Two

  

Adam

We had a normal morning.

Nah, an abnormal morning.

Normal mornings weren't all sunshine and rainbows.

Normal mornings weren't my parents acting all lovey dovey at the dinning, feeding each other and nearly eating from each other's mouth.

Gross.

I gulped water from the glass cup before standing up, my breakfast barely touched.

"I should leave for school now if I don't want to be late."

My mother looked at the huge wall clock adjacent her before facing me. The time was 7:15; I shouldn't be leaving that early and from her expression, I knew she was going to say that.

"But you still have like fifteen minutes more."

I picked up my bag that was draped on the chair beside me.

"Yes but I have to be in school earlier today. It's the first day of resumption."

She started to nod thoughtfully. "But you've not even finished eating your..."

"I have to run along now mom. Do have a nice day at work Sir."

"Yes Son. Be a good boy, hmm?"

Good boy? Am I a kid?

I started walking outside and mom followed. That was like a tradition. She'd always follow me to the car.

Even mornings when she was too bruised and battered.

We got outside and the driver, who was already standing beside the car entered and started the ignition. I turned back to mom.

"Be a good boy and listen to your teachers, okay?"

"Mom, I'm in SS2, I'm a senior student.'You should listen to your teachers' phrase is for kids"

Mom looked at me with a raised brows before she moved closer and ran her hand through my hair.

My perfectly styled hair.

I groaned inwardly; will this woman ever stop doing that?

She smiled at me again before bringing down her hand to adjust my tie that I was already sure was properly fixed.

"Says the kid who is always going to be a baby to me."

I rolled my eyes and turned back to walk to the car. I got in and the driver drove out of the compound.

There was traffic every now and then and the drive that was supposed to take 15 minutes ended up taking 30 minutes.

At least it wasn't more than that this morning. There were days we spent an hour or even more than.

We soon turned to familiar streets that led to my school. Cresent High. Four years and counting and I still get mesmerized everytime I see my school.

It's just way too beautiful.

I got down from the car and walked to the Academic Block, where the classes were located. The Academic block was a single building with three storeys. My class used to be on the second floor but it was now on the third floor.

"Hey."

Some called from behind me and I turned back.

It was Aminah.

Her face dissolved into her huge smile as she closed the distance between us to stand by my side 

"Hey Adam. How're you? How was the long break? I heard that you traveled to Canada. Hope you enjoyed your stay there?"

She asked all in one breath whilst hugging me. I don't even know which one to answer.

She pulled back, the huge smile still on her face.

I cleared my throat, tried to come up with the perfect way to reply her without seeming too interested and not interested at the same time.

"I'm fine. It was fine. Hope you're good too?"

She launched into the details of how she spent her holidays, laughing and gesticulating.

We soon got to the last floor and I immediately excused myself. Breathing the same air as Aminah was always suffocating.

Students miled around, clustered in twos and threes, talking loudly and catching up. Some had phones in their hands and some were even listening to music while some were taking pictures.

Cresent High should have expected this kind of malady when they started allowing phones in school during school hours.

I ignored everyone, ignored the whispers of greetings to me and I just focused on walking to my class. No sooner had I entered the classroom than the bell sounded, signalling the time for assembly. I looked around for Kunle but he was nowhere to be found.

First Assemblies were always the same thing anyway. Catching up, telling the SS3 students to face their studies because they had a serious year in front of time.

Dr Williams, our principal had even resulted into using the same words, the exact same words. Like, can't that man try to improvise a little? It was always so boring.

I might as well skip the assembly.

And that's what I did.

While my mates were filling into the hall for the morning devotion, I walked to Art Studio. The door was opened and I let myself in feeling the rush of excitement everytime I stepped into an art studio. I took in the studio, watching every stool, to every desk to every pencil and equipments.

We had a mini art gallery right at the entrance of the art studio where all the drawings and paintings made in Cresent were displayed. Cresent High took pride in thousands of things and letting the world know how multi talented its students were was definitely on top of that list. And we had two studios in the Art studio: the painting and decoration studio and the visual Art studio. I was currently in the visual Art studio.

I looked around and my eyes fell on the words flashing from the board.

RÉUNION.

Typically of Mr Adisa to never waste time. SS2 and SS3 students always had a theme for a week. A theme to draw but I had joined them since JSS3 because well, I don't take pride in a lot of things but I took great pride in boasting of my drawing prowess.

Drawing prowess?

I chuckled at the thought of that. I definitely wouldn't have came up with a phrase like. That was Kunle's idea, not mine.

I smiled a little and I started setting up the canvas. When I was done setting it, I set my pencils on the table and I started drawing.

I already had a distinct idea of what my drawing would be about immediately I saw the theme and like always, I lost track of time drawing when I heard someone open the door.

"I knew you'd be here."

I smiled and mentally rolled my eyes at Kunle's words. He walked to where I sat and he peered at me drawing over my shoulders. The drawing still wouldn't make sense to anybody

"What is this that you're drawing? Ants? Houses? Boobs?"

He then smiled and turned to look at me with a coy smile on his face.

'I did not know you were drawing boobs. I wouldn't have disturbed you. Go on, go on and finish your drawing.'

I stared at him, trying not to get surprised at his words but I failed woefully. The things Kunle would say with a straight face ehn.

"Kunle?"

"Yes."

"Get out."

He burst into laughter.

"That's no way to greet your best friend you've not seen in a month."

"Whose best friend? Please let me continue drawing in peace."

He put his hands to his chest, faking hurt.

"It hurt right here everytime you deny me."

God! I should lock the door after me next time.

"Anyway I came to get you for class. First period is almost over but luckily, it was a free period but we have Economics next and you know how our teacher is."

I groaned and stood up, closing my pencil case. He was right. Mr Balogun was a no nonsense man who have zero tolerance for tardiness.

We were halfway to our class when Kunle excused himself to use the gents. My phone vibrated in pocket and I took it out. It was a message from my cousin. I did not open it and when I looked up from my phone, I was nearly stumbling into someone.

Someone I've never seen before.

She was staring at the paper in her hands and she looked up almost at the same time as I did.

I glanced down at the phone in my hands again. It was another message from my cousin.

I moved to the left side and she moved to the left side too.

I moved to the right side just as the same time the girl moved to the right side too.

We moved to the same direction for like five more times before I finally looked up from my phone.

"Just stay still. Please."

I said and she did just that. I walked again and my phone vibrated in my hands again.

Charles was calling.

He already gave up on texting me.

I switched my phone off.

      

                               **********

                                KUNMI

Where was I supposed to go first?

The principal's office?

Look for my class?

I contemplated about all these as I walked closer to the main buildings. I took in the school as I moved closer. They was a big building, probably 3 storey building. I assumed that to be the academic block. I looked around, looking for the administrative Block. At least, I would go in there and ask someone, anyone where and what I was supposed to do.

Looking for the administrative block proved futile because I did not see any block like that.

Then ask someone.

Anyone.

I looked around, all the students were busy hugging each other, throwing kisses in the air. They were excited to be back in school. I wished I could have that feeling.

I did not. I have never had it.

School had always been a remembrance of what and how I am.

And how I never seems to fit in, no matter how hard I try.

I was still lost in thought when the bell went off. The students started walking towards the back of the academic block where the main hall was located.

It wasn't really huge from the outside but once inside, I realized how huge it was. Very huge.

Must have a capacity of almost 2000 people. The students filed in and the hall swallowed us. I did a mental calculation of where the SS2 students were and when I finally got, at the left wing of the hall; I took my seat at one of the chairs at the last rows.

Three girls sad down beside me , talking in loud whispers. They were talking about where they spent their holidays. Their voices were animated and full of vigor. They said nothing to me, probably because they did not notice me but I knew they did.

Who wouldn't notice me?

You could just introduce yourself, smile at them and you guys would miraculously become friends.

I briefly saw the rest of my school years full of colours and life and laughter and friends.

Just like a fairytale.

But fairytales are fables.

They don't happen in real life.

I heard nothing throughout the assembly, my body was present but my mind was far away.

After the assembly, I walked out following the students that we were on the same line together. I overheard something saying he had to be in the principal's office and I followed him. Soon enough, we got to a building that should be the administrative block and he entered. I followed him. He entered an office and I entered too. The anteroom was empty except who the secretary who was typing away on his system.

"Good Afternoon, Mr Olayisah."

The man looked up.

"Oh, Good afternoon Gabriel. Happy resumption."

"Thank you sir. Is the principal in?"

"Yeah."

The boy Gabriel muttered Thank you and entered the main office. I sat down on a chair and the man looked up briefly...

"Good morning." I greeted but he did not even answer because his attention was once again on his laptop.

Minutes later, the boy Gabriel came out and I entered the principal's office.

It was huge and spacious and beautiful and enormous and I expected that, considering how beautiful the outside was.

What I did not expect was the numbers of the awards plague on the wall behind the principal. They filled up the whole wall.

Some was on his table too. And I read the inscription on them.

2nd place in a sport's competition in Dubai.

1st place in an Art's competition in Ghana.

2nd place an Oratory contest at.........

'Yes? How can I help you, young Lady?'

The principal asked, his voice jolting me out of my reverie.

"Oh. Good Morning Sir. I'm Kunmi, a transfer student."

"Oh."He nodded and I brought out my transfer papers. He collected it and he glanced through it.

"So, you're an Art's student? All the way from Royal High School. It's a very good school, why did you transfer to our school."

Because my mom made me.

I plastered a smile on my face.

"Because, rumors has it that Cresent High is the best secondary school in the state."

He laughed at my words.

"I love you wits. Now, you're about to find out if the rumors are true or not."

He loves my wit.

Good thing number two just happened to me today.

"Now, go to Arts Department. If you have trouble finding it. Just check the school map right outside this block."

I nodded and mouthed Thank God.

The map was drawn with various colours that looking at it from afar, one would think it's an Artwork but it was just a well drawn map.

By 2014/2015 set (Geography Students)

Wow. That was almost six years ago. I followed the map and I soon got to the department. Arts Department.

When did schools started having separate buildings for their departments?

But considering how enormous and expensive this school is, I guessed they have the money for all necessary frivolities.

Minutes later, I was walking out of Arts Department with a paper in my hand. I was to select all the subjects I'd love to offer.

The list started from the most important subjects:

Mathematics

English language

Literature in English

Government

C. R. S

I heard someone walking towards me and I looked up, at the same time the person looked up. It was a boy and he went back to the phone he was pressing almost immediately.

I moved left and he moved left.

I moved right and he moved right.

We did that for like five more times.

Well, if only he would look up from his silly phone.

He did just that and my tummy did a double flip.

"Just stay still, please."

What?

I was too stunned to move so I stayed still and he walked away.

"Student, what are you doing while your mates are in class?"

I turned to the direction of the voice. It was a small petite woman walking towards me.

"Good Morning ma."

"Morning. What are you doing here when you should be in class?"

"I'm a new student ma and I'm looking for my class."

"What class?"

"SS2 Ma."

Her face broke into a smile.

"Are you Kunmi by chance? I'm your class teacher, Miss Florence. Follow me."

I nodded and followed her. We climbed the stairs all the way to the third floor. By the time, we got to the third floor, I was panting heavily.

They should make a lift na.

Miss Florence turned to me with a smile oo her face.

"Sorry dear. We could use a lift in this school but then..." She trailed off and I smiled.

I love her already. She wasn't treating me like me.

She entered a classroom and I heaved a sigh before following her in.

Everything about this school was just too enormous. I took in the class. There was a locker behind it and a flat screen TV beside the white board. The TV wouldn't be anything lesser than 120 inches.

"Hey Class. Good Morning. Welcome back to School."

"I've missed you Miss Florence."

A male voice at the back of the class said and the whole class laughed.

"I've missed you too Jam Jam. I hope you've grown over the break."

The Jam Jam started to say something but Miss Florence cut him short.

What sort of name is Jam Jam by the way?

"Now, we have a new student."

She turned towards me just as the whole class turned towards me. I swallowed and looked down.

"Come and introduce yourself dear."

This is that part.

Talk in front of this much student and I was sure I'd stutter.

I put one foot in front of the other and I walked to the middle of the class.

Breathe in, breathe out.

"Hi, I'm Kunmi, a transfer student from Royal High. I hope we get along."

They all started talking loudly but I couldn't make out what they were saying.

"Now, go and sit down there."

She pointed to an empty seat in the 2nd row and I walked towards it.

I've not even sat down fully when the boy behind me said: "Ma'am, I can't see the front with someone this enormous in front of me."

That hurt.

That hurt a lot.

"Then, you jump out of the window and die."

A feminine voice said and I wanted to turn to the direction of the voice. But I did not.

The whole class burst into laughter.

"Sassy much, Aminah? and Rahman, try to think before you talk this new session."

The class burst into laughter again and I felt myself smile.

"Now, that's it. I hope you enjoy your stay here, Kunmi."

She smiled at me and left the class.

The students started talking loudly again.

The girl beside me was reading a glamour magazine and I found myself staring at cover. I looked up at the girl and back to the cover again.

It was her on the cover.

I could tell that she was a beauty Queen from her picture on the cover and from the way she sat too, flipping through the magazine, her slim and long fingers moving calculatively, yet slowly. Her poise screamed exuberance and first class and beauty. I could tell all these without seeing her face.

'Anyone ever told you not to stare at strangers?'

She turned towards me suddenly and I was too stunned to even look away. She'd skin, the color of caramel, brown eyes so deep, her noise a tad bit pointed and her pink lips in perfect arc.

She looked too beautiful to be natural.

How someone could look this effortlessly good with cornrows on their head was beyond me.

And she looked strangely familiar too and judging from her picture on the magazine, I concluded that she must be a model I've seen on I*******m.

I fleetingly wondered what it'd feel like to be in that kind of perfect body.

I broke out of my trance only to see her eyes still fixed on me, her expression blank and the corners of her lips twitched up.

I mouthed sorry and turned back to my desk. The paper where I had to select my subjects was laying on it. I picked it up and glance through it.

Food and Nutrition or painting and decorating.

I sat up straight and my eyes scanned for what I was looking for. I found it.

Music or Visual Arts.

What?

In my former school, it was food and nutrition or music and I had chosen food and nutrition in less than an heartbeat. I love to eat and naturally, I enjoy cooking.

It's actually the second best thing I love to do.

But now, this Cresent High has paired Music with Visual Art.

Was I supposed to choose Visual Art?

I can't even draw to save my life.

And the other subject was definitely a no go area.