Temi's POV

  Okay, I know I always did stupid and foolish things, but today was the worst of all the stupid things I had done in all my life.

  It wasn't the first time I was smoking in school, but today, I got caught. It's all that stupid boy's fault. He should have just minded his business. Now, I had hurt Lela and I had made her cry.

  'Way to go Temi.'

  She never seemed like the type who was easily moved to tears though, but today she really cried and it was my fault. It wasn't intentional, I had no idea that she was behind me until I pushed her and I heard sobbing. That was when I turned around to see her on the floor, crying and she had refused my help.

  Four eyes and dogo had taken her to the sickbay to take care of her wounds. Her arm was scratched pretty badly. A few minutes after they left with Lela, Mr Caleb arrived at the scene with his canes while some students had started returning to their classrooms, muttering words to each other.

  “What is happening here?” He asked, swaying his canes from side to side.

  “Senior Temi pushed a girl sir.” A student who I didn't recognize answered. Mr Caleb turned to glare at me.

  “Aren't you tired of getting into trouble this boy? I don't know why they won't just expel you from this school. We can't condole such behaviors anymore.” He said, tapping one of his canes on my shoulder. “Where's the student he pushed?” He asked no one in particular.

  “She has been taken to the sickbay sir. She hurt herself.” Another student answered and Mr Caleb shook his head.

  “Come with me to the Principal's office now!” He commanded and turned to leave, but he stopped and shock was written all over his face.  Just then, Joel entered the scene as well.

  “Temi, what happened?” Joel asked and I gave him a look that said long story.

  “What is that?” Mr Caleb asked. He was pointing at something a few feet away from me.

  'Oh no. This couldn't get any worse.'

  Gasps escaped the mouths of the student and Mr Caleb walked towards the cigarette on the floor and he picked it up.

  He looked at me and asked, “what's this and what's it doing here?”

  “I-I-I don't know sir.” I stuttered.

  “Will you shut up!” He yelled and he stepped closer to me and took a whiff, “You were smoking!”

  Gasps escaped the mouths of the students again. Even Joel was shocked. I lowered my head not knowing what to say.

  “I hope this gets you expelled. Come with me.” He said and hurried away and I followed behind him.

  “Since when?” Joel whispered as I passed him and I ignored him, not even looking into his face.

  “And, back to class everyone!” Mr Caleb yelled without turning around.

  As I followed him, students poked their heads out of the classroom to see what was happening. We passed our class and I saw Edith standing by the door, she had a concerned look that said 'are you in trouble?' I totally ignored her.

  We got to the principal's office. “Get in!” Mr Caleb ordered and I obeyed. The principal looked up immediately I entered and the look on her face said what-have-you-done-this-time? I rolled my eyes and looked away.

  “What is the matter Mr Caleb?” She asked and adjusted her glasses.

  “He pushed a female student and she's injured and he was smoking.” He stressed on the smoking.

  “What?!” Miss Clara exclaimed and she turned to glare at me and I rolled my eyes again.

  “Yes ma'am. I think it's time he gets expelled before he drags the name of the school to the mud.” Mr Caleb said as he eyed me from the corner of his eye.

  “Uhm, thank you Mr Caleb. Please excuse us.” Miss Clara said. Mr Caleb eyed me cautiously and then he stepped out of the office.

'Pfft. Seriously?'

  “Temitope Ayobami. Son of Badmus Ayobami, please sit down.” She said, pointing to the chair in front of her and I reluctantly sat down.

  “I'd appreciate it if you'd never address me as his son again. You and I know better.” I retorted.

  “Speak to me with respect boy, it isn't my fault that you have a useless father.” She snapped, “how is my friend? I hope she isn't dead yet.”

  “She's still alive, but one day she won't be anymore. I don't know why she won't divorce the fool or better still leave his house.”

  “Only God knows the answer my boy. Your mother's experience is the reason I never got married.” She said.

  “Are we going to have this conversation again? Please aunty Clara, I don't want to discuss about home.”

  She smiled a smile that didn't reach her eyes. “No, we won't discuss that, let's leave that matter. So, I thought you quitted smoking.”

  I didn't look at her, my eyes were fixed on the portrait of the president behind her. “I did.”

  “Then, what was Mr Caleb talking about? Are you back at it?” She asked and she leaned on her table and placed her two hands on it.

  “The problem at home remained unresolved. It led back to my addiction.”

  “You shouldn't let this problem destroy you. You are hurting your mom, yourself. You are even putting my school at risk with your behavior. The teachers have suggested that you get expelled, but you know better. Please, don't put me in a tight corner.” She folded her palms together and said, “Please, don't let my good turn into bad.”

  “Well, I'm not forcing you to keep me here aunty Clara! You can go ahead and expel me!  I don't need your help! I don't need you or anyone else!” I yelled and gritted my teeth.

  “Don't yell at me my friend! Get you expelled? Which school will condole your stupid behavior?” She scoffed.

  “Well, maybe I don't want to go to school anymore.” I said dryly.

  “Is that what all this is about?” She banged her fist on the desk, “you don't want to go to school anymore?” I gave no reply.

  'I think I spelled that out, clearly for her.'

  “Well, that is not going to happen! You better stop this foolishness of yours. I do not want to receive such a complaint as I did today, anymore.”

  “Aunty Clara, you can't tell me what to do. You are not my mother!” I said with my teeth clenched together.

  “I said don't yell at me! And, it's ma'am to you within the school's premises. You say I'm not your mom, right? Fine. But, do you listen to your mom?”

  I rolled my eyes at her. “I'm tired of all the advice. Please, let me leave my life the way I want.”

  “You mean to ruin it? No way. If you truly love your mom like you claim, you would stop this foolishness of yours. You know, acting this way doesn't make you any different from your father.”

  'She just compared me to that monster. I am nothing like him and being his son is something I regret everyday of my life.'

  “I am nothing like him and he stopped being my father a long time ago. To me, he is just Badmus, my mother's husband.”

  “Really? Well, I find that hard to believe. If you think I'll expel or suspend you after this, then you thought wrongly. However, don't come to school tomorrow. The teachers and students need to see that you served some sort of punishment at least. Although, that won't stop them from talking.” She said, gathering some files on her table.

  I rolled my eyes and folded my hands on my chest. “Can I go now?”

  “Yes,  you can. Tell your mom that I'll give her a call.”

  “Whatever.” I said as I stood up.

“And Temi,” she called and I turned to look at her. “Remember all that I said.” With that she turned her attention to the files on her desk.

  'Whatever.'

I walked out of her office and strolled back to class with my hands in my pocket. All I was thinking about was Lela.

  'I hope she's fine. I should go see how she's doing though.'

A/N

Heyyy. You are all doing great, right?
So, here's another chapter. I hope you enjoyed reading. So, aunty Clara is Miss Clara, the principal of Golden Pen. Who did that surprise?

Lela's POV coming up tomorrow. Till then, please remember to vote, comment and share if you like this story.

Your support really really counts.

Keep safe guys.

With lots of love, Anna💜