beside the fully kitted Corp member statue at the front of the auditorium. I requested I and Kate take a picture where we were together she declined, it made me really sad, but she was not willing so I gave up.

Kate complained bitterly about her back ache, I offered to help her massage it but she mocked me emphasizing that I had a corrupt motive despite my claim of being a born again Christian.

As we went to collect Kate phone where she was charging it, we stumbled upon our Platoon commander, Sergeant Friday, we both greeted him, he called Kate aside and spoke to her for about a minute, I felt an instant jealousy, I didn't bother to ask Kate what he discussed with her.

We moved closer to the pavilion, we were in the mist of people, we gisted about the different places that we could be posted and their advantages and disadvantages. It was very debatable, opinion difference was the main thing. I sat beside Kate, we were involved in the discussion, I locked hands with Kate, her hands were soft and mild, I pretended as if I wanted to deflate pimples on her face and I was sure Kate was comfortable with me.

When the three girls that were beside us went to the Kitchen to collect breakfast, they told us to look after their chairs, a guy came for the empty chairs, he wanted to forcefully take it, I explained that we were in custody of it and that the owners would soon be back, Kate held on to the chair, It led to the exchange of harsh words, I came with a dispute resolution, I allowed the guy to sit pending till when the owners came back, Kate eyes were wet, she was almost weeping, I consoled her, I wanted to engage with a fight with the guy but I restrained, I just had to compose myself. I console Kate to forget everything and lighten up her mood, she explained that she hate intimidation.

When the owners came back Kate affirmed her claim, it difficult to get her to the mood before encountering the guy.

When I proposed to share the gospel with Kate, she accepted, it was my way of making her get back to her previous mood, and it worked, she smiled and nodded in in agreement.

We were then informed to assemble to the parade ground, it was the final event, the governor was to address us, it was tagged the closing ceremony, Kate still complained of the back ache, I offered to help her carry her bag, she accepted and was glad, I gave her my waist pouch to hold, I was past one, the sun was very hot, they were side talk and mumur, anxiety fill the air, Kate was also anxious, I encouraged her to trust God, there was a small gathering of about five people and when I went to enquire, it was confirmed that those that applied for relocation had been approved, I was scared and nervous, Kate noticed it and gave a warm smile, when I tried logging my details, the website was packed, too many people were trying to have access at the same time, I was impatient and couldn't concentrate anymore.

Kate approached me holding a piece of pie with a bottle and fanta offering to share with me, I just took a sip and thanked her.

When the governor representative gave his final speech, different platoons converged in their respective areas, I exchange Kate's bag for my pouch and quickly went to the cyber cafe to check my relocation status.


When I came back, I combed for Kate, I saw her in the corner of the crowd, she stood still, she held her posting letter in her hands, I knew something was wrong, she was almost in tears , she was posted to a secondary school in Olamaboro local government area, which was below her expectation, I consoled her and told her that everything would be alright.

Many buses were trooping into the field to convey people to their various local government, I was confident my relocation had worked because I wasn't given a posting letter, but the worry was if it was Lagos.

I accompanied Kate to where her luggage was, it was in the Catholic church, Kate walked like someone that just lost a family member and everything i said to encourage her didn't make sense, she was too crestfallen to speak, I wanted to carry her box for her, she declined, she lifted it on her head not minding the environment, she looked like a village woman coupled with the way she tied her jacket around her waist. I felt her pain but I was more pained because we were missing each other, i was already in love with her.

MY ENCOUNTER WITH KATE

EPISODE TWENTY FIVE

It was the last parade, Ayoade the owner of the book that I lended which kept me busy had requested for it, I knew I couldn't complete it within the time at my disposal, but I planned on covering so much.

The environment was rowdy, the authorities were less respected people were acting out of order, it was a lawless situation.

I had gone to my usual hiding place instead of the parade ground, In few minutes Maureen arrived, I sat in a wooden plain laid on a moulded concrete, I flipped through, reading as fast as I could, few others that escaped the parade came and hanged around.

The usual cultural group were absent, they had concluded their mission and they was no reason for them converging, It was only the man o' war rehearsing for the welcoming of the state governor representative visitation for the next day.

I found it difficult to concentrate, a discussion had started, it was centered on the criteria for posting to the place of primary assignment, there were different opinions, some identified course of study, some class of grade, tribe and so on.

There was fear in their voices, most of them didn't wish for the waterside, they wanted Lokoja the capital or Kabba where the Camp was located.

Maureen stared at me in a way I could discern, I was trying hard to focus, Maureen had a way of bringing me into the discussion, but I avoided her tricks, she often put me on the spots.

The sun was so intense, we all moved to a shade, when I was uncomfortable with the noise and the heat became unbearable, I decided to stop reading. I wasn't interested in the conversation, I just cupped my chin in my palm listening to them.

There was pandemonium, we quickly dispersed to various hideouts, I connived with the members of the man o' war to claim I was a member of their group, a high ranking soldier ordered many back to the parade ground, when he reached the man o' war area, I avoided eye contact, I just kept calm after observing for a while, he marched slowly away. There was a sigh of relief.

It took about five minutes to monitor that he was finally gone, when we converged on the same spot we were three less, we laughed over it.

Maureen came out from her hideout and we laughed again. The evening parade was going to be over soon, I checked my WhatsApp and messaged Kate and to my surprised she replied immediately.


Me: "Hello Kate, Its me Osaz"

Kate: "OK, How are you?"

Me: "Fine and you?

Kate: "fine"

Me: " Please can we meet?"

Kate: "Of course"

Me: "where exactly are you?

Kate: "outside, at the security post"

Me: "I am at the Man O' War area, please come over here"

Kate: "Why?"

Me: "Here is cool, its very nice"

Kate: "Me I can't come o, if you wanna see me come here"

Me: "Are you alone"

Kate: "No, I am with my friends"

Me: " You know I don't like to be among groups, here is better, I am alone"

Kate: "why? Are you shy?Sorry I can't come o"


I explained to Maureen about the situation and Maureen suggested that I should go and meet Kate where she was. When I got there she wasn't there anymore, I later sighted her in the midst of the crowd. But I was reluctant to meet her, she was engrossed in a conversation with Uddy and an unfamiliar face.

The corp members were deliberately rebellious, there were minor brawls between the authorities and the subjects, someone had feigned fainting, it caused chaos, the overall commandant had to put things in order, he ordered everyone alive to sit on the bare floor, they were utterly murmurs, from whereI sat, I crawled so low so as not to be noticed to where Kate was, she was still talking when I disrupted with a greeting, she unconvincingly replied, I explained to her why I wasn't present for the date, I guessed she believed after I pleaded for her to believe, she requested I need not to bother myself stating that she was just surprised as to why I didn't show up. I saw disappointment in Kate face

Me: "It took a while to find you"

Kate: "Oh"

Me: "Yeah, concerning the date, I was absence due to my lateness for mass, I waited for you but I had to go and rest, when I came back you were nowhere to be found, I tried calling your number but it was switched off, all these are not fabricated lies, trust me, it's not , Uddy can attest to this"

Kate: "Its alright, no need to stress the matter"

Me: " thanks for your understanding"

Kate: " welcome ".......

Kate was speaking her local dialect with the unfamiliar girl, I had an inkling that their discussion had shifted to me. The camp commandant spoke with rage, he was boasting of his authority and he promised to discipline us no matter how soon we were leaving.

He ordered us to stand, I dusted my hands and communicated to Kate that I still wanted to have the date with her, she rejected my offer, I felt sad, I begged further but she was adamant, the unfamiliar girl kept staring at me like an Infidel.

After so much plea she finally accepted my invitation

I had accompanied Kate halfway to her hostel when she ask me to leave, I insisted but she refused, I respected her decision and reminded her of the date before I departed.

It was already past seven and darkness lurked,I returned Ayoade's book while expressing gratitude, we shook hands, I went to meet Maureen and asked if we could go to church for thanksgiving, she didn't want to go, she asked me to get her something that she was famished, I didn't want to but she was persistent, I had to get her a plate of fried rice with chicken, we chatted for a while and I told her about how i explained the cause of my absence to Kate, she commended my courage and I appreciated her for the advice.

Maureen stopped half way the path that led the Pentecostal church, I promised to call her after the date with Kate and I gave her a tight hug before letting her go.

The church was less crowdy, I scanned around before moving, there was a section where I registered my name amongst those that were going to utilize the church custodian service for out luggage's the next day.

The thanksgiving services started with praise then worship after then there was a quiz session, I didn't participate much I was stressed out, the Cruz if the services was when we were asked about the longest name in the bible, I was so confident that I know the answer ; Nebuchadnezzar, to my uttermost shock I was wrong when the answer was revealed, it was "Maher-shalal-hash-baz" I was a new knowledge.

I didn't wait till the service was over, I wanted to go out with Kate and have a good rest afterwards. I was almost alone except for the few figures I spotted on their all white attires, I was scared, the atmosphere had begin to change, I felt a stormy breeze, It lifted particles, it was vociferous, I hasten up towards the hostel arena.

The storm didn't last, but the climate was moist and cold, when I got near the hostel a girl walked in my front on me, there was an inscription on her shirt ; "God's presence". I engaged her in a conversation, it was about if she had experience Gods presence and she affirmed and narrated how the experience, I encouraged her to always cultivate the habit of hosting God magnificent presence.

I and the Girl both ran for cover when it began to drizzle, she entered her hostel while I waited nearby till it reduced after which I dashed to the hostel.

I quickly went for my bucket, I was poised to look clean for the date, it was very difficult to stay in the cold, the cloud was
lightened, I was freezing out in the cold, I scooped the water with the bailer, ,and threw the rest on the ground.

The rain was gathering in the cloud, I called Kate but she didn't pick, I was anxious, after the second called she picked........

Me: "Hello Kate, its me Osaz, I am on my way to your hostel, Hope you are prepared"

Kate: "Emmn, its about to rain, let's wait a little longer till the drizzling g stops "

Me:"Alright then, be expecting my call soon"

Kunle and Biodun just stared at me and smiled, I ignored them, my eyes were heavy, Biodun uttered that I give up on her and forget everything about Kate that after tomorrow everything will be history and that the relationship was baseless and that we may never meet again for life. I felt silent, I was impatient the rain had intensified , it pitter-patter the rood top, I went for my jacket, it was already fourty-five minutes since I called Kate, the rain had reduced its intensity and I called Kate...


Me: "Can we go now?"

Kate: "Haa.. Please Osaz I am tired everywhere is cold and wet"

Me: " oh please this is the last night here in camp just sacrifice for me"

Kate: " I want to but I am exhausted, I am sorry if I disappointed you, good night" * hangs up*

Me: * hearts beats*

There was an eerie silence, I couldn't believe that this was going to be the outcome, I gave up and admitted the fact I gave my best, I made up my mind that it was last I will have to do with Kate, after all the relationship was a smooth one.

The night ended, It was a double tragedy; a drunk vomited inside the while while a roomate phone was stolen, it caused chaos, the soldiers on duty decided to punish us after series of warning, we were made to sit on the wet ground for about an hour. By the time we were released it was past one, it was already the final day in camp

EPISODE TWENTY FOUR

The sky was bright and the room was full, I emptied my box and rearranged my files.

The room governor gave an announcement that all should contribute towards the cleaning of the hostel. The announcement came with disagreement, some supported some opposed, I made sure my documents was intact and placed them deep inside my traveling bag, I was having difficulties with focusing on my task, I had a feeling I omitted something vital.

There were so much complain of stealing, it was Indeed rampant, I had to make sure I monitored who entered my corner. When the chaos was over, I hurriedly reached out for my bucket, I was thirty minutes left for mass to commence.

When I was done dressing, I walked briskly to the chapel, on reaching halfway, I realized my offertory wasn't inside my bible, I quickly dashed back to the hostel.

I ransacked my belongings, it wasn't there, I couldn't find any note, I lent a sum from Biodun, by the time I had organized myself and wiped my sweaty face, it was already 8:15 pm.

I was still determined to attend mass but Biodun convinced me to stay back and attend the pentecostal service and he promised it was going to be a lifetime experience, I explained to him that I had a date with Kate and that was what matters to me the most, after so much persuasion, I was still quite adamant to oblige to his plea not until he suggested a wonderful idea that was a win-win situation......

The pentecostal worship chapel was farther than the catholics, when I walked past the catholic chapel, I was tempted to take a swerve, but it was too late , the mass had started over an hour.

The atmosphere of the church was electrifying, it was three times bigger than that of the catholic, I was welcomed by a smiling usher that indicated where I should seat.

The worship was intense, I felt new, a typical environment filled with the presence of God, at a point I felt guilty, most especially when I had imagined the atrocity that i will secretly do to Kate.

The columns were divided between staffs and corp members, the roof of the church was very high as as time passed, people were trooping in, I sighted my platoon officer.

When the pastor that was invited for the day mounted the stage, he was exceptional and one couldn't doubt his authenticity, his claims were powerful and he prophesized over the lives of the congregation, he preached on power and his utterance were powerful, at a point I couldn't seat, I stood because his message was awesome, he encouraged us to evangelize during our service and not to be afraid.

The intriguing moment was when he uttered "Anyone one against you rising shall die even if it is your mother", it was a controversial response some murmured, some laughed, some giggled and some were mute .

A girl nearby gave a surprised look, also with me, our eyes met and we laughed it off, she looked friendly and all through the service, we stared at each other and communicated when there was need to, I couldn't take my eyes off her.

I sighted Uddy, She was a member of the choir that mounted the stage, her face was bright and she was esctaic and she swayed to the rhythm of the music, her voice was melodious, I admired her talent, I planned on telling her after the service how much I admired her. I also sighted Kunle Felix, he was among the technical crew, he was involved in sound moderation.

The service was impactful, the pastor message was centered around holiness and favour, he also emphasized that we shouldn't be discourage about serving in Kogi state that God has his reason for bringing us to the state.

When the invited pastor concluded the sermon, the congregation was overwhelmed and he received a loud standing ovation, I felt a new freshness, I knew I had received something from heaven.

The Camp coordinator advised that we should be filled with the holy spirit and spread the gospel in our various place of primary assignment. She instantly testified that she feel the power within her after the pastor touched her, she prayed for us and gave announcement for the process that was going to be involved the next day.

When the closing prayer was made, i bade farewell to the lady that I watched close by, I then went to the stage to greet Kunle, Uddy was busy so I didn't bother to see her, i kept the praise till when we will see during the evening parade.

I and Biodun was on our way back to the hostel

Me: " I really enjoy this service, it was awesome"

Biodun: "All thanks to me"

Me: ** Sighs ** "I have a date with Kate and I don't want to call her, she is still in the church"

Biodun: " So what are you going to do? Will you enter the chapel to join them?"

Me: "I will wait for her nearby, I am sure they will end mass soon"

Biodun: "Alright, see you in the hostel"

I sat under a nearby almond tree that faced the direction of the chapel, i was attentive, looking at every passerby I was bored but I endured, I knew that was my only chance of expressing my love for Kate, the sun was intense but I was willing to bear the cost.

I was a little distracted, I was admiring the rocks which pinnacle reached the top of the skies.

The sound of my name brought back my attention, it was Uddy and her face was bright, she was approaching my direction with some group of friends....

Me: "Happy Sunday Uddy"

Uddy: "Same dear" ** hugs** "What are you doing seated all alone under this hot sun"

Me: ** smiles ** " I am waiting for Kate, I have a date with her and I promise to attend mass but I couldn't make it........"

Uddy: "Hope she is aware?"

Me: "of course"

Uddy: " I suggest you go to the hostel and return when the mass is over, that should be better"

Me: "I am fine, I will just endure"

Uddy: "Alright, till evening"

Me: " wanna use this opportunity to appreciate you, I love the way you sang, you were awesome"

Uddy: " Thanks, bye"

Me: "Uwc"

I continued my waiting, I couldn't hear much from the sound coming from the chapel, when I got tired of waiting, I heeded to Uddy's advise and headed for the hostel.

The room was half full and was looking neater than usual, the people that were hired to clean the room did an excellent job, I explained the situation to Biodun and he was silent, he didn't give any opinion, he just scoffed and a friend that listening agreed with him.

I regretted involving Biodun, it should have been Kunle. I knew the mass had ended when a roommate entering the room with a loaf of bread in his hand, I enquired and he confirmed the end of mass. I reached for my clothes and sped to the Kitchen hoping meet Kate.

When I got to the kitchen i searched quickly, Kate wasn't there, I checked its environs, she wasn't. I described her to few, they had no idea, when I dialed her number multiple times, it was switched off. I was exhausted from asking too many questions and I regretted that I couldn't endure longer before going to the hostel.

I had no clue on what to do, I felt Kate will perceive me as a liar an insincere person that isn't true to his words.

EPISODE TWENTY THREE

I counted five thousand naira notes, I carefully kept it aside, it was for contingency sake, the night was unpredictable, I withdrew the cash for an extra amount due to the unavailability of an ATM machine in camp.

Biodun left the room, he had finally gotten a date, it was a friend he had met during the SAED session. The room was half full, I and few other persons were around, I insisted on not leaving until Maureen called me. It was past six, one could tell that everywhere was bubbling, from my window I could see some wearing contrabands, the rules were less adhered to, various social activities were ongoing.

I went to the field to pick my clothes, they were dried and scented nice, I folded them neatly into my bag, it was the last of my laundry. I wished Kate would change her mind so we could hangout. I decided to check my phone and finally Kate had read my message and she was online

Me: "Hi dear"

Kate: "Hello Osaz"

Me: "How was your day?"

Kate: "Nothing much"

Me: " Hmmn, hope you are fine?"

Kate: "perfectly well"

Me: " How are we spending tonight?"

Kate: "No plans for tonight, indoor all though"

Me: "Don't you think you should have fun? Our platoon is having a party tonight, wouldn't it be good if you attend?"

Kate: " I don't feel like, not in the mood, I wanna take my time to rest, try to have fun"

Me: " alright, but don't forget our date tomorrow after mass"

Kate: "Sure, I look forward to it"

Me: "Have a lovely night"

I was happy that Kate accepted my date, I felt a sudden excitement

I rechecked the five thousand naira, it was still intact, different groups were having fun, I greeted some familiar faces, it was almost as if the number of people present in camp had doubled, people were dancing, playing games, drinking and all sorts, I was tempted to join but I restrained.

When I got to where my platoon members were gathered I hailed some friends, I was conscious not to spend extra time there, they were very welcoming, few were spotted drunk, I was offered some drinks but I declined, I had few chats and I was off.

When I left where my platoon was, I went to check on Biodun and Kunle, Kunle was unreachable while Biodun was seated In the inner tent where I found it difficult to spot him.

The rays of many lights reflected on few familiar faces, some camp officials were present it was a party for all...

Me: "Bad guy"

Biodun: "How far"

Me: "I dey"

Biodun: " Collect one bottle na"

Me: "Thanks, I am fine"

Biodun: "Sure?"

Me: "yeah, I only came to check on you, wouldn't spend much time, will be leaving soon"

Biodun: "okay, try to enjoy yourself"

It was when Maureen called that I left Biodun, Maureen was looking sad, I enquired the reason but she said she just didn't feel too happy, I pleaded that we go to restaurant where we could stay and have a little fun.

I order two plates of pepepr soup, After we had started eating, Maureen opened up to me the reason for her sadness, she explained that she was anxious and wouldn't want to be posted to a remote village I convinced her that everything will be alright, Maureen just stared at me as if I was uttering gibberish, I took a while before she finally smiled, after we were done eating, we walked down to the chapel to inquire about the logistics on ground for Corps members.

It was really a cold night and I explained to Maureen that i wasn't comfortable with the cold weather, we eventually gisted for about thirty more and I assured her that everything will be fine.

When laid on my bed to sleep, i called Kate just to remind her of the date tomorrow and she assured me that she will be glad to honour the invitation.

I took my earphone and plugged it into my ears, and shielded myself with a blanket against the harsh cold. my body really needed rest, I was farmished.