A Child's Struggle

~13~

Raphael's school application forms were processed successfully and all the items needed for him in school were provided. It was indeed a miracle!

Raphael's room was very scattered as he was arranging his things for school. They had just come back from the shopping mall. He was going to school in two days time. He was tired from the days activities and decided to play games. He was playing his Play station game Rachael came and asked him if he would like to go out.

"Off course", he had replied her. Rachael planned everything about the outing with their dad and the next day it was a whole event day. They all went to the gym. After then they went to a mini football pitch where the watched Raphael played. His dad also joined him for the first time and he was actually good in it. The ladies just kept chitchatting while they ate popcorn. They were all sweaty after the exercises so they went back home and refreshed themselves. Mrs Bamidele cooked a sumptuous meal and they all ate and drank till they were full.

The next day, she woke up early and prepared because she was the one taking him to school. Raphael woke up early too as he was so happy and anticipated how the school will be, the people he would meet and what will become of him. He was having his bath when his dad left for work. He had to go early because he had a meeting with a client. He was not happy he could not see his dad before he left but the joy of going to a football academy overwhelmed every form of sadness.

While they were almost at the school, his mum told him to listen to a voice note his dad sent for him. He took the phone from her hand bag and played the voice note.
"I'm sorry I had to leave for work early today. Don't worry I will call you later. As you go to that school, I want you to show me the real talent in you. When I saw you playing football yesterday I knew you had lots of potential in you. Please allow passion drive you. The sky will not be your limit. Don't forget I'm your number one fan and I'll always be on your team." Raphael smiled out tears as he finished listening to it. He remembered the last time a scenerio like this happened. It was when he was resuming school in first time. What a change in the hand of the clock.

"And I'm also on your team", his mom said as she smiled at him.

"I love you mum."

When they reached the school, they were taken to the secretary and after all the required documents were crosschecked, they were allowed to go in for hostel checking. Mrs Bamidele stayed with him and made sure he was comfortable before she finally left.

                                            ***

The midterm break was over and students had resumed school again. Raphael's friend were discussing about their C.A.T result and how the break went for them. 
"How was your holiday?" Collins asked.

"Was that even an holiday. Just a one week break. Sha it was lovely", Favour replied. "Hmmm... I just remembered Raphael all of a sudden."

"I was going to break the news sha"

"What do you mean Collins? What news?"

"News that Raphael is doing well"

"Bright you too. What's up with the both of you. Stop beating around the bush"

"Ok. The thing is Raphael is now in a football academy."

"How did you know Collins? Why did you not tell me? That should have been the first thing you say to me today" Favour was so happy. 
Actually their hostel father was the one that told them. He said he had called to ask about Raphael and how he was doing and his mum told him he had gone to school. She said he was now in a football academy. 

"I guess it was not good at the beginning but now everything is good", Favour said as she walked to her sit. Their maths teacher had walked in, so they had to settle down. She kept smiling to herself through out the class. She was just so happy for him.

                                          ***

The Football Academy was already in session but thank God he had not really missed much. It was time for their training so he was walking to the field with his friend, Chad. Chad was his first friend in the academy. Chad was assigned to him when he came new for the purpose of taking him around the school environment. Chad was the talking type and he so much reminded him of his friends. One of the days Chad was taking him around, he took him to the standard football pitch. It was like a stadium but smaller. Chad told him it only gets opened when an important event is taking place. That day, he imagined himself playing there, scoring goals and bouncing out with a medal. Chad had told him that there was an upcoming event that would require the opening of that place. He really anticipated that event.

Raphael flowed with his classmates and team members very well. He was loved my everybody. Maybe because he was short, cute and could play very well. The first time he played everyone could see the talent in him. He got an instant like in the eyes of his coach. Both academically he was doing very well. Just the few weeks he had spent, he could feel he had really put much effort. He always spoke to his parents on weekends. He was told that Rachael had gotten a job, he was really happy for his family.

Finally the long awaited and anticipated event was announced. The competition was going to hold at the end of the year and their parents were going to be invited along side other dignitaries. Preparation for the event started in earnest. It was the 7th of it's kind. Its more like an interschool competition but it's always a big one. They were shared randomly into new groups and were given a team coach. Raphael and Chad fell in the same team, good for them. Also, he had a good coach. One day in their hostel, some of his friends were complaining about their coach and how harsh they were. He was happy that at least he did not fall into such teams.

After an intense practice one day, Raphael sat on floor tying his lace. Chad had left already because he needed to ease himself. He was tying his lace when he noticed a figure in his front. When he rose his head he saw that it was his coach. He was actually suprised because he had not really had a one on one conversation with him before.

"Coach James Good evening" he said with his head bowed.

"Do you mind?", Coach James asked him as he showed him the bottle of water.

"No. Thanks. I've drank already."

"You know you are good player right?", Coach James said as he sat down also on the floor beside Raphael. "I've actually not seen you before this training started. Guess you just came this session."

"Yes. I just joined this session. It has actually been a great time here. I'm really enjoying it."

"Nice. I admired your skill as you dribbled Tola today. It was really good. You should keep it up. You know what? Maybe I will play with you one of these days."

"Seriously", Raphael said as he laughed.

"Yes. I'm very serious. I know you will be great and I know you know that too. Dignitaries will be coming for this upcoming event. They can pick you up, you can't tell. So please put your best", he tapped his shoulder then got up and left while Raphael also carried his bag and left to the hostel.

Woww😄😄😄😄
I'm so happy for Raphael. He's finally in the Football Academy 😄😄
There is nothing like following your dreams 🌟🥰
I really hope he does well in this upcoming event.