The Final Year (vol 1)

Pray

The next day, I was rudely awaken by an alarm clock that i am sure doesn't belong to me. I stared at the strange pink wall, where am I? Oh... I almost forgot, am in school.

I turn to look at my roommates as they started getting up, doing their morning devotion, I also went ahead to do mine. After my morning devotion, i saw them getting their towels and bathing soaps,shampoos and loofahs. Tomi and I exchanged a good morning, as Nana Aishat did the traditional curtseying for the both of us which is a means of showing respect to people older than you, Amarachi said her 'good morning' in her own way, that was a big hug.

"You need to hurry up if you don't want to miss the morning service" Tomi said as we both hurry to the public bath to have our bathe. I think this is going to be our everyday thing.

After our trip to the bathroom, I got dress for church in a plain white dress, with a black belt and black beret, its also part of the rules and regulation of this school, you must not miss the service which holds in the big school hall, i learnt that the Muslim students have their own on Fridays which is always headed by the cleric in another venue and also a must for attendance.

After dressing up, we all left the hostel not before Tomi locked the door to our room and taking the keys with her. We came out of the dorm to find a lot of the female students heading out towards the school premises. I meekly followed Tomi like a lost sheep since am not really acquainted to the school environment.

You have to go through a boulevard to get to the hall. The environment smells fresh even with the harsh cold harmattan weather. The morning dew wets our clothes.. I should have brought my sweater.

We got to the hall as the worship starts, we sang a hymn or two then listen to the pastor preach on why we are here, how we should stay focus and achieve the best from the reputable school. We said some prayers, closing the service.

As soon as the congregation disperse, i glued to Tomi till we got out of the building... Its not that am scared of large crowds, i just don't feel like getting lost on a Sunday morning.

We took a different path as Tomi informed me we have to get our breakfast which was always served by ten everyday. My stomach growls at her words, that was when I remembered I had not eaten since yesterday.

Some students keeps staring at me and I don't know why, its not like am the only newbie around here. We pass through the back of the hall which was really quiet, I saw the big soccer field from afar, it was so green, neat, and well kept. I spot some junior boys playing on it.

"Is going to the dining hall really compulsory?" I asked Tomi, still taking in the nice view the school had to offer.

"Is feeding yourself necessary?" She said sarcastically, smirking. I guess that question is really dumb, i playful glared at her adjusting my purse as she laughs lightly. "If you are thinking about the students playing around, it as to do with us just resuming, you might have noticed this during the service that we were not that many"

"Yeah, i do" we just fill half of the hall.

"Its because today is the deadline for all students to resume so they will like to maximize that...  Not everyone is excited to go to school"

Hmm... She is right, i remember my mother dragging me to the car yesterday. I miss them already. How I wish I had my phone, yeah... You can't bring your phone with you, don't you think that is a breach on our social rights. Only the senior class is allowed to bring a laptop, the junior classes can make  use of the computer lab.

We got to the dining hall, a few student scattered here and there, some in clusters. The chairs and tables well arranged. The tables were round but different in sizes, some really big while others quite small. The small tables had up to six chairs surrounding it while the big tables had ten to twelve chairs around it. Its like the classic cafeteria with the big windows and lights.

"Today we will be having freshly made bread with 'akara'" she said as she gave me a commercial smile. My mouth watered.

"Yum!" I squealed grabbing a plate to dish out my 'akara' burger. It consists of bread with 'akara' also known as beans cakes and guess what, food is free, since it is paid with your fees.

"Today is for welcoming us back to school... Don't expect this all the time" Tomi said while laughing at my behavior. I made two burgers, taking a bite at a time. Don't blame me... I love food.

"That means I have to adapt... " I said sipping on the yoghurt provided for us.

"You will adapt.. Eventually" she shrugs, taking a bite from her burger.

"That reminds me... Is there anyone i should be looking out for?" I asked her.

"There are a lot of things you should be looking out for here"

"Why...?"

"Teni... This school is not your normal secondary... You either climb up the social ladder or fall, but I don't think that is going to happen anytime soon." She mumbles at the end of her words but I heard her clearly.

"What makes you say that?" She smiles.

"You won't understand, everything will be more clear to you soon" there she goes again with her words.

We finished up our breakfast, leaving the plates. As soon as I got outside I stumble upon Miss Wuraola who had a big bag with her.

"Thank the good Lord... There you are.. I have been looking all over for you"

"Good morning ma'am?" I curtsied raising my eyebrows in question.

"Morning dear... I can see you are busy" she gestures towards Tomi whom she had exchanged a greeting with. "Am going straight down to business.. I forgot to give you your school uniform yesterday, so here is it" she hands the bag to me.

"Oh... Is it__"

"Don't worry, they are all in your sizes, in there is your school uniforms and sports wear"

"Thank you"

"Its alright, am only doing my job, she smiles at me before skipping away, she could be too preppy and happy a times.

Back in the dormitory...

"She lives in the staff quarters along with some teachers" Tomi informed me, as I kept wondering how she could come to school on an early Sunday morning.

I learnt that some teachers who are either single,or just wish to live in the school as well as the 'NYSC' lives in the staff quarters.

"I can't believe am starting classes tomorrow" I groan as Tomi giggled.

"Get used to it.. You are in the boarding school now"

"I hope this year will be exciting, entertaining, educating and self fulfilling for everyone."

She sighs "I pray so"

Next chapter is going to be where the fun starts.....

Translation :
Akara :a Nigerian food made from the legume(beans). It goes through the process a lot of process. Also known as beans cakes. Its really delicious and highly nutritious.

A pic of 'akara burger' up there👆👆

NYSC that is the National Youth Service Corp. It is a programme made by the government for fresh university graduates in Nigeria. It is a one year programme in which you are posted to different states in Nigeria to serve the nation. They work in schools, companies and business organizations. They also get allowances every month from the government.