The foreign boy ...season 09.....season finale

....season 09.....season finale

Our journey was quite simple. I thought we would stay long in the air but it was as if we moved from Old Road to Main Market. When we alighted someone approached us, she was wearing a black skirt and a polo which was inscribed ORGANIZERS FEDERAL COMPETITION AWARD at the back, and the polo carried the competition logo at the front besides the shoulder area. It was written in such a way that the center space at the back of the polo contained all of them. She was wearing a deep smile. I just looked around the large Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport that I had been hearing all the while only from current affairs news.

"You are for the competition?" She asked. Seeing the inscription and the logo on her cloth, I knew we were safe. 

"Yes" uncle Mike answered

Your state Reg number "she demanded

"Oh! Here it is" said Nwaforaku, she brought it out and handed it over to her. She inspected it, smiled and gave it back to her.

"You welcome, this way" she pointed at the corner. There was a car waiting for us.

"My dear what's your name?" She was referring to Austin and I 

"Amara" I answered

"I'm Austin" Austin answered

"Wow, I can see the trophy written on your foreheads" she complimented

"Amennn" Nwaforaku said and uncle Mike smiled. It wasn't anything to me because I believed that that was what she said to all that came, and probably, teachers with tender hearts like Nwaforaku would also answer Amen, and unmoved uncles like uncle Mike would just smile. 

     We entered the car and while the driver drove us, I looked around and observed things. That was my first time being in Abuja, the renowned capital city. I wondered whether it was the same way that they drove all the schools that came. Anyway I wasn't that surprised, I just wondered whether it was the same country I knew or what. Just then, we drove into a mighty compound with high building. On it was inscribed GREENVIEW HOTEL. It was enormous and magnificent. The warmness at wish those receptionists received us was amazing. I saw some white guys and an Indian lady. She was wearing their traditional gown and the tunic was sweeping the floor, yet she didn't mind. She was just beautiful to behold but Austin didn't notice her. While Austin wanted to turn he matched on her tunic. It drew her back. When Austin noticed he said "oh sorry". She just smiled. Austin looked at her till she left the door. I knew Austin admired beautiful ladies. Just as the lady was leaving the door, some Chinese guys entered in. They were two men and two ladies. I observed Austin's expression. He frowned his face and sighed. I started laughing were I was. Those Chinese ladies in Austin's eyes were nothing to write home about. They were slim to Austin's dislike. They were far from pretty, I wish to confess, although it was obvious looking at them that they were rich. If I were to score with Austin's beauty marking scheme, I would say that they got 23/100, its F. But I didn't know that I was being merciful for when Austin came besides me he said

"God knows I can't be a Chinese. If these people were to be scripts, I would write to them SEE ME WITH THIS SCRIPT. I laughed but I didn't talk to him. When the teachers were done, we were shown our room. Just then, Nwaforaku told us that she wasn't going to be around with us, she had been sent on an errand by the principal. She was going to be around the next day. Before she left, holding both of us she said

"I will try as much as possible to be here tomorrow. If you do not see me, uncle Mike is here with you. Do not panic. Remember always trust your instincts even when the obvious is negative. You have studied well and I'm proud of you. Continue to make me proud". She hugged both of us and then went out with uncle Mike, and only uncle Mike came back to us. I never wanted Nwaforaku to leave. She was like a mother to us. Her presence was a great encouragement. I hoped she would be there present the next day.

     My uneasiness began when that evening around 7pm, uncle Mike came to our room and summoned us. The expression on his face wasn't welcoming but I couldn't presume easily. The room that was given to us had two beds, Austin would take one and myself one. We sat at one bed facing him while he sat at the other opposite us. Uncle Mike began

"Austin, Amara, I just want to inform you both, that I'm not going to be here with you tomorrow"

"Uncle are you serious?" I asked immediately

"Yes, I would have loved to but....."

"But uncle what have we done, we need you now" Austin interrupted. He didn't just want uncle to give his reasons.

"I just lost my mum now". I clapped my mouth with my hands while Austin faced downwards. There seemed to be a short silence. Uncle Mike began

"You people have practiced enough, and I believe in you so much". I felt bad and told him

"Uncle we can't do this without you"

"Uncle please we need you to be present" said Austin

"My presence makes no sense okay! You can always do it without me. You can always succeed without anyone, only if you want"

"Uncle this is not matter of making it without anyone, we really need you for tomorrow" Austin said

"I regret to say it. You know how much I wanted to be with you present, but I can't handle it now"

"Uncle but it can wait" I said

"My dear, you know if there is any favor you wanted from me now that I will do it for you. You did it for me when you agreed to follow me, even though you had just lost your father. But this one my hands are tied. I'm the first son and my mother made me promise her that her remains would never enter the mortuary when she dies. I was informed that she slumped at home and was rushed to hospital yesterday. She gave up this evening. I need to go home and ensure she enters the ground tomorrow. Stay well. I just want to ask for a favour" I knew what he was going to ask and he did asked it. We couldn't say anything. 

"Uncle!" Austin said "we are deeply sorry for your loss. We can't imagine what condition you are in right now. Go and bury your mum. May her gentle soul rest in peace" 

Uncle replied "Amen". There are times when Austin would assume an elderly role, and he acted as one then. Uncle hugged us just like Nwaforaku, we saw him leave. 

      It was around after 8pm, I was already distressed. I was sitting at the hotel eatery. Austin came and sat with me. 

"Here you are, I have been looking for you" I just kept quiet, not that I didn't want to answer but I didn't know what to say. 

"Let's go in and try some revisions" 

"I'm not interested" I just answered firmly supporting my head with my hand.

"This is not about......."

"Can't you get it, I'm not interested right now" I didn't know when I raised my voice and the people around started looking at us. I just got up and left. I just didn't know what came over me. I went at the back of the eatery, there was a swimming pool there. I rested my head at the wall and felt like crying. 

"Amara what's wrong, what's the problem" it was Austin. He asked slowly and gently. 

"Why did you let uncle go?"

"I didn't leave him to go" he replied

"You made him to leave, you gave him the admonition"

"Even if I didn't, he already made up his mind"

"You are a liar" I knew I was getting furious for just no reason, yet he continued being patient.

"Listen Amara, I'm not here to fight with you. Do you still remember that we have competition tomorrow"

"Isn't that all you want"

"It has nothing to do with what I want. Its both of us and you know that"

"You are a liar"

"Why are you attacking me this way Amara. We are supposed to be doing revision by now"

"That's all you care, you want to be reckoned as the best in everything"

"Amara something is not alright with you this night"

"Really, who started all these? Who? Who started avoiding each other? Who started neglecting each other? Who stopped talking to each other?" I looked at Austin, he just faced downwards. He remained silent while I spoke and then he said slowly and in a lower tune

"Amara, I have told you that I'm sorry. I'm sorry....I ......"

"Then why did you stop talking to me? Why?"

"Let's forget about this, please I'm begging you. Remember what we have tomorrow"

"I don't care, just leave me alone Austin, leave me alone" I didn't know when the cloud of tears in my eyes released. I held my face with my hands. Austin walked away. I didn't know where he was going. I called him back 

"Austin!" He didn't turn back. I was downcast. I was asking myself why I sent him away. I was so sorry, inside me, i felt devastated. I had to run after him but I lost him. I went to our room but he wasn't there. I just sat on the bed still wearing the cloth I came with. I waited for Austin, it clocked nine, ten, eleven and yet he wasn't back. I didn't know when I fell asleep. I dozed off on my cloth.

        I opened my eyes and someone was before me. His face was blurred. When my eyes became clear, it was Austin. He was just sitting before me on the hotel room chair, he brought it beside my bed. I dozed off at the outer part of the bed. When I opened my eyes he was just looking at me. He smiled to me and said

"You look beautiful while you sleep". I just looked him in the eyes. I wondered how long he had been staying before me. I looked at the wall clock before me, it was 1am.

"Amara, you will be taking the lead in the competition today". I looked at him, I got up and sat up

"Myself?" I said "no I can't lead, at least not like you" 

"You know Amara" said Austin "you were right in what you said. I want to be reckoned as the best. You have always been the best. Perhaps your decisions today might lead us to success"

"Austin I'm sorry for what I said" I apologized and Austin stood up.

"You don't have to be. Get some sleep, we have work in the morning" Austin said, as he wanted to leave I asked

"Why did you stop talking to me, Austin". He stopped and looked at me. 

"Amara I....I..."

"Austin please answer me" I requested

"Okay... Okay". He wasn't looking straight while he talked "you want to know why I stopped talking to you. Its because of you...you". He gasped and sat down "You were always in my brain, you were always in my head. I couldn't sleep without thinking about you. I seem to lose my concentration anytime I'm with you. I don't feel comfortable any day I didn't see you or hear your voice. It was obvious I was getting mad about you" he looked down motioning with his fingers, talking slowlier he continued

"I'm aware of all the hurt I caused you"

"You do?" I interrupted immediately

"Yes I do" he rushed in "When I found out that I was getting obsessed about you, I resolved to avoid you. The more I avoided you the more I hurt myself. The more I longed to be near you". When I looked into his eyes they already formed a bubble of tears. When he closed his eyes a drop fell down and I noticed my eyes were also wet. He looked at me and continued.

"I'm aware of all you have endured, it pained me much. I thought I could make things right. The more I tried to forget you the more you were there in my mind. I found out that I was having feelings for you". He paused and continued

"I shouldn't be telling you all these. I wanted to keep them for myself, but you have demanded for my reasons, that I have told you. If I should say anything, then I owe you the truth. I shouldn't have told you this, I hope you are satisfied now. I'm sorry" He made to leave and I called him back immediately

"Austin" he stopped. I stood up and went a bit closer to him "do you know, that's the same way I feel about you". He looked at me and his face expressed surprise but I continued

"Instead of you to stay and face it, you started running away. Do you really know how much you hurt me? Do you really know what it cost to stop talking to you? Do you really know the mark it created in my heart for you to outrightly snub me for just no cause? Do you? Austin do you?" It seemed as if I was getting off myself again. He got closer and said to me

"I'm sorry Amara. I'm really sorry" he got my hands "please forgive me, I love you". Those were magical words, seeing Austin tell me that he love me

"I have always loved you Austin, and you know that. I miss you. But what happens to Nkiru?

"Nkiru is not what you think, she's my cousin"

"Nkiru is your cousin? How? I never knew"

"Myself I never knew too, she is a distant cousin. We got introduced recently. You really know that I can only love one person now"

"And who is that?" I just desired to ask and hear it from his voice

"She's standing before me now". 

When he said this I just threw my arms around him and hugged him. I could perceive his breathing and heartbeats. I knew my problem, my problem was him. I found out that I had given him a part of my heart. And perhaps I held part of his. It disturbs when you love someone but the person doesn't love you back, but its most awesome when both hearts form sides of a coin. He whispered in my ear

"Amara please don't go"

When I heard it I said to him 

"Its already late" he withdrew back

"What's that" he asked

"That was the reason why I was disturbed this night, I received a call from my brother that I will be going over to Lagos after this"

"Amara please tell me you are joking"

"I wish I can" I said finally. He sighed pitifully. I felt for him.

"Its my fault, I pushed you to this". He sat on his bed supporting his jaw with his palm. Immediately his phone beeped, it was uncle Mike, he sent us a text and it read

DEAR AUSTIN, I HOPE ALL IS FINE? I ARRIVED SAFE AND IN TIME. SORRY I DIDN'T NOTIFY YOU IN TIME. TO THE GLORY OF GOD MY MUM HAS BEEN BURIED. I REGRET TO SAY THAT I WON'T BE MAKING IT FOR THE COMPETITION. MY HEART AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. I TRUST BOTH OF YOU. I HAVE SENT A FILE TO YOU, OPEN IT AND RUSH OVER THE WORDS BEFORE BOTH OF YOU ENTER THE HALL, IT MAY OFFER SOME HELP. EXTEND MY GREETINGS TO AMARA AND INFORM HER ALL I HAVE TOLD YOU. LASTLY, I WISH TO ASK YOU FOR ONE LAST FAVOUR, LET BOTH OF YOU BE FRIENDS AGAIN. GOOD LUCK TO YOU MY CHILDREN..... UNCLE MIKE.

      I wondered why all those things were happening at that moment. Austin whispered to my hearing

"Uncle don't worry, we have done it for you". I let out my hand and held his right hand, I squeezed it gently, he looked at me and said "Thank you"

I said "for what?"

"For everything" he gasped a deep breath and said "let's check what uncle sent to us".

     He opened it and we began to read through them. I didn't know when I dozed off. I woke up around 8am and found out that I was lying on Austin's bed well covered with branket. Some parts of my body were paining me especially around my ribs. I looked at my bed he was not there. Just then I found a tray on the table containing chocolate and milk, with a jug of hot water and four slices of bread. Besides it was kept a new toothbrush and a paste I haven't seen before. On the tray besides the chocolate was a written note, it was Austin's handwriting and he wrote

SLEEPERS AWAKE, GOOD MORNING, TAKE YOUR TIME AND PREPARE YOURSELF. WE HAVE BREAKFAST DOWNSTAIRS. I WILL BE WAITING FOR YOU. COMPETITION IS AT 11AM.

I just looked at what was set before me, that was a preliminary, the breakfast was downstairs. I came down at exactly 9:30am. I saw him discussing with some guys, it was always easy for him to make friends anywhere even where there were only deaf people. I came around and greeted them, he introduced me and we went for the breakfast. It was serve yourself, he got his before me and sat down at the table. When I came he said

"I know you dreamt about the competition and that was why you slept long, so which school won in your dream". He said that laughing. I knew he would tease me about that, I really missed his teasing and jokes. 

"And how did I end up sleeping on your bed?" I just decided to ask. When he heard he laughed and laughed and laughed. 

"What's amusing you" I asked

"Are you scared?"

"Scared about what?"

"You dozed off on my shoulder. I had to drag you up since I couldn't take you to your bed. The AC wasn't that favourable to you so I had to spread the branket on you so that you don't contract pneumonia here, you know those things pains around ones ribs. But you sleep a lot oh" he laughed

"Abeg, is it because you woke up earlier before me today". He just laughed. He could be caring.

     It was only when I thought about how all those things began, from the regional level to the state level and then at Abuja for the final level, all the Hurly-burlies we encountered, that I was compelled to appreciate  that particular 11am that saw to the commencement of the whole thing. It was something magnificent. Everywhere was filled up with people. We were the only school that was without any teacher. All the participants with the emblems of their state climbed up the stage. I observed as people settled down. The hall was filled with people of the different calibers. Lots of media men and women lined up and were doing their job. The minister for education was present with some other dignitaries. The way flashes of camera light poured on us, it was tremendous. We were told that the program was being presented live throughout the country and beyond. Even radio stations were present. I imagined our classmates watching us, our teachers, the students. I imagined Mathias and Samuel watching us, the All Hallows boys that gave us their opportunity. I imagined Cynthia and her friend from Federal girls Onitsha watching us. How she would be putting herself in my position if they had succeeded. I imagined many others especially those that really relied on us. I imagined our great uncle who was inexorably absent. How best to make him proud was what I was thinking. I searched for teacher Nwaforaku with my eyes throughout the hall, but I didn't see her. There was no one to cheer us up and give us encouragement, not one. I recognized the face of that man, he addressed us again and the competition started.

       There was a stage television also, the same procedures at the state level were applied. The 36 states were represented. Thus, the elimination method began. There were supposed four rounds of the competition with ten minutes break. The competition commenced. We began to answer, the type of nervousness that beheld my heart was astounding especially seeing other schools waxing strong. None wanted to fail. I wasn't that surprise because whatever school the state could bring up as their best could be nothing other than their best. I wondered whether we merited to be called the best, I knew truly well that there were many schools and students smarter than us, I couldn't define our existence to the federal level, it could only be Providence. 

      The first round could only congratulate itself because it was able to dismiss 16 schools from the list. Austin asked me to pick our numbers, I did and when questions were asked, we sought them out and give out an answer in the minimest seconds we had. While the competition went on, I searched for our teachers with my eyes among the audience, but I found none. The second round made sure that ten schools were dismissed. No second chance was offered. For the first time I saw uneasiness in its lucidity spread in Austin's face.

"What's wrong?" I cared to ask

"My dear, its no more getting easier. I think some schools have sort this out. I can't understand why a particular school will continue to pick simple questions here, while we hustle to solve ours. Its obvious we won't make it to the end. Look at, none of our teachers is here. I'm no more getting this". I saw bitterness in his face. If he was emotionally down, I ought to help him, perhaps he knew and asked me to lead

"Austin" I called "this is not the time for this. If you of all people should give up, what of us? What of those watching you right now at different places? What of those who believed in your prowess and made generous sacrifices without looking back. We can't make them regret it okay. If none is here for us, you should know that it wasn't that easy for them. We can't give up right now, let's continue to fight".

Actually, I didn't know when all those things came out from me. I know if it were to be me, that's exactly what Austin would have done. I really have learnt a lot from him.

      When we got down from the stage for the second break, that was around after 12pm, every teacher was busy admonishing their students and gingering them to further on, making promises to them, I had to look for the sink to wash my face. Just then a lady approached us. She introduced herself as Mrs Lydia. She said she admired us the way we answered questions. She was from Anambra but she resided in Abuja. She asked of our teachers but none was around. After talking to us, she was a great source of encouragement. The announcement for the 3rd round was already made and we proceeded to the stage. Lydia hugged us and while we were about to leave someone spoke from behind us

"We are always proud of you" they were our principal and Nwaforaku. There was a flush of joy in our hearts. We rushed and hugged them both. That was the first time I was hugging our principal because in school we were not usually close to him. He smiled and hugged us back. We introduced our new friend Mrs Lydia and it was easier for them to rapport. There was a surge of animation in our hearts. We felt we belonged again. With the new invigoration, we set out for the third round. 

       When it was our turn, I picked the question as usual and it was thrown back to us. It was obvious that neither myself nor Austin had a slightest idea. The type of time we spent trying to deliberate was unusual

"Austin" I called "is this the final?"

"No" he answered back "the answer is in you"

"I don't understand"

"What do you do when you have no idea"

"I trust my instinct"

"Good, go and give the answer"

"What if I ......"

"There's no 'what if' Amara" he interrupted "we are running out of time"

"God help me" I whispered to myself. A part of me chided me, maybe I could have left Austin to take the lead. When I stood at the mic and my eyes caught where Nwaforaku, our principal and Mrs Lydia were. Nwaforaku had her hands in clapped position and kept to her mouth. It was obvious she was nervous. All eyes were on me 

"D.....the answer is D" I answered finally with my eyes closed. The lady presiding the competition said

"If you knew the answer all the while you shouldn't be spending too much time, you got it correct". I heard Austin said "yes". I looked at Nwaforaku, she already had her hands down, she must have had a deep sigh of relief. I wished that uncle Mike was present, though I knew he be must watching us wherever he was. I hoped he would be proud of me, of us. When we answered the last question for the section, we found ourselves at the final round. The hall was now divided into two fractions, those in support of Anambra state and those in support of Ekiti state, they were our final opponent. What was considered there was first to lose, the final lap went on a spelling bee. 

     That particular fear that gripped me when we huddled the last part of our competition with the Federal girls came again since those girls from Ekiti could not relent. The words of Cynthia jingled in my ear "You always found your way out, hope that when you reach the federal level you will find your way out" I hoped so but the struggle wasn't getting funny. Schools that usually give us headache were always those comprised of only girls. They would never give up, I couldn't blame them because we all wanted the same thing. In competition, no one is a friend till it ends. Nevertheless I believed the words of Mathias when he said that he believed that there was something in myself and Austin that would favour our state more than if the Federal girls had represented us, and that thing he believed became true. When Austin finally picked our last question when our Ekiti opponents failed their question, the question was thrown to us and it read

"Spell xylanthrax". Austin looked at me. This was the same word that gave us victory at the state level, the difference was that then we chose it as an option, but now we were asked to spell it. I nodded he should end the struggle. The good heart of my Vivian was still at work. God bless the day I met Vivian. Austin made it emotional when he started with X.Y.L.A.N.T.H.R.A....... and ended with X, "xylanthrax", we were given a standing ovation, the die was cast and the end arrived. Mathias was right, I realized he was right. In the the midst of the ovation Austin looked back and while he came back towards me, I went forward and threw my arms on him fulfilling Jude's wish while we left, he said "I would like to see both of you hug again at the stage as you did before". I hoped he smiled. 

"Its finished" Austin said at last. Our principal and teachers came up the stage, we were celebrated. The effusiveness of the camera flashes that poured on us especially while the Minister for Education handed us our award was not only astonishing, it was capable of making our colour white. We were given scholarship to any level we desired, in any school we wanted, in any part of the world we deemed fit. 

      Do you know that time, when you feel that certain things, certain positions, certain awards are meant for some people, there are those reserved for you. Just then, we became celebrities. I wouldn't know how TV stations and radio stations looked like till we were invited for interviews. 

Austin revealed something to me, I had asked him after we dined with the minister for Education

"Austin! Why did you leave the seminary?" He looked at me with some askance. I knew he wasn't expecting the question, but he had to answer

"I was withdrawn"

"You were expelled?" He looked at me again

"I didn't say I was expelled, I was withdrawn"

"So what's the difference between withdrawal and expulsion?"

"In this case, Expulsion has to do with when you break the seminary rules grievously, but withdrawal is when you couldn't meet up with the expectations to be in the seminary"

"And what's that"

"I was withdrawn because I couldn't pass mathematics up to three terms"

"Are you kidding me?"

"You should have asked Mathias and Samuel". Seriously, I was filled with astonishment. Someone who couldn't make it in mathematics in the seminary now carried our day, that was enigmatic. He then revealed his final resolution

"Amara, from that day I saw withdrawal in my result till we came here, a day has never passed without me solving maths". I never knew. When he used that while addressing our students, people were surprised, it became a source of animation to many people. 

      "Amara don't go, please" Austin pleaded while we returned. I held his hand and caressed it

"I'm sorry, its already late. My brother has finalised everything. I have to go"

"So we won't see you again?

"Not as if I'm going to die, if we are still alive, we are still together"

"Its all my fault, I can't afford to miss you this way"

"Myself I am worried. Don't worry, we will be fine". I called Austin and informed him that my brother will be coming to take me on Sunday, I requested him to accompany me while I move to the park and he accepted. The last time I went to our school was on Friday, I came on mofty, myself with Austin. We made noise in the class for the final time. Jude approached me

"Amara, you don't know how you made our day that day. It was like champions league final. It was put for all of us and I had my heart at hand. You gave it to me back" we laughed and I said "thank you". 

"Amara we will miss both of you" I never knew Austin had planned to leave also. When I asked him why, he said he couldn't afford to miss me. I tried convincing him but it was already late. We never saw uncle Mike again, his phone stopped going and when we checked his house and his lesson place, his students reported that they hadn't seen him. I hugged Nwaforaku the last time before I left. The next day was Saturday, while I left on Sunday.

       My bags were already packed waiting for the next morning. It was 8pm in the evening. It was heavy on me. I just sat thinking about the next day when my anty called me

"Amara, someone brought this for you". When I opened the envelope, it was a calculator, Casio. I could recognize it, it was Austin's. I asked my anty who gave it to her and she said he just left, I ran after him. 

"Amara is anything wrong?" My mum called out and I shouted "Nooo". I knew he wouldn't have gone far, eventually I found him. 

"Austin!" I shouted from behind. He stopped but didn't turn around. I came closer. 

"You shouldn't have followed me" he said still standing the way he stood. 

"Austin, I can't do this anymore, I'm going to tell my brother, I'm not going again". He turned and came closer

"You don't need to do that, tomorrow is the day. I just want to say goodbye. All I wish to say is in the letter besides the calculator". I began to feel uneasy and muddy. The more I looked at him the more I felt terrible. I just didn't want to leave again. 

"Austin........"

"Amara....." he interrupted me "in everything we do in this life, there must be some sacrifices. There are times you sacrifice everything even that you love most, this is one of such times". Tears were already close at the edge, and when I looked down, it fell. 

"Austin...!"

"Amara.......I promised to see you out tomorrow, I found out that I can't do it anymore. I can't see you leave. I never intended to see you here. When you go tomorrow, always be the Amara I know. The Amara I cherish, the Amara I love. Just be good. Goodnight Amara". He turned and was just leaving before me. 

"Austin!" I ran behind him and when he turned,  holding his face with my both hands and on my tiptoe, I pressed my lips on his. I felt the softness of his lips, it was cool as the morning dew. It was my first kiss, a kiss I think I cherish, a kiss to a worthy friend. Despite the emotional sweetness and the desire not to stop, I endured only for few seconds and released him. Since he gave me his calculator to remember him, I removed my rubber bangles and placed them on his wrist. I whispered in his ear "I love you". My first time of professing to someone. He looked at me, smiled, nodded but didn't say anything. He turned and went away. I stood and looked at his back till it vanished from my eyes. I was left with tears.

 I blamed myself for making a haste decision and my brother would not allow me this time. I could have believed that things would be right again, I could have been positive and optimistic like Austin. I rushed into conclusion that did nothing other than hurt me, hurt those I loved and those that I cared most about. Those who made me what I became, those who transformed me into an object of and for love. Even while I rest my head at the window of the luxurious bus, my mind could only wallow in deep thoughts. My dear Mrs Nwaforaku, a great mother and friend, my dear uncle Mike, a caring brother and a great teacher, my dear Vivian, whose instrumentality God employed when it seemed impossible, Mathias and Samuel, whose sacrifices had bought us the chance, I couldn't repay them, Cynthia, my namesake from federal, for her last words that encouraged us, we always found a way through, my cherished classmates whose love was highly unbounded. Lastly, my dear Austin, the thought of you changed me for life. You indeed are a great friend, I will always miss you. You are too good for me. Hope we see again. It was only when a drop of tear dropped on my arm that my brother asked me

"Amara what's wrong?" He didn't understand.

The foreign boy.....season 08......

Read this story, very interesting and tell me your experience

...season 08.......

"What's wrong with both of you Austin?" Uncle Mike was asking Austin inside his room. He had summoned him after our lesson. I knew that it got something to do with the way Austin put up appearances to our lessons then. Uncle Mike was a sensitive man and a great observer. He knew when things were no more usual. Uncle Mike had noticed my mood after the lesson one day, he wanted to know why I was no more in speaking terms with Austin or rather why Austin was no longer in speaking terms with me. I knew that I had never got into an obvious fight with Austin, but whatever made him to start avoiding me then was something I couldn't comprehend. He knew how close we were and how friendly the competition had made us. He patted my shoulder and said to me

"I know you guys have had a lot. I know how close and friendly this competition has brought you together. I know how much you cherish your friendship. This is the time you guys really need to be by your sides if you really wish to achieve it to success. I know how you feel about this Amara, don't worry I will talk to Austin okay!"

I couldn't answer him, I just left. He watched me as I left and with the compassionate eyes he gazed at me, I could deduce what was in his mind. He knew I was too emotional. When uncle Mike told me he knew how I felt I thought in my heart "uncle do you really know?" I don't know whether he really knew how I was feeling. Austin talked to me only when it was necessary. He chatted with other girls in school. What I did to him in particular I didn't know. Those times the thought of Austin made me cry because I was losing a friend in him. He didn't know what he was making me endure. He was more than a friend to me. 

      Out of curiosity I had to move closer to the door to listen to them. I really wanted to know what was Austin's annoyance. When uncle asked him the question he answered

"Nothing uncle" uncle Mike looked at him but he wasn't looking at uncle, then uncle Mike continued

"Austin please tell me, I want to help both of you. Listen I need you both to stay put while this competition lasts. Do you really know that it is remaining only one week to go, are you aware of that?" He asked

"Yes uncle" Austin answered

"Then do you choose to go into this competition with this heart, do you wish to ruin everything?"

"We are not going to ruin anything uncle, we are studying as necessary"

"I know" uncle intercepted "but you guys really need to be in your normal mood as before, you will always get what you want. If Amara in anyway had offended you, you can make me aware. Tell me your annoyance I can help you"

"Uncle for Christ's sake there is nothing wrong. If we are done for the day, can I start going". I don't know whether Austin was already getting offended. Uncle raised his face 

"Of course, we are done, you can go" while Austin made to leave he said

"Whatever might be your annoyance, think about it twice Austin. Make sure it worths all the sacrifices Amara made for you, make sure you remember what it was for her to go with you to the competition while she endured her father's death. In case you don't know, I told her that you had given up on it, she followed me because of you. Make sure it worths those happy times you guys shared together. Since my life, I don't think I have ever been interested in relationships, but I saw how happy you guys were, how promising you were, how progressive you were. I took you guys as my children, as my younger brother and sister. I have never been this close to my students before, and sincerely speaking, I don't know why. It might interest you to know that I do not collect any dime from your school anymore. I have chosen to do this on my own because I love both of you, I care about you. I wouldn't be saying this if I don't know the depth of hurt you are causing Amara. Just think about it". Uncle faced his table. Austin stood for some moments, I noticed he was merely trying to control his tears. Myself, I couldn't control mine. As he came out I wanted to leave because they didn't know I was standing besides the door, they thought I already left, Austin jammed me and his books fell on the floor. I immediately rushed to pick them while he rushed to pick them too, our hands lay on the same book. Mine first and his on me, his hand was warm and I wanted to ask him whether he was alright but I couldn't. I removed my hand slowly leaving his hand on the book. He picked the two books and stood up, he didn't look at me and said "thank you", he left. I watched him while he left.

        When I got home I was left with nothing other than bad mood and moody face. When my mum saw me she exclaimed "Nne oginikwa?" I didn't respond, I just went straight inside my room. Of course my mum followed me. I didn't want her to follow me but I knew she would definitely follow me and would not leave till I let myself out. 

"Nne ogini, kedu Ife ok? Who annoyed?"

I simply told her "nobody mum"

"What's the problem tell me" she continued pestering me, I didn't know when I started crying. She just held me to her breast and cuddled me.

"Mum its Austin, I don't know what I did to him, he is angry with me". She smiled, and I knew what was in her mind. I was crying because someone was annoyed with me, nevertheless she knew I was too emotional. She had to console me.

"Don't worry, it will be fine again" she said. I loved her to say that, though I knew she never knew how serious I was.

     I knew I was always serious, I never believed that I would cry because of someone. I took my phone, I dialled Austin's number four times and he didn't pick up. I looked at my phone helplessly. I pressed the option button, and I chose the delete button. My thumb lay on it for about five minutes before I tapped "delete". His number wiped off my phone. As the days crawled by, I still looked up for his call which never came, I found out that I still had his number off my heart. I made my final resolution, I thought I was equal to it. 

      The breeze in school hovered around communicating to everyone the imminence of the competition. People were asking us what it was like to be at the stage and perhaps appearing at the television. It already became normal to me. Jude approached me as I walked down the staircase.

"Amara wait!" He shouted. I stopped and looked back eventually waited till he got where I was "sorry if I disturbed you, I know you must be in a mental delicacy even while you walk" Both of us laughed and I asked

"Is everything alright?"

"That's exactly the question I was to ask" he said "I seem to notice something between you and Austin. It seems something is not right"

I had I deep breath and raised my face towards him 

"Did you ask Austin?" I asked

"Yes.....he told me nothing is wrong but I know he was lying"

"Lying! How do you know he was lying?"

"Even if he wasn't lying, I'm sure he wasn't telling the truth". I paused a bit and told him

"There's nothing wrong, its just the idea of the competition"

"The idea of what? You both are lying and I can see that in your face. You are just trying to cover an obvious matter. Anyway, I don't wish to take your time, whatever it is between the both of you, just know how to settle it okay?" He said that and turned back upstairs. I watched him till he entered the corridor. I just went down only to see Austin and Nkiru discussing and chatting. I didn't want them to see me, but I found out that I could not reach my destination without passing besides, and so I had to. When I got besides Nkiru greeted me "Hey Amii baby". I had to put up a smile to show that I didn't bother, but right in my heart, I was burning, both with anger but with jealousy. Anger for Austin and jealousy for Nkiru. I greeted back and went on my way. I didn't greet Austin. I knew Austin, in as much as he was jovial to everyone, but there were certain people he would not ordinarily be seen with. Austin likes beautiful things and beautiful girls. I wouldn't say whether he counted Nkiru as one of the beautiful ones though he made everyone feel loved. I doubted, even if Austin wished to make me feel jealous, he wouldn't have chosen Nkiru. He would have gone to those not only pretty but brilliant. He was a type that tries to make everyone feel equal, no matter how beautiful one thinks she may be. I knew I had once teased him about that when I observed him looking at a girl. She was what one could describe as possessing figure-eight in its fullest. The girl counted her steps while she walked 

"Austiinn" I called out when I reached him and sat besides him. He looked at me

"Ami how are you" he asked

"I'm good, I just observed you admiring the handwork of God" we laughed

"Which handwork of God?" He asked jokingly

"Don't deny it I saw you" he chuckled

"Anyway, I was just admiring her steps, she catwalks, but she's not beautiful to my liking"

"Abi, and you were admiring her catwalking" he laughed again

"You won't understand. Forget about the fact that I joke with everyone, I have tastes oh" I couldn't help myself laughing

"My dear please tell me, what is your taste?" I asked and waited eagerly

"If I am to marry tomorrow, she must be beautiful"

"Ah ah, is beauty your criterion?" He chuckled

"There's no two ways about that, its a conditio sine qua non"

"But haven't you heard that good character is the beauty of a lady?" I asked interestingly

"If I hear. Are you telling me that there's no beautiful lady with an angelic character on earth? Abeg spare me that. Beauty constitutes 50% of the whole mark. Which means if you are not beautiful you are already scoring 0/50 and that is failure. I can only accept  distinctions in this"

"Oh my God!" I couldn't help laughing "so you deal in grades"

"Of course, and you must get from B3 up". After laughing I asked him

"Which other things make up the remaining 50%"

"Okay... Of course good behavior has 35%. Cooking and smartness got 10%, then miscellaneous achievements 5%"

"But, how could you award beauty up to 50% more than good character"

"Because you must pass exam before you come for interview" I laughed and asked him

"So what if the person passes the exam and fails the interview?"

"Whoever fails an interview in a job offer, what happens to the person?"

"He's asked to go" I answered

"I don't know why you need another answer from me" I started clapping for him. I asked him finally

"What if after all the interviews and no one qualified?"

"If I hear, one must qualify. Haven't you heard of those that send their recruits on a training program, that's after you must have passed the exam. If those the company needs refuse to go to the company, the company goes to them and offers handsome rewards. Amara please enough of your interviews. I'm leaving". He stood up and as he was leaving I clapped for him. That Austin was then vanishing before me. 

     I became confused what I wanted to do. I became distressed and I made up my mind. I was going to leave the school after the competition. When I reached home, I just told my mum that I was going to change school after the competition. She thought I was joking till she saw how serious I was. She wanted to know why and insisted but I didn't know exactly how to say that. I just maintained that I just didn't wish to continue. The next day, she informed Mrs Nwaforaku. It remained only four days to the competition and the next day was Saturday.

      That Saturday was going to be the last lesson day before the competition which would take effect on Tuesday. I was generally excited that I was going to enter flight for the first time to Abuja. The state had paid for everything but the competition board provided the hotel. That Saturday I was packing my jotter inside when Austin rushed inside the room. Perhaps he heard. I looked at him and continued with what I was doing. He stood besides me and said in a low tone

"You.. You leaving the school, after the competition?" Actually I didn't know whether to answer him

"Perhaps it doesn't matter at all". I answered. He stood for some seconds and asked again

"But, are you serious?" He looked apologetic

"Who cares!". I just stood up and went where uncle was "uncle see you on Monday"

"Okay, see you too". I was about to leave and he said to me "Think about your decision, you can always change your heart"

"Yes uncle" I simply replied. I left and saw Austin standing outside. 

"Why do you want to leave is anything wrong?" I sneered my face

"For what does it matter, you of all people shouldn't be asking me that" I just left. He looked at me while I left. A greater part of me felt bad why I acted in such a way. I shouldn't have, I felt like going back but I didn't allow myself. 

      My eldest brother called that evening asking why I wanted to leave but I simply maintained that I be changed. I became distressed all night. Many thoughts flew my mind. The sudden change in Austin's attitude. I wondered why I acted the way I did. I was too harsh. Perhaps I should have asked him for explanation. I took my shower for the night still having my towel around me. My phone rang, it was Austin. I held my phone in my hand and a strong force was pushing me to press the "receive" button, but I didn't. After it rang twice I kept it. I knew he wouldn't call the third time because he doesn't give more than two missed call. Perhaps he knew I wasn't ready to pick up. I kept the phone on the bed just then it beeped, it was a message, from Austin, it read

"I KNOW ITS ABSURD, BUT PLEASE, DON'T LEAVE"

They were only eight words but I read them upto ten times that night. I felt sorry. The urge to reply, to call him back, to hear his voice was strong but I refused. For the last time before I closed my eyes, I read the message again, left it open on the screen, kept it besides my head and slept off. When I woke up, it was still there, but it didn't prevent me from going to Sunday mass. My mum packed my belongings against Monday. We were going to stay just for three days, from monday to Wednesday. I couldn't wait to see myself enter a flight. Sunday tried to be long but it still went by. Since I entered into the competition thing and appeared at the television, I became a role mode to almost all the children at my vicinity. I often heard some parents said boldly to their children 'can't you imitate Amara, is she not your mate?' There was something of pride in that, but I had to double my comportment. That night I lay at my bed facing the ceiling with the ceiling fan blades twirling in sequence. I remembered all the people that visited me for the day. All the good wishes that spiced the day. I remembered Austin. Some part of me suggested that I call him, I said no but if he called I would pick. He didn't call.

     Monday finally came. We came to school on mofty. My mum had my hair packed back and tainted with spotten wave and jelly coil style. Just after then Austin came. Some were looking at us from the windows as if we were going to heaven, especially the junior ones. We had to go to our class and caused some distractions. Teacher biology was in the class. She allowed our classmates wish us luck. We went down. Jude followed us. He called us and we waited for him. When he came he said

"I just want to say good luck. You know we have always depended on you. We hope you represent us well" he waited a bit "I just want to tell both of you that you may not succeed if you happen to go into the competition with this way you guys are now. I just want both of you to remain together especially now, you really need yourselves. Please, forget about your differences. I still wish to see you  hug each other on the stage as you did before, it makes the competition romantic" he laughed, Austin smiled, I didn't know what to do but I think I smiled.

"Good luck" he ended and left. Seeing myself alone with Austin yet I didn't know what to say, I started to leave and he said while we walked together

"Were you that angry with me? You couldn't pick my calls"

"I didn't know that you are that appreciative about picking calls"

"I don't understand"

"Perhaps if you had called six times, I would have picked" I knew his mind flashed back those times I called that he didn't pick. His face looked apologetic. We walked a little he said again

"Are you serious you want to leave after the competition?"

"Does that really matter to you?"

"Why do you want to leave?" I chuckled. I wondered why he was so interested. I wondered why my leaving the school caught his interest that much

"Why did you stop talking to me?" He never expected the question. He looked at me

"I...I ....okay, I'm sorry, but you don't have to leave" 

"And who told you I'm leaving because of you? You must be joking" I left him. 

We went and saw the principal, after his admonitions and encouragement, he gave us some money each and he promised us that if we win the competition, he would send us to shopping. I was glad though I couldn't give him my words that we would make it. I just didn't wish to be negative. He called my name

"Amara, I heard something this morning, you intend leaving the school after the competition, hope you are not serious, are you". I just looked down and answered

"Yes sir"

"Why the sudden change, is there any problem?"

"No sir" I simply replied "it's just a decision". He looked at me

"We will talk about this later". He walked with us to the school bus. Uncle Mike was there with Mrs Nwaforaku, they were going with us. Just then I heard someone call "senior". I looked at the direction it was Vivian. I motioned her to come. She came and hand myself and Austin a success card each. Then she said to me

"All you need is in your card". She ran back to her class because the principal was outside. I looked at her while she went back, I wished she went with us. Just as we entered the car Nwaforaku called us

"Ehe, Amara and Austin, you have a message here". She handed us a parcel. I knew it wasn't money. When we opened it, they were from Mathias and Samuel. They wrote

AS YOU REPRESENT US TODAY, WE WISH YOU ALL THE BEST. WE BELIEVE IN YOU. WE KNOW YOU WON'T LET US DOWN. IT'S GOOD HAVING BOTH OF YOU AS FRIENDS. GOOD LUCK!

         ....Mathias and Samuel care

They could remember us that day. When we read that I and Austin looked at each other as if we planned it. The car went on. 

      The journey of a thousand mile that began with a step. I sat with Austin but I didn't care to talk to him. We headed to Asaba Airport, that was the first time I saw a plane as it was. I knew also that it was Austin's first time. My first time of seeing a plane as it was became my first time of entering it. The first announcement was made that we should fasten our seatbelt which I meticulously did, so did Austin. The second was made that the plane was about to take off. And indeed, I saw myself up in the sky. Everything beneath looked little as it dissipated. For the first time I became Airborne. When I thought of plane crash, my heart throbbed so fast. My hand shivered. Austin immediately held my hand

"Don't worry I'm with you". When I looked at him he smiled and said "We are safe here". Immediately my body felt at ease.

.........wait for season 09 ..............

The foreign boy ....season 07.....

......my story season 07........

Much emphasis were now laid on the competition, yet my concern for the first position still bordered me. That time, I wasn't much interested in the post of the senior prefect as was before, because I knew that there was another competent student, and the authority I wanted to express with that office was already coated strongly by someone and doubled by my classmates. I then came to understand that when the nakedness of one's selfishness is clothed, then the eyes of love are opened. The eyes of love see in a different way, quite different and most times unreasonable. It was something amazing to hear one's name on the radio and then on the television. Those days were wonderful, when I came back and my mum told me

"Nne, you and your friend were wonderful on the television. You made my heart throb so fast". We were later told that all the teachers together with the principal had forfeited their lectures to watch us on the principal's television. Many students didn't watch us because they were in the class, but in the evening after the evening news, the full section of the competition was broadcasted. The next day was awesome, our classmates were wonderful. We told them our experiences. Yet, Jude came before Austin and began to tease him

"Austin, on behalf of the class, I wish to thank you for your success, but I just wish to enquire, who asked you to hug Amara on that stage?". Everyone stated laughing including Austin, and KC added

"Maybe that was the reason why he agreed to go for the competition at the first place" there was more laughter. Chibyk said "Austin, it seems you do not understand the price of one hug nowadays". While he spoke there were series of laughter, and he continued 

"And you know that we are in recession, so for 90 degrees hug, you pay 500, for 180 degrees, you pay 1200" 

"Ah ah, why naa?" Austin interrupted

"Shut up and listen" Jude reprimanded jokingly while he concluded "It seems you don't know the consequences of hugging somebody without permission from the higher authorities. Do you know how many people you sent to the infirmary when they saw you at the television". When the class was already aflame with laughter he said again

"Ugo and Chimezie am I lying?" people started laughing at them. Calling their names suggested that they were victims. He concluded "Please Chibyk tell him the price" and Chibyk continued. 

"From the information reaching us, you had 360 degrees hug without  permission, and that one is 4500" 

Austin shouted "Jesus!". All were laughing

"Stop shouting Jesus and give us your money because I know the condition I found Jude yesterday because of that" everyone started laughing at Jude who was then looking at Chibyk. I then stood up and went to Jude and hugged him. There was a shout from our class that they forgot we were still in the class. Jude stood like a tree while I hugged him. Jude's facial expression alone constituted laughter not to talk of when he intended using it to cause humour. He began to smile causing an increase in the laughter. He then said 

"It seems I'm healed already". We laughed. Chibyk then said

"Amara please I was also affected" We laughed then I went and hugged him and he shouted 

"Anointing!" The whole class laughed. Jude then said 

"Austin, you are not owing anymore". As if it was planned other boys chorused in unison "Noooooooo". I started hugging them one by one. And for the moment, I forgot that I lost my dad. I knew that my classmates did that just to make me happy. They were more appreciative that I could then socialize with them. 

     It was true that I enjoyed some sort of celebrity, admiration and privileges, the heaviness of my father's death crushed on me. The thought of being fatherless, the thought of my mum being called a widow, the sight it created seeing her on mourning white, the thought of having an empty room devoid permanently of its owner. Lastly, the thought of not seeing my dad again, it was horrible. I thought about Austin, how he must have felt when he lost his dad at the age of ten. I had to conclude that the world is mysterious. The principal had called us out during the assembly and officially announced our success. Many teachers congratulated us and many gave us money. It was there at the assembly, that the Principal announced my father's death. It drew a wide range of sympathy to me. What amazed people much was my calmness and the spirit I had, with which I entered the competition. Many couldn't fathom that someone who had lost her father the previous day, could enter a competition and came out successful. I didn't claim the credit alone, I had in my heart  those who never allowed me to give up, starting from my mum, uncle Mike, Mrs Nwaforaku, my classmates and my dear Austin. All those things never made me halt our lessons. 

      Uncle Mike took us before his students and introduced us as those representing the state. One couldn't imagine their boys. Their advances were much, many tried to please me in anyway they could. It was while I rejected a more childish fellow that I learnt that he had set a bet on wooing me. When it didn't work out for him, his friends held him. I noticed the way most of them frequented their class especially when they knew we were going to be there. Austin usually laughed when I told him my experiences and he would call me celebrity. Uncle Mike brought out books on the formation of words, words formed from different languages and why they were so. Word like "pulchritude" was formed from a Latin word "pulchre" meaning "beautiful".  They were much but that was our challenge. I kept wondering to myself why we should begin with four subjects and then we would end with a spelling bee, it wasn't much wonderful. We later came to know that the spelling bee was the last resort. Of course I had no need asking how many schools would be there. If we should represent Anambra state, other states wouldn't be left behind. We were told that other schools in other states were not smiling at all. In all these, I still had dad to bury.

      Seeing my father lying on the state, looking miserable and with his face rarely resembling him, not only convinced me of the futility of life but engaged me with a rhetorical question

"Dad, is that you?"

Something in me convinced me all the while that my dad wasn't dead, he was somewhere hiding or maybe resting. He would appear in due time. To say whether he was alive, that I couldn't answer. To say whether he was resting, I may say yes, but whether he was coming back to our home, his posture on the state couldn't convince me. I was led around the glass covered coffin by my brother's wife, I wept bitterly. My dad was gone. His casket was closed, put back into the ambulance. The siren went high into the atmosphere. The sound was engulfing to me. They said that the siren was always put on in ambulances during burials in other to prevent the drivers from hearing the voices of the the dead people. I wanted the driver to put off the siren so that I could hear my father's voice for the last time. They never allowed me enter the ambulance, it was my eldest brother who did. I said that I would enquire from him whether he heard father's voice, or whether the siren blocked it. We were all wearing black upon black. It was only my mum who wore white gown made of lace material. She looked miserable and I imagined how tender she loved him. Myself and my brothers used to gossip about them. They were too playful, they chatted like kids, joked like friends, gossipped like girls and laughed boisterously. I wondered what their love was like, how my dad wooed her and how she fell for him. All the 'gara gara' she must have done for him, yet she later became his wife, mourning him. All the forming she did for him, how resilient and resolute my dad was to get her. I thought about their love that began in a bus, when my father paid for her transport fare saving her the embarrassment from the conductor. How my mother could offer nothing other than "thank you", and how proud she became of him, when she later came to love him. That love was vanished right before her. She then mourned him. She was given TomTom to leak. I was sitting by her side in the car that accompanied my father's corpse to the church for the final mass. When we got there, I saw our Principal, Mrs Nwaforaku and Ezenwa, uncle Mike, some functionaries and some of our class members, but I didn't see Austin. They were already sitting down at the church. I didn't want to think that Austin didn't come, I just presumed that he must have gone out shortly before my arrival, perhaps to ease himself. The Church was filled up to the brim with those who came to pay their last respect to my father, the major spiritual assistance my father needed in order to make it before God. We were told that it is there that one knows those who really love him, then I looked around to see those who really cared for my dad. I searched for Austin again with my eyes when the procession began, yet I didn't see him where my classmates were, then I began to ponder on the type of explanation he was going to give me that would not only be reasonable but cogent enough for absenting himself.  It didn't last much till I saw him on a red cassock and white surplice, carrying the long cross at the procession. Then, my emotions coupled with mixed feelings, got high when I saw Mathias and Samuel on the same vestments, with candle stands on their hands accompanying him as acolytes. I just whispered to myself

"My God". Many thoughts came to mind. I wondered whether they took permission from school because of me, because from what Austin told me about the seminary, no one is given permission for burial except at the death of a direct relative. At least, to the best of my ability, I can't remember our school being represented in this way in the burial of a student. I then knew that people cared for me. I took the readings with my immediate elder brother, I took the first reading and he took the second. I watched Austin bow at me while he received me on the altar. His eyes met mine and he withdrew his as fast as he could. I concentrated. I watched the priest's lips moved while he rendered the homily. He talked about the good deeds my dad accomplished. I wondered if my father was that good, why the need for the mass. But I realized that man is simply imperfect, no matter how perfect we think he is. My eldest brother gave the vote of thanks, he thanked the nine priests that were present and three Senior seminarians on white soutane. I recognized two, they worked in our parish at Onitsha, and the third one, my brother's classmate at primary school. 

       Shortly before the final rite took place, Fr Johnbosco, the chief celebrant after narrating some of his experiences with my father, how my father sponsored him when he was at the verge of leaving the seminary, how he continued helping him out when the going was rough, he then concluded

"If I do not say this, I may not sleep well today". Myself, I wondered what was that he wanted to say, because he has given his own eulogy and experiences, he then continued

"Some of us do not know Godwin Obadike's daughter, she's in front, Amara stand up". Then I knew while he said that, i stood up and he continued 

"If you have been following the National Quiz competition, you will know what I'm talking about". 

When Fr said that, my heart melted down my stomach. I wanted him to stop, he was drawing excessive sympathy and high expectations adding to the ones we had already. Fr continued

"When Amara first met me, she told me that she was going to represent her school at the competition, that I should pray for her. I told her not to worry that everything was going to be okay if she studies well. She later came back telling me that they made it to the state level, I still promised her my prayers. She later came to me and told that it was remaining only two days before the competition and that she was scared. After encouraging she went on. I became more scared when a day to the competition, this little girl lost her father" 

When Fr said that, people began to sigh sympathetically and I began to hear some comments "poor child, its a pity" and many other comments, but I remained calm. Anyway, fr added

"But do you know what? What surprised me more was that inspite of the psychological effect and the trauma she was facing, she had to go on with the competition because she was selected by her school. I am very glad to announce to you that Amara here, together with her colleague went there and took the first position, qualifying to represent Anambra state at the federal level"

Before he could finish, there was already an effusive rounds of applause. Immediately, I glanced at Austin, he smiled and withdrew his eyes. I wondered who asked fr to say all these, in front of my principal, teachers and fellow students. I thanked God that he was able to acknowledge at least that I didn't do it alone. Unknown also to fr, was the fact that some people failed their answer for us to succeed, they were present even at the sanctuary. People began to murmur in the church and fr had to calm them down with the mic. Fr concluded

"I just wish to commend her courage, together with her colleague. We pray that they make us proud at the Federal level. Excellence! That's what we are known for isn't it?" People chorused

"Is it" 

Fr then called on another concelebrating priest for the final rite which he performed solemnly, the cross bearer standing at the center end accompanied by the two acolytes. Then fr incensed the casket going around it while the choir sang "oh Jerusalem". The body was carried back to the ambulance accompanied by many other cars in a convoy, and with the "wee-woo" sound of the siren, my father's body was taken to the place where he was going to stay till Christ comes again. 

      I was still giving my dad another chance to get up before the priest finished saying the prayer at the grave, but he didn't. I extended the time when our parish priest poured in the first sand, he didn't. I asked him not to allow my mum do that, he didn't listen. My mum was crying as she poured in the sand on the shovel handed over to her by the priest. When my brother did, my father didn't wake up. I knew he loved me, he loved me perhaps if he saw me with the shovel and the farewell sand, he would rise up, but he didn't. I poured in my sand amidst tears, then I felt soft hands on my shoulder, he said

"Its okay, it's okay". Uncle Mike was right behind me together with Mrs Nwaforaku. I leaned on him then he handed me over to Nwaforaku. We went inside. 

       Together with my brothers, I danced with my father's picture, and people poured me money. I later came and greeted my principal and teachers and classmates where they were eating. When Samuel and Mathias approached me, I wanted to ask

"How did you make it?" But they didn't allow me to before Samuel said

"We left for our midterm break today"

Then I said "wow, and you were able to make it in time?"

"Yea, we left in time"

Sincerely speaking, those boys wouldn't cease to amaze me. I knew I didn't tell them anything about the burial, but I wouldn't say I didn't know who must have informed them, but they came. They really made my day. Mathias said

"Austin came to our feast, but you didn't". When he said, I wanted to respond but he interrupted in time

"Don't worry we are aware. He told us that you were preparing for your father's burial"

"And we made our own plans too" Samuel concluded. Those guys were full of surprises. In spite of the late information, they made it and even served at mass. When I looked at them, I said

"You guys really made my day. I don't know how to say it but I'm really grateful. For everything, thank you. Someday, I know that I will have a better chance of showing my appreciation". They laughed

"We have done nothing, your situation was more pathetic, you are courageous"

"Thank you"

"We must be on our way Amara"

"So soon"

"We have stayed enough, we haven't reached home" said Samuel

"You serious, you really have tried". Immediately, Austin came around.

"Mati, sami" 

"They are set to go" I said

"Already!"

"Have you forgotten we came directly from school" said Mathias

"Its true, ok maybe you should come and join our bus or rather we join uncle Mike, there are some spaces in his car" Austin offered

"Is he ready to go" Samuel asked

"Yea, as soon as they come back from the condolence room, we leave" immediately, uncle Mike with the principal and the teacher came out. They must have gone to see my mum.

"They are here already" I said and we approached them. While I talked with the principal, Austin talked to uncle Mike about them. When all were set, they left.

       Everything after burial was still normal, the classes, the lessons, gists, chats, studies and gossips. We still went to uncle Mike's place and his students still behaved mischievously. It even increased since they learnt that we won the state level and  we were moving over to Abuja for the federal level. But life still went on. Exams still approached and lessons cut for us to prepare for our exams. The exams still passed, and the people that used to go up the stage still did. The smell of Christmas season hovered around and harmattan still came. Those who sold Vaseline still made their gain and those who refused to buy were whitened by the harmattan. New clothes were produced for the xmas while our result was produced also. 

      There was something significant about our SS2 first term. First, we used to offer 17 subjects in our SS1. When we entered SS2, we chose our subjects according to Science and Art, and that reduced our subjects from 17 to 12, nine WAEC subjects and three extra curricula subjects. At the beginning, there seemed to be an academic turnaround. Our answer scripts were then shared one after the other, one boy known as Hyacinth, an art student was taking the lead. When about five subjects had been shared, he was scoring above me in four subjects and was above Austin in five subjects. Myself I was passing Austin with about four subjects. I was generally glad that I was scoring higher than him with the already shared scripts. I knew that Hyacinth was using the advantage of the easiness of some art subjects when compared with some science subjects to maneuver us, but I knew that there were some general subjects I do well than him, and I hoped I would use them to make-up for the marks he was passing me with and eventually, score higher than him. The plan seemed to be working when about seven subjects were shared, and he was passing Austin in all and myself with five subjects, while I passed Austin with about five subjects. It was later that we came to know that another two art students were passing Austin with about three art subjects.

      It was true that I was scoring higher than Austin but I wasn't at rest till I made sure that the last paper was shared. I got 87 in chemistry while Austin got 86, I got 83 in physics, he got 82. I got 85 in English and he got 83, I got 98 in Igbo while he got 97, I got 96 in biology, he got 95. In total I was above him with only six marks which were not much to talk about, because I know that only one mistake could destabilize all the marks. Of course my hunch was right beginning with Hyacinth. It was recorded that Hyacinth was scoring above Austin in 8 subjects, but Austin destabilized that with only two subjects, mathematics and biology. Austin got 97 in maths and 95 in biology, while Hyacinth got 73 and 82 respectively in both subjects thereby creating a huge gap. Austin knew that Hyacinth wasn't that good at maths, though he would always represent himself there. Hyacinth didn't also consider biology as a threat and Austin maximized the opportunity. I should not talk about those other guys, they got whipped just by Austin's flip of finger in maths. As Austin found his way up again, I followed him. Austin passed me again. He destabilized me only with two subjects, the same maths and then economics. He got 97 and 93 in them respectively while I got 92 and 86 respectively. He found his way up again, maintaining the first position. 

       When uncle Mike saw our result he asked me

"Amara which subjects are you good at?"

"All" I answered

"So which of them is your best?" He asked again

"I don't really have, I'm good in all" I replied back

"Good, so as Austin's classmate and academic rival, which ones are his weak subjects?" I looked at Austin and immediately he said 

"Don't look at him"

"He is good in all, I don't know"

"Good" he retorted and faced Austin. I wondered why he was asking those  questions, but whatever be the reason, I never wanted to disappoint him. 

"Austin which subjects are you good at?" He asked again

"All, I think" he answered. At least I was happy we had the same answer.

"Is it all or are you thinking?" He enquired

"All" Austin finalized

"Which ones are your best?"

"Mathematics, biology and economics" Austin replied

"So as Amara's classmate and academic rival, which ones are her weak subjects?"

"She is good in all, but to myself, she has never exceeded me in maths and economics" 

"Good" he retorted and faced me immediately "Amara, how many subjects did Austin exceed you with?"

"Two !" I answered quickly

"What and what?"

"Mathematics and Economics" I said with a tint of shame on my face. How did Austin figure all the logic out on me since? I couldn't answer the question easily. I remembered he destabilized Hyacinth with biology also. Those were his best subjects, I never knew.

"Amara!" Uncle Mike's voice reverberated in my ear, and he continued

"Your weakness began when you couldn't recognize your weakness, and then it doubled when you couldn't know what you are best at. Instead of you to struggle for everything at once, make priorities, then you would know how far and fast you can be. You were right, you aren't weak practically in any, but to your rival, it was a huge opportunity that even after you surpassed him with about 5 or 6 subjects, he could destabilize you with only two subjects. Austin couldn't say his weak subjects, not that he doesn't have, but comparing it with you, he can't say it before you. Achilles fought everything he could, but only when his heel was cut, his might failed him". Before uncle Mike left, he concluded with an admonition that kept me going in life, and he said 

"One's weak point is ones life. When you are fighting, look for your opponent's weak point, and when you don't find one, create one, and when you can't, use all your best weapons. Austin created two for you when he realized that you had no weak subject. And when you attacked him with other subjects which were not your best, he fought back with his best. He won" After saying this, he left.

      You know when thoughts refuse to leave your mind, it will seem as if some people are having their league in it. Our next competition was going to be on 20th January. We didn't travel for xmas that year, because we were still mourning. When Austin came to our house I asked him

"Did you actually create weak point for me or you discovered it?" And he replied

"None of the above, I fought with my best"

He fought with his best. I discovered that when one concentrates on his best, he discovers other people's weakness. Our studies continued, after the new year. At class, Nkiru was always besides Austin. He would chat with her. She approached him during breaks. Austin would leave after our lessons without goodbye. He stopped chatting too much and always wanted us to focus on our lessons. Austin came late to our second to last lesson before the actual competition. As he entered uncle Mike's place I greeted

"Austin good morning!" He ignored me. I presumed he didn't hear me well and I greeted again and louder

"Good morning Austin!" He replied

"I heard you before". Austin wasn't smiling, he wasn't normal. Uncle Mike turned and looked at him, he turned back and continued with what he was writing. 

     When I got home I dialled Austin's number six times, but he didn't pick. I couldn't remember offending him. 

"What's wrong with Austin" I thought to myself

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