Naya and Vince

12

TUTOR NAIROBI

It was a week precisely after the incident at the chemistry lab. I and Vincent hadn't crossed each other's paths again, well apart from the chemistry practical which we were able to do without arguing and that's thanks to the lab assistant.

Ms. Daniels asked I and Vincent to wait behind during the break period. I hoped she wasn't going to give both of us a sermon.

She came back into the class with Mr. Palmer which surprised me. Were they still going to punish us for the broken apparatuses?

"Good day my young scientists," Mr. Palmer greeted us taking the seat Ms. Daniels offered.

"Good afternoon sir," both of us responded.

"See the look on their faces," Ms. Daniels laughed, Mr. Palmer following suit. "You two are not in any trouble okay?"

I nodded in sweet relief. I don't know about Vincent.

"Okay. We wouldn't want to take much of your time," Mr. Palmer started. "Adebayo," he called focusing on Vincent. I had to look at the boy too.

"Sir."

"I don't mean to embarrass you in front of the lady." he paused to look at me. "But you and I know you –infact we need to ace your game. Your chemistry is suffering. Same goes for physics and mathematics but the chemistry is a big no no."

"And that's where you come in Nairobi," Ms. Daniels said smiling at me.

I didn't have a good feeling about that. I could feel it in my tummy that I wouldn't like what was behind that smile.

"How do I come in? I don't have any business with him." I heard Vincent scoff.

"You see, Vincent here has been having problems with physics, chemistry and mathematics right from his SS1."

Vincent groaned. "Ms. Daniels did you really have to say it?"

"Yes she had to. Adebayo's father had to pay me and his physics teacher for after-school tutorials. He even paid some teachers outside the school. His physics and mathematics improved only a little but the chemistry is still poor," Mr. Palmer explained. I still didn't understand what I was supposed to do with the story.

"Okay sir. But I still don't get why I'm here."

Ms. Daniels sighed and gave me the are you that clueless look. "Nairobi you're going to be Vincent's new tutor."

"I knew it!" Vincent punched Ms. Daniels desk, earning a glare from the two teachers.

"No way. That's not happening," I said defiantly.

"Yes way Nairobi. Adebayo doesn't want to withdraw from the science class, so we considered letting his mate tutor him. it might be easier for him to assimilate that way. His father would pay you."

"It's not really about the money. Why was I chosen? I'm sure there are some other intelligent students in the class."

"Yes. Why was she chosen? There's Chijioke and Alex–"

"You guys would end up discussing irrelevant things. This is for your own good Vincent," Mr. Palmer said seriously.

"Amanda," I suggested.

Ms. Daniels laughed. "That one would get lost ogling at him throughout the session."

"Don't even suggest Jessica,"  Mr Palmer added like he read my mind.

"Why?"

"Jessica would not even agree."

"Neither am I," I said shaking my head. "I don't agree."