Ever since he was enrolled at the boarding school, Kelechi always thought about life outside it. The Boys' Hostel was close to the fence that faced the expressway, and from all he could hear, the place came alive at night.
Loud highlife music could be heard from the joints outside, and Kelechi could imagine them filled with pot-bellied businessmen who came accompanied by girls about half their age clad in skimpy Ankara dresses.
He had no idea what they would look like, but he always created some imaginary stories to tell to his girlfriend, Aisha, when she asked. She knew they weren't true, but she loved his stories and always asked him to tell.
Kelechi knew he had to see what life outside the school was at night, when the sun went away and the shadows intermingled with the night life to form a scene even the sun would have been jealous of.
He'd heard stories from seniors about how beautiful the nightlife was, but never in detail.
They always said he wasn't of age to listen to "adults' gist".
He scoffed.
As he thought of all he had done in his senior year, this by far had to be the most interesting.
"Guy, Kelechi! If you no dey come, enter hostel sharp sharp before then come catch us (If you're not coming, go back into the hostel.before we get caught!)" his friend Tunde whispered loudly as he jumped over the fence.
He stopped reminiscing and jumped, keeping his hand on the stone which they had used to depress the barbed wire. If he made a wrong move, his hand would be torn to shreds and even a padlock wouldn't prevent him from opening his mouth in a scream that would get him and Tunde expelled.
He gracefully leaped over the fence as he joined Tunde who was already crossing the road. They both made their way to the Palmwine joint owner by a woman well-known for her goat meat peppersoup.
The next day they would be students taking their SSCE examinations. This day, they were nameless, faceless. No identity whatsoever.
Just two boys enjoying the night like others.
And so they weaved their way through the crowd.
Past the group of men smoking 'weed'. They had to 'pay their dues' or the money lost would be the least of the problems they would have.
Past the prostitutes with their habits of chewing gum loudly and catcalling at anything in trousers that passed them . Some even grabbed them, showing Kelechi and Tunde their 'wares' as they entreated them to patronize.
Even though they did not succumb, many minutes were wasted 'sightseeing'.
Avoiding all potential spots where they could have been spotted by teachers at school. Everyone knew that Mr. Aliede, who had a wife in the city, always came around there to look for a woman to warm his bed.
One had even traced him to the school and disgraced him when he left without paying her, but the school hushed it up because he was the best they could afford at such short notice and for such a low price.
Which was why no one ever passed Technical Drawing.
They finally went to the joint and ordered. Kelechi had learned the habit of drinking - at least alcoholic drinks of not more than 10% - from his Dad.
In all his life, his father had never said something more true. No matter how fleeting the moment was, he did forget about his problems at home, and here, at school.
Tofay he got one for Tunde, who had no experience with drinking. Tunde probably felt it tasted like paracetamol in water, but he'd like it soon.
They ate, drank and laughed, and ate and drank some more. For over three years, money had been saved for this golden moment.
And in all that, they got absorbed into the life of the night.
Everyone became drunk with alcohol, all laughing loudly without a joke being said. Kelechi forgot where he was, and who he was, and when the girl from the table across him sat on his laps, he forgot who Aisha was as well.
He breathed it all in: the aroma of the cooking, the air polluted with smoke and the smell of garbage, of weed and of cigarettes, of one night stands in uncomfortable cornered of the darkened room, of the cheap deodorant of the girl on his laps and of the alcohol which he was sure his mouth reeked of.
The next morning they had problems to face, but now, they were part of the night, and the shadows hid all that mattered.
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Based on a true life experience.
The Title is based on the book "An African Night's Entertainment' by Cyprian Ekwensi. A personal favorite.
That boarding school plays a big role in your life. Never add paracetamol to water! Happy writing and day to you. 💕