THE APPRENTICE Episode 5

 


Chidi was sitting in one corner of their shop contemplating whether to tell the other boys or not.

"What if I tell them and they report me to Chief? Why should I even tell them?
I've stayed past one year and I still don't have a mind of my own. I know what to do.
After all my friend said that everyone does that."
He stood up and joined the rest in attending to customers.
As he joined them, some of the customers switched to him. The customers just preferred him to others. This didn't go well with the boys especially the second one they call 'Senior'.
"Why do these people like this boy, Chidi of yesterday. He no sabi market pass me," Senior thought looking unhappy.
After that day's activities in the market, they left for the house.
Chief's wife had noticed how industrious and dedicated Chidi had become, she admired him even though she didn't show it.
Chidi still had his plans in mind.
As time went on, he started adding extra money to the prices of items, and on whichever one he succeeded in selling, he would remove the extra money he added and pocket it.
He did this for some time and got a reasonable amount.
There is an African proverb that says, "Stealing the village drum may be easy, but finding a place to beat it peacefully is the problem."
Chidi's problem then was how to spend the money without being caught and he didn't want to send it to his mother because she would ask questions.
So he decided to spend it on food and other edibles, he ate whatever food he liked with assorted meat and fish.
There was this particular sales girl in their line that Chidi loved. They were just friends before but Chidi wanted them to be more than friends.
He started giving her money and gifts. This strategy worked for him and in no time, they became close friends.
The other boy, Senior, was beginning to suspect Chidi because of the way he spends on food. He checked the amount that their master gave them for food and it's not corresponding to what Chidi spends.
"Something isn't right somewhere," he thought.
At home, Chidi still maintained waking up early for their daily routine.
So one morning when Chidi was outside fetching water, 'Senior' went and started searching his clothes. He just wanted to satisfy his curiosity.
As he searched, he saw a huge sum in one of his trousers pocket. He didn't hesitate to take it to Chief's wife.
Chief and his wife were in the room doing some calculations when he entered.
"Anty! See what I saw inside Chidi's pocket."
"What? Call him immediately."
The boy left shouting Chidi's name on top of his voice.

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