Half Step At A Time

Chapter 6: Trouble in paradise

    Excruciatingly long prep, long awkward silence and discomfort were the things I faced and had to endure before I left for the hostel.

I was so glad that the 'muscular guy' didn't recognise me. Phew!! That was a close one. If he did, he would probably start asking me why I behaved snobbish when he was just trying to help and then I would start looking for ways to apologise, then I might end up insulting him, then he would insult me too, then we would cause a scene and things would become extremely awkward, then....

"Hey, Doyin right?" Said a voice from behind me.
I was walking to the hostel alone. My sister had ditched me to run to the hostel quickly because she really had to use the toilet.
I looked back, it was the girl from the dining hall.
"Hey, miss porridge" I waved.
I named her 'miss porridge' in my head after the porridge 'incident'. This was because I had forgotten her name.

She gave me a funny look.
Uh oh, I realised I just made up a name for her  because I couldnt remember her name. It must hurt her to know that I can't even recollect her name.
I covered my mouth after realising this.
"I'm sorry" I said.
To my relief, she burst out laughing. Of course, I had been overthinking again. This was no big deal.

"Haha! No worries dee, I'm a foodie, I get that a lot". She said, cackling. She didn't even know the reason why her named her that. But she remembered my name and even already gave me a nickname. "Dee". I felt worse now.
I started laughing nervously and we both laughed as we made our way to the hostel.
BTW: I still don't remember her name.

* * * * * * * * *
Badump, badump, badump......
If you didn't know, that's the sound of my heart beating extremely fast because I was about to write the test that would determine the department I was going to enter.

I actually admit, I've always had phobia for exams. But this time, it was worse, because I didn't know what I would do if I didn't enter the science department. It had always been my dream from elementary school to junior secondary school.
If things went badly, I might break down, mentally.

"Everyone, take your seats!" Said the invigilator, who was our annoying school counsellor. She brought out stacks of paper from a huge envelope and handed one to each of us. There were at least 20 of us , new students.
The paper given to us was the answer sheet. The question paper would be given in a minute time.
"Write your name and every other information correctly". She said, Then continued.

" This test is not a life or death activity, its just for us to find out what department you are capable of so that we can put you in the right place. You are all going to write five subjects, each containing thirty objective questions for you to answer. The subjects are maths English,general science, social studies, and business studies. If the highest mark you get is in maths or general sciences, then you are going to be placed in the science department"
Good, so My focus is on maths and general sciences.
"....and if the highest mark you get is in social studies or business studies, you will be placed in the commercial department. As for the arts and humanities department, your highest mark will have to be in English or social studies, is that clear?".
" Yes ma"

Halfway through the exam, while we were writing the maths paper, I sighted a particular girl wearing glasses. She would finish her paper before anyone else. It was like she used only half the time assigned to us! I was amazed. I myself was struggling with the math problems but she was just ticking and ticking away.
Ughh!!! I was soo jealous.
"Escuse me, I'm done" she suddenly said.
I gasped. So soon? Even maths?
"Oh, nice, just give me the paper and kindly place your head on the table." the invigilator said to before yelling at the rest of us.
"You all should speed up! You have twenty more minutes to go!".
"Mtcheww" I hissed and stared at the girl.
The girl cast me a glance as she walked back to her seat and I quickly looked away and faced my work.
Awkward.

"Alright, time's up!"
Too bad, I was already done. I handed my paper to the invigilator and walk out, praying that I didn't make any mistake.
The results would be out tomorrow morning and our names would be pasted on our respective departments' door. That might be a nightmare if I didn't get into the science department.

I saw my sister approaching me.
"Are you done with the exam?how was it?"
" Don't you have a class now?" I asked
" I do, but I really want to find out how the exam went naaa" she begged, almost pulling off my arm.
"So you left class just to ask me a question? You're ditching class again? I've told you to stop that!" She never changes, always ditching classes here and there.
"Just tell me naaa, I'll still go to class, don't yet get all worked up" she giggled.
" Okay, it went great, it went great. Now go to class!"I ordered.
"Whatever, but I hope you enter the science class, or else, it would be very dissapointing".she said and walked away.
I shivered. Why did she have to say that? Now I was more tensed up. I definitely must not dissapoint.