Life Of Jiji

All Rights Reserved

©2022 Tena Ifiemi

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greek god - conan gray ♪

smile - wizkid & h.e.r. ♪

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By the end of school on Monday, the entire Year 11 class was buzzing with excitement.

The principal had announced that she wanted to speak to us after school so after our last class, we all had to move to the auditorium to hear what she had to say. The truth though was that there was news going round that it was about the prefectship elections but if you ask the person who told you if they were sure, they'll just shrug and say that's what they heard.

Anyway, at the end of the day, when we went to meet with the Principal, it was confirmed. On Wednesday, those interested were to pick up forms and submit them Monday next week after which there'll be a screening exercise before campaigns, manifesto speeches and finally, elections.

I remember that in my former school, they just appointed the prefects themselves but this way was admittedly more fun but a bit scary as well. I've already heard two really close friends voice out interests in the same prefectship post. I'm not sure how that one is going to end out.

"What are you going for, Ejiro?" Someone asked me and I shrug. The next time someone asks the question I reply honestly,

"I don't know. I doubt if I'm even going to contest."

I had given it a brief thought and it didn't seem like it was for me. My only problem is that I didn't want to have to side with any of my friends over another.

"Ejiro!" I hear someone call my name and when I turn its Mide, hurrying to me.

"What happened?" I ask him as I squint my eyes in the sun, watching his approaching figure.

"Um, nothing. Have you heard from Damian though?" He asks immediately making me worry from the way he was sounding.

"Only on Saturday." I respond, "Is there any problem?"

"Nothing, except that Damian has been eyeing the Sport Prefect post for forever and he's so close to loosing his chance."

"Oh, no." I frown becoming very very bothered. "Do you know a way to reach him? Can you call him? He wouldn't want to miss this."

"Calm down Ejiro, I didn't mean to worry you. I'll call him okay?"

I nod and when he starts to leave, I remember something and call him back, "Can you get back to me after you talk to him?" I begin to stutter, "I...um... I'd like to know how soon he'd be coming."

Mide smiles.

"Of course."

For the days that followed, all everyone could talk about were the elections. People that had already decided what they wanted to run for had started campaigning in secret even when the school said not to. I wonder if they forgot that they were still going to be screened. People were calling their parents. People were being extra nice to juniors and some people were even making enemies.

It was a whole reality TV show.

But what bothered me was that it was Wednesday morning, Damian wasn't back and I hadn't still heard from Mide. He probably forgot to give me feedback since it wasn't like he was obliged to anyway. I'd have gone to meet him but I just haven't been able to. Every time I see him, its either he's in the midst of guys or with Ayo and I'd rather not approach him in any of those cases.

Among all my roommates, only two were thinking of contesting. Khadijah wanted to run for Library Prefect and Tolani, Cafeteria Prefect. Mercy said she didn't have the strength to be a prefect and I just repeated her excuse.

During break I went to Damian's class, hoping his form teacher was in so I won't lose my morale.

"Good morning sir." I greeted the man who was so concentrated on whatever he was doing on his laptop, he didn't seem to see me approach his desk.

The man looked up at me, I didn't know his name but I'm guessing he teaches the junior classes, "Good morning, any problem dear?" He asks and I shift my weight to my other leg,

"Um, Damian Briggs is in this class right?" I start out after nothing sensible comes to my head.

"Yes, but he hadn't resumed. Is there a problem?"

"I hope not." I scratch the back of my head nervously. "It's just that people from our set are going to pick prefectship forms today and I know Damian really wants to be a prefect but I doubt he's aware of what is going on right now and I don't want him to lose his chance."

The man smiled, now giving me his full attention, "And why does this bother you?"

I still. "Um, well... Damian is my...my friend and I just don't want him to miss out on this." I tell him.

The teacher cocks his head, "And how does this involve me?"

"Well, I'm assuming you have his parents' number as his form teacher so maybe you can call his parents and inform them that he's needed at school."

"Really?" The man asked, looking amused.

"Please?"

He brought out a book from his desk drawer and traced down a page as he mouthed 'Damian Briggs'. I smile when I notice that the page had people's names as well as their phone numbers and parents phone numbers. He holds his hand down on a name and brings out his phone. I peek at the name,

Briggs, Damian Sopirinye it said in the surname, first name and middle name sequence and my eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.

Damian has a native name? I giggle silently. I promise not to let him live this down.

I hear a sigh come from Damian's class teacher, "I know what you're looking at. For your sake and mine, don't tell anyone about your recent discovery. Damian doesn't exactly want anyone to know about his middle name."

I grin as he puts his phone to his ear. All the better for me to tease him with.

"Hello madam." He says and I freeze, suddenly unsure. Should I have told him to call Damian's own line instead? What if we're calling at a wrong time? I hope she's alright.

"This is Mr Harry from Meliora International Academy. Am I speaking with Mrs Briggs?"

There is a pause for when Damian's mom speaks and then Mr Harry speaks again, "I'm Damian's form teacher and I'm calling out of concern that your son has not been in school for a week now since the date of resumption. We've began a new week and I want to know if he has any plans to resume soon."

The pause was longer this time and when Mr Harry spoke again, my heart did a marathon,

"Good morning Damian, how are you?" "Your girlfriend asked me to call because she's concerned that you'll miss out on the prefectship applications."

"Sir!" I groaned as a blush took over my face.

"She's still here, you want to speak with her? Okay."

And then before I knew what was going on, the phone was being handed to me and I accepted it with shaky hands.

"H—hello?"

"How many people are you going to send after me?" He says and because I couldn't decipher his tone, I begin to panic.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you. If this is bad timing, then its alright..."

Damian's low chuckle shut me up, "What's wrong with you? Why are you always on edge? Did you perhaps kill someone?"

When I remain silent, biting my lip, he gasps, "You did?"

"No silly." I give a small laugh. "But seriously, am I disrupting anything?"

Damian sighs, "We are actually at the hospital for Dialysis, but its alright." He says and I clasp my palm over my mouth.

"Oh my God, I'm so sorry..."

"Please stop saying that Jiji. Stop apologizing when there's nothing to be sorry for. Mide called me, and I'm guessing he didn't relay my message to you cause you won't be calling if he did."

"He didn't. What message?"

"Its not important anymore. Look, I get that you're worried and the fact that you're so concerned just makes me smile. I promise, I'm coming really soon. Just some hours to go, okay?" He assures me and I nod, forgetting that he can't see me.

"Okay."

"If I don't win sports prefect after all the effort you've put into this, I'll never forgive myself."

"Shut up." I giggle and I can almost hear him smile,

"There she is. See you soon."

"Can't wait."

It's only when the call is over that I remembered Mr Harry's presence. My face burned as I turned back to meet his amused one. He had really been listening to that whole conversation! I thank him and return the phone wanting to leave as quickly as possible but I remember something which makes me turn back,

"Um, sir, I'm not Damian's girlfriend." I clarify nervously scratching my head.

"You're not?" He appeared to be thinking about something, "So its that other girl?"

"Huh, what other girl? I don't think Damian has—"

I stop talking when Mr Harry starts laughing and I frown at him when I realize that he was just teasing me. I gave him my best unimpressed look and proceed to leave the class.

Recalling the phone call I just got off from, I smile to myself. Although Damian didn't exactly say he was coming today or tomorrow, I felt relieved. He said just some hours to go right? Not days. My smile remains on my face as I go to my own class. Break is almost over so I'm glad when I see Katherine already in class. I had told her to help me buy a doughnut and Hollandia yogurt since I knew I would not have time to.

"You look happy." She says handing me the plastic bag with my stuff in it.

"I am." I smile and thank her as I start eating hoping to finish before its time for the next class.

I didn't realize that this thing Damian said about hours would eventually put me on edge because I started looking out for him. When it was school over and people went to pick up forms, I glanced at the door so much, my neck hurt hoping he'd walk through it at any moment. But he didn't. When it was time to go for lunch too, I stared at the gate as we passed by, so much that I might've burned a whole into it.

I was getting paranoid and I knew it.

Just like the last two days, everybody was still talking about the elections. Those that wanted a certain post were even forming alliances with the current prefects holding the post. It seemed like a sensible idea and I wondered how close Damian was to the sports prefect. There was no afternoon prep on Wednesday to give us time to wash within the week so my classmates used the opportunity to campaign instead.

I know they were not supposed to but I could see why they couldn't resist. It was much too thrilling. I paid for laundry services so I didn't have much to wash except for a few underwear and nightwear so I did that quickly and went back to my room to meet it as noisy as a market, no, stadium during a match.

"Tolani is practicing her manifesto." Mercy laughed out loud, clutching her stomach.

"Wait, let me call your juniors." Katherine said running out of the room.

"You haven't even submitted form and you've written manifesto, Tolani!" Ayo voices out my exact thoughts with a chuckle.

Yeah, Ayo was hanging out with all of us and had become very open about the fact that she and Kene were back together. Everyone was shocked and confused but we also refrained from speaking our minds on the matter, cause it definitely wouldn't have ended well. Even Khadijah surprisingly let it be.

"Ehem." Tolani began, mock clearing her throat, "My name is Coker, Tolani Sarah and I'm vying for the post of the Cafeteria Prefect Girl." She said with a bright smile and a wave like she was actually on stage.

Deciding to indulge her, all of us hooted and clapped causing her to laugh.

"Wait, Tolani, your name is Sarah?", someone asked.

"Shhh, I'm giving a speech here."

I smile remembering another middle name that I just found out today, Damian Sopirinye Briggs.

"I was talking to the present Cafeteria prefect the other day and I have to say among all the past prefects to hold this post, I look up to her the most. Not only does she make the concerns of the entire student body her own when it comes to cafeteria matters, but she does all she can to solve it. That is one guideline I would like to follow because as a prefect, you know to always place the heart of the students first."

"Wow, Tolani, that was actually really good."

"I hope you didn't write that down, I'm stealing it." Khadijah winked at her, "After I replace everything you said with 'library'."

"Don't worry, I wrote it down as you were talking." One of Tolani's minions piped in. She was in Year 10 and was Tolani's self acclaimed campaign manager.

Khadijah glared at her and she shrank down, her confidence dissipating.

"Khadijah, don't bully my campaign manager." Tolani chides her and Khadi rolled her eyes. The girl seemed to brighten up after that, elated that Tolani had adapted the idea of having her as a 'campaign manager'.

"But why was everyone laughing when I came in like you were saying something funny?" I ask Tolani, genuinely confused.

"Oh, yes, you needed to be here." Mercy said, bursting into another round of laughs, "It's like she decided to have sense as you came in cause this girl was spitting absolute rubbish."

She was still laughing and Tolani glared at her although, she too was wearing a very amused look.

"But chill, Tolani, did you really talk to Francine? Or are you just claiming in your speech." Someone asked. Francine was the present cafeteria prefect.

"You think say I go dull?" Tolani asked in pidgin, "I started famzing that one ever since we started Year 11."

•••

The next day being Thursday, I woke up as soon as the bell rang and went to take my bath. Thankfully, I didn't have any night terrors last night so I was well rested and refreshed and also in a very good mood. I had a gut feeling that Damian was coming today and there was nothing anybody would do to be able to kill my spirit today...except Damian not showing, but I refuse to even think of that possibility.

By the time I'm done bathing, a few Year 10 girls are just entering into the bathroom so I'm positive that my classmates haven't even woken up yet. Entering my room, I notice that Khadijah's bed is also empty but it doesn't take much time to notice her beside her bed and she appeared to be praying.

She was wearing a hijab and was kneeling down on a mat but her back was to me, so I couldn't see her face. Although, I knew that she did, I've never seen her pray before. I remember one time, she told me that they pray facing Mecca and I still wonder how they know what direction that is.

Minding my business, I clean my body properly, avoiding my face and allowing it to air dry while applying lotion to the rest of my body. I'm done tying a dressing gown around my underwear-clad body when I hear Khadijah get up and roll up her mat.

"Good morning." I sing as I apply face cream to my dried face.

"You're up early." She comments after responding to my greeting.

"Its a beautiful day." I tell her and she raised a brow.

"Hmm." Was her only reply as she grabbed her own towel before waking up our other roommates. Mercy would get up in a few seconds but as per usual, Tolani would sleep for a bit more before getting up. We usually don't disturb her since she always manages to finish dressing in record time.

I go on to meet Amarachi to help me lay edges. It was something I did only once in a while because although I loved the way it looked on people, I didn't know how do it perfectly myself. Amarachi was about to have her bath when I met her but she said it was alright, tying the rope of her bathrobe tight before using edge control to style my baby hairs. She was standing over me admiring her hand work before carefully tying a satin scarf over it. In her words, 'to hold it in place'.

"This looks so good." She had said. "I only saw this on Pinterest this last Christmas holiday but I haven't tried it before. It would look even better after you untie it." She promised.

"But how would I know when to untie it?" I wanted to know as she grabbed her toiletry bag.

"Just wait, I will do it for you." She says and I smile thanking her before going to my room.

Khadijah had started dressing up and Tolani was getting ready to go and bathe when I enter the room so I decided that to start dressing too. I took the most time knotting my tie and tying up my knotless braids. Amarachi finally came and took the scarf off and I had to give it to her, it was really good and I think I look pretty. I wore the school's sleeveless sweater over my shirt today and it looked so good, I might just have to wear it everyday.

I felt pretty and I loved it.

I was still standing at the mirror when I felt someone tap my shoulder, "Here." Amarachi was handing me a tube of lip gloss.

I raised a brow but accepted it still.

"I don't know what statement you're trying to make today, but I'm loving it girl!" She hails and I can't help grinning.

"Thanks."

•••
He came earlier than expected.

It was during assembly and we were singing the hymn. I was feeling like a soprano singer, singing Ancient Words like I was part of some Orchestra, the piano and violin tunes muffling my awful voice when the whispers carried the class like a storm.

"Do you know Damian is back?"

"Is saw him at the admin block."

"Who told you?"

"Damian is back?"

"Didn't you hear what I said?"

I smile and keep singing but I couldn't keep calm. When we sat down, I kept my hands in my lap cause I felt like my whole body was vibrating. I didn't even know I was shaking so much until Richard who was sitting beside me places his hand on mine and gave me a concerned look. I shoot him a reassuring smile and try to calm down.

The excitement was expected but why on earth am I nervous right now? I knew for a fact that I was nervous because my mind had started to makeup different scenarios in my head for when I'll meet him. Creating multiple dialogues between me and Damian before they might even take place. And with each fantastical dialogue, my anxiety was growing because none of them seemed right or sensible.

I wanted assembly to end and I didn't. Staying here any longer would heighten my anxiety and probably kill me but I didn't know how to face him. The last time I saw him face to face was when I, in his words, 'confessed my undying love to him'. I blushed at the memory. I really made my mom drive me to go and tell a boy that I liked him.

The same guy that you're avoiding right now, my subconscious mocked.

"Year 11" The head girl called out from the podium and my classmates started to rise. I knew when the band had begun to play the marching song but I had zoned off until I saw people begin to get up beside me.

Khadijah came up beside me and as we walked, Richard placed himself at my other side. I notice Khadijah's frown when he joined us but decided to ignore it. Khadi after all, has a problem with everybody. We had just entered the classroom block when Khadijah turned me,

"Oh shoot! Ms Chioma said she wanted to see you after assembly. I'm sorry, I forgot."

I frown at her, "Where is she?"

"I didn't see her leave the hall, so she's probably still there.

I groan, "So I have to walk back there?" I complain, not really wanting to.

Khadijah leaves me and begins to walk away. She's not insinuating that I'm going alone, is she?

"Khadi! Where are you going?"

"Um, class?" She answered like I had asked a very dumb question.

"It's alright, I can come with you." Richard offered but Khadijah shot him a dirty look.

"Ms Chioma asked for Ejiro not Richard. Let's go to class." She says, pulling him by his arm.

Richard frowns, easily pulling his hand away from her, "What is wrong with you?" He starts to come back to my side when we all hear someone holler his name.

"Please come, it's very important." Mide beckoned to him and he sighs dragging his hand down his face.

"I'm sorry Ejiro." He says and runs after Mide who actually looked like there was some sort of emergency.

I huff and turn away. Khadi knows how much I hate walking alone. If Ms Chioma only wants to see me for whatever reason then she can stand the side and wait. It's no big deal, and I'd definitely do it for her.

I'm not even holding anything! What am I supposed to so with my hands?

I bet I look funny, I thought as I walk to the hall, trying to dissipate my frustration before I get there. Ms Chioma didn't do anything so I didn't want to go in there with a long face. Besides, I promised myself to be in a good mood for the whole day. Deciding to stop worrying about whether my arms were swinging too much or not, I double my steps so that I can finish whatever it is Ms Chioma needs me for and still be in time for class.

When I go into the hall, its empty and all the electrical appliances were switched off. I blew out air from between my lips. Did she leave because I didn't come earlier? Rubbing my temple with the tips of my fingers, I refuse to think about the fact that I came here for nothing. After walking round a few times, I decide to just go back to class but just as I'm about to reach the doors, someone pushes it open first.

My palm goes to cup my mouth as I come face to face with Damian. He's wearing a wide grin as he takes in my expression. He's wearing the school's sleeveless sweater as well and I couldn't help thinking, 'We're twinning, yay!' His hair was higher than usual but it still looked wonderful as the sides has been cut nicely. He looked neat and incredibly handsome.

"Are you done checking me out?" He asked and the next thing I know, I'm lunging for him and wrapping my arms around his torso.

He seems surprised as I feel him tense around me. I've surprised myself as well, but I don't mind it at all. He hesitates briefly but he soon returns the hug, pulling me further into his chest.

This feels right.

"You smell yummy." I say exhaling happily and I feel his chest vibrate as he chuckles.

"That statement really conflicts my thoughts."

I shiver, I forgot how deep his voice is.

"I wonder what I did to make you miss me this much." He strokes my head just before releasing me.

Playfully, I brush his hand away, "You'll ruin my edges."

He laughs as he checks them out, "Okay, warning very necessary. This looks good."

"Thanks " I beam.

"And you look very pretty."

I blush, "Stop."

"Um, how long do I have to disappear next time to get another hug like this?"

I punch him on his arm and wince,  ending up being the one that says 'ouch'. Taking the hand I punched him with in his, he pulled me in for another hug, surprising me.

"I'm sorry, I couldn't resist." He whispers into my hair. "You're so precious Jiji."

Okay! That was a joy ( ´ ▽ ' )ﾉ

But I thought Jiji was rushing to get to class...?