James was having a refill, when Prieto asked him which of the higher institution he graduated from. James took two gulps from the cup, and said; I finished from Ahamadu Bello University, Zaria. "I studied geology", James replied. What about you bro; talking to Mohammed." I graduated from the Abuja satellite campus of the same University. I studied microbiology. Me and James met at the camp. Meanwhile, today is our community developmental day and we are on duty to improve the system. Our obligation as Corpers. James laughed! Saying anyway drinking here too, is part of our obligation. They all laughed aloud! ! ! Their laughter echoed in pleasant gathering.
Soon, the peppers soup with the grass cutter meat was ready. Mama Chinazor came to where they were sitting, "the pepper soup order is ready". She said. "Can I bring it over?" Prieto said yes! Aunty you can bring it over. Infact, our customers here are equally waiting to have their pepperish meat soup.
She served the soup in two plates, with a bowl of water on the tray. She came to drop on their table. Putting the bottle of beer in proper position, to make space for the plates of soup on the table. The both plates on the table was looking steaming hot, the bush meat inside the soup galloped inside the peperish sauce, with sliced onion's. It's looked very nice, James reached for the spoon in the plate and scooped the soup garnished with onions, crayfish and pepper flavours into his mouth." He repeatedly, kept sipping till he took up the pound of meat to his mouth, tearing some pieces off, for a mouth full chew.
James was busy munching, when Hammed washed his hand in the bowl of water, to take the meat from his own plate. Hammed took some bite off the meat, and went for his spoon too. Scooping up the soup into his mouth. The two of them were busy enjoying themselves, when Prieto went to where the music box was, and switched on the system.
He slot in an afro beat disc into the player, and increased the volume of the compact. The music coming out loud, jelled up their customers excitement. James raised his voice against the loudness of the music booming out, telling Prieto "if they can have one more bottle of stout?". He urged Prieto to drink with them, "bro you can request for a bottle of beer on us", James said. Prieto looked at him, knowing it's the first time meeting with them. "I don't mind joining bro", thanks Prieto replied. His brother's wife went and brought a bottle of big stout, for him as well.
The music played on, the two Corpers ate the meat in the plate, after sipping all the soup in it. Pieces of smashed bone were left in the plate. Prieto summon his aunty, to pack off the plates from the table. She brought with her a napkin, and placed it on the table to be used to clean their hands, after washing. Mama Chinazor also came with the tray, to pick the plates and bowl of water back into it. She carried it back into the inner chamber of the joint.
James and Hammed asked Prieto to tell his aunt, how much they were to pay. Prieto walked to her and asked " Are you still busy doing something?" "You need to come and attend to your customers". They are requesting for their bills. Their money is #4,500naira, Prieto's aunty speak up, so the both of them can hear from where they are. Okay! tell them am coming.
James dipped hand into his pocket, bringing out his wallet. He counted #5,000naira from it, placing the money on the table in front of him and his friend. He took gulps from the cup he already refilled, and placed half of it back to the table. Prieto's aunty came to where they were sitting in the joint, before she could tell them their bills, she saw some money on the table in #1,000naira note denomination. James said "madam that is your money, #5,000naira", you can take it! Hammed added. Mama Chinazor quickly reached for her money on the table.
Prieto came back to the table, where James and Hammed were sitting, with bottle of stout in his hands. "Hi guys, hope you like the music playing?" Hammed knoded, it's cool; he says. James and his friend couldn't do much, than to tap their feet at the spot they were sitting. The mood was right. The both friends felt comfortable with the "Stop Over" joint. Prieto went ahead asking them, how he could easily locate his way to yankari in Jos. "yankari?" Hammed interrupted. "Is that where you are posted?". "Prieto answered yes". It's almost a village like this. Anyway my friend it's all depends in your perception.
It's a rural area that accomodate the northerners. "How do I get to locate the camp ground, at the government area of Kungi?" Prieto asked in his curiosity; It a distance journey from here actually. "James added. " You only need to enter the right transit, that can get you there". Nevertheless! "You can take transit from Asaba; " There should be luxurious buses, heading to Jos.
Prieto was excited, having someone who could easily give him an idea of how he could Start up his trip, without any misconception of fear and doubt, that had been lingering on his mind for been alone after all this time. He became very motivated and happier. His face were enveloped in joyous look, Prieto became more ready to go to Jos. After the two Corpers finished with their last bottle of beer, they sat uprightly and stood up to take their leave, Prieto asked them for their contact phone numbers, just in case there is something more he will need to know, about his journey. They requested for Prieto's phone to input there numbers, but Prieto has non. He only remembered having a small piece of paper in his pocket with a pen. He was lucky to have the paper torned, from the paper he gave his mother with his destination address written on it.