A week passed by faster than I could guess, and before I knew it, I was in daddy's car. On my way to Grace Reform Academy (GRA). We had gone through the rules and regulations multiple times already. Don't create trouble, Don't join trouble making, Don't poke trouble. Basically, be a good girl, mind your business and pass out with good grades.
Easy right?
I don't think so.
I was starting to regret my decision on punching Nevaeh's face when I saw the stiff and starched woman, who was supposedly the head mistress. Everything about her was rigid and stiff, ranging from her hairdo, to her glasses and her skirt suit. Plainly stiff.
I noticed the long fat cain, placed cautiously on her table and debated in my mind. I was very sure that cain wouldn't be used on students. But my dad reaction to the cain was a lit up face. Perfect!
"Now that everything is settled, you'll come after me while I lead you to your classes." I caught myself just in time to listen to her instructions directed at me,"But first, have it." She stretched some piece of clothing that materialized from nowhere towards me. I took it and studied it.
My brain suddenly clicked when she pointed at a close door. It was the uniform. I had never seen any mixture of color looking so distasteful. It was a mixture of black, white and ash.
What exactly was this school supposed to be? A prison yard?
I stood up slowly, making my way to the room. I got donned in the black skirt, baggy shirt and grey tie, placing my jean and shirt in my school bag. I was very sure I looked nothing less than a fish.
Thank you very much daddy!
I crawled walk out of the room. The adults were set, just making last minutes decisions. I heard my dad saying, "I need you to watch her. She is very strong headed, never takes to instruction."
"Not to worry sir. We know our stuff here sir, we have much worse cases that had turned out better." She assured him, while I just shook my nose in mockery.
Nonsense versus ingredient.
"That is the behavioral class, it's like a lab. Each class have it as a subject, but at different time." The school tour guide pointed out, my hands were itching to come together in a mockery clap. Orishirisi!
Wonders shall never cease!
"Finally, this is your class. Sss 2A." The petite lady stopped in front of a closed door and I knew that was where I had to take it up myself. "Thank you ma." I appreciated smiling, even if the lady could not be more than 21 years of age. She gave a tight lipped smile and then left, abandoning me to my fate.
Breath in. Breath out. In. Out!
Sluggishly, I held my breathe and invited myself into the class. Firstly, the coolness of the air conditioner I was sure was blasting at full force welcomed me in, blowing away whatever nervousness I had in me. Back to business, I had entered a class so rowdy yet orderly. A young man was standing rear end of the class, he was the teacher I guessed because he was the only person not dressed in this sin of an outfit. He was also laughing with the class.
The class paused their movement when they felt a presence. I froze, it was only a matter of time before someone broke the silence.
One.
Two.
Thr...
"Are you the new student?" The teacher questioned, moving towards me.
"No jor. She's too short, maybe an Sss 1 student that lost her way." A boy from the back offered, the whole class laughed like they had been expecting his statement.
"Dozie hush it!" The teacher warned, he was at long last beside me ,"Teniola Adams right?" He asked warily.
"Yes sir." My voice came out as a squeak. Great! Just great!
"Well then. Welcome to the class, welcome to GRA." He piped in cheerily, at the word GRA again, the whole class was in a fit of giggles.
The teacher sighed,"Guys! We talked about this."
"Sorry!" The whole class again. Were they programmed or what?
"By the way, I am Mister Jerome." The Dozie boy interrupted singing, "Joromi Joromi. I want you to love me, Joromi Joro..."
"Dozie!" Mister Jerome yelled.
"Sorry!" The whole class together... again.
"Sorry about that." The man had my time again, "That is one of your classmates Dozie, but I'll advice you to steer clear of him. Real Baba for the girls I tell you."
What kind of school was this?
"Now that's settled. Have your seat." He clapped, pushing me forward.
I looked at him, which seat? He seemed to understand my confusion as he chuckled face palming," See me! You see that fine girl very there, that one sitting in front of that gorimapa. Yes, that one. She's free, go and seat beside her. Aunty Janet please make space for her huhn. Eshey oh! Thank you."
Confused, I walked to the beautiful fair skinned girl he was talking about and took my seat cautiously. Just in case she was peevish. Can't take no chances.
"You can seat comfortably." The quiet confidence voice put in, smiling at me.
Okayyy. So she was nice?
"Thank you!" I said sitting more comfortably.
"Yeah, I'm Janet by the way." She said, all her 32 flashing at me. "Teniola." I replied, taking out a new notebook from my bag and a pen.
The bell rang at that moment, while she replied,"Nice name!" I nodded. Awkward!
"My last word..." The teacher started.
"But you're not dying na." Laughters again. There were a lot of jokesters and clowns in this class.
"Solve every question from your engineering mathematics textbook under impartial fraction. Submit on Wednesday." I expected complaints and grumbles but surprisingly nobody did. Wow!
Mr Jerome left the class and I turned to my new seat mate confused, "Did he actually mean we should solve it all?"
"Yes. Any problem?" She answered concerned.
"Is it not like too..."
"Much? Yes. But we are used to it. And this is not even plenty sef. Normally, he gives like three chapters exercises at once. I guess he is doing welcoming party for you." She chuckled, on her feet now. Books were loaded on her hands.
"Ooh. I'm sorry but where are you going?" The whole class was on their feet too.
"Lunch room. Ain't you coming?" She had a type of faint British accent.
"I don't really..."
"It's compulsory." She smiled patronizingly.
I stood up too, grabbing a random textbook from my bag, so as to not leave the class empty handed.
I guess I was going to settle in just fine.