BEFORE I DIE: 3 (Lean On Me)
I am walking through the corridor and I notice something. Everyone is staring at me, and laughing. I keep my head down and walk on straight. I don’t want to make any eye contact with anyone. The laughs are getting louder. They are even pointing at me now.
Then a voice calls me from behind. I turn and gape. It is Trey Songz.
Trey: Hey Bobby.
He sounds as naughty as a busty blonde in skimpy nurse uniform.
I don’t make a sound. I am still shocked. I am just staring at him with my jaw slackened. He winks at me. He starts taking his shirt off, smiling the whole time. Then he then goes for his belt, he takes it out and holds it like a dominatrix’s whip. He lashes at the air with it twice. TAH! TAH!! And suddenly his pants fall off. He has on black briefs; the left and right sides are made with a net-like material, and the front side covering his big bulge is made of a nylon material. I don’t know where the music is suddenly coming from, but it is nasty.
“My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard… Damn right! It’s better than yours…”
I don’t know where Kelis got the inspiration to write that song, but it’s just nasty. And then, Trey starts twerking and gyrating. He has nice cakes though. A guy can’t ask for anything better. He keeps dancing till he is in front of me, then he bends down, with his ass just in front of my dick. Then he turns his head around to me, and looks at me with the kind of disappointment your parents would look at you with when you fail WAEC. And he speaks.
Trey: What’s wrong, boo-boo? Can’t get it up?
I won’t waste time describing the laughter that followed that, nor the annoying accent he used in his taunt. Even as I’m writing this, remembering the laughter is ticking me off.
The laughter keeps echoing in my ear until I wake up.
My mum opens my door, and peers in, looking a bit frightened.
Mum: Na wetin?
Me: Wetin?
Mum: Why you dey breathe like that?
I keep silent. I lie there, on my back, staring up at the ceiling. Mum stands there, looking at me. I don’t want to look at her face, to read the expression there. I have always had a tough skin. Even mum knows this. She says things to hurt me and my siblings whenever we anger her, and her words have never gotten to me. I am just tough like that.
But now, I know mum is scared and troubled because of me, and in spite of my stoicism, I am scared for her. She is aging, and she is hypertensive. I am more scared for her than for me. That is why I do not want to look at her. It is just too early to break down.
She stands by the door for a while, then gives out a sigh, and walks away. I don’t want to think about her right now. That I can’t get it up, coupled with the fact that I have gone for a confirmatory test, an ELISA test this time, is enough trouble for one day. It’s like waiting to discover that I have HIV all over again. Somehow, all these seem like a dream to me. I still feel like I will wake up and realize I’ve been dreaming all this while.
As troubled as I am, I can’t shut out the tune I am hearing from the street just outside. It is Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. It must be the ice cream van. I feel my mouth begin to water at the thought of tasting something cold and sweet. Then I stop myself. What do I need ice cream? Is it an anti-retroviral ice cream? The van must have passed by my gate, because the tune is beginning to fade away, and I just can’t be seen chasing after an ice cream truck. I’m an adult.
That is when it hits me. Life is short! You can sleep and not wake up. Do you want to live your last day regretting the ice cream you wished you had? Whatever you want to do, do it now!
That is the thought that goes through my head, and at once, I jump up from my bed, and still wearing boxer shorts and a singlet, I put on my slippers on and run outside to the gate, and then to the street. I see the van turning into the next street. I chase after it. Luckily for me, the van stops to sell ice cream to a kid, and I catch up to it. I ask for a N100 worth of ice cream. There is this feeling of accomplishment and fulfillment I get as the ice cream is handed to me. I am smiling really broadly. I start away from the van, already eating my purchase. I haven’t gone far from the van when I decide that N100 ice cream isn’t worth the energy I spent running to catch up to the van. I go back and buy some more. I eat the ice cream on my way home, and the whole time I am saying to myself: “Life is short, whatever you want to do, do now!” Somehow, I find solace in this new mantra of mine.
I take my bath and put some clothes on. It is time to relive the worst day of my life. I get to the lab and request for my result. The lab I visited this time is a fancy one. I give the receptionist my computerized receipt, and she taps her computer keyboard, and my result comes out of the printer. She puts it in an envelope and hands it over to me. She doesn’t even make any eye contact with me. I don’t thank her. I take the envelope and leave. As I close the door behind me, I open the envelope and read the result. Too many smart words I see printed out on the piece of paper. I am just looking for where ‘POSITIVE’ or ‘NEGATIVE’ is, and I don’t find it. I go back inside and speak to the lady at the desk.
Me: Please, where is the main result?
She doesn’t even talk to me. She merely uses her pen to point to a spot on the paper. I look and I see it. Boldly written in block letters. How could I have missed it?
So I’m really positive? This is where I woke up from my dream, only to realise I have not being dreaming at all. Shit just got real. This is when the real fear grips me.
I board a vehicle home. While in the vehicle, I started googling ‘How To Live With HIV.’ I download a PDF document titled ‘Managing Your Health: A Guide For People Living With HIV.’ I began reading, but it doesn’t help with my fear. While reading though, I come across a line that reads: Build a network of friends that can support you. So far, that is the only thing the e-book has said that makes any sense to me. Apart from my family, I have only told Rowland. Some friends have noticed something is going on with me, and have been trying to make me talk. I just can’t tell them, even if I call them “friend”. The e-book is getting boring, so I turn away from it. I have some BBM messages; I reluctantly reply the ones I can. And then, there is a text from Iffy.
I met Iffy almost a year ago. What attracted me to him was his kind of intelligence. Iffy is smart, nice, and he is a poet. We could talk for hours without getting bored. I don’t know how he saw me, but I’d imagined a life with him. If there was ever someone I would like to wake up next to for the rest of my life, it is him. But it didn’t work out. If I hadn’t met Iffy, I don’t think you’ll be reading this story. It is him who inspired me to write. I wrote my first poem when he left. Our friendship suffered for a while, but later on, we found mutual ground, even though we only now talk every once in a while.
And now that he has buzzed me, I find myself telling him that my dad asked me if I am gay.
Iffy: Why would he ask you if you’re gay? It’s not like you’re effeminate.
I don’t reply immediately. I don’t want to share. I don’t even know when I typed it.
Me: Can I trust you?
Iffy: Sure.
Me: My life is kinda falling apart right now. Please, don’t freak out.
Iffy: Ok.
Me: I have been diagnosed with HIV.
Iffy: OMG! Noooo, not you! I’m so sorry, boo!
Me: So technically, my life is over. I have just been trying to be strong.
Iffy: Your life isn’t over. This is a new chapter. You don’t deserve this, but you’re going to get through this, you hear me? It will only make you stronger. This I assure you.
Me: Iffy, you don’t really know how it feels.
Iffy: You’re right! I don’t know how it feels. But I know someone who has been living with HIV for years, and he’s very successful. Bobby, believe me, you will be fine. Your life goes on. You will find love and have kids just like everyone else. I will talk to a friend for you. His name is Kenny Badmus. He’s been living with HIV for years. I think he can help you.
Me: Okay. Thanks a lot.
Iffy: Just feel free to talk to me anytime. You will beat this.
Me: I don’t know why I told you this, but I’m glad I told you.
Iffy: Thank you for trusting me with this. It’s safe with me.
A part of me feels relieved a bit. At least I have someone to talk to. And it feels really good. At night, I sleep, and it is best sleep I have had in days. The following morning, I wake up to read my messages, just like I do every morning. Iffy had left me some messages.
Iffy: Hey dear. How you doing? I have spoken with Kenny, and he’s interested in speaking with you. He gave me this site to give to you.
Iffy had left the link for site for me. It is www.icantsharethisinfowithyou.com. I click it open. I register on it as the site requested me to. A little time passes by, and someone reaches out to me. It isn’t Kenny Badmus; I’ll just call him Mr. Help, because he was really helpful. I receive a mail from Mr. Help and it reads:
‘Hello Bobby,
‘I understand you just tested HIV positive. Kenny Badmus gave me your contact and I am really glad you sought for help.
‘First thing I will say to you is “DON’T WORRY”. This is not your fault. Let’s just blame it on our government. If they had spent the time they spent deliberating on the fourteen-year jail sentence on promoting HIV prevention amongst Men Who Have Sex with Men, our world would be a better place. What has happened has happened and I am here to help you deal with it. I will like to know you more. Where do you live? What you do? What is your medical history and sexual orientation, so I can properly offer tailored advice and the care you need. This is my Facebook address and my WhatsApp number. Feel free to talk to me about anything. Once again, HIV is not a death sentence.
Mr. Help.’
I don’t get back to Mr. Help immediately. I can’t trust him with that much info just like that. I go back to reading my e-book instead. Then I stumble upon something. The book mentions three words to me, and in that moment, there is peace.
Just three words, put together, become powerful enough to shackle my fears, and infuse me with hope. Hope for life, hope for tomorrow, hope to aspire, hope that I will love, and hope that I will have sex again.
If you ask me, these words should be every HIV patient’s favourite words. Lol.
Written by Bobby
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49 Comments
Dennis Macaulay
February 10, 05:14This is the best thing that I read here, always tugs at my heartstrings. You are a great writer.
OAN; You dream of trey songs? *side eye*
Lord II
February 10, 05:25….and the 3 words were..? Oh common Bobby why hanging us to dry like dat!
Chizzie
February 10, 07:34ART?
Gad
February 10, 11:53Words not letters
Dennis Macaulay
February 10, 12:45OUCH
Chizzie
February 10, 14:063 words put together; ART is an acronym, a combination of the first letters of 3 words..
so how abt u ponder abit more sometimes before u press the send button @ Gad
simba
February 10, 05:37Hello, thanks for sharing dear.. Not HIV patients but people living with HIV.. even in Hospital we try use it.. my dear, ur a lucky person and God will keep making u stronger.. Go on and be tht u wanna be
KryxxX
February 10, 05:44……….And children, that was how Mr Bobby left us hanging hot nd dry for those 3 WORDS!
BOBBY!!!!!!
U r lucky to have friends like Ray nd Ify(I have an Ify in my life too. Met him officially last week nd i hope he turns out like urs)! Friends that gives u courage nd strength(not momentarily but continuously) to move on with life nd r willing to stand by u through it. I envy you. I won’t say “u shall overcome” cos u’ve done so already, but I will say this “KEEP UP THE SPIRIT”.
Nd as for ur Trey Songz dream, nwoke m, u have an active dream life oh! Choi! Trey Songz twerking for u ehkwa? Issoright! Lets just say me nd ur dream Trey share same briefs nd am wearing just mine now while typing this! #OkBye ***flees***
A-non
February 10, 05:51When you started this piece you had reservations about being able to properly convey your thoughts…well, I can tell you for free that you need not fear because you have done an excellent job of it!
With regards to life being short, I think it’s a philosophy we all should embrace…I am gradually allowing it sink in myself.
Truth is yesterday is gone, tomorrow is not our own and today is all we have! Nobody can guarantee how long they will live. People have lived with cancer and cancer for years yet a hale and hearty young man can be hit by a car and the story ends!
Thanks again for letting us into your life and may you daily find strength to enjoy everyday life.
An observation though, Mr Help already mentioned 14 years, MSM and HIV, why still ask about your sexual orientation?
Dennis Macaulay
February 10, 06:05Anon well said. There are no guarantees in this life, one can get hit by a bus tomorrow or be in a plane that crashes. I have taught myself to live every day, pursue happiness no matter what my happiness looks like to other people
A-non
February 10, 09:15‘no matter what my happiness looks like to other people’. #word
Silvery Cat
February 10, 06:52Hi guys, I’m new here and this is my first comment, hopefully first of many.
A few years ago, a dear friend of mine was diagnosed with HIV. It was a trying period in both of our lives…still a challenge for him though. I saw him cry for the first time, saw him pray and even talked him out if suicide a couple of times. Like Mr Help said, MSM getting HIV in this country ain’t our fault but the fault of the government and the health sector that has failed us.
Chizzie
February 10, 07:36just waiting till when this journal becomes more…”eventful”..
meanwhile what’s with d other dude’s journal? has he chickened out or what?
pinkpanthertb
February 10, 07:59Which dude? Kizito’s? Oh he’s handed an entry in. I’m just waiting for God to create one more day of the week to start posting it on 🙂
law
February 10, 09:14PP …. did U get my mail?
pinkpanthertb
February 10, 11:22No i didnt.
Cj Parker
February 10, 13:30@pink Pls is there any fb page of Kdians?
pinkpanthertb
February 10, 13:40Nope.
Cj Parker
February 10, 17:09Y don’t we create one don’t u tink it will be a 9ce idea
trystham
February 10, 11:09Yup!!! Just confirmed it AGAIN
Absalom
February 10, 08:20As always, Bobby: respect.
Pedro Mann (@D1kPedro)
February 10, 08:58**thinking*** What would those three words be? Because most of us need it. Depression has got a big part of us, either because we met/meet the wrong people who are just lustful, or … phew! If relationships are encouraged, things would be much better but so many prefer tasting ALL the dicks and asses in the …
Blaq
February 10, 10:17Your entries have become something I look forward to in anticipation and I’m never disappointed. I think you are a brilliant writer and convey your story in such a compelling and relatable way, I can’t think of a better way to tell this story.
Be thankful for this support group you have. It definitely makes the journey easier.
All in all, well done! I can’t wait for next week Tuesday again…
Max
February 10, 11:27You’re quite an imaginative writer, able to capture your deepest emotions and thoughts. You take us to places with your writing. Have you ever considered a career in writing? You’ll make one hell of a writer.
Ace
February 10, 13:15Oh Bobby, I want to hug you. And please let those three words be worth the wait.
P.S: who else went to re-read to see if they missed the three words?
Brian Collins
February 11, 03:42Oh Ace, do i love you. I totally went back to see it i missed the words
Cj Parker
February 10, 13:29Our prayers are with u u’re nt alone,we’ll always love u guys no matter what we’ll always be by ur side always.. I tink we should open a FB KD page where we can know each other better so we can create a more stronger bond btw kdians
pinkpanthertb
February 10, 13:31Interesting idea
law
February 10, 14:09gimme ur mail again dear
pinkpanthertb
February 10, 14:19Pantherptb@yahoo.com
Cj Parker
February 10, 17:13My bros there are millions of Nigerian gay secret group on fb,even wen u hit d search button u wouldn’t see any result so face u’re not a member of the group Daz the kinda group I want us to have
Chizzie
February 10, 14:09ehm no!
pinkpanthertb
February 10, 14:20Lmao. This is will seconded by Max, I’m sure
Max
February 10, 14:51Of course… Strongly seconded by me!!. No fb biko..
Cj Parker
February 10, 17:19If I say a BBM or whatsapp group there wouldn’t be enough room for everybody FB is the only place that can accommodate us it will have to be a closed group that even if u search for it u wouldn’t see it as long as u’re not a member
Silvery Cat
February 10, 17:48Pinkie, correct me if I’m wrong but Discretion and Anonymity are two key ingredients in setting up this blog. A fb page no matter how encrypted will blow a lotta people’s cover. If I may, Pinkie u should be able to pass email addresses from one party to the other without displaying it on this page. That way, everyone wins. And if there’s ever a need for a coded-IV-only get-together, U can always mail us. There has never been a worse time to be gay in Nigeria than now.
A-non
February 10, 17:55Won’t touch an FB page with a thousand kilometre length pole!
Thank you very much!
pinkpanthertb
February 10, 18:20Guys relax! Lol. There’ll be no fb group. Sorry, CJ. The idea of KD thrives on the anonymity. An fb group will defeat that purpose. It is a nice idea. Just not relevant.
Brian Collins
February 11, 03:48I have not even joined the bbm group cos i cant have my pseudonym here as my Display name on bbm. I am glad there will be no fb group before Kryxx will start whoring himself to Dennis and Gad and Chestnut and the might King of debauchery.
KryxxX
February 11, 05:09Woke up on d wrong side of bed this morning but am going to muster all the self control in me nd take this as a JOKE! A very expensive one @ dat but still………. a joke! Do not b deceived by my online personality……… YOU DONT KNOW ME!
Gad
February 11, 10:48If a man wakes up from “the wrong side of the bed”, the logical thing to do is to go back to bed and wake up from the right side.
Cj Parker
February 11, 08:32I thought it’s a. Channel. Not a group or does KD have a group on bbm nw?
Brian Collins
February 11, 03:53Pinky where are the posts for today? It is 4.51am already. See me wey dey find first comment spot. I am not happy o. #cantsleep #jobless #terriblyhorny
pinkpanthertb
February 11, 03:55Pele. Today’s posts wont be early. Haven’t even prepared them yet. Been incredibly exhausted all night
Max
February 11, 04:16Lazy bones… Maybe you need an assistant
Gad
February 11, 10:45Exhausted? HMmm…
Dennis Macaulay
February 11, 06:18#BringBackOurKD
*****carries billboard ****
jesuisnigeria
February 13, 16:24As a new comer. I must say that this column is what I enjoy the most. Had to go back to read the previous ones. Just like you, I discovered two years ago that I was HIV positive…so I can really relate to this story. Hopefully, I’ll be able to tell my story someday. Please be strong, make sure you use your meds same time every day, eat a balanced diet, enough veggies, fruits etc and don’t give up on your dreams, I’ll be sharing my experience from time to time as I plan to be an active member of this blog. Hugs
Uziel
May 10, 10:38This story has been as eye opening as it has been entertaining. Good job. Thumbs up.
P.S. The link you posted doesn’t seem to be working, or was that on purpose?