A Child's Struggle

~6~

Another weekend passed just like every other one. It was a quiet week because of the forthcoming CAT. Most of the students had started reading in accordance with the timetable. Only few came out for sports of which Raphael was among.

When his friends told him to read with them, he told them he doesn't feel the exam vibe yet. They were so bothered about his lousy attitude because Maths was the first subject. He had told them about the latest order from the Coach. As for Raphael until he gets done with the game on Monday with Roland he won't be able to start preparing for test.

It was Monday and classes went on as usual. After classes, Roland and Raphael went to the Coach office while others had gone for lunch and siesta. Raphael was feeling so energetic ready for any game they were about to play.

Coach Femi really threw then off balance when he announced the game they were playing. He said he was going to ask them some questions about football history and that was it. The person with the highest score will get one point. Raphael was so disappointed because he did not have much knowledge on that aspect and he was not prepared at all.

At the end of the game, Roland won Raphael with a 10 against 5. It was a big difference. Raphael was very sad. He vowed to win the remaining two at all costs. The problem was that he did not even know what Coach Femi may ask next time. The man is really one of a kind, he thought as he walked out of the office. Roland had left already happily. He knew before he gets to the hostel, Roland would have told almost everyone in their lodge. So annoying!

He left the office so sad. It pained him because he had practiced well enough thinking it was a practical game.

When his friends came to class for prep in the afternoon he went to meet them in their class. They were together reading and did not bother to call him because of what he told them last time.

As they saw him coming towards them their face lit up as they thought he was coming to read finally. They had already heard from people that Roland won him in their first battle. They thought that at least he has known that he should not kill himself because of the game. Raphael's statement when he met them left them shocked.

"Seriously, you guys couldn't come to me. I know you guys have heard that Roland beat me. I know you are preparing for your test but if I had your support you guys would have thought about the aspect Coach Femi asked us today and I would have won." Raphael said as he looked at their faces which dropped from smiling to disappointing one

"Enough of this please. We are sorry. So now that the first phase is out can you join us let's read?", Favour said as she pulled a chair for him to sit down

"Read. Re.. read what. I just failed yesterday, I have to prepare for the other two. If I don't and Roland wins I can't take the humiliation of being a substitute", Raphael replied as he shook his head and refused to sit.

"What! You want to prepare for football when you have upcoming test?" Collins was so shocked hearing what Raphael said . "What has come over you Raphael?"

"Are you asking me that? Are you my Father? Who are you to ask me such?" he shouted as he flared up 

"Hey you guys should stop..."Bright was saying until he was cut short by Favour.

"Like seriously this is test period. We have maths on Wednesday and you behave like your future is not at stake here. Without maths you won't move to the next class. Its not a matter of whether you are in science, arts or business. Maths is compulsory for all. Moreover, on Thursday you have financial Accounting. Do you want to fail?"

"Who are you to tell me what to do? Is it your future that is at stake?" Raphael replied angrily as he pointed at her.

"For the past weeks you have not been attending classes properly and test is coming. You will fail if you don't read and Coach Femi will not be there to defend you. Even Roland is a more serious student than you," she retorted.

"Well I get it. You were not forced into this science class that's why. I'm in a class I don't want to be for crying out loud. I don't want to be there. Just leave me alone. Watch me okay. I'll do just what I want." He said and began walking away from the class. Everyone was just looking at him. Even people from outside came to watch the quarrel. This was their first time quarelling and it was suprising to everyone.

"You don't know what your are doing." Favour said to his hearing. Raphael stopped walking and turned to them then just walked away again without saying anything.

                               ***

Mrs Bamidele was sitting in her office checking out some documents her secretary brought to her desk for signing. It was already close of work time but she did not go home because she had to finish up the work on her desk. She worked for a manufacturing company as their managing director. She just finished a meeting with some to be business partners, so she did not have the time to go through the documents her secretary gave her since morning. Her friend helped her pick up Toluwani from school because her husband was not also around.

She was going through the documents when her phone rang. As she saw the caller her heart lit up. It was her daughter, Racheal. 

"Oh my daughter!" She exclaimed as she picked the call. It has been long she saw this girl physically so she took all calls like her life depended on it.

"Surprise mama", Racheal said happily.

"I'm sorry about the other time. Network was having issues. So what is it again?" Mrs Bamidele apologized. The last time when Toluwani was speaking to her, network error did not allow them to hear each other properly.

"No problem mama. Well the surprise is that I'm coming home next week Sunday... Not this coming one... the next one... Yes", she kept replying to her mother's questions.

"My baby I really can't wait to see your face, to touch your face, OMG", she said as she demonstrated to the air.

"I wanted to surprise you so I already planned everything concerning my flights with dad. All other gist will wait till I'm back. Good by mom. Love ya", she said as she hung up.

"Love you too", she said as she looked at the phone smiling. " When he comes home from that his trip tomorrow, I'll deal with him for keeping this secret all along"

She signed the documents happily and faster so she can pick up Toluwani and tell her the great news.

Hmmmm
Wats happening now?🤔
Friendships are getting broken...😥
Racheal is coming home😃

Let's watch out wats going on🤗