Part Thirty-Six

Daphne's POV

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We were told to remain in class after dismissal assembly today by our form mistress, so she can read out the WAEC timetable for us.

I still cannot believe that WASSCE was just few weeks away. I've been so scared to face this chapter of my life since I entered senior class, and now, I can't ignore it anymore.

We filed in singly in a straight line, into our classroom after the dismissal assembly was over. The way we walked into the class, anyone would think that we were ordered to walk in a single line. Although I'm sure it happened unbeknownst to all of us.

"Una see as everybody just dey march in, like say we want collect sweet for birthday party." Timothy remarked. He must have noticed it too.

Everyone on the line then realized that he actually spoke the truth. But as much attention-seeking as Obi was, he walked out of the line first.

"What are we, primary school pupils?" He asked no one in particular.
Slowly but surely, the straight line of students broke apart. Each person walked out of the single file to create another path to tread on.

I sat down on my chair, located at same place as Timmi and Jade's chairs. For now that we have not been arranged to sit alphabetically, my friends and I figured that we'd all sit close to each other. Timmi especially, liked the idea because she's been bringing her phone to school lately. So, staying close to us her cartel, she believes we won't let her get into trouble with any teacher. And to be honest, that's how we protect one another.

Jade, Amara, Stephen and I suddenly engaged in a discussion about how tough WASSCE examination would be. Amara and Stephen bragged about few tricks their older siblings; who have already sat for the exams, taught them. I on the other hand, have no elder brother or sister to tell me stories on what happened during their time. So I can only hope that the things I'm hearing from these two are not as scary as they sound.

"Nna ehh! Where's Mrs Ekehinde, I want to go home already. I'm so tired and hungry already." Amara began to complain.

Well I completely understand her. After staying in school for over nine hours, learning and studying formulas thanks to , we've been kept waiting just to receive WAEC timetable. As I am right now, I just need to lay down my head and catch up on some really nice sleep, so the longer I stay here, the more frustrated I become.

"You're not alone in that my sister, it's doing me to just take the so-called timetable from her, take a quick photo and then be on my way out of here." Steph of course had to concour with Amara.
I don't think I remember him ever disagreeing on something.

Immediately the words left his mouth, Mrs Ekehinde walked in. Today she was dressed in long pink-denim-skirt and black turtleneck blouse. Her long braids were folded to form a bun behind her face. With black stilettos on her two feet to complete the look, she was absolutely breathtaking. Mrs Ekehinde, Mrs Ekeh for short, is one of the most beautiful and interesting teachers in GCH. She has been in this school for as long as I can remember. She even got married to the son of one of the shareholders of the school.

Don't ask me how I know. My uncle is actually the Principal of the school, that gives me first-hand knowledge of all the things happening in this school. But that's by the way.

Once she was done calling out the subjects according to days we would be writing them, she told us that some extra copies of the timetable would be made and pasted in the various notice boards in the school compound. She never failed to mention that anyone interested in a personal copy should indicate and have it photocopied in the computer class, with money attached of course.
What would Naija do without extra charge applied.

Some students hissed and began to complain concerning her last statement while others talked about how much or how little time they have between the subjects.

Very quietly and swiftly, I gathered my things together. I don't bother to wait for Jade and Amara to settle whatever matter they've carried on their head, I walked out of the hall in search of Timmi. She wasn't present at the time Mrs Ekehinde was talking to us, I wonder what could have kept her away for so long. She didn't try to explain where she was going off to after the dismissal assembly, not told me that I should wait behind for her. Her driver would be picking us up.

Timmi's house is located in the same estate with mine, that's why we often go home together and why we're so close. We're practically like sisters. Sometimes when my mom has the night shift at work or can't come back home for days, I would spend the nights and days with Timmi. I must honestly say that those were one of the best moments of my life. We knew each other's crush, likes and dislikes. It's why I'm so confused at her recent behavior. I don't understand why she's suddenly being secretive. I'm certain she's seeing someone, what I can't say is who the person is, and why she's keeping it to herself.

I decided to search for her in the school field because that's where she normally hangs out with every boy she's ever dated. To get to field, I have to walk through some of the cars parked in the compound. There's a garage after the examination hall, where teachers could park their vehicles, then you see the field on the other side; left side of the cars, to be precise.
Some students were clustered there, mostly SS3 students. I had to walk through to them to go into the field.

As I was boycotting, I heard sinister voices and snickering behind one. I didn't like that one bit.
I looked at my shoes, they were in perfect condition_my hair was still neat and tidy_my uniforms had no stain on them, why would some group of friends be snickering behind my back.
I became alert. I lingered behind to overhear their conversation and be sure they weren't talking about me.

"Serves her right. She thought she can behave however she wants to in this school because her uncle is the principal." I heard one of them say.

"I heard it was not the principal that judged the case sef. It was Mrs Cherish." Another one with a high-pitched voice added.

"If the principal had judged that case I wonder what verdict he would have given."

Hearing what the third voice said, was definitely the last straw. I didn't need a soothsayer to know that they were talking about me. Specifically about the fight that occured between Bella and I.
I think I can tolerate a lot of things but not when it has to do with members of my family.
I turned my back to the field, taking bold steps towards the circle of friends.

"At your age, I didn't think it's still okay to talk about people behind their backs. If you have something you want to say to me, I'm here now, say it to my face and let's get this over with." I looked the three of them in the eye. They are all my classmates but not my friends.

"Please don't come here to shine eye for anybody. You can do that when you and Bella are taking turns to wash the toilets." Dinma talked back.

It's true that our punishment is to wash all the toilets in the school for two weeks. It should have been more severe but we were considered as WAEC candidates, not because my uncle is the principal of the school. So we got a less severe punishment. Which I don't still like but have to deal with anyway.

Her stupid friends giggled behind her back.

I was more than appalled at their childish behaviour.

"I must say you have improved." I started. Dinma cocked her brows in confusion at what I wanted to say.

I waved my hands pointing at her friends as an illustration. "From being lonely and seeking attention and a group to belong in, now you've finally created a pathetic clique of your own."

Her face scrunched up in anger but she kept quiet.

"Well done. Now you don't have to suck the air out of others so you can feel that you belong." I smirked at their expression. They got what they deserved.

"B*tch! I should have known that you were a sly person. You made me do a lot of horrible things just to be a part of your horrible clique." Dinma fired.

"You were just too dense to realize how stupid you were being back then. Don't blame your foolishness on me."

It's not my fault that she did everything we wanted her to do back when we were still in junior year. She had gone out of her way to be senseless and honestly I didn't care enough to tell her to stop. My friends enjoyed using her as their slave and I just couldn't be a killjoy, so I let them take advantage of her even when I knew that she would never be accepted in our group.

Back then she brought her meals for us to eat, her food was always delicious I must admit. She spent her allowance to buy drinks for us and even paid for our transportation. Whenever she complained of not having the resources to sponsor us anymore, we advised her to get a boyfriend or sugar daddy who would give her money. We convinced her that we did the same thing and sponsored each other, so if she wanted to become part of our group, it's only right that she does her part of the deal. She did for quite a long time until she started complaining bitterly and pressurizing us to add her into the group. That was when Amara opened up and told her that she was beneath our status for her to become a member of our group.

I felt slightly bad for her, but I couldn't do anything for her. I loved my friends more as well as I loved being the leader of our group.

"I was foolish back then I agree, but thankfully I do not have snobbish, egocentric girls as friends." She pointed her forefinger at me. "I hope the day comes that the same thing happens to you, then you'll know the value of the people in your life."

"Dinma let's just go." One of the girls pulled her out by the arm and they left me standing there.

Her last words kept ringing in my mind. Have I really been taking the things and people around me for granted that I don't know how to treat them with the love they deserve.

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