“Everyday is a journey, and the journey itself is home.” – Matsuo Basho.

•••

“Just look at that dude taking selfies over there.”

Legide grunted with disgust in her voice, and when he took another glance at her by his right—he could also see contempt in her eyes. He couldn’t blame her really, but at the same time he could blame her. While the general atmosphere wasn’t exactly – serious, it wasn’t also exactly a mad house. People still acted decently with regard for the rules. I mean they were students, not a bunch of dogs that would obey to the head’s every whim and command.

“My God, Legide please learn how to put a positive spin on things.” The much expected reply came from his left. It was club period, and they were in the debate club common room presently. One out of one devoted members of the club had taken it on herself to address the rest on the right way to communicate with an audience during a debate, and it seemed like the only thing in the room that was responding to her was the audio system, as it boomed out her voice.

“A positive spin on a disaster? How do they do that, Ella?” Legide shot back. The trio of them sat on a set of three chairs, on the threshold behind the rest. He wasn’t supposed to sit with them, since he was just a regular member but Legide invited him anyway since he seemed out of place and according to her – had no friends, and seemed awkward. When she knew, that he was indeed friends with Rena and wouldn’t mind sitting with her. Rena also was taken aback by the new sitting adjustment, but it wasn’t like she could head over to where they sat and pluck him out of the group anyway.

So, yeah. He was here.

“It’s not a disaster, you’re just being obnoxious.” Her friend, who went by the name – Ella, replied. “I mean, people don’t take selfies in a place that absolutely sucks and they’re bored. They’d sleep instead. But pictures? It means they’re having fun and they’d like to brag about it to their friends later on, when they post it on their stories.”

Yeah, right.

“Or it’s more like – I’m taking a picture, so I can look at it and see how shitty and bored I look right now, which would later serve as a reminder later on for this horrid, horrible event.” Legide snapped.

“Really? Is that what you’re concerned about? That people are bored?”

Tomi really didn’t understand the current sitting arrangement. Legide had insisted that he sat in their middle, but he could see that he was clearly obstructing a conversation where his opinion or talk wasn’t needed. So why put him in the middle? Or better still, why invite him to come sit with them when they didn’t plan to bring him into the loop. Not like he was looking forward to chatting with two people—he rarely talked with but still, what was the point?

“Concerned that people are bored while in school, that’s like being worried about getting wet when you’re intentionally strolling outside where it’s raining.” Legide replied. “I don’t give a damn if they’re bored or not. Hell, I don’t want them to be having a good time, since they’re putting up such a shitty attitude. But at least, they should act like they’re in school.”

“Expecting teenagers to abide by all rules while in school, isn’t that like expecting an immature hyper, restless kid not to play in the rain and to stay out of it totally? You’re not making sense at all.”

I agree with you.

“Bros, why are you sweating so much and being so static like you’re in the toilet dropping one into the closet?”

What!

“Ella!” Legide squealed, and from the corner of his eye he could see her mouth wide open.

“What? It’s the truth,” Then she turned on him again, poking his left shoulder with an index finger. “What’s wrong with you? I know you’re not that focused on the speech going on, or is Tolani that fine huh? That you’re so captivated and entranced.”

Tolani was the girl addressing the entire club.

“She has a boyfriend–”

“You’re making him uncomfortable, Ella. Cut it.”

“Nah, he’s making himself uncomfortable. He could act like a normal human and talk, but instead he decides to keep shut and not talk. Upon everything, baba still hasn’t opened his mouth to talk.”

He couldn’t hide his amusement. “Sorry, just didn’t want to be rude by butting in.”

“If we didn’t want you in it, we wouldn’t put you right smack into our middle, y’know.” Ella said. “Since we’re using metaphors a lot today, let me use another one. That’s like telling your mom you didn’t know the saucer of cookies she put in your front on the table was for you to eat. What else for?”

“Well you could lick it–” Legide laughed.

“Shut up.” Ella cut her off. “But seriously, Tomi I know you’re not that clueless. You just chose to stay out of the conversation. I mean why else would we invite you here, if not to make you feel comfortable. You even look in a worse shape than you were last week when you sat all by yourself. Or are we boring to you?”

“No, of course not.” He smiled.

“We’re not talking mathematics and all that statistics stuff you like to ramble about with your friends?”

What? What do these guys take me for? Sheldon Cooper?

“No.” He said firmly.

“Then what is it? What interests you?” His inquisitor, had tilted her chair slightly to the center – so she could be allowed more space to study him. Legide had also done the same.

Is this an interview now?

“Well,” He cleared his throat, looping his hands together on his thighs. “Normal stuff. TV, I play video games sometimes–”

“Oh my God, you’re hopeless.” Ella interjected, shaking her head. “TV and Video games? That’s like saying hey, what stuff do you everyday? And then you reply – I breathe in air you know. Then I also use my legs, and blink my eyes–”

“Would you at least let him finish?” Legide scolded her friend, although she was laughing also. Even in his current state of unease, he could spare a moment just to admire how good she looked. Her black braids fell in twirled curls down to her shoulders, highlighting her well sculpted face and full lips. It was also difficult to keep his eyes focused on her eyes, and stopping them from lingering down to some very obvious distractions below – bulging out of her shirt where her tie laid.

“Sorry, I just get ahead of myself when I find someone equally hopeless as Legide is.” Ella continued, not listening to her friend. She wasn’t bad either in looks. She would pass off as a seven any day. Her sort of beauty wasn’t noticed with casual looks. “And I’m like heyy, y’all would make a perfect fit you know. Since all the previously hopeless guys I’ve seen are well—hopeless. You on the other hand, you do have hope.”

Hehehe.

“Ella, would you please stop it!” Legide’s eyes had narrowed now, as she pleaded.

“So, tell me. Look at her.” Ella beamed, motioning towards Legide – who was now staring at both of her legs. “Isn’t she a vision?”

“Ella!”

“She might not be a ten ten, like some girls we’ve seen checking you out. But my God, check out that body!”

“ELLA!!”

Oh, God.

Tomi’s face was also flushed, as he tried to tear his gaze away from Ella’s but the girl wouldn’t budge. She kept following his eyes like the shadow of a body. When is this going to end, he thought. For some unknown reason, it seemed time had slowed down intentionally so that the present moment could last longer and his torture could be prolonged.

“Well, are you not going to say anything?” Ella taunted him further, quirking her brow. “C’mon make a comment on her body.”

Before he could reply, he felt warm fingers encircle his right arm to hurl him up.

“Okay, that does it. We’re leaving you here, you pest.” Legide announced, nudging him to get up on his feet. “Don’t you follow us.”

They were just holding hands sure, but that didn’t stop the rest of the people in the hall to turn their heads toward them. They climbed down from the threshold, and took two seats on the last row on the middle column in the room. There was a brief moment of an awkward silence between them, before she lifted her eyes up to his and broke the silence.

“Sorry for that, I know you didn’t like that in anyway.” She started, her fingers entwined on her laps. “Not that anyone would like that, BTW. Just that you would dislike that more. Since you’re a—you know, you. Someone who doesn’t exactly know their way round such stuff.”

“Know their way round such stuff?” He smiled.

“Which one got you confused? The knowing or the stuff.”

“None, I just repeated it for clarity sake. I actually know my way around such stuff. A lot of people like myself do actually, we just don’t do it because we don’t have the balls or courage. Not that we don’t know how to do it.”

She nodded. “Alright, since you can’t exactly go about such stuff. Although, for someone as attractive as you are…”

Hmm, attractive.

“…i’m kind-off surprised, you’re not used to such stuff. I mean especially when you’re a dork, and you’re sorta short. Girls must enjoy accosting boys like you just to mess with them.”

He bit his lower lip. “Now, I wouldn’t say that doesn’t happen at times, but maybe not frequently. Just because I’ve been in numerous awkward positions in the past doesn’t mean I’d know how to handle the next one. That’s why sometimes I don’t agree with that proverb. Or is it a saying now? – Experience is the best teacher. The only thing I’ve learnt so far is to know how to dodge and ensure such doesn’t happen again. Not how to tackle excessive flattery, I’m pretty much going to be red all through.”

She chuckled softly, shoving him gently on the side. “So you admit to being red back there?”

“See who is talking.” He ran his eyes through her in a playful manner. “You were blushing and smiling so hard, that it looked like you kept some sort of red make up on. Pretty sure someone would be able to see your smile from behind.”

After her laughter subsided, they locked gazes again. Despite the fact that he was staring deep into his eyes, he wasn’t exactly entranced or hypnotized. He was still very aware of her other facial features. Whereas with someone else, it was different.

“Everyone can relate to that in such way.” She said. “We all have that one friend, who is a hopeless romantic for our sake and keeps on pushing us to get into a relationship, when the closest they’ve come to experiencing romance is being on the set of a romance cinematic production. It’s all so funny really.”

“Yeah we all do, unfortunately for us they end up being our best-friends most times.” He replied. “But it’s still better for girls, I guess. Girls won’t carry you up on your shoulders by force and drop you in front of a boy, before shouting – talk to her jor, tell her you like her. Taking extra care to ensure the boy hears that. Seriously, it’s just death after that.”

“Oh, really girls are better? Can boys walk up to a girl, tell her an abundant lie about how you spent the entire day talking about her, how you stalked her social media, downloaded her pictures, and how you always run the other way when she’s approaching because you’re too shy to talk when you don’t even like the girl at all and she irritates the shit out of you. Yeah, girls do that very well. So you tell which one is better o.”

Well, that was diabolical.

“Well there goes my envy for girls.” He said.

“Envy? Did you ever wish to be a girl at some point?”

“Well, I don’t know did I? I get really jealous of you guys some times. The way you guys are shielded and protected and loved even the more. Female staff dote over girls, even the men also. Boys are just left alone, and are seen as monsters. Now you might say mothers tend to love their sons more, which is actually true but generally mothers give who they love more – tougher time. Which is only more pain in the ass. While fathers do the opposite.”

“Wow.”

“Yeah, and again you guys seem focused when you are. I mean there are lesser number of girls chasing guys about, than vice versa. Boys could just be very stupid at times, since they can’t seem to get a handle on their hormones. I wish I could hold myself like that.”

“What? You can’t hold yourself?” She giggled. “So tell me, threesomes are regular things for you righ–”

“No, what the hell.” He half frowned, half smiled.

“Then what are you saying? You for one has managed to stay away from girls so much in this school, despite the fact that you have a lot going for you and you’re a catch yourself. Some people even think you’re gay. How much more could a person keep themselves better? Get a restraining order from the court on all girls in the school?”

“No,” He laughed gently. “Well, I admit I do quite the job. But that’s only on the surface, that’s only what happens outside. You know nothing of the battle within.”

Her eyes widened, and he could see comprehension dawn on her before a knowing smile crept in on her face. “So there is a war going on the inside, huh? Tell me – how often is this war, every time with every single girl or just some particular people.”

He swallowed. “None, just a person actually.”

He was messing with her, of course. Like he pointed out earlier, he knew his place round these things—he just decided not to do them because he wasn’t that bold. But that didn’t mean he couldn’t deviate from his usual behavior at times.

Her smile deepened, their gazes still linked. “Do I know her?”

He nodded. “Yup, you do.”

Actually, it was the truth. Partially. Only two girls could get his blood racing that way, and she knew both of them. Herself and well…

“Maybe someday we should all meet up somewhere private so you can, you know introduce me to her…”

Somewhere private?

There was something dazzling about her eyes, a certain look of mischief that was absent earlier and her voice also had deepened.

“…And maybe we could all do something together, perhaps.”

Now, I’m lost.

He was trying to keep all the blood in his body—from rushing to a particular place, and keeping his body in check. They were in public after all.

But before he could reply, a cry pierced the air and caught the collective attention of the room occupants.

“The election results are out!”

The serene, calm atmosphere erupted into a mad house instantly. Everyone shot out of their seats, amidst cautioning bellows from teachers present for them to maintain order, but their pleas fell on deaf ears. The students all filed out at once, wrestling their way out of the entrance and pouring into the hallway like water gushing out of a slightly opened container. The older students and seniors watched in amusement as they all departed.

“C’mon let’s go on time to check the results.” She was already on her feet. “We don’t want to get there and see the papers all ripped up and scattered all over the floor in shreds.”

He agreed, grabbing his bag and throwing it over his back before following her out of the room. Emmanuella who was waiting for them by the door-frame with a smirk, joined them and together they headed to the notice board. Tomi’s heartbeat picked up instantly, and he began to breathe out in dragged breaths to calm himself down.

I’m prepared for the worst.

*****

“Testing voice, one…two. Testing, one…two. We are ready–”

“What in Christ’s name are you doing?” Rena’s brow furrowed, as she sent a cursory glance at April by her right. They were walking down the large busy hall-way, heading for the notice board to check out the election results. It had been out for about half an hour already, and the school was ablaze with news already.

She and April had done their utmost best to stay away from the noise, as they didn’t want to find out the news by general chatter. So they had retreated to the library, and waited it out for the expected madness by the board to die so that when they eventually went to check the result out, and the worst happened—they won’t be booed by onlookers, or be excessively praised also.

“What do you mean what am I doing?” April rolled her eyes. “I’m obviously doing voice check to ensure my voice is okay and alright for screaming, when I see the result and realize that we won, or for acting strong and holding back the tears when I realize we lost. You should be warming up also, so everyone will hear you loud and clear.”

Rena shook her head. “Oh please, we both know you’re going to cry and scream even louder if we find out we lost. I don’t see the need anyway, your voice is pretty much going to overshadow mine eventually, whether we win or lose—you’re about to run mad. So what you should be doing is clothes check, to ensure all you’re clothes are still on and ready for you to rip them all of and run mad when you eventually do.”

“Aww, so sweet.” April smiled sarcastically, rolling her eyes. “Since when did you become the mistress of calm anyway, in the past you’ve been quite–”

“Master, please. Females could be masters also. Saying Mistress just makes me sound like I’m a whore or something.”

“Fine, master of being calm and relaxed. You were never one to be so. I can remember when we were in J.S.S.3 after we were done with our exams, and awaiting the results—you were so frightened and anxious that you would get startled by any noise or sound, like someone who just committed a murder secretly and is silently waiting for the police to catch up on them, while having their conscience torture them.”

“Well, eventually I did kill something.” Rena winked at her friend. “My grades, and later on the police as in staff, teacher body of the school called me in for questioning on how I aced my exams so well–”

“You mean called you in for questioning on why you failed them so much.” April laughed.

“I. Didn’t. Fail. Them.” She replied in a firm tone. “At all, just got normal grades like a normal student and taking into consideration of the fact that I really didn’t read for the exam, I think I aced it pretty much.”

“If you read, it would still be the same result, since you won’t understand a thing anyway. You just saved yourself the stress and went in to do your best.”

“Stop projecting, missy. I’m not like you–”

“That’s what Green Arrow, Batman, Daredevil, Punisher and every other human, fighter superhero keep on telling themselves when they kill criminals, compared to when criminals kill. It’s all a bunch of bullshit. Everyone is the same, just working in different agendas as a result of different circumstances. No one can really turn out to be all good when they’re childhood was a bunch of bullshit.”

“Oh and so, we’re the same? Just in different agendas, as a result of different circumstances.”

“Yup, exactly what I’m saying.”

Rena halted, turning to face her friend. “How exactly? What different circumstances? We’re both seniors? We both live here in the County? We both have the same facilities? We move in the same circle? Have parents that dote well on us, actually parent for me because I don’t have a mom. In fact, so you tell me who should have turned out bad–”

“No one said anything about anyone turning out bad–”

“I have a family friend, who is such a huge pain in the ass and I’m forced to hang out with him cos its supposed to be family tradition. The same boy I can’t stop from crushing numerous hearts of girls in the school, when I could actually help?”

“Rena–”

“I have such a reputation over my head, you do too but everyone knows you. If you’re seen with a dude, it’s just a normal thing. No one gets into trouble cos it’s you, but if I’m the one seen with a dude in a perhaps intimate position, people would begin to look at me like I’m Wonder Woman parading the school in her full costume with her sword and shield…”

“Well, Wonder Woman is hot so–”

“You’re intentionally dodging the point.” Rena snapped.

“Am I, though?” April folded her arms. “This discussion started casually, harmlessly. I was only trying to mess with you Rena, just trying to entertain you. It’s nothing I don’t do every other day, but you just can’t take it well today for some reason and you’re redirecting It with your anger to someplace else that’s bothering you, instead of just facing it.”

“What do you mean?”

“You know what I mean. Just say it, it was annoying looking at Tomi and Legide back there at the debate club common room–”

“Oh, please. That’s not it.”

“You think?” April’s nose scrunched. “Because I really don’t know how a conversation that started on how me screaming out loud in the hall can end in how you’re annoyed about people judging you when you hang out with boys? Does that make sense to you now, miss Wonder Woman pants?”

Was it true?

She would be only lying to herself by saying the display earlier at the debate club didn’t irk her in the slightest bit. Yeah, Legide was coming on to him but he did offer resistance. He didn’t really show any signs of interest, but to Legide’s defense he was like that to her also and pretty much everyone.

Nah, it was nothing. She was the one who he liked.

They did share something back at the park, a couple of days ago. She wanted to believe he didn’t let his guard down like that all the time. He did so, because well—her feelings were reciprocated. Yeah, it was mutual. Although they hadn’t really gotten a chance to talk after then, surely if it meant something—he would have sought her out to discuss. No, school was really hectic and busy. Especially for someone like him who was battling and contending with so much lately. The only reason he was discussing with Legide back then was because she coerced him into it, and as a nice guy—he couldn’t have exactly said no. It was what courtesy called for.

There was nothing going on between them.

“And I’m guessing my assumptions aren’t in anyway true, and you just zoned out to think for a long time because I spoke in Spanish earlier and you needed a while to piece my words together, and process it to understand its meaning, right? Too bad your phone isn’t here. You could have used Google translate.”

Rena sighed. “Okay, fine shut up. You’re right. I’m indeed bothered and jealous of what I saw back there, but I know it’s nothing. But still I can’t help my jealousy. I’m only trying to control it and you whining about how different circumstances blah, blah just set me off. It’s not like I kept it in my head ever since we left the debate club.”

To her surprise, April didn’t protest. Rather, she gestured for them to resume their walk. “Just so you know, I sorta knew you’re in a sour mood and you’re not the type to want to talk about it–”

“Or you mean you’re not the type who likes to listen about such stuff–”

It was true actually, when it came to listening – April wasn’t the person for the job. She attempted it many times but failed woefully at every single attempt. She would pester you consistently for you to confide in her and spill out your emotions, and when you’re halfway done—she’d cut you off, like NEPA would when you’re in the middle of an interesting movie or football match and begin ranting about something similarly amusing to yours.

A nightmare indeed.

“…so I decided to liven the atmosphere, get you out of that mood and then you go all Hulk on me – April not funny. April being silly.”

Her friend’s voice impersonation, was amusing and it caused her to laugh genuinely. “You sound like someone auto-tuned the voice of the Chipmunks into a ridiculously deep one with a very, very bad app.”

“Bad as in cool and slick and next-gen right.” April joked.

“No silly, bad as in sucks so much balls – that the balls begin to fall and drop out at some point.” She rolled her eyes. They joked further for the next few minutes before they caught sight of a very familiar figure ahead, approaching them. The person in particular was someone they despised so much, that the sight alone was enough to dampen their high spirits but there was something about the expression on the person’s face that pleased them.

Disappointment.

“Hey, Benita what’s good?” April was the first to greet. “Why are you looking so grim faced and haunted today? Finally realized how much it sucks to be yourself? I can understand really. It might not have been so intense in the past, this longing but since the school is practically renovating and covering everywhere up with glass, to the point that you can’t walk five meters without seeing your reflection, I understand your pain. Perhaps, you should have your eyes plucked and go blind to avoid this depression. There would be no difference really, having and not having. You’ve always acted like a blind person without sense. On that note, you should have them remove your brains also.”

Burn!

Rena was always so relaxed, whenever she had to confront Benita with April around. Benita was pretty much bitchy and had a big mouth, but April was her match and she had never ever succeeded in putting April in her place for once, so it was definitely not happening today—on a day where she looked like she’d rather be out on the street, hawking bread than in the school.

“And your mouth also, it stinks it would be good to get rid of it.” Rena joined in the bickering. “You know what? Why don’t you just get rid of yourself altogether? Everything about you is just wrong. Once again no difference. No one wants you around, believe me I’m speaking on behalf of the entire student body and staff alike. So why don’t you stop wasting space and go do something else useful with yourself? You know the administration keeps on complaining about the large population. Do something good and memorable before you leave, right? Something we can remember you by. Leave for someone else, who would be useful to get in.”

Benita maintained a firm stance, as she stood with her arms folded—her body tilting to one side as she stared at both of them – wide-eyed with an unreadable expression. Rena took a step backward unconsciously, in response to the bad vibe the girl was exuding. Who knows if she could just lung out suddenly at them both with their knife to gut their throats out?

“I can see you’re celebrating already. Singing and dancing Kumbaya.” She forced a smile. Rena and April exchanged a curious look upon hearing what she said. Celebrating? So there was indeed good news. Ah, they had won after all and she lost. No wonder she was looking like Cinderella’s wicked step mother, with no Cinderella around to oppress.

“Why don’t I go get a boom-box and play some Indian tunes for you? They’re real groovy and the dance steps reflect so much how stupid you guys happen to be anyway.”

“Idiot, Kumbaya is related to languages and religion. It has nothing to do with India.” Rena snarled. “But I guess you wouldn’t know that because well your brain isn’t working. It’s just gathering dust inside your head and wasting space. Abeg for your own good, just take our advice and do surgery to remove it. That way at least you’d feel lighter, and donate the brain to someone else who would use it well.”

Benita seemed really fazed and disoriented. Looked like the news must had really knocked her out. Rena wondered why she was so shocked anyway. She never stood a chance in the first place. The entire school knew it was her and April that were going to win the offices in the first place. But why she seemed so disappointed like she had done something extra to ensure she won, and perhaps failed was Rena’s problem.

What else could she be planning on doing next?

“Don’t you worry so much, you’d get another time to run for the council?” April continued. “You know next year, when the rest of us are too busy preparing for our WAEC exams, SAT’s and all, you can repeat this class and re run for the election with our juniors. I know you’d be well equipped to beat those ones at least. Don’t worry about yourself getting promoted? At this rate, you’re going to repeat the class anyway. And if you like you can go on repeating it, until you’ve had your fill of power.”

April burst out in a hysterical laugh, and Rena couldn’t help herself also and joined. Benita just stayed rooted to the same spot, watching them with her soulless, evil eyes like she was waiting for something bad to happen, to end their joy. Well too bad nothing of such thing was happening.

“Abeg, biko let us come and be going jare.” April latched on to Rena’s hand and pulled them forward, but not without stopping to intentionally bump into Benita on their way. After they had put considerable distance between themselves and the girl, Rena dared a backward glance. As she looked back, her gaze locked with that of Benita still staring purposefully at the both of them.

“Isn’t that weird?” Rena said. “I mean fine, we hit her really hard and we’d hit her hard like that any other day if we’re ready, but look at the reply she gave us. So below standard, like she wasn’t even trying at all. Hmm, me I’m scared o. Not that she’d go and plant bomb in the car that is coming to pick me up in the evening or something. I don’t want to die yet o.”

“Stop being so dramatic.” April dismissed her worries. “The results just hit her like really, really hard. She looks like she wants to go and cry self. Too bad, I have tissue wasting in my bag. Mom keeps on insisting I carry a stack about just in case of hazards, as if I’m stupid enough to be careless about my menses and period. I would have just given her to get the unnecessary load off me.”

“Don’t give her those tissues o, it’s what we use to clean our chairs in the hall for lunch before we sit.” Rena replied. “Speaking of lunch, I’m really starving. And next period is free period, right? Once we’re done at the notice board, we should head to the dining hall immediately and book an entire table for our guys. You know, the ones that won the election and all. Let’s all have a celebratory meal.”

“Or you’re just plotting to make sure you sit with Tomi, and you don’t get the scrutiny and funny looks everyone else is going to give you, if y’all sit alone? Anyway, it sounds nice. We should totally do that.”

“Good,” Rena looped her right hand through her friend’s shoulders and drew her in closer. “I actually miss everyone on the same table, together. Irrespective of what you might think or say.”

“I know honey, I believe you.”

Of course you do.

*****

“Oh, Tomi. I kept a seat for you here.”

Rena tapped the seat by her right, which was the last seat on the left hand side of the ten-person table. It was an odd mixture really, this lot—he thought, as he smiled at her and settled down.

On the table was Rena’s group, herself and her two best friends, Legide and Emmanuella – who weren’t in anyway, tight with Rena and her crew and then Dabby and Itunu, the male alphas of the school, who he was sure sat regularly at tables occupied with fans of both genders who worshipped them regularly. So the reason why he, Alexis and Mofiyin were invited was beyond him.

Someone better explain before things got out of hand.

On the two pioneer seats, facing each other – was Dabby and Itunu. Dabby on Tomi’s right, and Itunu on the other utmost end. After Rena on his left was April and Emmanuella. And facing him, was Alexis who had Legide, Moyin and Mofiyin on his right. Moyin and Mofiyin were the only ones who seemed thrilled about the whole sitting arrangement as they seemed to be getting along.

“Okay, I know we’re all wondering why we’re all sitting together today, instead of our normal, usual sitting positions.” Rena started to say, addressing the entire table. “But it’s you know—good for us to get to know each other better before we get sworn in Monday, next week and commence our duties as prefects. We all here, are pretty much the closest things to friends anyone on this table has to friends, when the student council comes into the picture. So it would be good if we get to know each other better so as to enhance our working relationship.”

There was a brief silence of ease, as everyone exchanged glances with one another and nodded their head in agreement. Tomi thought the idea was great, and wasn’t so bad. Besides, he needed new friends now that Mofiyin was the only person in his class Arm that he knew well, and majority of the people on the table were in his class.

Dabby broke the silence, sitting up and opening up a chilled bottle of Pepsi. “You sound like all those company directors and heads when they’re addressing the heads of other department. Feel free to call up on me anytime, I won’t disappoint. I’d make sure I’m very available and together, we could all work to conquer the world and do great things. Then after a couple of months, everything is back to normal. The friction returns, and it’s like no one even made an attempt to be friendlier. That, my dear is what I see happening here.”

His words were rather discouraging, but he looked enthusiastic and happy instead of reflecting the bitterness in his words. Typical Dabby, Tomi thought. He never had a thing against the boy. No one did really. He was extremely likeable and friendly. It was hard not to fall for his charm. It was that effective on girls and even boys.

“Way to go Dabby, setting up the right atmosphere and mood for this get together.” Moyin smirked sarcastically, much to his and everyone on the table’s surprise except Rena and April, who reacted in a way that connoted that they were expecting such.

“You’re welcome.” Dabby gave an elaborate bow, from his chair much to Moyin’s disgust and everyone else’s amusement. They were having Jollof Rice and Plantain, which was the most desired or coveted on the school’s menu today and Tomi was really looking forward to filling up his stomach. Just like he had been doing for the past few weeks, he had skipped breakfast and ate nothing until lunch time at school.

Legide and Ella were on their feet, dishing out the meal from two large coolers at the center of the table to everyone, while the rest watched. Mofiyin on the other hand, was complaining to Legide that his meat was very small and that he’d like to swap it for another. Alexis wasn’t all for the idea, and was protesting that Mofiyin didn’t change it—so that it didn’t affect his own meal. Tomi shook his head as he watched them both. They simply had no shame.

“Tomi, Tomi.” A masculine voice jolted him out of his thoughts and back to the present. It was Itunu’s, and he had his hands on both sides of his plate, more than ready to begin its onslaught. “You did so well in the elections. Leaving your counterpart in the dust of the actual dust itself. The gap was too criminal. One can’t help but think if you planned the entire ruse with your sister just to get the upper hand and provoke so much popularity.”

What?

His fists clenched, as the words dawned on him. What the hell was he saying? What person in his right senses would intentionally put their loved ones in harm’s way just for a prize that didn’t exactly come with a prize, just duties and responsibilities? It was beyond diabolical. It was plain stupidity. He could understand if someone did it for an actual election, where they would be in control of so much funds and capital but for a school prefect post?

Really?

“Itunu, this is a gathering for us to get to know each other and become friends.” Emmanuella said, before he could reply. Everyone on the table had gotten their own share of the meal and had settled into their seats already. “This is not a world summit or G8, where the world leaders are gathering to unravel a way to start World War III, okay? That wasn’t called for and was very rude of you, Itunu. But since Tomi isn’t making a big deal out of it, I don’t think anyone should either.”

Itunu gave him one last, longing look before returning his focus to the food. April picked up on the conversation, so it wouldn’t die.

“He’s just being silly, actually. Congratulations, Tomi. You had quite massive support and to everyone on this table, we really worked for it. Except our one and only Miss Moyin Olaoye who had the pastors of her entire church supporting her and backing up her campaign with prayers. Cos I don’t know how every single one of her siblings and herself manage to win without much stress o. It’s either that or the witches from your village have favored you.”

The entire table chuckled.

Moyin replied, as he munched gently on her rice. “Oh, please o. I don’t want any favors from dark powers. Although I won’t exactly refute the point of the pastors, though. My dad took me to church for a special deliverance program where other adults who were seeking promotion and breakthrough in their careers were present. So you can imagine. Anyway, I’d agree I really didn’t work much. But the reason why I’m here is because I’m the foster kid for sweetness. I mean I’m a goody-two shoes. Everyone likes a goody-two shoes.”

“Very accurate,” Legide nodded, also busy with her meal. It seemed the band was getting along after all. “In fact we all know that the teachers can go to the length of rigging the entire thing if the students didn’t end up voting you. The other goody-two shoes weren’t nominated alongside you because they knew they’d stand a better chance winning the next election of the country and dethroning Buhari. So they opted for other offices. Which left a bunch of undesirables competing with you. Just imagine if – Gloria Abe won instead in your case. How’s she going to impact the rest of the school? By teaching the girls how to bang boys right in the toilet of the teachers without getting caught? Haha, that’d be great.”

Everyone on the table seemed to find Legide’s words amusing, he did too but it sounded a tad bit, judgmental and condescending in his own ears.

“Not like Moyin has a better lesson for us anyway,” Mofiyin said, as he took a swig from the glass of water in his hand. “Something about doing all your assignments on time, and submitting when the teachers says you should – sounds like a very pathetic lesson. And knowing Moyin, that’s about all what she can teach us. Asides from her usual kindness during the period of exams and test in sharing and dispersing information.”

While the people on the table laughed again, Tomi reflected on Mofiyin’s words. They were indeed true. Mofiyin and Moyin were by far, the smartest people he knew but they had very differing personalities. While Moyin was the stereo typical know-it-all, who did her assignments, never slacked in submitting, did her projects all by herself, never relied on anyone during tests and exam – Mofiyin was quite different. He slacked in submission of assignments, did his projects by himself but didn’t always turn it in on time. Didn’t rely on people during tests and exam also, but was ready to help others if the need arose unlike Moyin.

Still, he knew they would make a great couple.

“I still couldn’t believe Itunu and Dabby teamed up.” April smiled. “It was like a—can’t say it’s a dream come true, since I have better things to dream of, but it was quite great. It took the entire school by surprise, even the principal was like – what the hell is going on? Did Dabby’s dad buy a major football club overnight, and now Itunu is trying to warm up to him so he can be considered for a squad or what? He said it was either that, or the rumors about this Jollof actually being Ghanaian Jollof is legit, and affecting us all.”

“Let’s not enter that one, abeg.” Rena laughed, turning on Alexis. “You’ve been sort of quiet, Alexis. You had such a victory in the labor office, also. It’s like the other contenders weren’t even trying one bit. Or is it a best-friend thing, now? You and Tomi bossing your respective offices because he’s your tightest G?”

“Nah, it’s because he’s my tightest G not the other way round.” Tomi leaned forward, as they all giggled again. “I mean just look at him and look at me, I’m the cool kid here alright? I’m the one rubbing off on him. Not the other way round.”

“Your offices are actually very underrated, though.” Dabby said. “Labour and Health. Y’all have so much power. The clinic in this school is just state of the art. You know they say the founder’s wife was a doctor, and always had a policy of ensuring the hospital was one of its most prized possessions. But it’s only more potential for danger biko. Just imagine a big klutz like me, becoming health prefect and having to manage heavy medical machinery and having an accident with an equipment one day, and damaging it. Those things cost more than my bail from prison would, after they lock me up for being so careless.”

“Yeah, its really a good thing.” Alexis smiled, agreeing. “We footballers and jocks are usually klutz. It’s a good thing the only stuff we can damage on the field is just the stupid ball that doesn’t really cost anything.”

Itunu chimed in. “Or our own and someone else’s bones if there’s a tackle gone wrong somewhere. Surely, damaging machinery is worse. But damaging our dreams isn’t since you know we won’t be able to play again–”

“Okay, fine. We get it! It’s not easy to be a jock also.” Rena rolled her eyes. “Nothing is easy. And I do agree the health office is actually underrated. There is so much power and prestige there. And Labour also. Y’all would be in charge of mobilizing the entire students into activity and running the entire thing when need be. And taken into consideration just how compliant Lake students are, I can’t just stop myself from yayying for you guys.”

“I think myself and Alexis are very capable and strong to handle that when the time comes.” Ella said. “If we weren’t strong, we wouldn’t have been considered for the office in the first place, oh and BTW from that premise—you should know all your fear inciting talk won’t get into us in anyway. It’s like trying to scare that monster in the IT story. So if I were you, I’d channel that talk back to Legide and Tomi who is about to have the responsibility of costly equipment on their shoulders soon enough.”

“I don’t think that should be a problem.” Legide said. “I’m the first kid, and right from when I was still little—I’ve always had to take care of my younger ones. If I did that very well in the past, without no one breaking their heads and legs then I think I’d be able to take good care of hospital equipment. It would even be easier since the equipment would be obedient and stay wherever you put it and not bounce about, disorganizing and scattering the entire place.”

They all laughed once more, before the talk continued. Tomi couldn’t believe his eyes and ears. He was actually enjoying their company and it was mutual. Somehow they had done it, and it indeed worked. It’s been quite a while since he felt so relaxed, he wondered why it was so.

“My younger sister isn’t exactly disobedient on that front.” Tomi added. “But don’t be deluded into thinking that she still wouldn’t cause damage. Sure, she’d stay wherever you tell her to stay, but My God the damage she’d do to that place if she is unmonitored? You’d wish she bounced about and spread out the chaos and not focus it into one place.”

Itunu smiled. “My own sister would do both, inflict damage everywhere and then apologize to my folks the moment they arrive, that she didn’t mean it and it’s totally her fault. Of course, my folks would be tricked by her mischief and fall for it. So instead of taking out their anger on her, since they want to encourage her to be honest—they’d take it out on me, who is supposed to be responsible. Oh, it’s a nightmare.”

And it went on and on, until they were filled with both food and company and eventually retired back to their separate worlds. It was until it had all ended that Tomi realized why he felt so secured, safe and satisfied.

It was because he was home.

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And the first phase/part of the novel has finally come to an end. So let's take a moment to do a couple of stuff.

Who is your favorite character, outside the lead duo?

Who is your favorite character in the lead duo?

What have you loved most about the story, so far? The plot? Characters? Description?

What element have you enjoyed more. Comedy? Drama? Mystery?

Alright, that’s all for now. Please, please do your best to comment and don’t you forget to vote also. The second phase is going to be more defined and focused. You’d understand in due time.

Also, I keep seeing comments telling me to update faster. Update day is Friday and would always be Friday. Don’t expect a chapter if it isn’t Friday. I’ve finished writing the book already, so its not like I don’t have the next chapter or I’m being lazy. It is a conscious decision to upload one chapter every week. Nothing less, nothing more. So please save yourself the sweat of typing that I should update quicker.

Please comment, and vote. See you same time, next week.

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Glossary:

1. N.E.P.A. – Defunct power holding company of the country, that people still make reference to because it was the very first.