Old Things, New Things: Part 2

"Rrrring!" The sound from the rotary dial telephone on the desk blares into the darkroom, interrupting her work...and thoughts. She hurries out of the darkroom to the ringing phone. "This is Nafi Photos, how may I help you", says Nafi to the caller. She tries to sound calm and welcoming, although the loud ringing of the telephone was startling and a bit annoying. She knows that directing her annoyance to the person on the line is not a wise choice. Five years of being a photographer have taught her: "Customer is king, so also is a potential customer". 

The caller introduces himself, "I am Gebu". He continues, "will you be available to cover my traditional wedding coming up this weekend?" 

"The notice is rather short but..." protests Nafi then adds a tinge of hope to her voice. It's her technique to make the customer know it is possible to do it but will cost more.

"I understand. The photographer who was supposed to do the job suddenly has an emergency to attend to, so will not be available.

I was referred, by a friend, to you. You are my last option, please be available", says Gebu in a pleading tone.

"Hello? I cannot hear you, what did you say?"

The line is wonky with a lot of static noise.

Nafi grumbles under her breath, "I pay so much for this landline phone yet the quality is so poor".

Gebu yells this time, repeating himself, slowing down his words.

"It is possible, I will have to adjust my plans for this weekend and make your event my priority," Nafi says. She never really had any plans for the weekend, but she knows, from experience, that when you see a desperate client, try to make your service a little scarcer, this way you can charge higher.

"Hello? Can you hear me? What did you say..." answers Gebu, struggling to hear Nafi's words in the midst of the crackling noise on the phone line.

Nafi, a bit frustrated, with the telephone company, repeats herself, yelling louder this time.

"Ah, thank you. You have saved me from a major fiasco", replies Gebu. "My fiancée can now go to bed with both eyes shut.

Nafi chuckles knowingly, " How about the terms? My fees are..." Gebu interrupts, "Let’s not discuss this yet, just be there and we can negotiate later, you will get paid in full". Nafi does not protest.

Gebu proceeds to fill her in on the time and address for the event. 

After some yelling, to raise their voices above the crackling noise in the call, and a few repeating of statements, Nafi eventually gets the address and directions to the venue. Gebu wishes her a nice day and hangs up.

The phone call lasted almost ten minutes because of constantly needing to repeat themselves. Nafi is grateful, that at least, she now has a means of being reached remotely. It has increased her clientele somewhat; although, the telephone charges in comparison to the quality of the calls are not impressive.

"Time to prepare…", Nafi thinks to herself. "Buy more film, check the camera, get more batteries…" She makes a mental checklist.

It is Saturday morning, at number 11, Okeji Street. The bride is putting on finishing touches to her makeup with the help of a makeup artist. "You look lovely" gasps her cousin and continues, "Where is the photographer? You need a snapshot now" 

#AshortStory 

Omoy

Omoy