SUNNY WEDNESDAYS: ATINUKE (Chapter Five)

BUGO

She sniffed, her nostrils curling as the pungent stench of rotten eggshells oozed from the overflowing dustbin near the gas pump. 

The foul odor hit her like a slap to the face, sharp and nauseating, clinging to the air around her. With a muttered curse, she grudgingly hoisted the heavy, bloated bin, its contents sloshing against the sides as she made her way to the back door of the restroom. 

The rancid smell followed her, thick and unbearable. As she stepped outside, a new, nauseating stench hit her, the bitter stale scent of cheap cigarette smoke mixing with the decay. It made her stomach turn.

And there, near the back of the station, she saw him, Musa, the culprit. She knew that smell too well, the unmistakable burn of a cigarette, paired with the lingering scent of trouble. He was at it again.

 

 "Musa, well done oh, by 12pm you dey smoke, so until the dirty flood station before you go know say na you suppose clear am, abi?"

The fair skinned scraggy looking guy in his oversized station uniform popped a sweet smile and hurriedly stepped on the cigarette he currently was puffing. 

"Sorry na, no shout na, I promise I go make it up to you, please na"

She raised her out of shape razor shaped eyebrows and shifted away from his playful embrace "na you know,"

Washing her hands in the not so clean sink in the bathroom, she noticed a familiar face waiting at her pump.

She really did not know why she hated Atinuke, all she knew was that she didn't like attending to her, maybe because she reflected all that she dreamed of but could never be.

She took an extra minute expecting Atinuke to move towards another fuel attendant but she didn't. 

Finally accepting her lot, she came out and walked to her pump.

"Bugo, Bugo, how are you today," Atinuke said as she flashed a big smile.

She was taken aback by the pleasantries and chose to keep quiet.

"How much fuel you wan buy"

"At least answer me na"

"I no get all the time, I Don hear, I dey fine," She said with a grumble.

"I wan invite you for women hangout wey they happen for my church by weekend,"

Bugo stared in disbelief "Mama, abeg tell me how much fuel you wan buy,"

"Half tank, I go love to see you at the program this weekend,"

"I dey work, no time,"

"I fit come pick you, na for evening and I know say na morning shift you dey do on Saturday,"

Sensing the resilience in Atinuke's voice, Bugo hurriedly agreed "Okay, I Don hear,"

"I go come around 5pm,"

"Her patience thinning, she snapped at Atinuke, her tone biting. 'I don hear na!' she shot back, her words quick and clipped. 

Without another word, she slammed the fuel cover down with a sharp, almost angry motion, the metal lid clattering against the nozzle as if protesting her frustration.”

Unfazed, Atinuke’s lips curved into a warm, knowing smile. 'Can’t wait to see you,' she said, her voice soft but certain. 'Take care, oh,' she added with a gentle lilt, the kind that wrapped her words in genuine affection.