Uncle Ben

Picture is mine

It was another harrowing day of job hunting for Chris who had left home very early on a cold Tuesday just to beat the Lagos traffic and arrive the venue for the job interview on time.

The journey took him almost an hour. The cost of transportation was becoming burdensome and he may not be able to afford another trip if he didn't get a job soon enough.

Chris wondered why his uncle, Ben, a permanent secretary could not find a job for him in the civil service despite their closeness. Uncle Ben was very much aware that he bagged a first class in Food science, so why doesn't he just help him.

"I don't know why Uncle Ben doesn't want to help me get a job in one parastatal despite being a permanent secretary" Chris informed Jude when they met at the interview.

Chris and Jude were friends from school, it was Jude that informed him about this job interview in the company where he worked. He hoped for Chris to be successful so that his troubles could at least come to an end.

"But you have not told him that you need a job, or have you?" Jude enquired.
"I haven't, but he knows that I am jobless. The last time we met at a family function about a month ago, he asked me if I have started working of which I answered no. Is that not enough for him to know?"

"That's enough for him to know that you are jobless but not enough to indicate that you need a job. In this day and time, a lot of people engage in online money making and as such don't really need a job. He may think that is your case" Jude corrected, "I think you should go and meet him specifically to inform him" he added.

"Well, I get your point but I would wait for the outcome of this interview before trying to meet him, I hope I don't need his help after all." Chris was growing silently angry with his uncle.

---

"How was the interview?" Jude asked him few minutes after he came out frowning. "The interview did not go as planned. How am I supposed to have two years working experience? I just came out of school last year". Chris lamented.
"Oh! Sorry about that bro, don't get so worked up about it. You will soon get a job, I strongly believe". Jude tried to cheer him up.
"I don't think so o, the prognosis is not looking good at all. I have been hopping from one interview to the other, I no longer have a preference, yet, even the most menial job is eluding me". Chris went on.

"I think you should call your uncle now, he may be able to help you " Jude persuaded.
"Not "MAY", he is able to help me, I just don't know why he hasn't reached out and I don't want to beg" Chris insisted.

Just then, Chris's phone vibrated to a message. He read it out "come to the ministry of Agriculture on Friday with your CV, dress well".
"Who sent it?" Jude asked. "It's an unsaved no, let me check it on true caller" Chris said.
"Wow, its uncle Ben's phone number, though this is not his phone number I have. Let me call and confirm"

The call was quick, "you saw my message right? We will talk later". That was all the receiver who sounded like his uncle said.
"He sounded busy or not in a position to pick calls" Jude observed. "Regardless, you are now aware that you were not forgotten. Perhaps the opportunity just presented itself".

"Yes, you are right, but I need to get the job first inorder to lay all my worries aside". Chris insisted. "Anyway, I need to be on my way, I am exhausted already. Goodbye"

On the way home, Chris kept thinking of the text message and hoping that his troubles are finally coming to an end. Thursday seemed too far away but he planned to use the time to get his suit ready for the interview.

Thursday finally approached and Chris went for the interview. He dressed his best and left as early as possible inorder to beat the traffic.

The interview was a great experience for him, the best interview he ever attended. They were very impressed with his first class in Food science and even encouraged him to further his education.
At the end of the interaction, he was asked when he would like to resume work.

"I can start now" he said and they all laughed.
"Resume on Monday", the chief responded "but come tomorrow being Friday for your orientation".
"Alright sir, thank you".

Chris was very happy and couldn't wait to narrate his experience to Jude.
"I got the job", he screamed into the phone as soon as Jude picked up.
"Wow, congratulations brother" Jude was really happy for him. "Did you see your uncle?" He asked.

"No, I didn't see him physically but I really felt his influence in the way the interview went, it's almost as if I got the job even before the interview". Chris explained.

"That's great, so you see that your uncle was looking out for you all these while" Jude said "Things are not always what they seem" he added.
"Yes bro, I agree with you. He appeared disinterested while he was thinking about me and working behind the scene to ensure that I get a good job" Chris thought loudly.

"Exactly, so how are we celebrating?" Jude asked jokingly. "Are you taking me out or should I come over to your place and take whatever I find in the fridge?"
"You wish" said Chris "don't worry, as soon as I receive my first salary, we will celebrate but for now, your boy is broker than a broken table"

"It's alright bro, I understand. Send your account number, let me bless you with something" Jude promised.
"That's my bro, thank you so much. I am sending it right away".