Joseph did not seem as one pleased by seeing this man. They both looked at each other like those that knew each other or seemed to have met before. Were it not for the fact that James had requested Joseph to accompany him, he definitely could have left long ago.
For Mr. Japheth, he seemed as one who expected to meet Joseph. It was as if Japheth knew that Joseph was James' friend. James could not wait to be told that their meeting was making each of them uncomfortable.
Mr. Japheth sat on this table. Without much ado, the beers were coming. James introduced them to each other though he was certain that they must have met before and, as it seemed, not in pleasant conditions.
After this introduction, James was willing to continue with his story as he had promised but Japheth told him to preserve it for the following day. He said that day they were to talk about general things and just have fun.
James did not go against it or ask any questions. He knew that one of the reasons was Joseph's presence. What he could not understand was why all this was happening but he was yet to know.
After about two hours of very little talk amongst the three, finally, Joseph could not hold it anymore. Actually, were it not for the loud music in the bar, one could hear the sound of the beer as it dashed down their throats. He excused himself and went his way. In fact, he went to another bar leaving James and Japheth only.
One other thing about this Joseph was that he could hardly resist a woman when drunk. Not only this but hardly could he keep off women after a few drinks. James knowing all this, he excused him without any question.
On the other days, Joseph could have his women friends around James but this was not one of those days. As much as he liked to be with his friend, definitely he could not be with his women in the presence of Japheth.
This was not because Joseph respected Japheth or for any other reason but the fact that both were not comfortable at each other's presence. As usual, respect for the old and other matters concerning etiquette definitely has no room in the pub.
Once he left, James could not help but ask Japheth of where they might have met with Joseph and what could have made him behave in that manner. Japheth did not have much to say but told James that it was just the normal bar misunderstandings. He did not doubt it but still knew it was more than just a bar argument.
Now that Joseph had left, it was time to get busy. This day it was Japheth's time to tell a story to James. First, he requested James not to drink too much or in a hurry so that they could understand each other and stay for longer.
"Today my friend it is my turn to entertain you too. Let me narrate a story to you before you can tell me the rest of your story," said Japheth.
"Well my friend, go ahead and tell me about it and for your information, do not ruin my day with lessons. This is a bar and no lessons for me. I know you old people when it comes to pieces of advice; you seem not to know where and when to give them." said James.
"Ha! Ha! Too bad, you had to think like this but I am not giving any lessons to you. At least not today but someday." said Japheth.
"Well, when the day comes you will. Now, tell me about the story you have for me. I cannot wait to hear it. Oh, and by the way, what is this story about?" said James.
"Nothing out of the ordinary; just sit back, enjoy your drink as you listen. That is all I need of you. No talking for you today; at least not in relation to my story. I would like to finish first," said Japheth.
"Oh God, I know where you are going with this story of yours now. Anyway, what choice do I have? Don't keep me waiting longer men." said James.
"Before we continue, just know that it may be in relation to your story but just listen to it," said Japheth.
"Hey men, I cannot be that inhuman. You do not have to beg me this much to listen. I will listen to you; at least you are the one who bought the drinks you know? That means something," said James.
"Just like you, there was this young man and he was just about your age as well. For him, he was the worst son this world has ever seen. He was not always like this. As a boy, this young man was very good and the most obedient of all. After his circumcision, something changed and it was as if some of his best parts of the brain were taken out during this process. It was until he went to high school that he shown his true colors to all. He became the most undisciplined youth in both his school and his village too. His parents could not understand why their son had turned that first. To some point, they could even take him to see a psychiatrist but he could be totally normal and fine. On and on this went but his parents did not lose hope with him. They tried to help him until he finally completed high school but with a lot of trouble. It involved searching for a couple of schools for him. It was until after this that he became worse. He could not let his parents be for the troubles he caused until his life in the village became hard for him and therefore moved to town. Until this day, this young man has never changed despite the parents' effort to help and not losing hope on their son. You see James, unlike you where you have bad parents as you say; there are those parents that have bad children and some are even beyond repair. No matter what you may go through, just know that it is not over until it's over," said Japheth.
"That was such an interesting story. Now, if I may ask you, what is the lesson of that?" asked James.
"That, my friend is for another day. Remember, you told me yourself that no lessons today?" asked Japheth.
"Oh, I remember, but, how funny I ask of the lesson myself and all that speech about no lessons in a pub," said James.
"Well, that's how fast things and people can change and that's if they have the will to, my friend. I do like your attitude though. I can't wait to hear of these parents that would do such to such a good young man.," said Japheth.
"Do not flatter me my friend, enough of this talk and let's have our drinks men, but I must say, I am beginning to like you," said James.
"Wow, I am happy to hear this but, let me hope you will not be proposing to me next time," said Japheth.
"What can you do if I would?" asked James.
"I would run away and never be seen around you again. Men are not to be trusted," said Japheth.
"Well, have it your way, my friend. Let us enjoy the remains of today to the fullest. Let's have the waitress bring beers, if you may please," said James.
"Of course my son; I like the way you ask man," said Japheth.
"What's with you people, now you call me son, really?" asked James.
"What's wrong with that son? I like it more. It sounds better than a friend," said Japheth.
"Well, I too agree with that. What the hell! Let's party, father!" said James.
"Ha! Ha! That's funny ma man," said Japheth.