Chapter 4

The team went for their classes right after their drills while I remained in the locker room with coach. In fact, the interview with coach Chitsulo was so good that I told him to run for mayor, which made him laugh but it was ok. He was honest, very wise and calm, he even told me how the team works after I mentioned that I knew nothing about football from his point of you. It led to him explaining how the defenders and wing attackers work and etc, to my surprise it actually made sense. He also mentioned that there was point the university did not have enough funds to sponsor the team. Now it was time for the main topic, “How would you describe Nathan to the world?”. Looking at coach I could tell he had a million questions running through his mind. “Nathan is very athletic and ambitious of his dream but their times he takes it beyond his limit”. I didn’t even know what he meant but it made sense as he continued. “His a reserved 22-year-old young man who’s trying to figure out who he is but then with the media it’s made things worse in his life.” I could feel his pain which made sad, “All I want is for everyone to know the real him and not the one they imagine him to be”. The minute he finished, I could tell that his words were truthful and pure and I was the one to deliver this story to the world. “Thank you for your time to explain everything including your striker’s life, I can tell that you care for him.”

While packing my stuff I was suddenly caught off guard, “I know I shouldn’t intrude in your life as this is our first meeting but a part of me knows your struggling.” I know that I just met him but my gut and heart knew that he wants to be the father figure I never had, so I told him my story from beginning to end and from his expression I could tell that he was angry but I told not to worry much. “I’m so sorry that you and your mother are going through such pain. I know you want handle the situation and make her proud”. I was grateful for the advice he gave me on how to tackle the world at. “if there is anything you need, I think I can say I’m a phone call away”. I laughed at his statement but I nodded my head yes. We continued to talk and know more about each other, he told me that his wife was actually from Salima and her family actually leaves in my hometown, I was surprised when he told me her name and I gave him my mum’s name.

I decided to take another mini tour of my own even though Steve already did. However, the reason I made the choice is because I wanted to see how Nathan acts around people, because I told myself that I need to finish this interview so that the article comes out by next week. Walking in the corridors of the university had a different vibe in this case it had a sense of excitement and energy. Maybe I don’t have fun but looking at everyone they were so excited that’s it’s a weekend. Still the fact that it’s Saturday, people still outgo weekend classes. As I continue to walk around the school, I noticed a group of people surrounding a scene of an innocent girl who seemed to be bullied. I kept approaching closer until I managed to get a glimpse of the scene, “next time don’t even try to make a fool about me when you can’t be me”. This is why I kept myself away from such drama, I saw this girl covered in flour and egg. I felt bad for her and I didn’t know what to say to this drama queen when I myself struggle to defend myself. After everyone left, I was left behind with the girl and I could tell she was really embarrassed with the situation. “you know you leave me to feel ashamed about myself”, she said. I didn’t want to leave her like this when I had a job of my own, “I would but then I’d feel guilty about leaving you here and have more people to make fun of you”.

By her glare I could tell that she was still analysing me, “you don’t go to this university, who are you?” she still had her questionable face. “Names Michelle, I’m a reporter at Foxes & Co in Zomba and a 4th year student at the Chancellor College”, I said and the minute I said my job her face lit up with excitement and the shock. “your thee Michelle Crest, like the epic reporter that ruled the opposition party to find out that they were stealing”. I was shocked by what she said and I didn’t know what to say cause I myself was stunned. Agreeing to her statement she started fangirling like crazy, “I’m your biggest fan, theirs’s never been a day that I haven’t missed your blogs or articles, oh my names Jasmine Phiri,” I shook her hand. Can I just for a minute gush about what she’s saying about me, that’s the thought that was in my head. Back to the real story at hand, “so what’s the current situation that happens in this university mainly with Nathan?” waiting for her answer she had the answer but didn’t know how to reciprocate it.

10 minutes go by and the answer that I didn’t think expect came out, “Nathan is a troublemaker and a mystery man at the same time. Some people may say that his got the vampire vibe others say his more of a wolf, werewolf”. My logic kept rebooting with these terms besides we’re in Africa nobody believes in these things unless you’re from the village. “I don’t get what your trying to say?” still mind blown by her words. “in short he’s a bad boy that all the girls love but there’s something that his hiding about his life because with what he tells people it’s totally different”. Now this is me being a human being that does not know these terms, “his a bad what?” I asked, she was surprised with my words. “a bad boy, you know this guy who doesn’t do what his told and etc”. I nodded my head signalling her that I didn’t know the terms. “so, what people have said about you as a reporter is true”, stunned by everything, “the fact that I had no time to read romance novels or watch movies or series or went on dates, I did neither. I found all those a waste of my time and useless.” To everyone I’m a boring girl that doesn’t know how to have fun but according to me I enjoy what I do.

We kept walking and she showed around the parts of the university I had not seen, as I looked at my watch it was 5pm and classes were ending and I had to interview Nathan and I planned on heading back to Zomba today so that I can write up my article tomorrow and take it to my boss for reviewing. “so, is this university a great recommendation to other upcoming students”, I asked and she told every good thing about it. Her honesty and love for the college was so amazing even though she was bullied hours ago but her aspiration meant a lot to me after she told me she’s studying journalism. I gave her some tips to follow and how it is to work for one of the amazing companies to ever come to our country. She left me at the football pitch to take more shots of the college surrounding. I could tell people were getting ready for this so-called party that’s happening this evening and everyone looks happy about it.

“you know if you wanted pictures you could’ve asked me”, that was the voice that I heard and was shocked by his rude tone. “don’t worry I won't ambush you with a camera besides it can’t zap you”. I told him to the fullest cause I was running out of time , “you know if you could finish your training quickly, I can interview you and then head home to start working on your article”, I told him and he rolled his eyes and went back to his work and then finished. “your right you have a task and I shouldn’t delay you”, he started jogging to where I was sitting and my mind went on to the fact, he was being sarcastic towards me. He looked out of breath and mainly sweaty. “I can’t believe I’m being interviewed by the great young reporter ever, it’s an honour and a pleasure”, as he said I was just surprised, I had never seen someone so respectful or was he being sarcastic and rude to me. “I don’t know if your being serious or rude to me”, I told him and he smirked and I still don’t understand why people love him. “can I a question?” he said, “sure go ahead”, giving him a reply. “why are you only interviewing me for one day, aren’t you supposed like follow me for the story?” he said and I understood him it’s just that I’m different from other reporters. “I have a different way of doing my work unlike other reporters and it means I have more time when writing the story”, as I told him and he looked amazed.