The Housemates – Episode 12

THE HOUSEMATES – Episode 12

A story by Kennedy C Katongo

 

A HOUSE MEETING

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Bwalya was against Max’s thoughts to go for a school girl as a girlfriend. Even though Max hadn’t even thought of that part yet, his dear friend had already concluded.

“I didn’t say I want to date her!” Max yelled.

“Am just telling you that’s a bad idea. Imagine you teaching your History and you point at her to answer a question… then she fails to answer, that’s embarrassing to the relationship.” He laughed as he tapped Max on the shoulder.

“So iwe you can date a school girl and it’s fine. If I do it then it’s wrong. What kind of nonsense is that?”

“The kind that you won’t understand. You an inspiration to a thousand of pupils in Chililabombwe. As for me, am just me. That’s the difference.” Bwalya responded.

In the middle of their small argument Peter and Chongolo approached them. They were holding hands romantically as if they were on a honeymoon.

They were young and all that, but it was a rare site seeing the two of them acting all romantic in public.

“Afternoon gentlemen!” Peter spoke first as his wife waved at them.

“Afternoon!” Both of them answered.

“Whats with the holding of hands?” Bwalya asked while looking at Chongolo.

“Oh this? Its called bonding. It’s an emotional exercise that is accompanied by question and answer as you take a stroll.” Peter responded in a flash.

“Max did you get what he just said?” He asked with a lost face.

“I still fail to believe you graduated top of you class. He means exactly what he has said.” Max smiled at the couple as he spoke.

The fall of them exchanged small talk as Bwalya kept stealing glances at Chongolo without the other guys noticing.

“We are having a House Meeting. Let’s go to the TV room.” Chongolo said with her sweet calm voice.

“House meeting! Don’t tell me we have more rules.” Bwalya sighed.

“Nope, we just haven’t met as a house since the new inmates came in.”

“Peter, why you making it sound like it’s Big Brother… you can just say tenants.” Bwalya said as they followed the couple behind.

When they arrived in the TV room, Rose and Maluba were already seated waiting for them.

“Sorry to keep you waiting…” Peter apologized as they sat on the same chair. Max and Bwalya sat on the left side of the TV. There was a moment of silence as they all began looking at each.

“We can start with introductions. My name is Peter and the lovely lady beside me is my wife, Chongolo.” He said as Chongolo waved at the ladies.

It was now Bwalya’s turn to introduce himself, he cleared his throat and immediately remember that he had lied to Rose earlier that same day.

“Should I also introduce my room mate?” He laughed, “My name is Bwalya, am a Clinical Officer at one of the biggest hospitals in the Copperbelt.” He smiled happily.

‘Bwalya! I swear he said his name was Max in the morning.’ Rose thought to herself as she gave him a strong weird look.

“My name is Max, Am a Teacher at Makumbi Secondary and also the vice landlord of the house.” He said jokingly.

Rose was now confused as she tried to add the pieces together. She could tell something was fishy about Bwalya but couldn’t figure out why he would lie to be someone who he wasn’t.

“My name is Maluba. Since we not doing surnames.” Everyone laughed. “Am a Teacher and was recently posted at Makumbi.” She added.

“Oh! ah!” Rose laughed. “Sorry about that. My name is Rose and am a student Nurse.” She smiled.

“Nice to meet everyone, mostly the new tenants. My wife and I wanted decided to hold this meeting so that we can just go through a few things that are expected of each none of us as we stay here.” “First of all, the main gate is locked at 22 hours. So if you are out after 22 make sure you inform someone who is at home. To avoid sleeping out side.” Peter laughed.

He went on to explain that their was a maid that came through on week days to clean the house. If anyone wanted their clothes to be washed, all they had to do was rehearse with her. Money for electricity was a different bill and every room was required to contribute on a month end basis.

Chongolo took the floor as she spoke about having visitors over, she told everyone in the house that visitors were allowed, and if the visitor was going to be staying for a week or more, then the landlord was to be told so that… that person is not seen as an impostor.

Max looked at Bwalya once Chongolo said that, even Peter had his eyes on Bwalya as that was being said. They all knew he was the one who mostly brought different ladies around, Rose and Maluba had no idea though why everyone seemed to be looking at him.

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“Am pretty sure he lied.” Rose said as she closed the day.

“Who lied?” Maluba asked.

“Bwalya, I told you about the kitchen thing in the morning right? He introduced himself as Max.” She said thoughtfully.

“Are you sure about that?” Maluba said as she began preparing supper.

“Am positive. He looks like a player though.”

“What!” Maluba exclaimed as she laughed. “Why would you say such a thing?” She asked.

“It has nothing to do this his skin, not that most light skin guys ain’t players. He just seems over confident and it’s intimidating.” Rose comment.

“Since you giving your general opinions, What about Max, what do you think of him?” Maluba asked.

“His self-centered. I doubt his into girls at all.” Rose laughed.

“The self-centered part i approve. About the girls am not sure. Can you imagine he told me he doesn’t like me…” She shook her heard.

“Is he supposed to like you?” Rose laughed.

“Don’t make fun of me. Am going to be seeing more of him and we already on each other’s nerves.

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“I think she noticed.” Bwalya said as she threw himself on the bed.

“Noticed what? That you lied about your name? Yes bro she definitely did.” Max responded.

“Do you think I should apologize?” Bwalya asked.

“Only if it will make you feel better. But no! Don’t do it.” Max shook his head.

“And why was everyone looking at me on the Visitors section. As if you guys don’t have visitors.” Bwalya commented.

“You the one with the most visitors, females to be more accurate. Am sure maybe with Maluba next door you will be shy to call your girls over.” Max laughed.

“Why you making it sound like I invite different ladies on a daily. It was Mutinta, Sepo and… Let’s forget it.” He stopped naming in frustration.

Max continued to laugh as his friend had just realized that his list was longer.

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“The meeting went well. Though I expected some form of resistance from Bwalya’s side but he some how took everything lightly.” Peter said as he sat down in front of the TV changing channels.

“I also noticed, nga ni Bwalya he already has a crush one one of the girls.” Chongolo commented. She was in the bedroom changing into her night wear.

“Ba Bwalya, his always crushing on someone. Hahaha. Didnt you see how it rained on him when you spoke about having visitors over.” Peter added.

“Max on the other hand seemed to have someone against Maluba. They couldn’t even look at each other.” Chongolo noted.

“Max always has something against someone. His not the type to hold something against someone for too long though.”

“I think it’s important they see eye to eye. I mean, they will be seeing each other more.” “That night dress looks good.” Peter said as Chongolo came to sit next to him.

“You like it?” She asked as she turned around. Modeled a bit for him and then sat down.

°°°°°TO BE CONTINUED°°°°°