Janele's Phonecall



“Kanoti, please call me back, I need to ask you something. It’s Janelle of MAX Insurance.” I was elated that she had called. I love my job. Once in a while, it takes me to interesting places, once in a while it brings me into contact with interesting people. Once in a while, I get to meet a Janelle; someone pretty, someone wearing tantalizing perfume, someone who, if she smiled and asked for my kidney, I would pull it out and hand it to her…no questions asked.
“Okay I will call later when I’m free,” I said, not wanting to seem desperate. Janelle, a receptionist, was my contact person when I installed internet connection at their office in Kawempe earlier that day. And I know that she was doing her job when upon request, she secured me a ladder. And yes, I know she was still doing her job when she showed me an easy way to access the rooftop. But it didn’t stop me from day-dream about us walking hand in hand into the sunset.
At 9:10 p.m, Janelle called again and I counted up to five before picking up, again not wanting to seem desperate. I will use J for Janelle and K for Kanoti in sharing the conversation that ensued.
J: Hi Kanoti
K: Hi…to whom am I speaking? (Pretending I hadn’t saved her number the first time she’d called)
J:  Eh mama. You’ve already forgotten all about me. It’s Janelle.
K: Oh. Hi Janelle. It’s been a long while. How’s Masaka? (I was once told that if you eat a frog, you should eat a fat one)
J: It’s not Janelle from Masaka. It’s Janelle from MAX Insurance. I called earlier. (sounding quite disappointed)
K: Man, I’m sorry I forgot to call you back. It’s been a long day. In fact, I have just reached home. How are you and how’s your day been?
J: Good, good. The internet at the office is ballistic, thank you. (I instantly pat myself on the shoulder)
K: I’m glad you’re enjoying the experience. Told you Roke’s internet was incomparable.
J: Hehehe. Kati, I have a question. I’ve reached home and activated my wireless but my whatsapp and facebook aren’t working. I also can’t see the MAX Insurance wireless name. Have you switched us off?
K: Wait, do you stay at the office?
J: Nope, I stay in Nansana but you said I can use the office wireless instead of my data. It was working fine at the office but now it’s off. I didn’t even buy data because you said I could use the wireless internet
K: *silence*
J: Hello? Are you there? Why aren’t you answering my question?
K: *silence, amusement, heartbreak*
Once in a while, my job brings me into contact with a Janelle; someone whose smile causes you to dream, only for your dream to be crushed by the size of her brain

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