CAGED

22

"This one that Feyintola has been frowning since she got back from Mrs Akin's office. Did she say something offensive?" Hassan asks as they all meet under the tree near the cafeteria.
She shakes her head in negative and fondles with her bag's strap while looking away.
"What happened se? Even Hassan that isn't in our class saw you just once and he noticed. We have been asking since morning and you're not saying anything. That attribute was once Inioluwa's but all thanks to God, he's free from it now and then you decided to take it up. What happened joor?" Jeremy asks holding on to her school bag.
"It's just something beyond my control." She finally says amidst countless sad sighs.
"Who told you that one?"
"Nobody needs to. I can see it already and it's actually very sad."
"Is she forcing you to attend the project competition?" Inioluwa asks her.
  "No. It's even very different jare. It's about football."
"Is she banning you from playing football for ever?"
   "Not at all. Remember that competition I told you guys about? That one that caused trouble at home."
"State tournament abi?"
"Yes. So our school has been chosen and I'm one of you players according to the video. But Dad and Mom have to sign the form." She says almost breaking into tears.
"So? Is that why you want to cry?" Jeremy asks immediately pulling her into a hug. He pats her back in assurance and she huffs into his chest.
"I don't like you crying na. Feyintola you're strong o. Abba's princess and you're doing like this." Hassan complains turning to look around to see if they are attracting anyone's attraction.
    "I'm sorry guys. I just....." She rounds up with a croaked cry again. Inioluwa just turns to face Jeremy and he signals for him to stop hugging her. The latter acts according to instruction and she tries to wipe her tears away.
  "See, we're going to meet Coach Donald. We tell him that he has to follow us back to your house. Probably on Friday since that is when your father comes home. Then we contact Aunt Tola and she follows us too. I'm sure that will be useful most especially when they hear the benefits attached to it. Letter give it a try." He suggests looking at the boys for support.
"That's true Tiola. Let's do just that." Hassan says.
"Remember, you're not going there as helpless, your father has gone ahead to prepare his heart already. You're just going to see the seed. I can do it myself gan." Jeremy offers and they immediate set to go without saying anything. Just as they reach the entrance to the administrative block, they see the coach holding a backpack emerging from the staffroom. They wait awhile for him to reach them.
"Good afternoon sir." They chorus.
"Ah! Good children how are you doing?"
"We're not too fine sir." Jeremy answers looking sad.
"Ah! This one all of you are not feeling fine. Did something happen? Should we go to the footage field to discuss it?" He suggests immediately fumbling for his keys.
   "No sir. We can quickly say it here since we need your help." Inioluwa chips in and gives Feyintola the go ahead.
"It's about me sir."
"Feyintola we already talked about....."
"I know sir. I'm just asking that you please go with my aunt to see my parents concerning the State's tournament. I know that if you talk to them while they are settled, it's possible that they hear you and try to listen."
  "You think so?"
"Yes sir."
"So I'm just going there to try make them see the good side of your involvement in football right?" He asks his head tilted as if deliberating a course.
"Yes sir. And the benefits of the competition too."
"And I won't be called a low life?"
"No sir. My aunt will be dear. They respect her a lot. And she supports ms lot too."
  "Okay then. Tell her to call me once she's ready." He says and motions to leave.
"Thanks so much sir."
"Thank you sir."
    "Thanks coach." The boys appreciate him and he nods before leaving.

Awwwn ❣️. Coach is willing to risk his dignity just to save someone's career. What other type of love exists apart from this and the one Jesus has for us😁😁🤗🤗. Thanks for sticking to Caged. You can as well check out my book, Choice. It's a beautiful one.

Much love 💖❣️. Do take beautiful care of yourself 💌.

Yours in Ink; Bethel ™