A Child's Struggle

~8~

Roland needed to collect his writing materials from the bag of his friend, Adebayo but when he went into his class they were arranging their chairs for the test. Adebayo is in the science class. He told Roland to wait outside while he went to get the writing materials.

Roland was waiting outside the class. He rested on the rail watching other students as they hurriedly walked to their classes. He was still standing at the rail when he saw Raphael running towards the toilet and folding something. Almost immediately, he came out again with nothing in his hands.

After Roland collected his writing materials, he went to check what Raphael was up to. He knew something was going on so he highly suspected Raphael. Moreso, if what he was thinking is right then that's jackpot for him.

His class still had one hour to start their paper so there was enough time for him to check out Raphael. He went into the restroom and checked each toilet till he saw were a paper was folded inside tissue. Such a real wise boy, he thought.

He was actually not still sure if it was Raphael that kept that there but he was at a guess because recently Raphael has been unserious. There is high tendency he would cheat. He was still in the toilet when Raphael came in and he asked him, "Coming to get this?"

"You asked me how I got to find out. Well I just answered you", Roland said as he looked at Raphael. He could already see the fear in his eyes.

"You have to keep shut about this. I will just go back and won't cheat again", Raphael said as his eyes begged for mercy.

"Well, do you think I would just let this slide? We are on a competition don't forget that. If I can expose you don't you think it will be a pass for me immediately?", Roland asked him as he moved closer to him.

"Please can you not report me?"

"Can you leave the game for me. Also reject being a substitute. I don't think I'll like to play with you"

"Please forget about that football stuff for now. I have to go to my class now before my invigilator suspects me. I'm already spending so much time."

"Just know I'm not keeping shut", Roland said in almost a whisper as he moved to the door, waving the paper up. "Sir, Ma... Someone wanted to che...

Raphael didn't allow him complete the sentence. Raphael covered his mouth and held him from going out of the toilet. In the cause of struggling with each other, he pushed Roland making him hit his head on the wash hand basin. Roland let out a loud cry as he fell on his back with a thud. Blood gushed at his head as he cried in pain. Everything happened in a rush that Raphael was too shocked to even react. All that was ringing in his head was that he had almost killed someone.

Two teachers, Mrs Susan and Mrs Adewumi were walking down the class area when they heard the scream and the sound of glass falling in pieces. Immediately, they changed course of movement and ran to the toilet. As they opened the door they met the shock of their lives.

Mrs Adewumi ran out calling for other staff's help as she also called the school emergency.

"What happened here?", Mrs Susan asked as she looked from Roland who was in pool of blood to Raphael that was crying. Her voice was hoarse. She was crying already.

In few minutes, the nurses came in, put him on a stretcher and wheeled him to the ambulance. While they tried to give him first aid treatment, they took him to a hospital outside school. Meanwhile Raphael was carried to the vice principal's office for interrogation.

The school block was noisy as teachers tried to send all the students back to their classes. The janitor immediately cleaned up the blood and other stains after the head of the disciplinary body came and took some photos. He also picked up the paper that Raphael wanted to use to cheat.

Through out that day that was the talk of students. Nobody knew the real story yet because he was still in the vice principal's office. At least they knew, Roland was rushed to the hospital because he broke his head and Raphael was the only one with him. Different people carried on different versions.

"Tell me he did not do that to Roland?" Favour asked admist tears.

"No one knows yet. When he comes out we will find out. Stop crying. Be strong.", Collins said as he hugged her.

It was a hard time for them tho. Their worst fear was actually enveloping them.

The server man was asked to bring the CCTV footage of the toilet from 30minutes ago to the office. The vice principal called all disciplinary committee members to his office also. Everyone was sitted except Raphael who stood crying with his head bowed.

"Thank you", the vice principal told the sever man as he collected the flash containing the footage.

"Welcome sir", he said and went out of the office.

The flash was inserted into the computer which was connected to a bigger screen were everyone was watching from. It showed Raphael going into the toilet with paper and coming out empty handed. It also showed how Roland went into the toilet some minutes after and came out with the paper. Later on, it showed the argument that ensued between both of them and then the action part, how Raphael pushed Roland who landed on the washing sink.

"OMG", exclaimed the teachers especially the women. Some were throwing daggers at him with their eyes. Different mummuring took place amongst them.

"What can you say Raphael?" The vice principal asked him. He was still crying with his head bowed. There was nothing for him to say, nothing to deny or deliberate on. He was guilty of the offence. The CCTV footage had said it all.

The Vice Principal told him the decision will be relaid to his hearing on the assembly ground after their meeting with the Principal. Also, his parents will be called because Roland hospital bills will need to be taken care of.

Not long after, the news had gone round everywhere, both junior and senior school, teaching and non teaching staffs, it was a bad situation for him. His friends were not happy at all. They blamed themselves for forsaking him when he needed them the most. They began looking for him all around the school till they found him on his usual practice spot. He was crying his eyes out.

"Raphael you have to stop crying", Collins said as they went towards him. They sat with him on the grass putting their hands on his shoulder.

"We are here for you. We are very sorry for leaving you. Please forgive us", she said as tears fell down her eyes down to her chin. She held his hands in hers as she cried.

"No don't say that. I'm the one to beg for forgiveness. I'm an asshole..." Raphael said as he cried the more.

"No you are not", Bright said.

"Yes I am. I did not heed to your advice. Foolish me... I told you guys to watch and see. See what has happened now"

"It's ok Raphael. My shoulders are there for you to lean on." Favour said as she put his head on her shoulder like a baby.

Everywhere was silent as no one knew what to say. It was a solemn moment till Raphael broke the silence.

"I have to enjoy every moment I have with you guys. Please make it very memorable for me" Raphael said with his face a bit good.

"Is it only me that is feeling the aura of his voice. Why are you talking like you are going somewhere far?", Bright said as he looked at Favour and Collins

"I guess I may leave soon", he said.

"Leave soon? What!", all of them chorused.

"Yh. I don't know what the disciplinary committee will decide. Hmmm! I failed in everything, loosed on both sides; academics and football." He replied them.

"No Raphael. Maybe God wants to move you to your next level" Favour said.

"With such a method. He would have used a better way. Why make me cry to glory?" He asked as he batted his eyes.

"It's a process Raphael. He is preparing you for the work ahead." Favour said.

"Favour the preacher", Bright hailed.

"Bright leave me ooh", Favour said as all of them laughed including Raphael.