22nd September 2017. The academic ground.
Tintina and Lea are in the student's public toilet. Tintina is wearing her scout uniform while Lea is on her class uniform.
TINTINA:- (holding Lea on the waist) last night was the greatest night of my life. what came over you?
LEA:- (smiling as her hands crossed over Tintina's neck) honestly I don't know, but it felt right. (she then kissed her)
TINTINA:- (she Break the kiss) we need to go to the hall now. They will soon announce the new head of girls.
LEA:- come on Tintina. we all know it's you that is going to be the new head of girls.
TINTINA:- Why are you so sure?
LEA:- because everybody in the whole school likes you.
TINTINA:- everybody likes you...and Vero too.
LEA:-not compare to you. you are a people person. you are free with everyone and consider everybody to be your friend. even with the severe inmates. The whole school has voted for you.
TINTINA:- ( she laughed) It's not over until Principal Ruth announces the winner. so let us go!!!.
LEA:- ( she stood in front of the door) I will let us go on two conditions.
TINTINA:- (she laughed ) are you serious?
LEA:- you bet I am.
TINTINA:- ok what are your conditions?
LEA:- firstly, (she slowly came closer ) you are going to kiss me hard.
TINTINA:- (she grabbed Lea by the neck and gave her a deep kiss for about 10 seconds ) what's the second condition?
LEA:- ( her eyes were still closed as she opened them slowly to Reality) ththe...sesecond condition...iis...
TINTINA:- stop Stammering and talk straight.
LEA:- (she laughed) ok... I want you to hold my hand until we reach the hall.
TINTINA:- ok fine. ( she held her hand) can we go now? ( Lea nodded as they held hands and walked to the school conference hall. they reached the entrance of the hall, Both took a deep breath, Separated their hands, and walked inside. )
All the students of Zeal Academy are seated in the school conference hall. As usual, the sitting arrangement is into three. The inmates on one side, the Scouters and the Girl Guides in the middle, and the academic students on the other side. Then the teachers, staff, and the three Peace Corps are seated near the altar. Principal Ruth Sunday is standing behind a podium on the altar while Scoutmaster Jamal Johnson and Warden Julius Malema are standing beside her. Principal Ruth Sunday is a Nigerian in her 40s. She is a tall, slim, healthy-looking woman wearing gold-embellished Vlisco and heels. Scoutmaster Jamal Johnson is a half-white, half-black African-American guy, probably in his early thirties. He is tall and muscular in shape, with full dark hair and a perfectly well-carved beard, and also has pink lips. He wears an earring on one ear and has on mascara on his eyes. He is wearing the scout uniform of America. Warden Julius Malema is from South Africa. He is also tall, very dark in complexion, and has a bald head. He is wearing normal regular clothes, which make him look peaceful but dangerous.
VERO:-( wearing her scout uniform Looking at Tintina and Lea coming towards her as they sat on two empty chairs next to her) where have you guys been?
TINTINA:- ( they talked at the same time) Hostel.
LEA:- Toilet. ( Lea and Tintina looked at each other)
BOTH LEA & TINTINA:- Hostel toilet.
VERO:- hmm... ok ( The atmosphere was awkward but she went with the flow)
TINTINA:- so what did we miss?
VERO:- you are just in time. Mrs. Sunday is almost done announcing the new prefects. Remaining head of boys and head of girls.
TINTINA:- ok. Thank God. ( Lea then held her hand as they both smiled)
MRS. SUNDAY:- ( well-polished English) ... and now, the moment we have been waiting for. The New head of boys Is...( the hall is completely silent) Usher West Jackson!! ( everyone jumped and clapped as Usher walked towards the altar to Receive an ash blazer and a hand shake from the three heads and went back to his seat) The new head of girls is..(Vero is smiling confidently)
TINTINA:- ( at this moment. slow-motion emerged as her head turn to where the staff and peace Corps were sitting down. They were all unpleasantly staring at her) something is wrong.
LEA:- ( she looked at Tintina) what did you say?
MRS. SUNDAY:- Lea Cynthia!! (the whole hall went silent with shock. You could hear a pin drop. Vero looks devastated but Tintina has on a wild smile. Tintina stood up and started clapping for Lea as Everyone gradually followed and cheered for Lea as she got the courage to walk to the altar and receive the ash blazer and walked back to her seat ) now quiet everybody. ( the hall was quiet) miss Tintina H. Harrison. please walk up to the altar. ( the hall was quiet as All eyes were on Tintina)
VERO:- ( Tintina then stood up but she held her hand and whispered to her) Tintina don't walk up there.
TINTINA:- what! why?
VERO:- run. leave this hall now!
TINTINA:- I don't understa...
MRS. SUNDAY:- Miss Harrison?!!...(she is smiling awkwardly at Tintina as everyone clapped at her as she walked up to the altar ) We all love and admire Miss Harrison here. she is nice to everybody, she follows the school rules and keep her grades up. ( students started clapping again ) yes she has the Qualities to be head of girls. but we have strong information that Miss Tintina Harrison has been involved in Lesbian activities in the school. ( students started talking)
TINTINA:- WHAT?!!!
MRS. SUNDAY:- quiet Miss Harrison!!. you are supposed to be Expelled from the school premises at once for this big crime. but because you have clean school records we decided you undergo therapy sessions in the juvenile detention facility with Pastor Peters for deliverance for two weeks. After that, you are to wash all junior students hostel toilets for four weeks.
TINTINA:- but ma...
MRS. SUNDAY:- shut up your mouth!!. peace Corps, take her to the detention facility immediately! ( Peace corp Chi-chi and J.p held Tintina's two arms...)
S.M.JAMAL:- (sweet nice voice )wait! ( the peace corps stopped walking with Tintina as he removed her Barrett, neckchief and badge of rank and he whispered to her) this will be waiting for you at my office ( then he smiled at her pitifully as the peace Corps dragged Tintina out of the hall)
"Anchor" written by Isa Hafsat Hamtin.