Something Unusual

ONE

JARED AKINBADE

Jared was in no mood for school this morning. He was in no mood for anything actually.

He adjusted the headphones on his dreadlocked head as he tried to make himself comfortable in the back seat of one of his father's Lexus. And for the umpteenth time, his attempt failed.

Maybe he would have been more comfortable in his bedroom, on his bed. Or in his gaming chair. Maybe even lying in a gutter– as long as he was not on the way to school.

But alas, his father would not have it!

He was in his final year of secondary school now, didn't he get it? He simply could not expect to carry on with the 'lackadaisical attitude' he'd been portraying since he entered highschool.

Jared didn't know he was sighing until Mr. Luke, the driver spoke to him.

"Sorry, what was that?" He asked, having not heard the man. Mr. Luke's concerned eyes met his through the rearview mirror.

"Is everything alright, young sir?"

"Yes, it is. Please, don't mind me" Jared offered him what he hoped looked close to a half smile.

Mr. Luke didn't look convinced, but he did not pry any further. He returned his focus back on the road. That was probably safer for them both.

The man was very observant, Jared noticed. And for all Jared had seen, he was exceptionally diligent in his job, even as a driver.

Mr. Luke had been Jared's dad's personal driver for over five years now. The two worked closely. If Jared didn't know his father, he'd say the two were close friends.

Yet despite his father's close contact with Mr. Luke, the two were nothing alike.

Mr. Luke was genuinely interested in people.

Jared was surprised his father could show enough interest in his mom to get her to marry him.

Mr. Akinbade could not be bothered with anything that didn't bring him money.

Jared had been forced to learn that early in his life. Right from when he was barely six.

He could count how many times his father had been home for more than 6 months in a year.

At first, Jared tried to win his father's attention by being an outstanding student. He was, in fact, the model student in his class for years running.

But he realized in a painful way that that isn't enough to draw Mr. Akinbade's attention, much less approval or appreciation.

How many times has his father showed up at award ceremonies?

How many times has he been there at study sessions?

How many times did he forget simple things like birthdays and graduation ceremonies?

If Mr. Akinbade showed up, it was to show himself, his wealth.

However, Jared had noticed a change in his father's attitude toward him over the SS2 into SS3 long break. His father was uncharacteristically interested in his life.

To be more specific, his academics.

His father had requested for his SS2 final exam results from his school.

Jared could not understand the sudden interest. And in all honesty, he didn't quite appreciate it.

To say his father was furious with the result he saw was a gross understatement.