THE TEST OF FATE
CHAPTER 1: A CHANCE
David: (smiling) I have waited for this for a long time now, you know that, right?
Folasade: (laughs) Was I that difficult to get through? I don’t even think I gave you such a hard time.
David: No, no, it wasn’t you; I’m just such a shy person, and with your reputation, I mean, one can only hope.
Folasade: Reputation? I didn’t know I had one. Would you tell me about it?
David: Yeah, sure. But we are here; maybe when we settle in.
Folasade: Wow, that was quick.
David: (laughing) I told you, I know a place not too far.
Folasade: Yeah, you said so; now we hope and pray it is as good as the hype.
David: (laughing) Trust me, would you?
Folasade: I will tell you if I do after the meal.
David: (laughing) That’s fair.
Donald: Welcome to Waverly Place.
Benita: Table for two?
David: Yes, please.
Benita: Why don’t you come with me?
Folasade: Waverly Place?
David: Yeah, that’s the name. Have you heard of it before?
Folasade: No.
Benita: Here you go, sir.
David & Folasade: Thank you.
David: You know, they say their meal changes lives.
Folasade: That’s crazy. So how do you know about the place?
David: I know the owner.
Benita: The menu, sir.
David: Thank you. We will call for your attention when we know what we want.
Benita: OK, sir.
Folasade: Does she know you?
David: (jumpy) No. Why would you ask that?
Folasade: I don’t know; I sense something. It’s probably just in my head.
David: (laughing) Probably. So what would you like to have?
Folasade: (Scanning through the menu) I actually don’t know; the name of the food looks weird.
David: (laughing) Yeah, it’s all part of their brand, I guess. I will probably just have the killer ribs. Should I help you pick?
Folasade: Yeah, you can; thank you.
David: (signaling Benita) We are ready to place an order. I would have the bloody ribs, and she will have (staring at Folasade intensely) the killer apple pie.
Benita: OK. Will that be all, sir?
David: Yeah, but while we wait for the food, can we get a drink?
Benita: What drink would you like to have, sir?
David: You drink, right?
Folasade: Yes, I do.
David: Oh good, we would have the Bloody Mary.
Benita: OK, sir, I will get it to you shortly.
Folasade: There is something about this place.
David: What? You don’t like it; should we leave?
Folasade: No, no, no, I’m not trying to fvck up the day; I’m just saying when we were outside the building, it looked normal, but now that I’m in, it's just like, hmm, what’s going on here? Do you get?
David: Yeah, I do, it’s because of the dark colours they used. Like I said, I think it’s all part of their brand. It’s just them trying to be different. I don’t think it’s anything really.
Benita: Here is the drink. Enjoy; I will be back with your food shortly.
David: Thank you
Benita: Should I pour it, sir?
David: No, we will handle that. You can go.
Benita: OK, sir.
Folasade: I get that, but it’s not just the color; it’s the food, the interior. I’m legit sitting in the mouth of a Bat.
David: (laughing) Don’t worry about it; let me try and get your mind off it if you would let me. But first, let me pour us a drink and get this date started.
Folasade: Date? (laughing) I’m sorry; it's probably all in my head, plus it looks like you are treated best here; you have a personal waiter looking after our table and drinks being served. Some people that we met here have not even been attended to. Do you know the reason?
David: Hmm, I hadn’t noticed; it may just be coincidental, or they are trying to get money from me.
Folasade: I don’t think so; I was thinking maybe your friend told them to make you comfortable.
David: Oh. Yeah, true, that makes more sense actually. What do you think about the drink? Do you like it?
Folasade: Yes, I do; it has a grape taste to it, and it is quite strong. I like it generally, sha.
David: Happy that you like it. Hope it's not too strong for you.
Folasade: No, it's perfect.
David: (laughing) Ok, strong girl.
Folasade: (laughing) You are not serious.
David: (laughing)
Folasade: Has anyone ever told you that you speak so well?
David: (smiling) Me? You are the first person telling me that. My plan of trying to impress you must be working.
Folasade: (laughing) Don’t get over yourself; maybe you are just a little bit sha. The thing is, you don’t sound like the average Nigerian; that's just it; you sound very exposed, like you get around easily.
David: (smiling) I like the way you talk about me, and yes, you are a bit right; I have found myself in different places at different times for different reasons, but mostly for work. One thing about what I do is that it gives me the privilege of seeing the world.
Folasade: That’s so interesting. But you said I was a bit right; what part was I wrong about?
David: (laughing) Are you ready?
Folasade: Hold that thought; it looks like the food is here.
David: Oh wow, I almost forgot about the food, but still, right timing; I’m starving.
Folasade: Actually, the conversation has been so good.
David: Yeah.
Benita: Sorry for the delay, sir.
David: It's fine.
Benita: Killer apple pie for the lady and bloody ribs for you, sir.
David & Folasade: Thank you
Benita: Will that be all?
David: Yes. For now, if we need anything else, I will let you know.
Benita: OK, sir.
Folasade: Right. So as you were saying, ready for what?
David: Oh yeah. I be proper Nigerian man oo, no be because say I dey tear English for you for here, make you start to dey reason me as ajebo ooo or say I no be Nigerian oo. No dey play with me ooo. I too kala! (laughing)
Folasade: (shocked) wow, wow wow (laughing). I was definitely not ready for that. What! Doesn’t even sound believable, but guess what?
David: (laughing) What?
Folasade: No be only you fit speak Pidgin, ooo; me sef ogba dey my head ooo. No go dey do anyhow for here ooo. (laughing)
David: (laughing) That’s so crazy!! But you know what, it's expected. (laughing)
Folasade: (laughing) You didn’t just say that, what do you mean it's expected? Are you trying to say I give off tout vibes, or I look like one? Choose your words carefully.
David: (laughing) You are threatening me? Really? I don’t think this is the best time to be doing that, especially since I think you look a bit hard on the face.
Foalsade: Wow! Really? This is how all men are; I just opened up to you a bit, and you are already calling me a tout, saying I look like one.
David: (laughing) You know I am only joking. You are the most beautiful person I have ever seen, and I think it has to do with your eyes. Never seen anything prettier; people must die to have eyes like yours.
Folasade: Die? Isn't that going a bit too far? (smiling) I am still not convinced.
David: (smiling) So tell me, how can I convince you?
Folasade: (smiling) You can start by saying more things you like about me.
David: (laughing) Like? I love everything about you. I love the way you look at me; it gives me the feeling like you are interested in what I have to say. I love the way you play with your hair and do a little twist at the tip. I love the little thing you do with your feet, the way you tiptoe while sitting. I don’t know why you do it, but it’s cute. I love the fact that you are here with me today; it makes me the happiest in the room, even the world.
Folasade: (smiling) OK, OK, OK, I am good now. (laughing) And you are a very interesting person, and I am also very happy to be here. The happiest woman in the world with the happiest man in the world must be nice. (laughing) And I also don’t know why I do the leg thing. (laughing).
David: (laughing) Everything about you is perfect; don’t worry.
Folasade: (smiling) I said you could stop! You are making me smile too much. Let's change the topic. Tell me what exactly you do for work.
David: (laughing) OK, fine. Are you enjoying the food? What do you think?
Folasade: It's so good!!! I'm so happy you picked this for me. Thank you
David: (smiling) So I guess it's worth all the hype at the end of the day, UWC.
Folasade: You try, you try. I give it to you.
David: (laughing) Thanks for the flowers
Folasade: You know, I don’t know what exactly you do for work; will you tell me?
David: Well, pure business, into so many things, but majorly importing and exporting.
Folasade: Okay. So what kind of things do you import and export?
David: A bunch of things. I’m not trying to get into that now. All you need to know is that I am a people guy. Whatever you need, I got you. Let’s say I’m good at finding things. I know my way around. I am not trying to bore this date with work stuff. Let's just enjoy the moment.
Folasade: Hmm, ok then, but we still have to talk about it.
David: Definitely.
Folasade: Good. You know what I just remembered?
David: What?
Folasade: What were we talking about in the car?
David: You have to please remind me
Folasade: The reputation you were talking about earlier?
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