The Final Year (vol 1)

The clique

Ewatomi Bello👆👆

I listen attentively to Femi as he told me more about the school, and at the same time taking a bite from my breakfast which consists of bread and tea, very watery tea,like i can practically separate the water from the tea. We sat down on one of the smaller tables as two more students came to join us, they were both junior boys. Part of the rules for eating in the cafeteria, come early or you will be locked out, the table you occupy on your first day will be the table you use for the rest of the term.

Thank God am with the people am familiar with, i don't think i will be comfortable with a stranger, the two junior boys are new students in their Jss1, as long as they are not rowdy am cool with them. The two boys gave the three of us an uneasy smile as the clutch their plates like their life depends on it, Femi gave them a wave as Tomi and I gave them a small smile. They seem to release a sigh, so they were scared. I don't blame them, i have come to notice with the short time i have been in this school, the seniors seem to rag or bully the juniors. Its stupid honestly... Bullying is not a fun act or a show of superiority. The two boys were just being careful, i will if i were in their shoes. I decided to ease their nerves.

"What are your names?" I asked calmly with a reassuring smile. The short one with a round belly and big cheeks spoke up first.

"Tosin" he squeaked, his stature and his voice are totally opposite.

"Quham" his friend who was slim and much taller in posture answered. I nodded even though the name was strange to me.

"It is alright guys" Femi deep voice rang out beside me "you are safe here... No one is going to disturb you"

The boys face lit up as if they have been told they hit a jackpot. I laugh quietly as they sat down happily diving into their breakfast.

I turn to look at Tomi who as not eaten half of her food while mine was empty. I realized she was quiet through out the discussion. When we entered the cafeteria, some.. no, a lot of students holler a greeting or give a sign of recognition and respect to Femi but Tomi, she was ignored... Like a thin dust in the corner.

"You should eat your food before it gets stale" I pointed out. She looks up and gave me a shy smile.

"Thank you so much for pointing it out to her, maybe she will listen" Femi raised his hands up in the air as if thanking God. I giggle as i wrap my hand around her slim and tiny waist.

"Don't worry before this term ends, am going to feed you so well like a Calabar bride coming out of the fattening house" I winked as she blushed, Femi laughs out as the junior boys giggled. I placed my head on her shoulder closing my eyes.

Suddenly, there was silence, the room went quiet, it was as if something made the student stop what they were doing in anticipation. Tomi seemed tense as Femi grumbled in the background. I decided to open my eyes to see what was actually going on.

It was like we were in the theatrics, do you know all this American teen fictions when the popular kids in the school walk in and the students in the school treat them with love, fear and respect. That is what am witnessing right now, in a Nigerian school.

The four boys walked in like royalties, each with define poise and masculinity. They were ridiculously handsome and they reek of wealth! I know people like me when i see them. Their uniform was neat and crisp, not a single ruffle was seen. One of them who i came to recognize as the head boy, had his blazer on his arm. His shirt did no justice to his ripped and strong arms, even with his nerdy glasses, you will think he was posing for the GQ magazine.
Who are these guys?.

"Who are they?" I asked no one in particular, sounding bored as the rest of the students stared at them in awe, even the new students, it seems the recognize the air of superiority around them.