September 2022
"It been years we all hang out together; why don't we plan a hangout since we are all in Lagos City?" Victor dropped this message on the group chat, which was created after we all graduated from high school in 2014.
"I think that would be a good idea," Daniel responded, and then little by little, everyone started popping up from their hiding and started dropping suggestions. It was all normal conversation until everyone took it seriously and we were asked to contribute a certain amount of money.
"I don't think I will be able to make it; you mean we are going to stay out over the night and come home the following day?" That was Dorcas. She is never ready for a group outing, always coming up with one excuse or the other, and Daniel dislikes her for this.
Daniel: If you won't come, it doesn't stop us from doing what we are meant to do. You can just sit at home and enjoy yourself, not like I was expecting you anyway.
Dorcas: What do you mean?
Johnson: Please no fighting; remember we are doing this so we can all meet, talk, and have fun while catching up with what's going on in our lives.
Johnson was the cool-headed guy in our group, always seeking peace and making sure we don't step on each other's toes.
Daniel: She was here when we were talking about it; if she can't make it, she should just stay at home.
Deborah: Daniel, that's enough.
Dorcas: So it is a crime for me to pour out my opinion about the hangout. I can't stay over because I stay with my parents. How do you expect me to tell my dad?
Daniel: For God's sake, you are in the university, and you are not a kid. You are hanging out with friends; what's there that you can't tell you, Dad?
Kunle: That's enough. We all have different parents, and besides, the hangout has been fixed for the first Saturday in January, so this is enough time for everyone to prepare.
Dorcas: Do what you like; I am not coming.
Johnson continued to persuade her while Daniel kept adding fuel to the burning fire. I always feel Daniel and Dorcas must have been lovers or something else in their past lives because they are always at each other's throats.
It was January already, Kunle and I already were making arrangement for the apartment we are going to be using via Airbnb. The money we contributed felt like it wouldn't be enough because of the ridiculous amount the house owner were giving to us.
"Sir, we are just spending one night in the apartment, that price is just too much" Kunle said to the apartment owner over the phone. He has been on the phone while standing for 15min trying to negotiate price with the apartment owner. He was pacing the sitting room to and fro without any progress then I request he allow me speak to the man."
I collected the phone and the man felt offended while talking to him.
"Good day, sir. I don't know what this boy must have said to you, but I will be the one to make the payment. You said that was the final price, right?" I said in a calm voice.
"Yes, that is the price" He responded in a calm tone and that was when I knew I have won.
"I know you must feel that there are many people out there who would book your apartment if we left because it is the festive period. I agree with you, but we are not booking it during the festive period; we need that apartment in January. Won't it be better to take the chance you have now than think there would be someone out there who would pay you the money you are looking for?" I said in a more calm voice.
"I like that you are a man of your word, and I prefer to work with people that are men of their word. Let us pay this amount we have; we would get to the apartment by nighttime because of our activities, and we would leave the following morning, very early because some people will be traveling too; then you can put it up for rent again," I said to him, waiting for him to respond. After a few seconds of quietness, he said, "Okay, let's do it that way."
Thinking back now, if the apartment wasn't secured, the hangout plans would have been canceled and all our plans would have gone down the drain; it would have stopped me from having the time of my life.
Everything went according to our plan. We went for a boat cruise, then headed to the apartment for games and talk. It was a great time, and I had one of the best moments of my life.
Thanks for reading.
All images used are mine
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