MARIE’S HIGH - CHAPTER TWO

MARIE'S HIGH SCHOOL
Welcome to Marie's High School, kids", uncle B announced as we alighted his car after facing the heck of traffic at the school's main gate. Kudos to MH traffic wardens for ensuring all cars stayed in two lanes demarcated by cones, which enabled all drivers to drive in at their appointed time, though it took longer. "It's so big", Segun said, showing more expression with his big eyeballs as though he's never seen such a type of building before.

Uncle B locked his car after ensuring we had gotten all our belongings out of it, and led us to the reception office. I couldn't lift my head up while following his lead because I felt everyone around was staring at me. We were no fewer than peanuts in my previous school, so I had trouble dealing with the crowd in my new school on my first day. I didn't think I would be able to put up with them for the three good years!

"Good morning, welcome to Marie's High. How may I help you", the receptionist welcomed us with a smile which displayed one of the coolest dimples in the world. The dimples I wished I had.

"Hi, ma'am...." Uncle B responded.

"Oh no, sir", She laughed and almost made me blame God for not blessing me with those!

"I'm Miss Angela. Are your kids old or new students?" She asked politely.

"Seriously I was actually thinking of asking you out on a date, but you just reminded me of my marital status. Thanks for making me feel old, ma'am", Uncle B joked - or I so I thought. The lady laughed again - intimidating me further. "Well, they're new students and I'm their uncle", he finally told her.

"Okay", She checked our details on her computer. "They're so lucky to have you...and adorable too", She gave him a tab to sign for security purpose.

"I'm flattered", Uncle B smiled.

"I'm sure you'll enjoy learning here. Just sit right there, my colleague will attend to you soon. "Thanks", she made us sit on the reception chair near a nanny trying to pacify a cute crying baby who should have been resting on her mom's warm bosom.

Shortly, a middle-aged woman asked what kind of drink we'd love to take. Gbemi was the first to reply her by asking if the drinks were free, which I felt was quite embarrassing. After being told they were free, she ordered a cappuccino and her brothers did the same. On the other hand, Bola and I declined her offer maturely like Uncle B did. He then received a business call and left, after hugging and encouraging us with words.

Shortly, a representative of the registration department took the new students to the orientation hall after grouping us according to our educational level (elementary, junior, and senior high school), so I was separated from my siblings. There, we learnt Marie high's history, rules, regulations, vision, mission, clubs, and  uniform code. Thereafter, a representative of the tourism department took us on a tour round the school with a guide book in our right hands.

As I sat on of the seats in the assembly hall after the tour, I watched students coming in from different entrances. At the stage, the school's band were examining their various musical instruments (piano, drums, guitar, and violin) with a "Can't wait, to unleash what we've got here" look on their faces. Soon the lead singer, a fair and short girl started singing the "Yesu almasiysa song ", and all the murmuring students in different parts of the hall kept quiet.

In the long run, listening to her was worth it because she had an angelic voice and a good backup which made me feel jealous, because I was interested to being a choirester but too shy to face a crowd. Actually, I doubted her at first but she exceeded my expectations. Has that got you trying to guess how good of a singer I was? I don't want you guys to think I have a very good voice oo..... Lol, though it's not bad either.

"Let's give it up one more time for Marie's high voices", a female prefect mounted the podium when the choristers finished a hymn from our hymn book titled "Let us with a gladsome mind" and led the prayer session.

"Good morning to you all. Firstly, I welcome all new students to Marie's High and everyone to a new term and session. Lastly, I appreciate the efforts of the management, staff, prefect, and fellow students in ensuring our standards remain unshaken. I pray the Lord will give us the strength to keep up the good work", the school's president also addressed us and got a round of applause in return.

"Now I call on Chidere Nwachukwu, the best student for the previous session to anchor today's five minutes talk", the assembly prefect handed the microphone to him.

Chidere talked about cleanliness and gave tips on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. When he left the podium, the school band returned to lead the national and school anthem with their pledges. Lastly, my new principal started his speech by thanking the almighty for the grace to witness another term and welcomed us to a new term, admonishing us to get ready for work, say no to bad conduct in and outside the school's premises. He laid more emphasis on what we were told in the orientation hall and dismissed us. Thereafter, we moved to our classes.

In my new classroom, thousands of eyes gazed at me. My small ears turned red, my willowy body frailed as my dark glassy eyes read the unwelcoming expression on their faces. Yet from nowhere, someone with a cool voice started singing. Soon, the rest of the class joined in, then my body became calm. Whoever composed the lyrics of their welcome song did a great job, as well as the guy who rapped.

The white walls in my new homeroom were designed with art paintings and portraits of great men and women in our society with their quotes. Some of these were Nelson Mandela, Prof. Wole Soyinka, and Barack Obama. A big projector also stood behind the whiteboard which was opposite the teacher's desk and the remaining space in the air-conditioned room accommodated the student's desks with lockers and chairs.

"Tell us about you, miss", A scary-looking teacher said to me while I was still waiting to hear more songs from my new amazing classmates.

"I'm Oluwanifemi Adeoye. I hail from Abeokuta, Ogun state. It's nice meeting you all", I said while trying my best not to stutter. I did eventually, which promoted them to applaud me.

Amidst the clappings, I could still see lips ridiculing me. It wasn't a first time experience, so I got over it quickly.

"Hey, I'm Shola Majekodunmi", a girl with a chirpy voice rose to give me a hug and offered me a seat close to her in the front row unexpectedly. I don't think I belong to any of their social class here to start with.

"It's nice meeting you", I smiled and we settled down.

"Good morning. I welcome you to Marie's High school regardless of being an old or new student. Here in Marie's High, we have standards morally, academically, and culturally which distinguishes us from other schools. You've heard it all from the principal. I'm just saying this on behalf of our latecomers. If you want to be an official student of this prestigious school, you must be ready to use your energy and time to maintain the standard else you'll cease to be a part of us. We're not after the number but quality of students produced from this citadel. And here in SSS1 emerald class, we've been known, since I became its distinguished homeroom teacher, to uphold the standard. I'm sure you wouldn't want to create bad records for yourselves. I wish you all the best", our homeroom teacher said while walking to and fro the class, then marked our attendance register on his computer and left.

While looking through my schedule for our first class, the tall fair guy who rapped the part earlier approached me.

"Baby, what's up?" he asked and sat on my desk.

"Hi", I replied to make a good first impression even though he seemed like a gangster to me. On a normal day, talking to my mates especially guys is the last I would do, which why they thought I was arrogant, which isn't true. I only enjoyed being alone, thanks to grandma's absence.

"I'm DJ Freaki, the most talented artiste in MH", He tried to impress me. I didn't know if complimenting him was the best thing to do or keeping to myself, because the last time I checked, I was never a type of girl that guys loved to impress.  Still, I wished I could tell him that I'm different from other girls that aren't like me, that my education is all that matters to me, and that I don't mind people calling me a loner, but these words couldn't come out of my sealed lips.

"That's good", I replied against my will, just to hasten the conversation I wasn't willing to continue with him.

"So are you single?" He drew people's attention to us though the only way I planned to make myself popular in school is being outstanding in our forthcoming examination, yet I didn't want to embarrass him in front of everyone.

"Yeah, I am, but I'm certainly not searching, " I said humbly.

"What made you think I was gonna ask someone like you for a relationship? You're nothing compared to my girlfriend", His rude response made everyone laugh at me. I was right...he was a bully. All he wanted to do pick on me - embarrass me. He had no intention of having a relationship with me or better still welcoming me to Marie's high. Like any girl my age, would, I felt hurt but I was certain about getting over it soon.

Fortunately, Mrs. Adedokun didn't choose me to narrate the "How I spent my last holiday" session, in English class. I was always scared of talking in public due to my shyness so I preferred writing my thoughts. Besides, I didn't enjoy the last holiday, so there was nothing for me to talk about and I couldn't even recall traveling since I was born!

Anyway, I listened attentively to the ones who were chosen to address the class. One of them was Rose John. She talked about her vacation in Rome, which included her visit to the Trevi fountain commonly known as the fountain of love, where she threw two coins hoping to return there someday, find love and meet an attractive Italian as the instructor said. She didn't throw the third one because she wasn't ready to buy a wedding dress which made everyone laugh. She also visited the pantheon and the Vatican museum. While narrating her story, she projected some video clips and pictures to make it more real and understandable for us.

Shola Majekodunmi on the other hand told us about the bittersweet experiences she had with grandma in Abeokuta including her visit to the Olumo rock which is a historical place of the Egba people. According to her, the rock was said to have long served as a fortress and a rock of offense of Egba land since the 19th century. Its 137 meters in height above the sea level and a bit easier to climb than the Zuma rock which is 725 meters. From the apex of the rock, one would be afforded a panoramic view of other tourists' locations in Abeokuta like the first church of Nigeria, the central mosque, the river Ogun as well as the family house of the late Moshood Abiola.

I felt proud of her when she was saying those things and at the same time, I was jealous and sad that I didn't know the history of a place in my home town which grandma said was close to my late grandpa's house.

"Do you mind joining us to check out our new locker", Shola said after English class. I believed beyond unreasonable doubts she was only being nice to me because I was a new student but didn't mind since the last thing I wanted at that point in time was a female friend.

"Yeah...sure", I followed her lead.

On our way, she introduced me to her friends. The first, Morayo, was a new student like me -plump with an average height and dark while the other, Aisha, nicknamed "Jesus baby" by her friends, was slim, fair, and short (the lead singer at the assembly hall). I could tell from their conversation that Dolly was more informed than others. Aisha seemed cool and reserved but Shola possessed both attributes.

"Hi, Rose. I'm so glad you enjoyed your vacation. It's been a while. You look more pretty", Shola turned to Rose whose locker was beside hers.

"Yeah but your face looks uglier. I almost couldn't recognize you", she flipped her long chestnut hair, and laughed with her squad.

"Don't tell me you have cancer and liable to die soon!" the second girl said. I couldn't believe someone could be so vulgar to say that to her fellow human, her classmate at that! I felt like slapping her but I couldn't. I felt concerned about Shola even though I didn't want that to happen. Still, I blamed her for speaking with them despite knowing their attitude.

"Rose, I don't mind getting a vacation treat to Rome from your dad. I can't wait to throw a coin in the fountain of love so D1 won't be able to keep his eyes from me", Shola replied excitedly, not a bit affected by the words that came out of their mouths.

"I'll advise you to stay home till you die. Your family no doubt can't afford flying your dead body back here besides I'm sure Chief John's not gonna waste on an unprofitable and shameful thing like that", the second girl scoffed. Things were getting more serious than I thought.

"I did that once and Freaki's acting like he's just hasn't seen me before. Even if you try it a million times, he can never fall for you. Anyways, I'll tell my dad about the trip, he does charity for poor people like you", She rolled her eyes.

If you were surprised to hear her mention Dj Freaki, I wasn't. As they say, "Birds of a feather flock together".

"And you can try washing your head in the river when you visit your hometown again", the third girl said and they left.

"Jesus baby or not, I wouldn't take insults from that rude girl", Aisha said

"Idiot is the right word", Morayo whispered and they chuckled.

"What's an insult compared to a trip to Rome?" Shola swayed joyfully.

"So you want to throw your self-dignity away because of a trip that's not even sure", Dolly eyed her.

"What do you think?" Shola turned to me.

"The way we view things differ," I told her.

"You're just Esau in the bible who sold his birthright for a pot of porridge. End of discussion", Aishat concluded.

Mr. Kunle, my new biology teacher, started his lesson by explaining the topic outline for the term and gave us assignments. He was a young, skinny, and intelligent young man. After his lesson, Shola, and co. tried to force me into eating at the school café but I didn't. I hated eating in public places because I didn't want anyone to criticize my eating style, either inwardly or outwardly.

Instead, I went to check out my new library, which was as silent as a memorial park. The books there were arranged on shelves according to subjects like history, Mathematics, literature, Accounts, and others. There were also sections for novels, magazines, journals, CDs, and others. Beside the shelves were chairs and tables for readers to sit and read on with water and drink dispensers nearby. The librarian moved around at intervals to ensure every where was noise-free, cool, calm, and every reader was satisfied.

As expected, I went through the literature section, to search for something new to read since "Faceless" was meant for my personal study time at home when I heard a whisper, "This will crack you up". I turned to see a giant built guy standing right beside me.

Seeing him almost made me pee in my pants!

"I'm Timilehin. It's nice meeting you", He offered me a hand.

"Nifemi Adeoye", we shook hands and he gave me the play titled, "She stoops to conquer" by Oliver Goldsmith.

"This place's meant for reading, not discussing", the librarian with thick-lens glasses approached us.

"I'm very sorry", we said in unison.

Timmy was right about the book. It was funny from the beginning when young Marlow mistook his father-in-law's house for an inn and treated him like an innkeeper to the part where he realized his mistake.

"Who's going to answer my next question", Mr. Jeffrey asked in Literature class and almost every student raised up their hand. The joy of every reader is to show-off what they've read especially during lessons but mine wasn't so. I had a phobia for being punished for getting a question wrong.

"Hey there", he pointed towards Shola who was talking with some unknown girls at the back row.

"Yes sir", she answered in a shocking state, probably because she didn't expect him to spot her where she was seated considering the size of the class and looked very scared of him.

"What figure of speech was used in this expression- Freedom is slavery", he inquired, while staring at her weirdly.

"Oxymoron", she answered confidently and waited to be told to sit down.

"Nifemi Adeoye, is that the right answer?" Mr. Jeffrey turned to me. I was waiting for another person bearing that name to stand up but none did so I had to.

"I think you're in the position to decide the right answer, sir", I said to him with trembling hands and a humble spirit. I didn't want him to think I was acting like I knew more than him.

Teachers generally say they want their students to know more than them but if they eventually do, they feel hurt especially if the student acts rudely to them. When that happens, they'll be forced to use a cane on them, which is not the best way to welcome a new student- especially someone like me. But, I didn't expect the teachers at Marie's high to adopt the use of canes and horsewhips in punishing their students though.

"I believe instructions from teachers to students are meant to be obeyed as well as questions, right or do you think I asked you that question because I don't know the correct answer?" his smile wasn't a very cheerful one. I hoped he didn't see me as a disrespectful student because I meant no harm.

"I think its paradox", I prayed silently to God, so as not to be embarrassed on my first day in one of the top schools in my country.

"Okay, girls", the right answer is........."

A/N:
I can never forget this particular question because getting it wrong made me like I wasn't ready to sit for my WAEC examination which was only a week away then🤣. Other literature students out there, what do you think is the correct answer?