A Child's Struggle

~5~

Raphael went to the hostel straight instead of going to eat. He felt the football competition will be a life changer for him because he was sure they would win. He did not want to miss playing in the competition by all means. He knew even if he does not get chosen, he would still be a substitute player but he did not want that. Raphael is a kind of guy that hates settling for the low knowing fully well he can be at the top. Though he knew how well he could play, it still bothered him that Roland may win. His face was all moody as he entered the hostel, his head clustered with thoughts like, how can I win Roland?, Roland is pretty good in football too, What I'm I going to do? 

As he sat on his bed, he decided that he won't give up to Roland. The most annoying thing was that he did not know what game Coach Femi was playing on giving them. He decided to work on his skills properly even if it meant skipping classes. Moreover, he had already been doing that. After all, it's football he actually wants to pursue as his career. 

After having his bath and dressing up in a comfortable light dress that is free of it, he layed on his bed for siesta to avoid sleeping during prep. He normally did not like sleeping in the afternoon but the weather was cool and good for resting. Just as he was about drifting into the dream world, his two friends jumped on the bed and that made him open his eyes.

"Are you guys okay?", He asked them frustratedly while they just kept laughing. "Please go I want to sleep"

"I saw you when you came in from the bathroom. Your face was moody. Any probs.", Bright said. "And moreover you did not show up at the dining hall this afternoon."

"It's not a big deal though", he said as he sat up. "Coach Femi decided to do a competition between...I really don't want to miss this opportunity."

"That's not a big deal. You will win. We will help you find his weakness so you can counter it during the game you guys will be given", assured Collins

"But come to think of it guys, why can't Coach Femi relax a bit. CAT is starting next week Wednesday and it will run through out upper week too. Can't he give you people that space. Anyways you would have to manage your time properly.", Bright said

"Exactly what he said. He said we should manage our time. That man is one of a kind." Raphael told them. "Oya you guys should start going, I really want to sleep" he started pushing them off the bed while they kept keeping their body stiff.

"But Collins when did Raphael start sleeping in the afternoon?" Bright asked amidst laughing.

"I think this Roland stuff is really throwing our guy off balance" he said as both of them burst into another round of laughter. Raphael was so frustrated. He just left them and turned to the other side backing them. 

When they went for prep, Favour came to meet them. Bright already updated her because they walked together from the dining hall that evening to class. She was bothered because the CAT was forthcoming and she knew the type of person Raphael was. He was so intrigued with his football that he can forgo his lessons and test for it.

She advised Raphael to make sure he doesn't use that as an excuse in missing classes. She told him to forget Coach Femi ever said a thing like this and he should focus on the forthcoming CAT because that was the sole reason he was here. Raphael just nodded his head like a small child being given instructions. In his mind he had made a decision that if he was given academic work and football training he would go for his football training. As far as he was concerned, being in the business class was a disruptive act to his destiny. 

Maybe because he had a good siesta he was able to read during prep. For once he enjoyed reading Commerce but that did not change the fact that he was angry of being in the class.

Just like a flash, it was Monday morning already. All the students were lined up properly with teacher moving within them. They were having their assembly. After all assembly modus operandi the Principal, Mrs Omu Vivian addressed the students. She told them to face their studies squarely as no form of malpractice will be tolerated. She also informed them that the timetables for all classes will be pasted before the end of the day on all class notice boards. After addressing other issues, the students marches to their classes.

While the Principal was addressing the students for their forthcoming CAT, Mrs Treasure's mind drifted to Raphael. She decided she would go see him when she is not busy.

Forsaking the advice the Principal gave at the assembly, Raphael left the class during short break and did not return till the last period. He went to do his training at his particular spot.

During the time he was away, Mr. Ogbu his class teacher noticed his absence. The man was really tired of the boy. He was about going out of the class to find him when Mrs Treasure walked in. The students greeted her while she walked to meet their class teacher. On entering the class, she had scanned through and noticed he was absent. 

"Are your students not learning?", She asked as she sat on the chair provided for her by a student.

"The teacher is having a meeting with the Vice Principal so can't make it but the next period is fast approaching anyway, just 10 more minutes", he explained.

"Why is Raphael not in class?"

"Asking me.", He chuckled. "I was even about going to look for him. I've asked around the class but no one knows. He doesn't even associate with the people in this class. He just talks to them few times. The summary is that he is most times absent from class."

"This is more than serious Sir. We should report this boy's behavior before it gets out of hand. A student of this school should be of good character." She said as she rested on the chair. "A camel can be taken to the stream but you cannot force it to drink the water", she said as she recalled he was actually forced into the class. "Maybe if he was in arts class he won't be like this."

"How do you mean?", Mr Ogbu asked. She then explained how he is forced into the business class and the reason for his unseriousness. "Hmm. This is why I tell parents to allow children study what they desire. See how he's wasting money here" he said as he shooked his head.

"Well let me go, the next teacher
would soon be here. Any year he comes back please tell him to see me. I doubt he would come sef." She said as she got up from the chair and headed out of the class.

Just as the principal said, the CAT timetable came out by the end of the day. Most of the students were gathered at the different notice boards looking and copying it down into their books. When Raphael and his friends finished copying their own, they were heading out of the building when a student came and called Raphael for Coach Femi. Almost immediately he got there Roland also entered the office. 

Coach Femi told them the game between them will take a new look. They were going to play the game in three parts. The three parts will take place in three days. He said at the end of every part there would be a winner and he would take the record. At the end of the three parts the winner gets to enter the game while the other a substitute. 

While their brain was trying to take in all the information that was just given to them he dropped the last bomb.

"And the first part of the game will take place on Monday afternoon. Don't let me be the one to call you. Be in my office after your siesta time."

They both did not say anything but just kept staring at him nodding their head at every sentence he made.

Raphael left the office that afternoon with a decision to win that first part at all costs.