George was trying to distract Jabari from his excessive drinking, but there was also truth in what George strongly intended to let Jabari know. Jabari shook his head seriously, he can be stubborn and strong-headed sometimes when he definitely knows what he is doing.
'Hum, no! But thanks for your observations. Right now, I would be grateful if you handed me over the bottle of Jameson?' George protested to Jabari's request. He went on with further persuasion, 'You have taken too much, brother. What has gotten into you?' Jabari Dakarai laughed hysterically. When he had finished laughing, he composed himself and put on a serious face, for he knew George very well that he could be very persistent, and he didn't want to draw too much attention to himself. At this moment, he changed completely like he hadn't been drinking at all, a low calm voice came out of his mouth, 'Relax brother, I know my limit, I am not going to be a burden to you all, I have everything under control, so cheer up and let's continue having fun, do you know the song entitled, "allow me to enjoy myself?" I just want to drink beer and whiskey. They are the only thing that can make me happy, until the body says no.'
George just shook his head. Left Jabari to drink his sorrows out, went and sat back on his seat and resumed drinking from his glass of whiskey.
The next morning, Jabari was already up and in his garden as if he hadn't had strong drinks the previous night. Honestly speaking, that doesn't mean he couldn't feel the effects in his body, it was still strong as ever, he had a five liter container of cold water, busy sipping it to neutralize the alcohol content in his body. A voice of someone young sounded in his ears, with no doubt he knew who it was, and he didn't need to turn and look at him, 'Morning! Uncle Jabari?' That's Richard, one of the boys from the orphanage as he walked right in front of Jabari.
He smiled at him, 'I am well and you?' Richard replicated the smile.
'I am fine, Father Mathews would like to see you now.'
Father Mathews is the founder of the Dystopian Community and the owner of the orphanage Fountain Of Hope.
Jabari had woken up quite late for the first time in five years though he was in his garden. He couldn't even remember how he found himself home. The last thing he could recall was talking to George.
I guess I drank too much and blacked out yesterday. I will have to ask George or Boniface what really happened? Jabari checked himself in preparation before agreeing to go meet him. Father Mathews had high hopes and expectations for Jabari's future, and he didn't want to change his point of view and be thought of as a drunk.
'Richard, how are my eyes looking?' Richard zoomed Jabari closely and then replied, 'To me, they look pretty fine.'
'Yeah?' He inquired inquisitively. Richard nodded his head. When Jabari over drinks alcohol, his eyes turn red and bloodshot. That was clear evidence, so if the young lad said they were fine it meant so and trusted him, his confidence coming back.
'Very well, I will come after you to meet him.'
Jabari Dakarai reached Father Mathew's office after tapping a light knock at the door which was already wide open, he was given a sign to come in by Father Mathews. He walked right in, as he awaited the next instructions.
'You may take a seat.' He gestured to a bench, Jabari helped himself on the bench as he looked into the eyes of Father Mathews, who too gazed back noticing Jabari's questioning eyes, he began his conversation with a warm greeting, 'How are you and how is life?' Producing a beam as the words left his mouth.
'I am really fine, life itself is interesting and how are you?' Flashing back a beam to father Mathews.
'I am fine. I called you here because I want you to take over the Shalom Garden Shop. The person I put in charge has completely failed. Would you be willing to take over that responsibility?'
Jabari listened intensively. Father Mathews paused momentarily, as if to let every word sink in, into Jabari.
Then he carried on from where he had left the conversation, 'It's going to do well for you and help you financially. You can also sell your vegetables from there, and most importantly, you can invest in your own money. I will give you just a small capital to begin with. Therefore, think about it and you can give me the answer in any of the coming days, before I go back to Palademon on Friday, but do not take too long?' Jabari knew how to grab an opportunity. There was no need for him to think about it.
'I will take it. I don't need to think about it?'
'Are you sure?'
'I am positive.'
'Great! Go and evaluate everything there and what would be needed to kick-start the operation?'
'Alright, thank you so much for the opportunity.'
'Good.' He gave him thumbs up.
Right away, Jabari knew it was time to leave, the talk had come to a close. 'I will take my leave now. He just made two steps.'
'Wait? Also, bring me some tomatoes and green beans.'
'All right.'
As Jabari was coming out of Father Mathew's office, he met Olivia at the gate of the Fountain of Hope.
'Hello Jabari,'
'Hello, Olivia!' Both exchanged smiles other than greetings.
Jabari was filled with high spirits and energy.
Olivia noticed his vibe as she inquired, 'Where are you coming from?'
'Meeting Father Mathews, and where are you going to?'
'The office.' She breathed out like she had been running and continued on further speaking, 'I would like to sing a song with you for my boyfriend's birthday, if that is OK with you?' Olivia's face pleadingly begged.
Jabari responded without giving the request, much thought, 'No problem, let me know whenever you are ready.' as Jabari grinned.
'Thanks Jabari, you are the best!' She giggled unconsciously and smiled shyly.
Veronica, appeared from the blues and forced herself between Olivia and Jabari.
'Hi Jabari!' She said ignoring Olivia's presence.
Jabari laughed heartily, 'Hello!' as he replied awkwardly and a bit ashamed of Veronica's behavior. She was behaving like he was her boyfriend.
Olivia smiled indifferently, 'I must go. I will call you when I am ready.'
'Sure, give me a call, you are welcome anytime.'
Veronica took over, 'Hey, what was that all about?'
'She wants to sing a song with her.'
A hint of disapproval was evident in her face, 'Oh, well, I did not see you all weekend. I was expecting you to come over to Terestonia nightclubs and pubs?'