(Episode 01)Puff & Power Girls: Rosy Ronke

Rosy Ronke, July 1997

The room was clouded with smoke. The lights were bright. One could see bright smiles, huge laughs, and healthy teeth. The number of women always outweighed the number of men in the room. The drinks pass from hand to hand, hand to mouth. Refreshments are never more than drinks. The men in this room drink little and eat less. It made it easier for talk. The men in this room always enjoyed the extent of their chit chat.

“Heavy bellied forefathers! All this drinking means that if something is not done very soon about the way we are playing around and drinking, there will be so many fat men in politics.” The only sober man in the room said.

“See, I’ve been very careful not to jump into conclusions too soon.” Said the only other man who was listening. He earlier complained of a shortage of ‘ fine wine ‘ and was in no mood to listen to someone sober tell him about dangers of alcohol.“Especially not when it’s with these women.” He blabbed almost to himself.

The time was 21:45 but more time was needed. More time, more chat, more talk, more gossip. One of the guards who sometimes ushered guests in and out reminded me that I had not been drinking. After hydrating my mouth bitterly I pretended not to understand his language. Me no comprehend, I said to the hearing of anyone listening. He left as quickly as he came.

The sound of my stilettos in motion could be heard as I made it to the center of the room, stopping at the mini bar. The waiter quickly admires, waits, admires and waits, by now he already knows what hand I use to collect a long glass of colada. It will always be freezing cold. Then, he will use his other hand to pass a napkin. The colada reminded me to listen to the cause of the ensuing comotion.

“My name is Mary.”

“Mary Amaka! ” shouted the one sober man.

Mary always did good by coming into the room right after a General said to go on with the evening, and another yelled in a half hearted challenge: "but my wife will complain."

“Let her in, let her in, she’s with us, let her in.” Shouted the man who liked fine wine. “General Yasser,” Mary said with an almost seductive voice.” “I know, I know, I was just suggesting that we reduce our alcohol intake. I know how much you hate the way it makes my breath smell.”

To be continued…