Kyrios ushered Pisces in and adulated him theatrically like he hailed Theodore earlier. The big and biggest Pisces. He extols him as Pisces chuckles while trying to make himself comfortable.
Kyrios veered his newly acquired ergonomic chair and sat down comfortably, he had just renovated and upgraded the interiors and equipment in his office as advised by Lore. He took a momentary glance at the huge CCTV monitor to observe the activity in and outside of the bar as it was being captured by the surveillance camera.
Behind him is a lovely portrait of Pablo Escobar. Pisces looked at the large portrait of Pablo Escobar on the wall, one of the most dangerous and affluent drug Lord in human history and casually said, "The ambition of a man is the incentive drive for his success, but his mentality is what either keeps him successful or makes him fall from his grace. Ambition is a powerful force, but mentality is supreme."
Kyrios didn't really understand what Pisces was talking about. Pisces looked at Kyrios and ask him what he thought was the biggest mistake Pablo Escobar made that led to his downfall. Kyrios simply said, "venturing into politics, his lifelong desire and will to become the President of Columba and the most powerful man on earth."
And his ruthlessness in killing innocent people by bombing a civilian airplane, kidnapping and assassination of government officials, police and cartel members. That made the Colombian government come after him at his luxurious and sophisticated La Catedral self-built prison. Pisces added.
Pisces continued, But those were his crimes and not mistakes. A repetitive intentional act he dwelled upon over and over again.
And that is the global perception of him and why he's considered a criminal. Solely because of those egregious crimes.
But there are people, government, politicians, businessmen, religious fathers, rich and poor who commit these heinous crimes all the time. While others paid for their crimes by facing the full wrath of the law, some get away with it by manipulating the law and subverting justice.
Kyrios is surprised to hear Pisce's point of view and logical assertion. But he knows his friend. He's first a philosopher, theorist, logician, sage and a polemic before a controversialist, contrarian and a critic. He obviously has his reasons, and Kyrios is curious for him to register them. He wants to learn because Pablo is his idol, and he aspires to be like him and he's presently on his way. He already controls the drug business in the southwest region, and supplies 45% of drug use in the country. He plans to expand into the Northern Nigeria, East and the south south region.
Kryios sighed. He asked Pisces politely, "do you mind explaining why you disagree that those were not Pablo's mistakes but his crimes. What do you think was his mistake then? Kyrios instituted an inquisitive inquiry.
Pisces leaned inward against his chair and said, "his mistake was believing he could only sell Cocaine to become rich illegally, he didn't realize he could become legally rich by selling cocaine. He could have been a drug dealer by choosing to be a legitimate businessman, philanthropist and politician. But he chooses to become a drug dealer by being a
businessman, philanthropist, politician and cartel leader.
Kyrios agreed with Pisces and noted "That is a possibility, but remember, he was very powerful. And like the famous maxim and palmarius dictum of Lord Acton. Power corrupts, but absolute Power corrupts absolutely. Kyrios said.
Truly, absolute power corrupts absolutely, but he was already everything he wanted to be, but he didn't know and wanted to be more. Every individual on earth that got rich did with so many questionable attempts that violate the principle of ethics and morality. Pisces said
So Pisces, you wanted to tell me something earlier, or what was it you said about needing the Elysium Assortment to put you out of your misery and a lexeme about conundrum?
We would talk about it when this whole party planning and anniversary celebration of you and Lore is over. Pisces assures him.
Kyrios showed Pisces the four paintings he got for Lore back at the office. The first one was a painting of a Scarlet Macaw bird with a rose flower hanging in-between its mouth.
Pisces stare at the painting for a few seconds and asked why the bird looks gloomy and sad. Kyrios smiles and ask Pisces to stop criticizing a beautiful work of art.
"Art is not meant to be criticized, they are to be appreciated". He said
Pisces immediately reply him, "The greatest of all arts is undoubtedly God's creations, which are extraordinarily perfected in their entirety beyond imaginable flaws that are needless of denigration. A grandeur of wonders and supernatural masterpieces, not the creation of a man. It is through criticism we understood the hidden meanings and epitomized ideas that are conveyed by the virtue of self-expression.
So criticism isn't bad for art my friend, it rather helps us to comprehend the underlying meaning and thought that influences any beautiful work of an art. This is what enables us to relate our emotions, value and appreciate it."
I bought those paintings because Lore loves art and always wants us to visit the gallery every time. Kyrios said
Pisces was still looking at the painting while paying less attention to what Kyrios is saying. He tries to make meaning of the painting. He's not only a lover of art but also a student of literature. After taking his time to anatomize the beautiful work of art, he said, "Well, fortunately, the sad bird symbolizes you, how apologetic, remorseful and unhappy you feel having acknowledged your wrong. And the flower is an expression of love that represents your desire for forgiveness, peace, and a pledge for reconciliation.
Wow! That is a beautiful interpretation. That thought never crossed my mind before I bought and paid for it. I only got it because she loves art and likes to paint in her leisure time. We hadn't even had issues then. Kyrios said
That was why I said fortunately. It is by a good fortune that you bought it. It had no meaning to you as at the time of your purchase. If you and Lore never had an issues, you wouldn't have been able to relate to this meaning.
Art sometimes has different meanings to different people that may be completely different from the apperceptive and sentient meaning intended by the artist.
Pisces replied him
Kyrios thought about showing Pisces the rest of the paintings, but he was pessimistic about Pisces possible interpretations.
What if the successive interpretation of the remaining paintings doesn't favour him? He thought to himself and decided he would only be gifting Lore the Scarlet Macaw with a rose painting, and keep the remaining portraits at his office until he was sure of the idea they embodied as he doesn't want further problems for himself.
Kyrios cleared his throat and spoke his mind, "I told Lore that I am going to make it up for her, but the truth is, I am devoid of ideas. However, I am really grateful and thankful for all your help. The video you sent really helped. She said she hasn't seen me in such an emotional state and somber mood before, that she couldn't help but laugh as she was watching me express myself and asked if I meant everything I said. I told her that I meant everything. Thank you Pisces
You are welcome my dear friend. You are a great person who has been exceptionally good to me when you have every reason not to. You have a good heart and a good woman that loves you. Just try and always do right by her and consistently make her happy. Pisces said
Kyrios thanked him and promised Pisces he will continue to do right by her and treat her right going forward. Kyrios initial plan was to have an indoor celebration for Lore. He had paid for two cakes and got four paintings. He was going to shop for some gadgets, wine and cakes. While they make dinner together, listen to some RnB music, and then become each other's dinner after eating their main dinner.
But Pisces told him he should replicate a TikTok video he saw a few days ago where zillion of red balloons are hung with love cards, paintings, and a plethora of rose petals that were creatively used to design and form a heart shape, and a portion of the rose petals were scattered all over the floor. But he doesn't have the slightest idea how to make it possible or where to get those things from, not on such short notice and the teeny-weeny time they have. He realized he would need the help of a professional, and only one name came to his mind, Bolu.
Pisces showed Kyrios the video as they watch more videos from different Tiktok accounts for fresh ideas and concepts. Kyrios thought the idea was beautiful, and Lore would definitely love it. Pisces suggested they do exactly that for Lore with some wine, scented candles and of course, a cake for the surprise party at the Gusty Bar. And the red balloons, love cards, scented candles, paintings and rose petals decorations and designs should be done at home when Lore comes over to be surprised by family and friends, the designs at home would have been put into place by Bolu. "Women love to be celebrated and love a celebration that is done not even in an elaborate way but in a unique and special way," he stated.
That is a brilliant idea, said Kyrios, but at the mention of paintings, he started thinking that would mean Pisces would have to see the remaining three paintings and probably have an opinion on them. To discourage and obviate the idea, he asked Pisces, "Who is going to do all of those designs and decorations at home?
Don't worry about that. I have a friend who is an event planner and a hamper curator. She has successfully planned events such as anniversaries, award ceremonies, and reunions that I even attended with her. She's very good at these things. But she charges a lot of money. Pisces said
How much does she charge? Can it be more than a million naira? Kyrios asked
That depends on what you want and how extravagant you want it. She has packages and charges per hour. She's a very popular personality on Instagram who a lot of people regularly patronize. She's big on these things and very good at what she does. Pisces said as he picked up his phone and called Bolu. He discussed and shared the idea with her. Bolu asked to see the Video to know if it was something she could create. Pisces sent it to her WhatsApp immediately. This would cost a lot of money, because it's an emergency, but it would cost more effort to get it done both at work and at home.
I will be on my way, come with some hampers, and stop to shop for the remaining designs and products since arrangement has been made for cakes. Kindly send the address, I will be there in a split second because I need to be home before 9 pm in order to go to bed early and be able to attend church tomorrow morning. Bolu said as she abruptly ended the call.
Pisces and Bolu met during the Endsars protest at the Lekki Tollgate and they have become good friends ever since. They were even at a talking stage at some point, but Pisces never get to ask her out, he has since decided to remain friends with her.
Bolu is an intelligent, beautiful, appealing lady with a pulchritude body and average height who dresses elegantly. She fits perfectly into Pisces specification and has everything he's looking for in a woman.
Although, he doesn't know much about her past except the things she has told him whenever they have a random conversation.
But the ultimate Beauty for Pisces is
a character. And with the period of time they have known each other, and the time they have spent together, Pisces has no doubt she's an exceptional woman with exemplary character. But he wants more than that for assurance. He needs to learn about their compatibility, strong emotional connection, shared interests, values, and principles.
Someone that can contribute and engage in meaningful discussions, someone who respects and have tolerance for others' ideology, convictions and assertions.
Someone who is quite knowledgeable and has the expertise to enjoy a consummated, pleasurable and highly gratifying relationship.
Whose personal lifestyle, interests, obsessions and objectives align with his.
As this is why most of his relationship doesn't work because most girls he has dated says one thing and do the opposite. They do not have a mind of their own, their actions, views, discretions and decisions often contradict their ideology. Some are social media freaks, and likes public displays of affection, while some do not. Some keeps their relationship secret and hide their lover from the public eyes. But Pisces had learned the hard way and promised never to involve himself in a secret relationship with anyone again when someone he loved, trusted and does everything for betrayed him. He was neither the main nor the side guy.
Pisces would often say, "If there is an emphatic entreat or persuasive plead to maintain secrecy about your relationships, it is a more convincing reason for you not to be in it." Compatibility means everything to Pisces in relationship. According to him, the reason why most relationships doesn't work is because of lack of compatibility.
Some girls like to go out and lose their home training in a conviviality of the universal slogan of "you only live once", while some abhor the idea of social gatherings and would rather stay at home to sleep, eat and watch movies. Some have a high libido and some have an inherent hypoactive desire for lovemaking, sees cunnilingus as a taboo, a disgusting and unreligious act, cringes at the idea of fellatio, while some don't mind recreating the mathematical position of 69 as a Siamese twin in opposite direction.
Some smoke and drink alcohol while some do not smokes but drink alcohol and do not mind a guy that does. Some do not like to read and cannot engage in philosophical conservation, hates house chores and eat noodles three times daily while watching Africa Magic, Zee Tv, Korean movies and Big Brother Naija.
So Pisces chooses not to express his love and feelings to her. They talk every day but he tried his best not to get attached, he needs money now, and love doesn't seem to bring money, but rather takes and survives on it. But he really likes her, and just had it at the back of his mind that he could marry her.
Bolu would often lament at her streak of hard luck and the impossibility to find a true love in Lagos, and maintain that she's not going to settle for less regardless.
"I want it all, the love, career, family and good life. I want it all Pisces." she will always tell him. But Pisces believe there are some things she's not doing right, and that is the reason she's attracting all sort of people; married men, cheaters, irresponsible and unintentional as she often terms them, including boys who are younger than her.
Pisces told her that if she wants to find a true love, there's something she needs to change about herself, places she visits, friends she hang out with, the clubs, parties, game nights. And the kind of pictures and videos she posts, thirst traps or whatever they call it,
" When you post stuffs like that, you only attract fornicators, not suitors".
Pisces told her. Finding true love and suitors is finding compatibility, because at the end of the day, after all the endless promises and assurances of you and I together forever, and the love seems fading, the emotions become volatile and unstable, and what feels like magic will become a broken spell after post-nut clarity, a mere sexual attraction that is driven by lust and infatuation that makes you question yourself. What have I done? How did I let this happen? But because some conversations can spark feelings and attraction. And all you need sometimes to know that you will never have anything to do with someone are just their opinions and comments on a particular subject and topic.
He believes these things are important. As they are the only thing that can make meaning out of the special moment of unforgettable fun and gratifying memories. "The visit to the art gallery, cinema and the romantic dinner date. The long walk and holding of hands at the beach. The gist, laughter, deep gazes and affection at the picnic dates, when the crescendo of heartbeats corresponds with the atmospheric equanimity, and the expressions of words are subdued by the placidity of silence, and thoughts are communicated with gazes and affectionate stares. That special someone that likes and wants the same thing as you, that understands your mood, enjoys your silence with you, and you fit perfectly into her world of impulsive modulation. These compatibility and interests are why we always want to give it another try even though we may have started off the wrong foot. Lets retake the steps, consciously and intentionally this time." Pisces remarked
And that is exactly what he is looking for.
If he had not made up his mind not to waste any woman's time without the intention of marriage as he's also not ready for his time to be wasted if the goal is not on the possibility of nuptials. He would have probably dated Bolu, but he loves, cherish and respect her so much because he sees her as someone who is marriage-worthy, and because she's a good and hard-working girl from a good home and a Christian background.
He believes she deserves better, the best even, and that's what Pisces wants for her. Even though that wouldn't come from him, but he wants to see her happy, be with someone who loves, appreciates and care about her. And he doesn't want to ruin their beautiful friendship for ordinary sex.
Although they both love dogs, Pisces used to own a Caucasian dog, and Bolu has a German Shepherd. But Pisces wouldn't stop thinking about what he heard about Lagos girls that own big dogs, how most of them engage in bestiality with their mighty canines.
Even if he wants to doubt it, there have been reports of girls using Cucumber fruits to satisfy themselves, some who like it big would go for a bigger cucumber, that would break and get stuck in their Pudenda in some unfortunate cases.
He has been skeptical about eating Cucumber in any girl's house ever since, and looks at any girl that's buying with a sinister eye especially when they are hunting for the bigger ones. Maybe that's just him being nasty and naughty, they mainly were just buying it to be eaten.
But the world has advanced now, there are now different sizes of Dildos for women according to their preferences, and varieties of vibrators that can function under any condition. The one that scares him the most is the popular Rose vibrator, he heard it was so unimaginably good with it's intensity level and rotating airflow that sucks and teases the clitoris in the most pleasurable way that it was nicknamed "soul snatcher" and "orgasm stealer".
But the bestiality story, Pisces doesn't believe it and has thought it was hearsay, until the day he actually saw a German Shepherd's penis. Holy Red Rocket! He spontaneously exclaimed. He was convinced that those who were willing to she-bop with Cucumber wouldn't mind the fleshy red berry eggplant of their beloved canine.
And this her friend has a German Shepherd she nicknamed King L. When Pisces asked her why she chooses the name King L and what is the idea and inspiration behind it. She said the GSD is very clingy, affectionate and doesn't ever leave her side, that he's her king, so she decided to opt for King L and the L abbreviate stands for Licky because the dog likes to licks her a lot.
Kyrios who is still worried about Pisce's possible opinions on the remaining paintings, decided to let him see them, it would be better to handle the interpretation now rather than later.
"Here are the three remaining paintings", Kyrios said as he displayed one symbolic and two expressionistic art.
The first one was an illustration of two standing firewood that is resting on one another. One appears to have caught fire first and fell onto the other as they both burn out concurrently while still standing. The second was a painting of a couple dressed in traditional regalia, they appear to be kissing publicly at the market square while covered up in a veil.
And the third one was a painting of a man kissing a lady, they were both under the rain, but the lady had an umbrella over her head, while the guy held and was kissing her as the rain fell on him.
Pisces was fascinated by the remaining paintings Kyrios bought, "These are beautiful paintings with tragic and deep meaning". He said as he interpreted the two burnt-out firewood as a symbol of unconditional and everlasting love. That even in the face of tragedy, disaster, and death, they would always love and be together, till the very end and under any circumstances. An accurate depiction and illustration of true love.
He decrypted the second painting as a pictorial representation of concordant and synchronic love, those who are binded by their heart and soul, blind to hate or criticism, and does not care about the opinions of others over their relationship.
He analyzed the third one as a selfless and sacrificial type of love, the Jack and Rose kind of love, even though the two of them could have stayed and remained covered under the umbrella, but the guy chooses to stay in the rain so that the girl can be more comfortable and sheltered under the umbrella. "Or, I could say it's stupid, but also, stupidity is the idea that steers the vessel of love and keeps it afloat, wiseness keeps it still, or even sinks it". He enunciated
So it is good to be stupid for love then?
Kyrios asked Pisces who did not waste time to tell him that being stupid enough can sometimes make you overlook certain imperfections and blemishes in order to prevent drama that could cause an argument that will lead to inconsequential misunderstanding.
"And you know what happens when you argue"? You are prone to get angry, and when you get angry, you say things subconsciously without thinking of the weight of your words. You say things out of annoyance and provocation. And there is no way the ship can sail with such an occurrence. "When two captains are no longer in agreement, one may choose to continue the voyage, and the other may want to head back to the port". Pisces affirmed