Ultio's List

Chapter 9

    Mrs Isioma stood on the stage of the school hall with fatigue written all over her. The students talked amongst themselves as she wondered what to tell them exactly. The previous day was one she'd never in her life forget. She grimaced slightly as she recalled the police all over the school, the body of yet another teacher and the order she was given from the state government.

   "Listen up students." She feebly ordered and luckily, the students were interested in what she had to say so they closed their mouths. "I have no idea how to explain all that has been happening to you kids. Some of you may even know more than I do. I've called your parents and told them of the current situation. So from today till tomorrow, your parents will come and take you home till further notice." 

   "Omo!"

   "So it's serious.."

  The students expressed their shock at the new information.

   "The state government has ordered that this school be remained closed till whoever the perpetrator is will be caught." She added while wiping her face with her white handkerchief, "That aside. A bunch of students rioted in the school compound yesterday further tarnishing the image of our school in front of some reporters and the police. I have punished them seriously and they said that the seniors were the ones that told them to. Now, if you know you are in SS3 and you had the guts to instigate something like this, it's better you report yourselves to me before the end of today or you'll face severe punishment if I catch you myself." She concluded looking at the senior students who stared back at her with blank faces.

  "You're dismissed. Go and pack your bags. Everything you came with because we don't know the next time we'll resume." Her voice broke at the last sentence as she looked around the school hall.

    The students dispersed from the hall, some heading to the hostel and others, to the classroom.

***

  "Once you get home, your class prefect should create a group chat where your online classes will be held. Your exams are fast approaching so we don't have time to dilly-dally at home. Make sure you all have Zoom because some subjects may require zoom calls." Their form teacher, Mr Moses, said. The SS 3 students looked a little excited about the idea.

    "It's giving me Covid vibes." Kelvin jokes and they agreed.

   "I'll still communicate with the principal so we can map out a day when you kids can come to school for your JAMB slips." He added while taking his satchel from the desk.

  On cue, the principal walked into the classroom with an annoyed expression. Mr Moses greeted her before walking out of the classroom.

   "Mike, Brume and Ife, follow me now." She ordered. The three students called looked at each other in surprise as they followed the woman out of the class.

  "She found out o." Pasim exclaimed as soon as they were out of earshot. The rest of the class eventually found out what had happened the previous day in the hostel.

  "I wonder who told her." Sam muttered.

   Gabby glared at a particular fair skinned girl beside him. "Was Joy in the class when the plan was made?" She asked and Sam nodded slowly. "And you are wondering who told her? Abi you don turn Sam in the Wonderland?" The class became silent as they stared at Joy who didn't raise her head from the book she was reading.

   "How could we just forget her?" Kelvin asked bitterly.

   "Once a tattletale, always a tattletale." Nini said, rolling her eyes.