Decorating with Lamps

The Price of Adventure and passion By Koffi Amlado

Chapter 1

Jack was twelve years when he completed his primary education in one of the deplorable areas in Cote d’Ivoire; a French speaking country where his father was great cocoa farmer. For Jack determination and hard work, he was qualified to enter secondary school. He was brought up from a middle level endowed family where he hardly got required amenities for learning. He was then counted among the unfortunate students who scarcely got quality food to eat after school. He lived in town with family friends where his good days were nothing but gloom. Amanon was his father; he never loved him. No one knew why he demonstrated this awful attitude towards him. He made his little boy suffer excessively to the extent that he always moved lonely with problems he dared not share with anyone in the family. Despite problems he encountered in life, he had been very lucky in whatever he set up to do.

He studied assiduously so as his interest to books was just like that of Shakespeare. Everybody, including those of his neighborhood enjoyed his company, since he had been obedient to anyone who needed his service. Affable and flexible he became with those atrocities experiences he went trough, he hardly talked to people about his problems.

He learned from the past experience and had made up his mind to keep his secret, which is the best way to live without a challenge. Jack had friends whom he shared personal experience with, but he had been extra meticulous not to go into detail.

Friends, whom he trusted for so many bases, didn’t like him for one reason or the other.

They found him extremely vigilante, intelligent and conspicuously attracted to beautiful young ladies than they do.

Bamezon was one of the big boys in the group who disliked Jack most.

He once invited him in his house and tipped off him not to attempt coming to their studies center anymore.

When Jack was optimistic to be supported by his three other friends, he was rather casted off scornfully.

Attah who seemed to be the greatest friend of him, said:

“Jack, how long should we continue telling you not to join us when we are having our own discussion? You supposed to be strained if you want us to do so. Anyway your spiritual cassava powder you do chew all the time in order to excel in the fortnight examination is not a surprised. We’re only advising you to stay away from us; since we, the people of sacred heart of Jesus in Catholic Church don’t have any connection with spiritual gari.”

Ben, who was also a member of the club, bombed Jack with unscrupulous words. He said:

“It is about time we refused to talk to you about this old fashion bag you used to carry along. Everything about your dressing, together with this bag is a quandary. That’s a fact; the shoe you wear is hardly polished. Jack, can’t you see people of high quality you move with?”

Attah, again, took over the debate and said:

“Those people who care less about their physical appearance and read only books all day long are nothing but collo.”

Jack saw himself as the only student with poor financial background.  He blamed his parents who brought him into this planet. He looked at his friends with special treatment and saw how good they looked in their splendid school attire. He looked at himself in the mirror and said some words of encouragement:

“Even those who complained of my poor status cannot speak the correct French that the teacher teaches all the time. They are the only people who get the lowest marks in class. I know for sure that God loves me more than them. Attah wears the expensive clothes but he had been asked to repeat the class while some of us, the poor ones, had been promoted without any impediment. I even know that the five fingers are not equal; but each one of them has its special work to perform. I know for sure that one day things will change for better. No one is born to be poor perpetually, and the good days shall open their doors to me one day.”

After deep contemplation he went into his small room where there was only one mattress plus an old chock box in which he packed his wretches dresses in. He had neither chair nor table in that gloomy room, so he read his books while sleeping on bed. The room had no window and the roof linked when there was heavy rain. He once got all his books wet when there had been heavy one while he was in school.

Even though Jack wasn’t financially sound, girls liked him for his seriousness in class and his excessive performance in academic work. Even if he had been doing well in all subjects, Mathematics was his best, so he dared not score less than ninety five in that subject. Teachers, especially the one teaching Mathematics, loved Jack. People wonder why such a reckless poor boy caught authority figures’ attention.

One day while from school in the afternoon, Jack was seriously hungry that he couldn’t attend to the usual greeting of his house master. He bought a piece of bread with the rest money he had and was hoping getting home early so that he could start biting it. His master furiously popped on him and deliberately seized the only bread he had for supper. Perhaps, the master judged him an insolent boy.

Jack couldn’t do anything but locked himself desperately in his room with hunger and anger. He slept that night without even water for him to drink. That night, he couldn’t revise his notes and slept as early as 6 p.m. He tried to sleep for an hour but he was just counting ceiling. The only friends who could’ve helped him are now foes. He imagined his predicament, sang gospel song and prayed to God through Holy Mary by counting his rosary while he was lying on bed.

Chapter 2

No sooner did Jack sit for the external exam than he passed with distinction. His father, unfortunately, had no interest in his excellent performance, so he asked him to stop schooling and to join him in farming work. Jack, though respected his father with much consideration refuted the proposal. Despite the fact that his father had tons of money to cater for him, he malevolently told him that he didn’t have sufficient fun to support his senior secondary education. Jack tried as much as he could to persuade him in order to pay his admission fees, but his so called wicked father considered it not. Surprisingly, he deliberately sponsored a broad range of students who were academically good but lack of money to climb academic ladder.

Jack, all this while, full of notion, and hardly slept with contentment. One Friday morning, he decided to leave his parents without informing anybody in the family. He gathered a little money through basket weaving. He was such a person who could learn faster; so he was always curious at any event he came into contact with. The village in which they lived was so remote that one needed to stand on the road side for many hours before he could get car to travel. Jack, on that Friday, stood for an hour but could not get commercial vehicle except those government Toyota cars plying the road. He was lucky enough to be picked up by one of them which was having double front. Jack occupied the back front with another young boy. The boy looked a little bit gentle and sympathetic. While in the car, Jack tried to look at him closely, and could not turn straight away to look at his face, but he fleeting looked at him anytime the boy seemed somnolent. Jack saw that he was having a tribal mark on the left side of his cheek which gave him unique look.

They said no word to each other till they got to Abijam, the capital city of Cote d’Ivoire. Even though, Jack studied about Abijam city and heard a lot about it, he never visited the place before. He had neither family nor friends whom he is going to stay. He was just going there with the view to getting minor work to do so that he could get money to pay his admission fees. Sorry to say, things had not been easy for Jack when he reached Abijam. He roamed the whole city but could not get anyone for help. He was not even courageous enough to talk to people who could’ve helped him. He had a baby school bag in his left hand and a black polythene bag in which he put his pair of sandals.

He walked for hours without getting any specific place to sit. He ate nothing but two pieces of roasted plantain he bought near the police station. He spent four days sleeping at the lorry stations. He never got water to bath. He, at the last minute, skilled forbearance of life. That was the fourth day of his dilemma in Abijam city; he slept at the back of somebody’s building. He was so tired that very night that he overslept and couldn’t wake up as early as he used to do at dawn. Involuntarily, a pregnant woman woke up and poured urine on him through the window. He felt something on his body and was immediately awaken. He finally saw that he was damped with urine. He picked up his baby’s bag and left the place instantly.

Three hours later, he remembered that the woman who sold the plantain to him was a little bit interested in conversation, so he decided returning to buy an additional one with an opportunity to talking to her into detail. Jack tiptoed to the place but saw a young lady in lieu of the old woman he met in the first time. He approached the lady with courtesy and she welcomed him with special eye contact. Someone could just confirm that their feeling for each other had reciprocated vehemently.

Jack looked at the beautiful chin and cheek of the lady closely. She was faire like a ribbed mango during dried season. She wore miniskirt, structured blouse exposing her round breast through the front curve of the dress. Jack’s eyes were set on this breast for quite long and it seemed he had changed his mind of buying the plantain and to rather lure the lady instead. He never saw such beautiful creature before. The girl, who was also aware of Jack’s interest of looking at her breast, stretched it forward which made it clearly big and shining like diamond discovered in the moonlight. No wonder, she used holy oil to massage the breast. It was so nice that all men who passed by, did glimpse at her before they continued their journey. In fact, that alone attracted customers to buy the roasted plantain so faster than when the old lady was selling it.   Jack would like to talk to her but he did not know where and how to start. The girl in turn, knew the track and asked him:

“Please darling, are you to buy some of the plantain?”

“Me! You! You! Asked me whether I!  I like plantain?” Jack stammered. The lady smiled broadly and said:

“You can sit on this bench and we shall talk in a very short time if you wouldn’t mind.”

“Not at all, dear sister. I can sit here as much as you want me to sit.” Reinstated Jack with joy.

Jack sat behind the lady staring at her huge hips which he never saw in his life before. He deemed it quite expedient to ask of the name of the good looking young girl and said:

“Please beautiful one, can I call you Angelina?”

“No please, you can simply call me Juana”.

Replied the young lady.

“That is an interesting name but I think Angelina might rather suit a beautiful lady like you, if I’m not mistaking. I am known by name Jack.” Added he.

“I don’t know whether I’m interested in your name. Men always perceived beautiful things in their own unique way. They’re the only people on earth who know the right name for every beautiful creature, but not the ugly ones.” Said she courteously!

Jack was careful not to hurt her in anyway and said:

“I’m sorry to come to that level, but I just remember Angelina, the American lady who visited our school some years back. She is as cute as you are. I’m just trying to associate her beauty to that of yours. I can even say that you’re more beautiful than how she is. Unless I show you her picture she left behind before flying back to America.”

“That’s all song we hear from men. It’s now difficult to understand men of today. They have their own deceptive way to mislead ladies”. Juana lamented.

Jack inferred from her statement that she had had tons of relationships ever before; so he was no more interested in any further discussion, which will lead to serious relationship; but here is he knowing nobody to spend the night with in this big city of Abijam. He went into serious meditation for some minutes of five and decided to talk to the girl once again. He asked:

“How long have you been in city of Abijam?”

Juana quickly looked at him and said:

“Do I look like a village girl? I was born here and don’t know any place but Abijam.”

“I know! But I beg your pardon. I just want to enquire if you can assist me to obtain a place to sleep.” Said Jack.

“A place to sleep!” Juana surprisingly asked.

“Yes. A place to sleep. I’m from a village. This is my first time to visit Abijam. Though I lived in Cote d’Ivoire for more than fifteen years, my parents never brought me to Abijam before. In fact the place is extremely nice!” Jack commented.

“Nice you said? And what is your ambition to visit a city like Abijam without knowing even a friend?” Juana asked.

“Juana, it’s long story; unless I eat proper food and drink cool pipe water. I understand those in city enjoy potable water”. Replied he.

“Do you need some to drink? Here you are.”

Juana handed over sachet water to him. He collected the sachet and looked at it closely and said:

“This is proper water people call. When you drink proper drinks like this, you always get your skin smooth and fresh like that of Juana.”

Juana looked at him passionately and said:

“How jovial are you? Such a nice man. I wish I go with you in that village of yours where there is total freedom and entertainment.”

“You dare not imagine that. It could be utopia. Those of us who lived there for years found it a hell. There is nothing like neither listening to music nor going to night club. People sleep as early as seven o’clock and the whole town becomes cemetery exactly nine o’clock. Yes Juana, you’ve not yet answered my question. What about your parents, would they be happy to meet me?”

Jack asked with zeal.

“How may I know? Human beings are complex natures. Since I cannot dissert into you to find out what you are, it may be difficult for me to recommend you to them”. Said Juana with smiling face.

“It’s true, but I’m not any bad person. I just completed C E G.”

Said Jack removing his ID card from his pocket to testify. Juana studied it carefully and said:

“What is it like CEG?”

Jack quickly answered her:

“Oh! CEG, that is Collège d’Enseingnement Général. That is French college.»

“I see! So from this level of education you’ve been asked to work in city of Abijam.” Juana asked scornfully.

“_Not really so, my dear Juana!”

“_Please, don’t dear me yet. Which Company do you intend working in? I mean, with this! The French C.C. or G! I imply what you have to certify that you know book in French?”

“_Ah! Juana may you surprise someone on earth with this cynical observation.”

“_ How earnest are you, if I may know?”

“_ What about you, Juana, what is your last school attended?”

“_ No! Jack, you’re mistaking. You should’ve asked of my level of education. I now understand how miserable village life is. They do not understand simple concept.”

“_Not big deal. I know how advanced you are. You know a lot of things than I do. Perhaps, I only need you to assist. Thank you. Juana I need to sleep. click here to read the rest of the story.

About the Author

Koffi Amlado is an excellent freelancer, journalist, novelist and teacher. He published many substantial articles all over the word. His profession as novelist makes him popular and celebrity, in view of how children enjoy his legend. His tales are mostly based on moral value, and the themes are mostly supported by current affairs. Those who read him always call for more.

TOP 10 Best Casablanca Ceiling Fans to Buy

Hunter 20551, Vernazza Brushed Cocoa 52 Ceiling Fan with Light $335.06 The Hunter Fan 20551 is a Vernazza Ceiling Fan with the Three Fan Speed Pull Chain & On/Off Light Pull Chain in the Brushed Cocoa motor finish. This Fan is from the Vernazza Collection and is UL Indoor rated. The Vernazza Includes 3″ (3/4″ Interior Diameter) Pole….

Casablanca C30G546H, Isotope Brushed Cocoa Flush Mount 52 Ceiling Fan with Light & Remote Control $389.00 Superior air circulation meets contemporary design in the Isotope ceiling fan. With its low profile and wing-swept blade configuration, this sleek fan is an ideal choice for flush-mount installation in interiors with lower ceilings. It is available in two blade spans for maximum versatility and style….

Casablanca Fan Company C31U546B Holliston DC 60-Inch Ceiling Fan, Brushed Cocoa with Reversible Walnut/Burnt Walnut Blades $439.00 Truly, the Holliston DC is a finely detailed fan with big-picture perspective. Ideal for large rooms, our new DC motor makes it one of the quietest, most energy-efficient fans available. So you conserve energy, save money and help protect the environment – staying comfortable all the while….

Sister Parish Design: On Decorating $4.37 Comfort is the essential element of a successful interior and the hallmark of the Parish-Hadley style. In Sister Parish Design, Libby Cameron, Sister’s last protégé, and Susan B. Crater, Sister’s granddaughter, explore this aspect and much more in a series of conversations with the leading decorators of today. Sister Parish is the iconic American decorator of her generation. Her use of flowe…

The Politics of Property Rights Institutions in Africa $75.50 Why do some political leaders create and strengthen institutions like title registries and land tribunals that secure property rights to land while others neglect these institutions or destroy those that already exist? How do these institutions evolve once they have been established? This book answers these questions through spatial and temporal comparison of national and subnational cases from Bo…

Chocolate Fortunes: The Battle for the Hearts, Minds, and Wallets of China’s Consumers $0.01 As China comes into its own as a world economic power, a new, huge consumer class is emerging, hungry for all things Western. In this land where twenty-five years ago most of the population had never tasted chocolate, five icons of Western business are now slugging it out in a battle royal to see which will become the Emperor of Chocolate in China. Chocolate Fortunes offers the first inside look a…

Hunter 28049, Aventine Cocoa 52 Ceiling Fan with Light $199.00 Hunter combines 19th century craftsmanship with 21st century design and technology to create ceiling fans of unmatched quality, style, and whisper-quiet performance. Using the finest materials to create stylish designs, Hunter ceiling fans work beautifully in todays homes and can save up to 47% on cooling costs!…

Elk 11315/3C-G Night Glow 3-Light Semi Flush Mount In Cocoa And Polished Chrome Finish Glows In The Dark $286.00 Glass:Cocoa, Light Bulb:(3)60w A19 Med F Incand Glass glows in the dark. Clear cord Polished Chrome finish Note: Due to its hand-made nature each piece of blown glass will vary slightly in color and pattern….

Casablanca Fan LCA-546 / LCA-63 / LCA-668 Low Ceiling Fan Adapter Finish: Brushed Cocoa Casablanca Fan LCA-546 / LCA-63 / LCA-668 Features: -Low ceiling fan adapter. -Available in Brushed Cocoa, Tuscan Sunset or Tuscan Bronze finishes. -Reduces fan height by 3 to 3.5″ from standard downrod. -Overall dimensions: 1.8″ H x 6.6″ W x 6.7″ D. Finish: Brushed Cocoa…

Cocoa Island $1450 Cocoa Island is located near the beach in Makunufushi’s South Male Atoll neighborhood and close to Biyadoo Beach and Kandooma Beach. Hotel Features. Cocoa Island’s restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A bar/lounge is open for drinks. Room service is available during limited hours. The hotel serves a complimentary breakfast in the restaurant. Recreational amenities include a fitness facility and a steam room. Spa amenities include massage/treatment rooms, facials, and body treatments. This 5 star property has a 24 hour business center and offers technology support staff. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in public areas and the hotel has an Internet point. For a surcharge, shuttle services include an area shuttle which runs to destinations within 75 km and a roundtrip airport shuttle (available 24 hours). Wedding services, concierge services, and tour assistance are available. Additional property amenities include a library, multilingual staff, and gift shops/newsstands. Guestrooms. 33 air conditioned guestrooms at Cocoa Island feature minibars and coffee/tea makers. 42 inch plasma televisions have satellite channels and DVD players. Also included are ceiling fans and hair dryers. Notifications and Fees:Some properties have extra fees for amenities or services that may apply even if you do not use them. Government fees or taxes also may be charged to you when you check in or check out. This property told us they will charge you for the following: Boat transfer per adult: USD 225 (roundtrip)Transfer service fee per child: USD 112.50 (roundtrip), (from 4 to 13 years old) We have included all charges provided to us by the property. However, charges can vary, for example, based on length of stay or the room you book.Additional fees and deposits may be charged by the property at time of service, check in, or check out. Notifications and Fees:Some properties have extra fees for amenities or services that may apply even if you do not use them. Government fees or taxes also may be charged to you when you check in or check out. This property told us they will charge you for the following: Boat transfer per adult: USD 225 (roundtrip)Transfer service fee per child: USD 112.50 (roundtrip), (from 4 to 13 years old) We have included all charges provided to us by the property. However, charges can vary, for example, based on length of stay or the room you book.Additional fees and deposits may be charged by the property at time of service, check in, or check out.

Lillebaby Eurotote In Cocoa Couture $119.95 Lillebaby Eurotote In Cocoa Couture

Cotton Broadcloth Cocoa Brown $2.98 Cotton Broadcloth Cocoa Brown

SALE!!! myMonkeymoo Blanket in Cocoa Bling $54.99 SALE!!! myMonkeymoo Blanket in Cocoa Bling

Hoohobbers Cocoa Pink Moses Basket $140 Hoohobbers Cocoa Pink Moses Basket

Hunter Fan Italian Countryside 20552 Ceiling Fan $196.99 120 V AC 1320.80 mm Blade Span 158 rpm 20552 3 5 52″ Width x 52″ Depth 60 Hz 70 W UL Listed ETL Listed Hunter combines 19th century craftsmanship with 21st century design and technology to create ceiling fans of unmatched quality, style, and whisper-quiet performance. Using the finest materials to create stylish designs, Hunter ceiling fans work beautifully in today’s homes and can save up to 47% on cooling costs. Aged Barnwood Blade Ceiling Fan Cherried Walnut Blade Cocoa Hunter Fan Hunter Fan Co. Italian Countryside Italian Countryside 20552 Ceiling Fan Lifetime Limited Light Fitting Quiet Remote www.hunterfan.com

Starbucks Gourmet Hot Cocoa $19.99 0% 1 Cup 1.25 oz 197861 24 / Box Gourmet hot cocoa is made from the highest quality Dutch cocoa. Each single-serve 1.25 oz. packet makes a creamy 8 oz. cup of cocoa. Just add 8 fluid ounces of hot water. Chocolate Cocoa Gourmet Hot Cocoa No Powder Starbucks Starbucks Corporation www.starbucks.com

Arms Reach Harmony Bassinet Collection In Cocoa Dot $129.99 Arm’s Reach Harmony Bassinet Collection In Cocoa Dot

JJ Cole Diapers Stacker In Cocoa Stripe $29.95 JJ Cole Diapers Stacker In Cocoa Stripe

JJ Cole Diapers And Wipes Caddy In Cocoa Stripe $29.95 JJ Cole Diapers And Wipes Caddy In Cocoa Stripe

JJ Cole Essentials Pacifier Pod In Cocoa Tree $7.95 JJ Cole Essentials Pacifier Pod In Cocoa Tree

JJ Cole System 180 Bag In Cocoa Oval $69.95 JJ Cole System 180 Bag In Cocoa Oval

Rxodus Whey Botanical Blend Cocoa Mocha 780G $42.95 Rxodus Whey Botanical Blend Cocoa Mocha 780G

Jason’s Butter Cocoa 100% Pure 1.75oz $12.12 Jason’s Butter Cocoa 100% Pure 1.75oz

Michael Miller Gingerbread Cocoa $8.98 Designed for Michael Miller Fabrics, this cotton print fabric is perfect for quilting, apparel and home décor accents. Colors include shades of cocoa.

28988 – Hunter – 28988 > Downrods $29.7 For use with 13′ Ceiling HeightCan be used wtih Brushed Cocoa, Leather Brown and Roman Bronze

28989 – Hunter – 28989 > Downrods $50.4 For use with 14′ Ceiling HeightCan be used wtih Brushed Cocoa, Leather Brown and Roman Bronze

28994 – Hunter – 28994 > Downrods $14.85 Used for 10′ Ceiling HeightCan be used with Brushed Cocoa, Leather Brown and Roman Bronze

28964 – Hunter – 28964 > Downrods $22.5 For use with 12′ Ceiling HeightCan be used wtih Brushed Cocoa, Leather Brown and Roman Bronze