A Child's Struggle

~11~

Roland and his dad were discharged from the hospital after three days. Roland went with his mum to his school to collect his school belongings. He was not going to return to school till after the mid term break. His health still needed to be under watch. They came in the afternoon, as at that time school was over and students where in the hostel. His hostel father had already been pre informed, so he had helped Roland pack his belongings. When Roland and his mum arrived, he went up to get his box and other stuffs. As he passed students kept staring at him like they had not seen him before, maybe because of the bandage he still had on his head. Teachers and even the students were happy he was okay and looking good.

Roland had heard from his mum already that Raphael was given an indefinite suspension. He was not happy about it knowing fully well that he was at fault also. When he came up to the room, Collins and Bright walked up to him amidst other students that came to ask him how he has been. After all the talks and everyone had dispersed, they begged him to forgive Raphael. He told them he was not happy about Raphaels' leaving but there's nothing he could do. He went home that day becoming friends with the boys.

                                           ***

The sad aura in the Bamidele's household had started reducing as Racheal was there to vibe the place up. She spoke to Raphael one day concerning the issue of his suspension and he opened up to her about all that happened between their parents and him, the school football team, his friends and then the fight with Roland. She concluded that everything was caused by pressure coming from their parents. The fact that he loved football made him not to balance his academics and football trainings and the fear of letting his father down in the C.A., pushed him to almost commit exam malpractice. Then the fear of getting caught made him engage in a fight that led to his present state.

One night after everyone had gone to school, Mrs Bamidele was trying to put somethings in order for the next day when Racheal came to meet her in the sitting room.

"I thought you were sleeping. What is it?", Her mum asked as she sat down on the small sofa.

"Well, Errrm....rrm I just wanted to discuss something with you" she wasn't sure her mum would give her a listening ear because it was late already.

"This night!"

"Yes mum, this night"

"Ok. Start talking. You know it's late and I don't like you guys staying up this late." 

Rachael told her about the discussion she had with Raphael and how everything happened. The too much pressure on him and his love for football. She tries explaining to her mum to let go of what had happened because the boy is hurting and she will end up keeping him far away from her.

"So from all these you've said what is the conclusion" she was getting tired of the discussion as it concerned Raphael. Also, the way Rachael was saying it she kind of felt guilty that she had been a bad mother.

"What I'm trying to say is that, he needs a place where his academics and talent of playing football can be balanced. Seriously ooh because I don't think he can ever stop using his talent. You know the only thing he missed was some papers of his C.A. You and Dad can't just say he won't go to school anymore because that will not stop him from letting go of his dreams."

"You know your dad. He wants him to take over the company so he is very disappointed. Anyways he would still attend another school."

"Mum I don't just mean any school. Even if you put him in another school don't you think something like this can repeat itself. In my opinion, you people should please allow him follow his dreams. Mum put yourself in his shoes. You love your occupation. Why? Because it has always been your dream. Same for dad too. Can you please allow him follow his own?"

"So which school should I take him too?"

"A football academy"

"A football academy?" She asked so suprised. "He had once said something like this but I just ignored him. That was on the day he went to school."

"Mum I know you love Raphael so much and I also know you are pressured because of Dad. Just try to talk to him. I mean dad." Rachael said with pleading eyes.

"Why don't you talk to him?"

"He is your husband. He will listen to you faster"

"But you are his precious daughter who just came back recently."

"Oh mum! Stop teasing me." She said as they laughed into the night.

Mrs Bamidele woke up with the thoughts of what Racheal discussed with her last night. She was a bit off as her head was fun of so many things. However, she needed to at work. Rachael had helped her take care of Toluwani's preparation for school. She was sitted in her office signing some papers when her colleague and friend, Mrs Sarah came in. She looked so beautiful and gorgeous as she walked majestically and had her sit on one of the chairs. She has just a kid around the same age with Raphael. Luckily he's a boy too and his name is Tobi.

"I can see you are so happy this morning", Mrs Bamidele said as she stopped what she was doing.

"Off course na. You look a bit down, are you okay? My bad, I had not been checking on you"

"Stop abeg" Mrs Bamidele laughed at her teasing. "So do you mind telling me the reason behind the awesome smile on your face."

"Well my husband has granted my son and I our request"

"OMG! Thank God. I remember you saying you would tell me the request if it's granted. You remember abi"

"Yh! I totally remember. Well he has allowed Tobi to attend a football academy" she said it so excitedly while Mrs Bamidele kept staring at her so suprised. "You know that's has been my son's dream. I'm happy it's going to be fulfilled"

"So you are really comfortable with him attending a football academy instead of going to normal secondary school?"

"It's not like they don't teach there. It will help balance the football life and academic life. You know when a child is allowed to do what he wants, he would ordinarily start doing well in other aspects."

"Ok. That's really nice" she said as she was a bit lost in thoughts. Her mind had drifted to Raphael.

"So why are you down?" Mrs Sarah question jolted her back to reality.

"I'm not down ooh. I'm just a bit hungry I think. I've not eaten well because of work." She replied as she forced out smile. She couldn't bring herself to tell anyone about her son's suspension. It would be a slap to her face. "But you don't have to worry. I've ordered food already."

"Ok ooh. Eat well and don't let work be an excuse." She said then left the office while Mrs Sarah threw her head backwards on her chair thinking what to do.