IN THE DEN

Episode 1

(FACTION. ALL CHARACTERS ARE FICTION)

As usual many people were around when I entered school. The environment was very busy like market place. I was sweating furiously as well. I had been on the pedal for about half an hour now. Riding my sports bicycle from my house to school for the first time, my body couldn’t hide the pressure.

I was coming to see my first potential course mate, Mark. We had been chatting online throughout the period ASUU was on a striking action. He just entered campus a day before as we all were preparing to resume school. He was coming from another state, Imo. Anticipation was an understatement. 

As I took a left turn at ICT, going towards the second gate, I felt that spirit of curiosity.  Over the time, Mark and I had grown this unexpected fame within the class’ group chat. Although we quiet differed in approach to things, we appeared to have understood each other more. However, I was coming to meet him solely because I had interest in becoming the class leader when we finally resumed.

As I was about rolling down the little slope, just immediately after franco pitch, a voice came.

‘Osita!’ As I looked that side, trying to take a grasp of whose voice it would be, I saw a boy who looked mature, more than I had expected.  He was average in height, a little taller than I was, with a dark complexion. It would only be one person, Mark.

After exchanging pleasantries, he told me of another of our mate who had resumed as well. He had met her the previous day. We strolled down to the faculty of arts where the girl, Ann had said she was waiting for us. 

‘So what’s your plan when lecture resumes, how do you plan to spend your period here?’ I asked him, trying to start up a conversation while we walked to the faculty lecture hall.

‘Well, firstly I want to focus on my studies. You know our sole purpose here is for our academic excellence’ he said, waving his backpack bag which he had formed in a manner that he could hang it on one shoulder. He was speaking with this handsome smile I had not seen before.

‘Then, I hope to build my graphic design brand. If time permits me, I will also love to join the school politics. I think it will help me to build my career of becoming a political analyst.’ He stopped, looked at me, smiled, and then continued walking.

‘I think we have a like-plan of stay here.’ I began although I knew I was not telling the truth. The fact was that I got admitted perchance. I had no plan of how I would stay in school although I was ready to learn. My initial plan on how I would live after my secondary school was thwarted after I got admitted to study mass com and subsequently, got a sponsor too who was not there at first. But then, Mark’s plan looked to me more realistic and I as well saw him as someone who could be a potential friend.  

‘Do you still have interest in becoming the class rep?’ I asked him. I had initially discussed that with him although we left the topic inclusive that day. He had told me that time would tell.

‘Yea, I think I will. But I am just afraid of contesting against anyone, I don’t have that strength for now and you know some people will carry such position for head.’ He said, throwing up a stone and attempting to kick it with his leg. His response placed me on a discomfort zone. This was because I was beginning to get along with him. How about contesting against him now, won’t it cause mistrust between us? I however told him mildly that I would contest but let that not discourage him. 

Ann was a very pretty lady. She was endowed with this beauty I had never seen before. In fact, just as I saw her that evening, I had this conviction that I should approach her. I felt this interest I had never felt for any woman before when I met her but because I was with Mark, I had to pretend.

After meeting with Ann and taking a little tour round the school with them, I returned to my house thinking of the conversation I had with Mark.

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