CHOICE IN A THIN LINE Page 3

CHAPTER THREE

  Wardrobe in Mr Collins room painted brown. For a stranger sent to the room; just standing front, he or she might conclude it is a vault where money is stock for important use. I brought out the key, push it through for easy opening. Dark, white suit, guessing which one Mr Collins prefer left me pulling out my beards. Wristwatch to match each suit lie below; I took one fine wristwatch; gold-plated made, transparent logo showing inside. My name knock my head; I was scared as if someone has been watching me from a close range. Stealing is something my late mother hate. Taking what does not belong to me is sin. I paused to see if I am being watch unnoticed to me. “Paul bring me my dark suit. Also my briefcase.” “Okay boss!” Mr Collins almost enter his room. Answer I gave to him was my saving-grace. Well posture dark suit clasp my hands. “Boss, I am coming!” I closed any side that may be open, locked my boss wardrobe. On my way to give him his dark suit, Georgina sprinkled water on me, I was shocked, I breath noisily. “So it is you!” “who else if not me.” “Don’t wet my boss suit; be prepared to face his wrath if his suit is wet.” “Georgina! tell Paul I am waiting for him!” “boss, just a minute!” I left Georgina, she eavesdropped as she heard Mr Collins making a call. “Boss, am back.” “You stayed so long, I expected you to run faster; well, this is exactly what I want. I must increase your salary. Only you will enjoy that benefit.” “Sir, I don’t think your wife will allow that!” “is there any problem when I left for work?” “I woke up late, your wife slapped me.” “Paul ... tell me the truth, was there an argument between you and my wife?” “boss, it can’t happen. Only waking late caused that. I pray such won’t happen again.” “Sorry for my wife treatment against you.” “Paul take this sealed envelope and tear it gently.” “Welcome ma’am!” “tear it first before welcoming me!” “Hillary even forgot her husband is standing close to her.” Mr Collins voiced. “Admission to any college of my choice? Is this a fantasy or a dream? This is what my mother want for me. Now it has become a reality.” My happiness was at its peak. “Hillary, good you did not tell Paul our plans for him.” “Thank you ma’am. Thank you sir!” I said. “I am going back to work. I came for my dark suit.” “Darling when you come back, we shall discuss more.” Mr Collins never worry of going back to work for his meeting. As the chairman of his company, he was breaking his rules against his staff. “Early as possible, get ready, Mr Lawal is taking you to college. I have gone to check how quality the college I want for you is.” “I have no sandals, school bag, books, biro to carry to school.” “Inside that polythene, all your books, biros, sandals, bag you wish to have is there.” “I’m too slim ma’am. How can uniform size me?” “this slim uniform in my arm-bag shall size you to fullest. By the way: is Georgina around?” “she should be in kitchen right now!” “that is not her place of duty.” “Ma’am welcome back. I don’t know you are back.” “Georgina, you hid from me; all because of following me to my working place.” “I did ma’am because you have been stressing me.” Angrily, Hillary slapped Georgina. Georgina fell directly to her back. “Paul is she dead?” “I can’t say.” “Call the ambulance before something happens. I am finished. Help me Paul! Remove my cell phone from my bag. Dial this number.” I dialled fast as possible. “Not available!” “Try again!” “Okay. Is ringing ma’am! Hello we need an ambulance. Someone here is injured. My name? I am Paul. From Mr Collins house. Yes. Yes.” “Thank God an ambulance would soon be here. Paul it is not my fault; beg Georgina for me.” Blood welled Georgina body due to falling. Her left eye seems it is badly damage. She struggled to lift herself up. Strength had gone far from her. I consoled her. She smiled sourly to me. “Paul what on earth is this? Blood? Did something happen just now?” “Put off your fear; just a misunderstanding.” “By the way, who did this?” “my boss wife.” “Almost murdering Georgina!” “an ambulance is on its way here. she will be treated when getting to hospital.” “Georgina sorry for coming late; I could had save you! Bring me bandage from that locker!” “this is it.” “How did it happen?” “Hard to explain.” “how can it be hard to explain!” “Okay. I will tell you. Hillary slapped Georgina!” “why!” “Georgina expressed herself that she was been stressed by Hillary. That was the genesis; Hillary saw this as rudeness exhibited by Georgina. Margaret is here!” “Any problem?” “I receive a call informing me to come here.” “Who called you actually?” “I of course called her. Hillary my boss wife begged me to call for an ambulance. I told my receiver that this call is from Mr Collins house.” “Thank God they are here!” “Unfair of you ... ma’am!” “please it is a complete mistake. We shouldn’t exaggerate this. I have money to give both of you as far this is kept secret.” “This money you want to give us as bribe; how much is it ... ma’am?” I asked. “One thousand dollars!” “whoa! an opportunity I can’t let slip by. Don’t you think so?” David asked. “An evil was perpetrated and you want me to support that by receiving money to shut my mouth. By law I suppose to inform the police of this!” “if poverty is your heritage, to be rich is my target. Remember our suffering in Jerry’s abode. Have you forgot your experience of eating swine faeces?” “I won’t take that money. That is betrayal of trust to Georgina. Besides, this will tarnish my image!” Hillary rest herself on the couch. She swallowed her saliva. She brought out her cell phone pretending of calling. “David this is all the money I have here. I could have increase it. I promise each of you something more than that.” I frown while kneeling beside Georgina. “She might die if not taking care of. Let us do everything to keep Georgina back to her good health.” I pleaded. “Journalists is here! how comes?” Hillary inquired to know. “Hillary Collins the regular guest on radio 24 FM, we came immediately we were inform that somebody has been murdered in Mr Collins house; tell me more of this!” “I want to use this medium in apologising for my behaviour towards our dry-cleaner. I am so sorry. This won’t happen again!” surprisingly, Georgina stood up. “She is not dead!” all the police men screamed. “This is a case of attempted murder. Ma’am, follow us to our station!” one of the stern looked police men ordered Hillary. “For a minor offence?” “Yes Ma’am. Your dry-cleaner will also follow us so that she can write a statement about you!” the other waiting police men came in rush with their clubs and whisked Hillary away. Another car was use to take Georgina to the police station. “Bye!” all the journalists present waved me. I was so bewildered. Only I and David were left alone. “As one family we must rescue Hillary from the police men. David this is all we can do!” “wrong boys. I brought them!” “who?” “police men you saw!” Margaret said. “I told your mother I love Collins. Before that your mother said she wants you to be a seaman because that was what your father want for you when you choose your career in life.” “So you were so close to my mother?�
�� “I and your mother are close friends. For this I must go and bail Hillary. Sgt. Okon is in charge of attempted murder case. He flirt a lot. My lips would kiss his lips and that is all. If proving stubborn; my buttocks will sit on him.” “What?” I could not believe her sayings. “An harlot?” “Good nurse!” “This is out of your ethics you knew that?” “not even the womanizer Doctor can stop me. He is so easy! My hot hips is always what he likes most. Doctor Phills the one you knew is his name.” “Doctor Phills?” “Margaret or whatever your name is; if my boss wife is imprison I must slice your throat. Try me and see!” “David that is okay.” I begged. “Stupid of Doctor Phills I knew so much! Bringing himself low as against his profession. David, Doctor Phills was good to my mother. I trust my mother, she don’t support flirting; Doctor Phills could had been advised if my mother knew all this.” Margaret sat worried, to her the Collins’ would be peeved with her petulant way of bringing the journalist when ought not to be so. “Boss! He is back.” Margaret pretended, her back faced Mr Collins; she seems deserted. “Margaret why have you come to my house?” respond to Mr Collins question is more of a difficulty for Margaret. “I am talking, I need an answer now!” Margaret sprung from where she sat, adjust herself and smile tensed. “Hug me my love!” she demanded. “Look Margaret, leave my wife alone! Have I not pocket you with ten thousand dollars for you to stay clear from my wife?” “my love, loving you won’t end.” Mr Collins gently remove his dark sunny specs, rub his head, and spit anger, he put on his dark sunny specs. “I have just dropped anger out of me, luckily for you to have not take a share of my anger.” Margaret grumbled, fix her wig on her head. “You surly woman get out before I call the police against you!” “last thing to do; I believe you can’t!” “David I receive a call from Sgt. Okon informing me of my wife in cell; can I be brief on what happened?” “Georgina has a little quarrel with ma’am!” “my wife?” “yes boss!” “Not so ..! my love.” Margaret snapped. “Your wife Hillary try to kill Georgina after a small argument.” “I was told you brought an investigative journalist to my house.” “I did that out of ignorance. I still love you and I want you back!” “understand this Margaret, it is over between us!” “I will blackmail you and your wife if that is the only option of getting you back! When I aborted my pregnancy you thought all was over? this is best time to seek my revenge against you or your wife. Look at you; how can anyone believe this is the most powerful chairman of various companies shaking like a rat beaten by cold.” “Shut up! Boss: let me handle her myself!” “out of it, David! I was single when we were dating but now I am married; that signifies I am different from before. In two days time come to my office I shall give you any amount of money you want. Promise me my wife won’t hear this.” “Millionaire begging a nurse? Ha! Ha! Ha! I love that!” “boss your wife is back!” “Go after her!” The police men rush out from their cars, one of them handcuffed Margaret hands. “Game over! I won.” Hillary said. “Georgina feeling good now?” “I feel okay. A confession boss; can I make it?” “Why not.” “Boss, Margaret gave me some money to poison your wife.” “My wife?” “I told the police men all.” “Why refusing, telling my wife from onset? If not that my wife was arrested, you will conceal everything from me. I can’t trust you.” “Forgive me boss!” “Georgina we planned it.” “No. Say the truth Margaret and let devil be ashamed!” “take her away.” Heavily armed police pushing Margaret into the car. “Wait!” she yelled. “Collins this is not fair. Save me I don’t intend going to jail.” “Go ... leave my wife alone.” Margaret was immediately taken away. “Hillary forgive me; all this while I have not open my past to you.” “Weird to hear.” “As your wife I must forgive you.” “From now onward, no external affairs anymore. I won’t keep late at night. I must take you to any night club I go to if you insist.” “Hillary is no more a spitfire? After cooling her head at the police cell. What do you expect?” “people change at all time.” David declared. “Let us go inside and have a merriment. In fact, your salaries are ready.” Mr Collins said. Georgina smiling, her deep cut on her head shows how severe her wound was. Hillary, first to enter inside; oldie music to excite Mr Collins to dance blast out from the standing speaker. “Prepared to celebrate my victory against that harlot.” Hillary announced. “Paul I heard you talking; during that time my spirit has gone. Everywhere change when I fell. I could remember hearing David talking about a thousand dollars. Tell me more.” “I can’t recall what you heard Georgina. Sorry to say it was a guess out of your mind. Yeah!” “Paul think twice and tell me; when my eyes was half opened, your voice brought me back to life.” “Georgina, I will say it was not your time to die; to me you were almost dead. If it were the best time, then nobody would had save you.” “Sit on that chair. Hillary is preparing rice and stew; today is a good day! Ready to dance with me after eating. All of you!” happy Mr Collins announced. Normal indoor work stopped. I ran inside my room, rub my face with white powder. I dust off my body. Ran back to parlour In readiness for celebration. Food serve on our table; Hillary so fast in preparing it. “I prefer rice and stew mix with salad; it gives me strength when I eat it.” “David I also like it; not only you.” “Disco time. Finish eating all of you and join me and my wife to dance. I dance very well when I was in Amsterdam. I go clubbing, but I don’t bring ladies to where I lodge.” As Mr Collins finish talking he embraced Hillary as he noticed Hillary about to say he was a liar. “Boss is getting a bit older and he has no child of his own.” “I think you must be the one he would see as his child.” “Funny of you Georgina; it mustn’t be as you think.” Freedom can’t be trade for anything other than it. As one family eating same time is rule we must all follow. Mr Collins stop showing his skills of dancing. He quickly alert his wife so that both of them can join us to eat such a delicious food on the large table. “Alarm in my wristwatch must be informing me of something. O, today is my birthday. How I wish mother was here; she must be extremely happy to experience it with me.” “For the fact that your mother is not here I can be your mother eating alongside you. I am. I am.” “Good to hear that. As I clock a year older, best food I can say I have tasted is this delicious one.” “Umm!” nobody was left out in surprise. Eating squalid food to mark my birthdays had now be a thing of past. “More food available in pot in case if any of you is not satisfied as I am seeing.” “Look! flowers inside my food.” “Bush boy. Lettuce is what they call it. Now you know!” “That’s okay. That’s okay both of you must end that harsh conversations or else it must turn into another thing. Am I clear?” we answer as I and Georgina shook our head. “Sorry for that boss,” I said. We all finish in satisfactions, I stood up and pack all our plates to kitchen. “Now you are back. Congratulations Paul on your birthday. You are such an honest boy hard to find anywhere.” “Ch
eers!!” I was too happy all along, an housekeeper like me treated with dignity. Fast enough for Hillary to dance while we watch in mood of celebration galore. The music was on as we all dance happily on a hot afternoon. I again remember my parents as we were all dancing. Georgina inquire to know my reason of stopping suddenly. I lied I am just having a little headache. Mr Collins carried away by interesting beats coming out from the music. “Can you dance Conga music?” “simple to try but don’t laugh when I am dancing anyhow.” I roll myself to the floor stood up in high esteem. My long sleeves fold up quickly. I clapped noisily. Stretched myself back to floor while resting on both hands and feet. “That is not Conga Paul!” “Can you please teach me how to dance that. Since you know better than me.” “I have had that name couple of times but I believe is music. Dancing it is impossible to try.” “We are okay for the day; everyone can go and rest, you can all sleep as well. By this time tomorrow my boy Paul would have been back from college.” Hillary already fast tired; Boss was showing her way to room. “Where is David?” “sleeping undisturbed in his room. He prefer sleeping than being among everybody.” We both push my room door open. Georgina crashed on my bed. She knew I am angry and I want her out immediately. Quietly, she crawled to sleep on rug. Happiness express from her shows how interesting the rug was sleeping on. I lain face up.* “First day in school will be so weird to me. What do you think of that Georgina? Am waiting for your response! Asleep? Just now? Only me, Well: time for me to also sleep; wake up and go to college for the first time. College day!” “Open your booklet for me to see if you are right or wrong. Please be faster. The invigilator is coming.” “Give me some minutes Sandra.” “Paul stand up. Give me reasons you chooses to talk while writing your examination. I said stand up!” “I ask her if she has an eraser.” “You must be out of your mind. Sandra stand up. Is there any objection to his explanation?” “No sir.” “Therefore you are both guilty of internal examination misconduct. Severe punishment for both of you!” “Objection sir! We did not cheat while writing our exam. Reconsider and give us last warning. We won’t try that again. Trust me, trust me sir.” “Hello class: something might be on between Sandra and Paul.” “Whoa ...!” “Shut-up and write your examination; I don’t want noises from class I am invigilating. Now sit both of you. When you are both through come and see me in my office.” “Yes sir!” “Class silent please. Any problem?” “Through sir!” “now come forward and submit your answer booklet!” “I forgot writing my name on my booklet. Let me do that faster.” The examinations was too tough for me. I now can see what led sweats to soak my uniform on me. “Through Sandra?” “Yes Paul.” “Sir I got something in my mind I want to say.” Students in the class were already tired. As if they were expecting me to distract Mr Steve attentions. “Mr Steve is calm, gentle and very nice. Cooperation is needed. I am not saying we should cheat. Do your best and leave the rest. Steer clear from cheating.” “Sandra did you have a word for us?” “Paul is right I think. He is. He is. Look at us again we are one!” Sandra want me to have an affair with her. I never expect her to expose herself so cheaply. Mr Steve want more explanations from Sandra as she said we are one. Unexpectedly, Billy stubborn boy in class jump forward to hear more from Sandra. “Sandra is the girl of my dream. Many times I wash her uniform. I clean her sandals; plait her hair. She is mine Paul. Class: Paul is taking what doesn’t belong to him. I can’t concur whatever he says. Will you all help me?” my mother had already told me to be calm when provoked to anger. “You are a liar.” Sandra rages to Billy. “Don’t you ever say that again. You hear that? I have nothing in common with you. Look elsewhere and find a girl that will match your status.” “Can you see Sandra is fit to be with Billy.” “Paul you are perfectly right for saying what I have been expecting from you.” “Billy hold her left hand!” “Okay Paul.” “Now lift it up.” “Hurray! Hurray!!” all students in class so happy seeing troublesome Billy beside the girl of his dream. “God forbid; with my servant? I bought every of his needs. Billy is serving me. Look for yourself. Billy! Clean my sandals for me. Now!” Stupid fool never knew Sandra was determine mocking him. He use his socks to clean Sandra’s sandals. “That is good.” New boy in class expressed. “I enjoy this I haven’t seen in my former school. This is good I love it.” “Go. Go back and sit.” Mr Steve was perplexed. “Sandra is it true both of you had been dating?” Sandra spread her palms on her face; began crying. Billy pleaded with her to stop. My worries is that I can’t warn Billy to free Sandra. “Okay I have question to ask in midst of everybody. Really?”Mr Steve eager to know more of Billy and Sandra. If what he is seeing is nothing but the truth then Sandra has case to answer in Mr Steve’s office. “Class submit all your scripts immediately.” I left the class taking all my books with me. Sandra also follow me as she sobbed. “Paul. Paul.” I pretend having stomach ache so as to avoid Sandra. Disillusioned can affect my studies if not properly looked at. Family I left behind left a wide vacuum in my memory. I thought of them. Mr Collins a nice person to live with; I still baffled a person like him still exist, I was fortunate.

  “Sandra why calling my name in pretence? Leave me alone. I deserve not to be bothered.” “Is it because of what Billy said to the whole students in class?” “no.” “Then cheer up and put on a warm smiles.” “Of course that is part of me, Sandra!” “not what I see with my naked eyes.” “Billy is right person for you. Go meet him along before he start to look for you.” “I guess; you both are heading to the buffet. I can follow any of you if you want me to join.” “Billy it occurs to me you want to know where Sandra and I are going to.” “Wrong to say that Paul.” Sandra hold herself when Billy appeared suddenly. Enough words is required to chase Billy away. “I need some money.” “For what Billy?” “just give me if you have little.” “Money on me is for taking a snapshot.” “Can you lend me my friend?” “this is a pranks you both are trying to initiate. I know this will happen.” “Swallow back your statement; I need you to apologise for derogatory statement against me in particular.” “Sorry Paul, I fail to control my anger. It is as a result of this idiot Billy!” “Sandra he has done nothing wrong to you. Billy is funny all around places I have seen him. Entertainment is in him.” “Oh. You want to say he was entertaining everyone in class? He made an embarrassment of me in class. I won’t take it likely with him.” “The money I need from you Paul is for buying gifts to Sandra. I have hurt her feelings. I did.” “Lend the poor boy money he need. If it is not available tell him you don’t have it right now.” “Don’t think I am poor Sandra. I got asset that can buy everything you need
including you.” “O, tell me what type of asset?” “my natural knowledge.” “Silly.” “You can’t say I am silly. Have it in mind that I am the only person helping you during the time of tests and exams?” “It is normal to do.” “From now henceforth it won’t be normal again; Billy shall feed you with information you need during exams.” “Paul change your mind.” “What again you still expect me to do. Sandra understand I have tried enough for you.” “No Paul.” “Then what again?” “help in exams.” “Read your book and pass. That’s all.” “I am sorry Paul.” “Sandra we shall see again.” “Sandra why worried when happiness is not far from you.” “Listen to him.” “He is disturbing me when he knows we are both talking together.” Billy blew out air in tension. Discussions not favouring him bring an uneasy calm on him. “Why?” “Any problem?” “Billy is shedding tears.” “Is it true.” “Yeah. Why snubbing him?” “Billy sorry for that.” “His tears has dried as you beg him.” “I can join as well?” “No. Wait for me over there.” “Sandra let us end this. Follow Billy to where he wish to take you to.” “Paul succumb to my demand. That is all I need during exams.” “Tomorrow we shall discuss this.” “Goodbye Paul.” “Take this money Billy; I want you to smile.” “Going home?” “straight to the library for research work.” “We see again when back with my Sandra.” “See you.” “Hey! Hey!” “where is that voice coming from?” trees beside the library were shaking. Only me walking alone to library. The wild breeze flow around. Despite how scorched the sun was. Nothing stops sand on floor to be hot. “It is me.” “I can’t see you ...” “Here closer to you.” “Is this a game?” “Here!” “What?” “Sandra sent me. Come immediately.” “My assignment to the library is yet to be completed. When I finish, believe me I shall be on my way to where you want me to meet you.” “Can’t you forfeit that for a moment?” “Not even a million cash can lure me away from achieving my aims in life. Time for school business. Am sorry other time. See … you.” “Okay Paul: Just show up anytime you wish. Be hasty come to school buffet.” “Hold my books Billy.” “Why so heavy?” “That is the price of working towards success.” “Another means is possible not this. Is unbelievable Paul.” “Billy no shortcut to achieve greater success in life. Read as you can so that failure won’t be yours.” “Thanks for your advice. From tomorrow differences will show on me concerning my future in this college. Believe me.” “Billy wait, can I trust you?” “Paul when you get there you will see Sandra waiting anxiously for you.” “Okay no time to waste let’s go!” I take a quick look at Billy; his school trouser were well trimmed as if he knew the day is his. “Hello Billy!” the sitting students in the school bus eager to see Billy their usual mentor. While moving the bus stopped and all the students forced out to shake Billy one after the other. “Thanks. Thanks I won’t stop appreciating you all! My fans love me. How do you see that Paul?” “So interesting to see. Is it just because of today’s drama in the examination hall?” “Of course. That has never happen before. I broke an history.” “Sandra over there! Why so much gathering in buffet?” “Mr Steve had promise to wait till you arrive and join us. I didn’t want to inform you. I want to take you by surprise.” “Surprise!” “Paul we have wait so long for you.” “Sir permit me to say I am about to be mock again.” “Thinking otherwise?” “for the fact that I can see all my classmates here I will say something funny had been planned when I wasn’t here.” “Like what Paul?” “Billy and Sandra should have a clue about that.” “Think so?” “I might not be wrong about this Sandra.” “That is enough Paul. Actually, my wife gave birth today that was the reason everyone in your class gathered around me. Forty years of marriage had given me my first child I would not have Imagine as doctors says I am impotent.” “You proved them wrong sir.” “Of course I was right from onset. Nothing is wrong with me. I shall forever be happy of this.” “I am so, so happy!” “sit for your food to be served.” “My reading today is cancelled I must go to library tomorrow as early as possible, yeah!” I watch with calm as all my classmates eat happily. Billy sat close to Sandra watching me as if I am about distracting him from eating his food. My food was delayed due to late preparation. “Exactly the food in my boss house. The same scent every time.” “Any problem?” “Georgina it was a dream about school I am yet to be in.” “Boss sent for you. He require you to prepare faster. Remember today you will be in college. Mr Lawal is fully set to take you to school now.” “My school wear is not ironed. How do I do now?” “trust me Paul it had been ironed. Smile!” “Thank you Georgina.” “When you get to school a uniform must be given to you today, okay?” “Good to hear that. I am on my way to the bathroom.” As I splash massive water on my body I began to feel cold. From the north, the cold is faster to team up with southern wild cold. Bathing very late can cause pneumonia I have no option but to make a determination of waking myself up day by day. Mr Lawal scared me as he shouted my name to alert me of his readiness. “I am about joining you shortly Mr Lawal!” “Paul be hasty before he leave you behind. Okay!” “Time is too short.” “Mr Lawal must be so angry anyway he can’t complain to avoid dismissal.” “Yeah. Fully ready.” Boss wait anxiously for me in happy mood. His curiosity take me back as I remember how I was as well curious about my father I longed to see. “Happy day for you today.” Hurriedly I flung myself to the waiting car Mr Lawal was. Looking myself from mirror inside the car I became scared. Odd look from me downgraded my courage to experience first school life.“First day for you.” “How did you know Mr Lawal?” “By your dressing. Your collar is not presentable kindly adjust it.” “O let me see what I can do to adjust it. I don’t like any tie.” “But now you can’t escape to wear it. Your school uniform that would be given to you is with tie.” “How to adjust it is a problem Mr Lawal.” “Wait let me park the car and help you to adjust it.” “Park here Mr Lawal.” “Police-men around if I parked wrong you can’t notice them until an offence is committed.” “Here Mr Lawal.” Easy for my boss driver to knot my tie. “Now you can call yourself a student not a tout. Nice to see you this way.” “If not you many students will mock me today. Something bad is prevented in my first day of school.” “Be prepared I am almost getting to your school.” I pant as the word came out from Mr Lawal’s mouth. “Get down hurry up. Students right now are in assembly ground you can catch up with them.” “I am perplex to see large numbers of students.” “Take away your fears Paul and join them in assembly or else you shall be punish.” “A new student never know what late coming is all about. For this I will be childishly pardon.” “Too early t
o make a judgement on your own case.” “No time to talk more on this; I need to be among my fellow students. Bye.” “I shall come to lift you home Paul.” “Where should I stay in wait?” “outside school.” “Okay.” Mr Lawal drove speedily to meet up with my boss. On way to assembly; I was shaking as I walk. It was as if I was the person all the students had been waiting for. Thunderous claps to my direction almost push me down. How to come up with an idea of silencing them became my prime target. “I am one of you.” “Hey new student keep your mouth shut or else I shut it for you.” Bullying is around the corner; in fact muscular students were beside me making me look like grasshopper. “New student can you scratch my back for me?” I pretend as if I am deaf as I was asked to do what was not right for me. “You heard me.” “Here to learn not to serve my mate.” “O, ready to receive my blow.” “Please know me and let us be friends.” “I don’t want to know you,” he yells. “Students go to your various classes,” the announcing prefect commanded. “Expect me in your classroom.” “Am new and I don’t think you can know my class.” “Whoever dares with me pay through his or her nose.” I left him while he was still barking to get me at all cost. A tall slightly slim man walked past the narrow ground linking to each classroom. He looked at me and make a low tone. My attention to know the man worry me. “He is the person in my dream. A teacher!” Circuitous prefects finish talking and each grin; hold whips checking shabby dressing. “New here?” “Y-Yes.” “Tense this morning just like that.” “Maybe Billy threatened him that is reason of him nervous.” A prefect closer to me said openly. “Paul Collins The headmaster need to see you right now in his office.” “It is Billy’s fault not mine.” “Not that. The headmaster want to give you new uniform and show you your classroom.” Immediately I heard that I prayed not to be in Billy’s class. “Pray to your God not to be in Billy’s class. That boy is a bully. Expelling him is something difficult for the school authorities to do. He breaks students head for fun. I will prevent that from happening to you.” “How?” “If the headmaster ask me to go and count number of students in Billy’s class I shall tell him that class cannot occupy another student. That means going to that class will be almost impossible.” “O.” “Headmaster is coming!” Paunch tummy headmaster with his bald head bracing forward happily; lot of files equipped his stressful hands. “Good morning sir. Good morning sir!” I greeted him; he never answered. “Follow him.” A prefect ordered. I catch his office and entered slowly with him. “Paul Collins where are you?” he shouted. “Already at your office sir.” “The Collins’ are a known family so therefore you are also known as one of their own. You are acting different from the family. Which class were you in your former school?” “never been to school all my life.” “Wow! Can you cope in any class?” “of course sir.” “School conduct is from this pamphlet. Take this keep it with you always. Rules and regulations also exist there. Fighting in school is a serious offence. We had expelled numerous students fighting. Billy is next we are targeting henceforth. You may know who he is later. Mr Collins is good friend of mine calling me time to time. Most people believe Mr Collins and I are twins. Take a look at me we are alike. So you are my son.” we are not alike for even a second. I wondered if Mr Stingy’s eyes is clear. I waited for my boss. Mighty textbooks on Mr Stingy’s table shows he may be a bookworm. He smiled at me.

  “But sir, who told you that I am son to Mr Collins?” “your resemblance is answer to that.” “A worker in his house ... can never be his.” “My handset is always ringing, who is on line now? When I finish; I want to hear what you are about telling me Paul Collins my son. Who? Who?” “It might be my boss.” “Mr Collins is on line. Hello Mr Collins, I can’t hear you clearly. Call back later.” Again the phone rang harshly. The headmaster grudgingly picked his phone and answered. “Okay I’ll be expecting you.” An harder breath came from worried headmaster more enough to sent me shivering. “Take this books Paul Collins and keep some in your bag!” “Mr Collins is around,” the female receptionist mutters. “Tell him to come in.” I sat as my master was around. A shrill voice came forward into the headmaster’s office. “Is Mr Stingy inside?” Mr Collins asked. “Yes. Standing before you sir!” school meeting is about to be held it stopped as Mr Collins had come. Telling exactly when his discussion with Mr Stingy would end is not easy to just predict. “Mr Stingy my boy is here, please take care of him before I come back from overseas!” “Congratulations sir.” Mr Stingy excited as he heard overseas. He is aspiring to be there one day. “It occur to me meeting is about to commence here but my coming had prevented that.” “Mr Collins my brother, happy to be with your son.” “Oh my Paul? He is my housekeeper.” “Gentle boy indeed my brother.” “Well Mr Stingy I should be on my way to airport. Take this money. This money would be enough for Paul’s schooling fees for each term spent here.” “Thank you boss,” I said. “My boy Paul when I come back from my trip I want to see you in flying colours. Avoid troubles when it comes.” Unbelievable to me myself seeing me crying all along. “But boss for once you never told me you would be heading to overseas. How can I cope without you?” “Paul feel bad? From look of things I want you in school boarding house so that Hillary won’t stress you!” “but boss how about Georgina?” “She will run all the work at home. Lawal is on his way to bring your belongings. My regional meeting is to be attended in Congo. Lawal is here. Bye Paul.” Boss held his golden briefcase left after talking with me. On his left wrist a watch was there to keep his eyes busy each minute. “Wait boss!” “What again?” “Take my amulet wear it always to prevent you from attack from your enemies.” “Good wearing but so heavy on my neck. Besides I don’t believe in amulets.” Mr Stingy silent and watching. “Keep it with you Paul. Maybe when I return you may give me back.” Mr Lawal opened door for his boss to be in. “As usual boss early morning flight to Congo is now. Enter and let me drive faster to airport.” It looked like dream to me; no Georgina here. “Paul primary three is too crowded. Only class free is primary four. You go there for interview. A teacher is waiting for you there. Hurry up before he finishes with other new students.” “On my way sir!” I ran out shut the door. “Where actually … is primary four? Good morning sir!” interview had started as I enter. “How may we help you?” “Mr Stingy sent me here.” “O yes, for interview?” “yes.” “Did Mr Stingy mentioned my name to you?” “No.” “Mr Johnbull is my name.” Wider eyes man with short pointed nose. Mr Johnbull have an hectic days ahead for completing his mission as new entrance students tests officer. “Are you prepared for your test?” “fully ready to write it sir!” “Come over here take a sheet write your name!” while writing I turn every second to look if at all Billy is in that class pretending to write same tests with
me. Billy is unpredictable since he had promised getting me at all cost. I faced down doing all my best to excel in my tests. One important mission easy for me accomplishing is in this college. My second mission is ahead. “Time up. Submit your tests I want you all to wait for your result.” Mr Johnbull paused gaze through each answers of each tests submitted to him. “I don’t need to mark it merely seeing your answers I can say the rights and wrongs. Sit here wait for results to be announce by no one else but me.” My laps fidget restlessly; fear difficult to do away with began tormenting my state. Most new students sitting by my side never worry as defending all what they wrote is certain to make themselves calm. Mr Johnbull moody to announce what he might call poor results merely from his face one can say. “Only five students passed excellently. For now we now have our class four students. I shall paste their name for everyone to see.” We rushed to see only five students name pasted. “My name! My name!” “if your name is not there come again next time to write another tests,” Mr Johnbull said. “Who is Paul Collins?” “Here sir.” “You scored the highest mark. Now follow me to headmaster’s office for confirmation.” I never feel scared rather my boldness was more pronounced. On reaching Mr Stingy’s office my smiles increases bit by bit. “Paul Collins I may say I’m proud of you. First time someone from a rich family passed an entrance tests here is almost a decade ago. History difficult to break is broken by no one else but you. Congratulations!!” “thanks for that sir.” “School boarding is ever ready to welcome you. Holiday can take you home. Without that reaching home is not permitted.” “Mr Johnbull take my son to class four. Make sure he is comfortable there,” Mr Stingy expressed. Stress is much, that led Mr Johnbull dashing his eyes and pushing his rounded tummy forward which can be mistake for a garbage can. Gravity stretched our feet to class waiting for me. Billy held his waist in wait; standing front of class four. I pointed my finger alerting Mr Johnbull that Billy wants to deal with me. Stupid of him, he rejected the claim. All students arose when Mr Johnbull enters. “I hope you have all prepared for my class. General studies is good to hear, enjoy it more and more.” Conversations among students present makes class four a drama-place. “Silent. Total concentration! I need a student to shed more light about continent he or she is representing.” Noise from onset seized; I kept head down thinking, waiting for a rescuer. “Raise your hand up if having anything to say.” From my seat I show up courage stood up. “Yes Paul Collins anything to say?” “Umm ... Africans are more known with their dark race. We all belong to that category.” Mr Johnbull clapped in appreciation to my explanation he accepted. “One day Paul Africans pride will be you.” Billy smashes desks beside me out of quick anger. “Class this is Paul Collins know him very well from today.” A girl came shaking hands with me. “I knew this face somewhere.” “Me?” she forced out. “Sorry if I may be wrong saying so ... .” Her name eager for me to ask. “Your name?” “Sandra.” “This is too much for me bearing. You were in my dream last night.” “What role did I played in your dream?” “you were a burdensome to me Sandra.” “That is enough Paul Collins. Billy can you shed an explanation on how British succeeded in colonizing Nigeria?” “Difficult to remember sir.” An embarrassing laugh spread across quadruple corners of our class. “Unserious boy. Instead of researching you find pleasure in fighting.” Though Mr Johnbull shows his dissatisfaction concerning how daft Billy had expressed himself but he never let that to weigh him down. “I should be ending this teaching for now and attend to Paul Collins.” Mr stingy already waiting for me. I ran catching up with him making it easy for me to be handed my key to my room I will be staying. “I don’t know my room sir!” “go meet that prefect over there he shall assist you.” My heart beat reducing my faith in prefects. “Your belongings had been with me for over two hours. Paul Collins we pray you enjoy room that is free from violence.” “Me?” “that is our college receptionist calling. Go and meet her she got something to tell you. Make sure you must listen to her very well.” The college receptionist never complained I wasted her time. She gladly welcomed me smiling.