Chapter 9: Chapter 9

Okay, guess I will see you around. Later. She said, making her way to her seat. A bit livened up; I had a smile on my face as I got to my seat.

I pondered over what she said and figured it would be a nice to join a club and have other friends so, I decided to tell my mum about it and register later.

I was quietly munching on my meat pie when the bell indicating the end of the break rang.

John, the spokesman of S.R.C entered the class a few minutes later with a guy who looked familiar but at the same time unfamiliar. He was smartly dressed and he had a prefect tag clipped to his shirt.

"Good afternoon class, the teachers are in a meeting so I and the assistant head boy will be coordinating your class. I hope you all know me?" John asked, as some students nodded that they did and others, that the did not.

"Alright, thats fine. For those of you that do not know me, my name is Joh Wellington and I am the spokesman for S.R.C. He introduced himself.

I am David, but I love to call myself Davido. Who doesnt love to dream high, I someday want to tell my woman that 1 billion dollars is a small fund to spend on her. The other guy said with a hopeful expression while we all doubled over in laughter.

"Okay, I am just kidding. My name is David and I am the Assistant head boy. I don't really want the class to be boring because I am not a boring person so, do you guys have any suggestion on what we can do to keep ourselves busy till the teachers are done." He asked us.

"Let's do question session, Male versus female." A guy suggested and more than half of the class agreed.

"Okay, let's do that but please let's all refrain from making noise. Otherwise, I won't hesitate to use my position to punish you. If you have anything you want to say, just raise up your hand." He said. He took the board marker and drew a long line to segment the board then, he wrote female on one side and male at the other.

"Okay, first question for the girls." John said scanning the class till his eyes caught mine. He smiled at me as I returned his gesture with a halfhearted smile, praying I know the answer because I just felt a need not to disappoint him.

"Where is Abubakar Tafawa Balewa university located? " He asked, I scanned my brain as I recalled seeing the answer once in a book. I raised up my slightly shaking hands, hoping my answer was correct because it would have been so embarrassing to get it wrong in front of the whole class.

"Yes, Enitan." John said, smiling softly at me.

"Bauchi." I replied

"Correct!!" David said and the females cheered as we won 5 points.

"Thats my girl! Bode cheered as I shook my head at him.

Shouldnt you be sad since its a competition between male and female? I asked him.

Its no competition girl. We are going to win, Im just glad you personally scored a point. He said.

Never say never. I said to him but, he just smiled at me.

Male, What state is Olusegun Obasanjo from?" He asked, while almost everyone raised up their hands including females.

John pointed to a random classmate who replied with, Ogun state.

"Correct." David replied and wrote 5 points for the guys.

"Ladies, who was the president of Kalakuta republic?" He asked and for a while nobody raised up their hand and when someone finally did, it was Tayo.

"Ladies, this is your last chance, if you are unable to answer the question then we will give the question to the guys and they get 2 mark as bonus." John said, when no female made an attempt to answer. A few minutes later, he indicated to Tayo to reply.

"Fela Anikulapo kuti." Tayo said, the class was as silent as a graveyard as everyone held their breath in anticipation to see if he was correct.

"Correct!!!" David said and the guys hooted in triumph.

The quiz went on for a long time and fortunately, the teachers didn't finish their meeting till closing hours. At the end of the quiz, the guys had 206 points with Tayo answering most of the questions and Females had 160 points with me answering very little of the questions.

Told you it was no competition. Bode whispered in my ears as I packed my books, preparing to go home.

Whatever. I said to him, sighing in defeat as I took my bag and left the class. I was walking past the agricultural teachers office to pass the second school gate home when Mrs. Odunyemi, my present agricultural science teacher saw me and called me.

"Itan, please come. I need you to help me rearrange some books and mark some test scripts in my office." She said, walking back into the staff as I rolled my eyes discreetly and followed her.

"I was a bit taken aback to see Goriola in the office but, I guess it shouldnt have surprised me. She was after all, most teachers choice.

Together we rearranged the books and, between ourselves marking the test scripts was much fun as we chit chatted about random things. It was almost two hours after closing before we rounded up.

The school was already empty and quiet. I could hear the birds chirping as they do in the morning and the suns intensity had lessened over the course of two hours. There were only two teachers left in the office, including Mrs. Odunyemi.

Thank you. She said, looking very relieved as she dismissed us.

"Where do you live?" I asked her.

"Just down the street, before the garage." She replied

"Thats my route also, let's go together." I said, as we left the office.

Lets pass the front gate and we can glance into the classes so; we can get a look at those students that stay late in school and do naughty things. I heard many students do that nowadays.

Well, alright. But, isnt it too late for that though? The school feels empty. I said.

Never say never, you never know for real till you confirm. She replied, as I nodded and we walked towards the front gate. Surprisingly, in 1 of the 3 classes we checked, theres always a girl and boy in one. Some were just chatting but the seniors were bolder as some were kissing and we even came across a girl that was having her breast fondled at the back of a class.

The couple were well hidden that we had thought no one was in the class but, the girl moan was what drew our attention till we finally saw them. We held in our laughter as we left the class quietly.

Immediately we were out in the open, we burst into laughter as we ran in the direction of our class that was nearer to the gate.

I dont think my eye can handle any more, I think its time we go home. Goriola said and I nodded, still laughing as I tried to catch my breath.

Lets check our class. Who knows, we might just find out who the next couples are and add them to the nomination list. I said eagerly as we climbed the staircase of our class block.

I heard Goriolas gasp as she stopped abruptly in front of me. I looked up to see what was happening and I staggered as I saw the scene unfolding in front of me.

Faith? I said, confused. She was trying to lock her lips with Tayos, her arms were around his neck as she pulled him closer.

I dont want to hurt you Faith, let go. Tayo said, his hands were stretched out as he tried to pull her away and it was obvious, even to a newborn that she was forcing the kiss on him and I felt embarrassed.

Faith! I yelled as she released her hold and scrambled away from him.

What! She replied when she realized it was just me.

Has it really come to this. Forcing a kiss on a guy, what happened to your principles? I asked her, feeling ashamed. I couldnt believe my friend would be willing to force a kiss on a guy just to gain his attention and I wondered, How farther can she go?

What principles. Wasnt this what you wanted anyways, for him to hate me and choose you over me but, thats not going to happen Itan. You can keep dreaming but I will never let it happen. She said, carrying her bag and storming out of the class.

I am sorry about that. Shes not a bad person, shes just dealing with a lot. I said, making an excuse for her.

I know, I guess she just took our friendship the wrong way. He said as he picked up his bag also.

Why dont we all leave together then. Goriola said trying to liven up the mood as we all nodded and left the class together.

Im sorry about the drama. I said to Goriola as we exited the school gate.

No problem, girlfriend. Happens all the time among friends. She replied, a big smile on her face.

"Good afternoon mum." I said, entering the house where she was watching a movie in the parlour.

"How was your day?" She asked, turning her head to look at me.

It was fine ma. I said, with a convincing smile. Or maybe not. I thought wryly as she threw me a look.

Enitan. She said.

"Ma." I replied, taking a seat beside her.

"What is wrong with you?" She asked.

"Headache." I lied, taking the easiest way out. I couldnt exactly tell her I and Faith had a fight over a guy. Knowing my mum, she would practically kill me if I tell her I was already thinking or having arguments over a boy.

"Okay, come and eat. So, you can take paracetamol." She said, I nodded as I left the parlor in a bit of a hurry.

That night, I slept late because all I could think of was Faiths expression as she yelled at me earlier. I saw the desperation in her eyes and I couldnt help but wonder if it had really come to that. I wasnt interested in competing with her but, I didnt tell her.

I didnt know what was holding me down but I figured it must be because of the little crush I had on Tayo. However, to save my friendship, I decided to tell her that I wasnt interested and that she could have him the next time we talk.

I woke up late the next day and that brought with it, irritation. I got to school late, missed assembly, got punished for late coming and the whole day felt like a punishment until break.

I was sitting on my chair, barely paying attention to my surroundings and also trying not to doze off when someone tapped me.

Hi. Goriola said, as I rubbed my eyes with my hands.

Short night? She asked.

Yeah, I barely got any sleep. I complained.

I can imagine, sorry. She said, as I nodded.

Thank you. I said.

Want to go get some snack? She asked,

Yes. Lets go. I said, yawning and stretching lightly as I stood up.

Are you okay? She asked, as we left the class.

Yeah sure, why do you ask?

You just seem like you had a lot on your mind. She said.

I am fine, thank you. I said, ending the conversation as we, chit chatted about random things.

Hmmm, Goriola can you please go ahead before me. I want to go to the library. I said on our way back.

Sure, see you around. She said. I stuffed the biscuit and yoghurt I got into my pocket as I walked into the library. I walked down the book shelves as I finally got to the part I wanted, HISTORY. I scanned the books on the shelves before finally picking one titled, Crippled Giant.

The title was fascinating and I felt excited about reading the book as I walked up to the librarian.

Good afternoon sir. I greeted him.

Good afternoon. He replied nonchalantly, uninterested in my greetings.

I would like to borrow this book sir. I said to him. He nodded, and asked for my school identity card as he pointed to the register going through his usual motions of letting out a book to a student.

I exited the library with a happy smile on my face, feeling energized. I was on my way back to the class when I saw Faith making her way back from the mart. Figuring it was the best opportunity for me to talk to her, I waved as I called out her name.

Faith! She looked around randomly as she spotted me. Spotting me, she looked away and kept walking.

Shaking my head at her childish behavior, I ran after her until I got to her. Grabbing her wrist, I stopped her.

What is it? She asked, hissing.

I need to talk to you. I said to her.

About what? How bad a friend I am or how morally wrong it is for me to force myself on a boy? Listen, if you are here to tell me all that then, I am not in the I cut her off as I watch the fire blaze in her eyes. She seemed ready to die for what she wanted and I was ready to support her, I was her best friend after all. So, I did what I should have done a while ago.

I am sorry. I apologized.

Wait, what! She said, taken aback.

That was what I wanted to tell you. I wanted to apologize and also tell you that I am not interested in Tayo. You can have him. I said, a slight smile on my face.

I dont know who you think you are but telling me you are not interested in him is just the height of it. Do you even know what that sounds like? She asked me as I got confused.

Isnt that what you wanted? I asked her, terribly confused.

You know what I want? She asked.

What? I replied.

I want you to stop acting like a coward and actually give me a good competition. She hissed, walking out on me.

Oh God, what am I going to do bayi. Was what I said wrong? I asked myself, sighing as I walked back to class.

I was reading my new book Crippled giant. that evening when I got a notification for a quiz on my phone.

I unplugged my phone from the socket beside the bed as I clicked on the link. Bored, I answered the quiz until an ad pop up on an article with the title, 10 signs to know you like a guy. Unconsciously, I clicked read.

It was later that evening my mom informed me she had finally chosen a trade and had already told my sister about it.

"So, what trade did you decide to invest in." I asked her

"Provisions like Tea, sugar, milk... I heard it is quite profitable so it's better." She said.

"Okay, that is good. So where are you going to be selling it?"

"I am going to get a shop around but I am not getting a stall at the market."

"Why? the market will be better. You will sell more." I said.

"I know but I don't want a too busy environment because of you. You are still young and I don't want you growing up seeing all this street boys or any bad influence, so don't worry." She said with a voice that clearly stated, "no arguments, it's final!"

"Okay ma, no problem. I am going to bed now." I announced.

"Okay my dear. Goodnight."

I loved Fridays and was always happy hence, my happiness this morning. I was still a bit down with the scene that happened between I and Faith, However, I loved Fridays and coupled with my excitement of reading my new book, I was on basically top of the moon.

School was as usual uneventful but gratefully, the day was very short.

I had just finish praying after Jumah and was about to go home when I walked past the front of the class to get to the school's gate.

I noticed Tayo and Bode in front of the class talking. To avoid being rude, I muttered a silent greeting, not stopping.

Hey, Itan. Wait. Bode stopped me.

"What's up." I said.

"Nothing much, I just wanted to return your physics note. Let me go and get it from my bag." He said, hurrying into the class as he left me with Tayo.

"Why are you rushing home?" He started a conversation.

"Hmm?" I asked, confused by his question.

"Never mind." He said.

"Nothing, just read a book and probably sleep." I said, ignoring his previous reply.

"That sound's kinda boring." He said.

"Actually, it's not." I argued, defensively.

"Okay okay, little tiger." He smiled at me, raising his hands up in mock surrender.

"Why don't you come hang out with us?" He asked, the smile still on his face.

"Where are you going?" I asked, my heart beating a little too fast as my mind went back to the article, I read the previous day.

I couldnt believe he was asking me to hang out with him. It might not mean anything to him but staring at his eyes, at that moment. I realized it meant a whole lot to me.

"We are going to the cinema to watch King of boys." He said, putting one of his hand in his pocket.

"Ooh really, that's nice." I muttered as I envisioned my mom beating the hell out of me for going out with a boy without telling her.

"So..." He started.

"I would have loved to but I won't be able to." I said, declining his invite even though deep down, I wished for nothing more.

"Why? Dont tell me you are ditching me for your reading plans?" He asked, lots of emotion flicked through his face before surprise finally schooled his expression.

"I just can't." I said with a tone of finality.

"I really cant believe this but, the offer still stands anytime you are free. He stated as I blurted out.

How about tomorrow?" I asked unconsciously. Realizing what I had said, my hands flew across my mouth to keep it shut but it was too late.

"Yea, Saturday is cool." He replied, chuckling as I nodded, thinking of an excuse to tell my mom.

"What have I done! I thought.

Anyways, why dont you give me your number so I can call or message you." He said bringing out his phone and I was surprised to see he was using iPhone Xmax. I wondered if he was one of the numerous internet fraudsters my mom was always warning me about before I erased the thought from my mind.

"He is way too young for that. My subconscious rolled my eyes at me as I called out my number.

07033371..." I called out the digits as he typed it in his phone.

"It's a date then." He said, a goofy smile on his face. I blushed as Bode finally returned with my note.

"Took you long enough. I rolled my eyes at him, playfully.

Thank you anyways." I added as he shot me a mischievous smile in return.

"You are welcome. He replied.

Goodnight." I said, turning to Tayo who gave me a huge smile as I walk away with an erratic heartbeat.