"Good morning" He greeted.
"Good morning sir" they replied.
No time for smiles.
He went straight to teaching.
"Highlands and lowlands. Who has any idea what Highlands means?"
"Sir, island or high land?" James asked.
Saw that coming.
"HIGHLANDS".
Apa's hand shot up.
"Highlands are areas of land that is at elevation"
"Very good Apa. Now lowland, anybody".
James said playfully "lowlands are areas of land that is not at elevation. like Apa's chest". He burst into laughter along with the rest of the class except Apa.
"Be cool bro". Ricky said giving him a fist bump.
The look on Apa's face was funny even Keneti was suppressing his laughter.
"Lowlands are areas which are lower than surrounding area". Apa said instead.
"Very good Apa. Now put this down.."
"I forgot my note at home". Rose shouted.
"You don't have to shout. Just write it somewhere".
"I didn't ask you. Mind your own business".
"Quiet. Just put it down somewhere".
"Excuse me sir. James is bugging me".
"No am not... she's.."
"That's because you're.."
"At least i don't.."
And the morning fiesta began.
Everyone started picking on each other except Joy.
Keneti was so disturbed. His brother's secrets, his dad's anger, the bad weather, the noise,.....his head was starting to spin.
Just then, the school principal walked in.
"Gooooooood morning ma'am"
The six demons... I mean students, immediately greeted.
"Good morning. Mr Smith can you see me in my office after class?".
"Huuuuuuuuh" The student cooed.
"Of course ma'am".
Then she left.
"Yoouu clinking, clanking, collecting of caliginous junks. Look what you've done. Mr Kenn...." Moose was starting to say.
"Hold on dude. Why the big words".
"Just quiet down and write this".
Keneti ordered in a serious tone.
Class over.
Keneti walked out and headed to the principal's office.
Meanwhile the students continued to pick on themselves since the next teacher was probably not coming.
"You know what you are James?. you're a thin stinking billy goat".
James burst into an annoying laughter.
"Oh c'mon babe. Don't be like that. You know you like me. That's why you're sniffing me".
Apa rolled her eyes and hissed.
"Calling you stupid will be an insult to stupid people". Apa said.
"Hey Rose borrow me your shoe. I need to go fishing".
"Your face is so ugly, when the fishes see you they'll just die. Just pick them with you nee...".
"Just stop it guys. Someone go get Mrs Johnson".
"Why don't you go?".
"I'll go". Joy volunteered.
"Yeah right". James bluffed.
"The only thing you know how to do is to criticize other people".
And one thing led to another the fight began.
Keneti arrived at the principal's office, knocked and went in.
"Here I am ma'am".
"Oh have a sit".
"Thank you".
"So I believe you're getting used to teaching here. I know it might be a little hard being a new teacher but trust me you'll get used to it. The students might not be easygoing sometimes but am doing all I can to enforce disciplined".
The principal was trying to have a friendly conversation with Keneti but he was in no mood for that.
He just smiled.
She got the clue.
"So. I was thinking. I want the children to go on a camping trip. You know..... the first camping trip Gus college is going to have".
"Hmmm. Nice"
"So I was thinking, I want you, Mr tombstone and Mrs Robinson to be the children's guide. The school bus driver will be driving you back and forth. And only class viii will be going. I believe you'll be able to handle just six students. We want them to experience nature. Far away from the city. And we're taking them to Nage forest".
Keneti couldn't help but smile.