You got to be kidding me!

Seriously?!

Why na?

This people are mad o.

I angrily snatched my civic education notebook along with my black pen.

I hate combined classes! Why? Why do they have to do that?

I just got a shocking news. Our civic class will now be a combined class since we are all taking the class in other to safe time and ensure we were up to date with the syllabus.

Guess the venue of the class?

Just guess.

Yep, you guessed right...

Arts class.

Reasons were that the class is spacious with enough seats to go around.

You got to be kidding me!

How will i be able to cope in a class Akeju will be?

I dragged my feet towards Ss3b, mentally swearing at the people who taught it wise to have a joint class. If not for civic education being a compulsory subject, i would have ditched it.

You fit ditch class?

The subconscious mind made mockery of me. She is right. I can't ditch a class, no matter how tempting it is at times, i know most of the things being taught cause i have read ahead but still... It is too risky.

There are many things at stake.

I stopped at the door, watching my fellow mates walk past me into the classroom with no fear in the world. I don't blame them, they are not the one being bullied.

I took a deep breath before stepping in to the classroom, the door was opened for free flow of students in and out of the classroom.

I took in the rowdy, crowded, noisy classroom. It looks like a market place in here. I won't be surprise if there was some trading going on.

I felt pity for the teacher already. The three arms in one class is hard work just for one single person.

I stood close to the wall like some students who haven't located a seat. Trying as much as possible to be invisible.

I saw Theresa seated on the second row reading a book i don't really know the title, beside her table was Bankole's , which was on the next roll.

Bankole was going through his phone which was a contraband. This is not the educational iPad given to everyone.

They both look lost in their world.

I am not going to disturb them.

Then I saw someone waving their hands at the fourth row, three seats away from the first window by the wall. Ejiro waved wildly with a big grin on his face.

A waved back with a smile.

He gestured for me to come over, tapping an empty seat beside him.

I told you... That boy is a darling.

I moved carefully, looking down to avoid any sort of attention.

"Smalls... " I winced at the playful and patronizing voice which went above the noise of the class because he was really loud.

Taking a quick glance at him. Him and his friends were seating on the first row at the far back. Then i noticed we had a little audience, Theresa and Bankole included.

That was what he wanted. Enough audience to disgrace me.

God forbid!

I ignored him anyway moving fast and quick towards Ejiro.

"You dey ignore me abi?, shey you get seat? Oya. Be a good girl for daddy... Come seat on my lap"

I cringed as i saw him pat his thighs from my side eye, very close to his crotch. I sat down immediately when i got to Ejiro who gave me a sad look while his friends burst into laughter together with some members of the class.

I gave him a small fake smile. Recalling the encounter i had with Akeju last week at the back of the lab, my smile fell.

"You know?... It is very baffling when i realized that ninety nine point nine percent of whatever comes out of your mouth is complete bullshit!"

Silence.

The classroom went silent as a graveyard.

Akeju glared at Theresa who just called him out, she looked like she could care less as she reads through her book. If you walk into the class just now, you will not know she was the one who caused the deafening silence.

Did she just defended me?

I hear a quiet laugh escape the lips of Ejiro.

"You go girl.. " he quietly cheered Theresa.

I shook my head placing my book on the table as everyone went back to their business.

"How was your weekend? I didn't see you yesterday which happens to be Monday" Ejiro asked.

We haven't seen each other since Friday night. I had been busy and copped up with my books.

"I spent my break periods in the library" he frowned.

"Why?"

"Reading of course. Why will i be there if not for that?"

Well... You also go there to hide away since Akeju finds that particular spot repulsing.

My subconscious mind jeered but he doesn't have to know about that.

"Why are you reading?" he deadpanned.

"Ejiro if i may remind you. Our first CA test starts next week" i watch him let out a groan causing me to smile at his disposition on the topic.

"Don't remind me" he grumbled.

"You asked for it"

The class fell quiet as Akorede, Evans and Faramade entered together. Talk about an epic entry because people were blatantly staring at them like they were some movie stars.

I watch them exchange handshakes with Bankole when they got to him. Evans messed with Theresa's hair a bit which earned him a slap on his wrist.

I smile at their attitude towards each other, they have a close knitted bond that gets everyone jealous.

Surprisingly, the three seats behind Banks and Theresa had been cleared up. See what power and affluence does?

I watch Akorede sit behind Bankole, before leaning over and whispering something into his ear.

Bankole only turned sideways giving me a look. Then i saw Akorede watching me already. I quickly look away.

We were on the same row with just a seat separating us.

Finally, the three queen bees decided to grace us with their presence. I watch her saunter towards Akorede who gave her a blank look.

They talked for a while which looks like an argument to me before she stomped away with an angry look on her face, seating with her friends.

The teacher came in.

"Good morning class" his eyes takes a quick sweep around the room. "Alright, settle down everyone. There is enough seat for everyone." he said writing the subject and topic 'Human Rights Violation' on the board as everyone settled down, well expect for two people.

The teacher, Mr James turn around, frowning when he saw that some people were still standing up, letting out a sigh.

"Balogun. Be kind enough to let those two sit down, it is not like you brought the chairs from home. You all paid the same fees"

Reasons why I like this young teacher, he is not scared of putting students in their place. Giggles were heard around the classroom as Akeju reluctantly lifts his leg and bag from the two chairs allowing the two students to seat.

I shook my head as he barked orders at them, not caring if the teacher is watching or not. The two students whose looks alongside Harry Potter glasses screamed nerd looked totally out of place.

"It is their right young man, no need to threaten them. And in relation to that we will be discussing on the topic Human Rights Violations but before that, can anyone explain the meaning of Human Rights?

I relaxed on my seat as many hands went up in the air.

"Yes... Yemisi"

"Human Rights are the rights to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to work and education and many more"

Did she just list off the rights at a go?

"Hmm... Thank you Yemisi, good attempt but I said explain not list out but good job"

He called three other students and no one was able to give the total definition.

"Theresa? Would you like to try?"

She was not even raising up her hand. She stood up causing the whole room to go silent.

"According to the United Nations" i hear someone say ghenghen, oshe human wikipedia but it seems like i was the only one that heard it "human rights is the right inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status. Basically, everyone is entitled to these rights without discrimination. These rights are contained in the constitution of each country of the world"

I find myself nodding at her explanation knowing it is very accurate. She just gave us an explanation of Human Rights without blinking an eye.

"Excellent! That is a wonderful definition"

She sat down with a stoic look, staring at the teacher.

Mr James discussed further on the topic, he was talking about how our rights can get violated when the class got more interesting.

"If you are not pleased with a particular thing as a citizen for instance, if you feel like the government is not doing well, there is right to freedom of opinion and expression just like Yemisi stated earlier. This can come in a form of peaceful protest-"

"Lori iro!"

The students burst into fits of laughter as a forlorn look appeared on the man's face.

"Who was that?"

The whole room got quiet. I can swear with every bone in me that that was Jomiloju.

Mr James sighed.

"You know how much I hate distractions but far from that. What is your view on protest in Nigeria?"

"It is not allowed. It is classed as the disruption of peace and order" the head boy said with an air quote.

"Why do you say that Evans?"

"Because we get gunned down and killed by those people who are meant to protect and safeguard lives and properties if we as much as try to protest. So you see? The government itself is violating our right"

"EndSars is a good example, there was no freedom of expression through peaceful protest and there was no freedom of movement. This country is a joke, i swear" someone spoke up from the back of the class which caused a slight ruckus.

"Alright alright... What is your view on people using the social media to express themselves?" Mr James diverts to another question knowing the topic can disrupt the class.

Evans shrugged at the question.

"It is a good medium but I feel people tend to abuse it. I mean take the example of Twitter being used as a yardstick to insult, bully and harass people by fellow netizens"

"Twitter is not for the weak hearted bro. You go cry taya"  the class erupted with laughter at Bankole's statement, I smiled.

Even the teacher was smiling.

"You are right" Mr James said, his eyes scans the class before locking eyes with mine. My heart skipped a bit knowing what was about to happen next.

"Tolani" a string of curse words ran through my head, i watch my mates look around in search of the said Tolani before some of my classmates thought it better to point me out to them. "what do you think should be done to curb the misuse of the social media so as to stop the violation of people's rights?"

I huff, slowly standing up as they all turn to face me. When I mean all, i mean all...

Silence fell on the class.

Clearing my throat, i open my mouth to talk when i hear some annoying sounds coming from Akeju's side. Mr James threw them a glare.

"Am not going to give you a note, whatever we discuss here today will be the note and trust me to give you my test from this topic, so if you like, listen" ignoring the groans escaping from their throats as students briskly open their notes, he gave me an encouraging smile "go on dear"

"Hmmm.. Well... " my hands turn cold and clammy due to the numerous eyes on me. I can do this, i know the answers, i just need to relax. Taking a deep breath "Firstly, the government needs to look for means in controlling what goes in an out of the country's social media. Mind you am not saying the government should infringe on the right of the citizens by interfering with their privacy but there should be a form of media control... " I slowed down when I realized almost everyone was writing something down. I lock eyes with Theresa who gave me an encouraging smile, turning to Ejiro he urges me to go on.

"In developed countries like China and the USA. The government has laws and policies guiding the social media which serves as a filter and if anyone is found breaching this laws by posting unwarranted fake news, graphic videos which can tamper with the human mind. He will be arrested, fined and possibly be thrown into jail"

"Also, big names of the social media like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter should have guidelines and policies on hate speech and bullying content but I think Twitter had been able to perfect that policy. Am not sure for Facebook and the likes. They should strive as much as possible to work hand in hand with the government to protect the rights of the citizens. Age control which is being used by most of this social sites should be strictly adhere to -"

I got cut off by the clapping of the teacher.

"Beautiful! That is a wonderful view from your side. Absolutely brilliant " I blushed not used to the compliments.

Quickly taking my seat ignoring the looks my mates were giving me as i listen to the teacher go on.

I realized Ejiro had been silent all through. I turn around to see him gaping at me.

"What?"

"You are a living computer "

                      💡✅ℹ

The bell rang signifying the end of the class. Mr James left us with an assignment to give brief explanation on how our rights can be violated apart from the one given in class.

Students of science and commercial classes hurried out of the class to get to the next class leaving arts and humanities in theirs.

I did the same not before bidding Ejiro farewell. Joining the throng of students, i waited patiently so as to allow free flow.

"Hey"

I jump at the sudden voice which came out of no where. Looking up to the smiling face, i returned the favour.

"Hey"

"You are heading to class?"

"Yes. You?"

"Same"

I nodded stepping out of the class as he did the same. We both walk in silence for a while. It is so funny because we don't have anything to say to each other apart from the topic....

The 'i like you' topic which am not ready to touch.

"So... I was wondering if you would like to join us at our table this afternoon?" I stopped dead in my tracks causing him to do the same, turning to look at me.

Did i just hear him clearly?

"You want me to sit with you at your table?" he nodded "to eat?" he nodded slowly "with your friends?"

"Yes... Do you have a problem with that?"

I fold my arms against my chest.

"Why?"

It was a simple question but I guess he understood.

"Because.... "  he drawled out as i rose an eyebrow waiting for him to finish his words, he lets out a groan "should there be a reason why I should invite you to my table?"

I shook my head.

"Am just curious. In my two years of being a student here. You have never invited or allowed anyone to seat with you apart from your buddies, so why now?"

"Because I want to" he said with a shrug.

"Ehn en?" I eyed him skeptically.

"Ehn" he replied with a smug smile on his face.

"Thank you anyways but am afraid, i will have to deny your request" the smile fell from his face.

"Why?" he asked sounding hurt which made me feel bad.

"I can't ditch my friend. I would look ungrateful if I leave him alone considering the fact that i have been alone for two years" he visibly winced at my statement.

"Okay. I understand"

"Thank you once again"

"The offer is still open though"

"I will put it in consideration" I said walking away from him.

"See you around?"

"Yeah later"

Omotolani is a human google o... See how she just downloaded everything 😁😁

I have introduced a new character, Mr James the civic teacher. What do you think of him?

Translation:

You dey ignore me abi?, shey you get seat? Oya: are you ignoring me? Do you have a seat? Come on.

Like i promise, a little snippet into my life  so here we go...

My primary school days was just in a breeze, i had no qualms with anybody. I went to a Ghanaian school which was so good. I was pretty shy and i was a teacher's pet. I had no problem with any one well expect for a girl who won't leave me alone because i broke her pencil. She won't leave me alone unless i bought her another one, going as low as harassing me with painful pinches on my arms every time she was around me in other to remind me of her broken pencil.

It was until when my now best friend (we were not that close back then, she had her own group of friends i had mine but we were cool) beat the hell out of here, that was when she stopped disturbing everyone. Then i realized that girl had been a pain in the neck for everyone. So primary school was okay... But secondary school, 😥😰😨