Our Insecurities

Chapter Ten

Favour sat hunched over her desk, staring blankly at the chemistry textbook that lay open in front of her. She hadn't understood anything Mr. Samuel taught in the just concluded chemistry lecture and was trying to know if she would catch up by reviewing the topic immediately. Between the cold carried by the aftermath of a short rain and the ridiculous amount of noise that her classmates generated, she didn't know which of them made it harder for her to concentrate.

She barely stopped her teeth from clanking together as she clenched her fist in frustration. It was the second period on Tuesday morning and even nursery pupils would have behaved more than Ss3D at the moment. She was already upset that she forgot her blazer on her bed in the hostel and the noise was the last thing she needed.

Before she could get a grip on herself, her fist was up in the air and hitting the desk loud enough to earn the attention of all the students in the class. She allowed a moment of dramatic silence before speaking.

"Can you all just keep the noise down. I'm trying to study here. You know that thing we were sent here by our parents to do. I'm trying to do that and I suggest you do so too while we wait for the next teacher to come in." At least, she could handle one problem. She was the class prefect anyway. That didn't stop some of her classmates from drilling holes into her head with their eyes.

Favour's solo speech didn't incite the reaction she expected. That was new to her. Usually, the class fell into a forced silence either from exasperation or sheer willingness. A slice of fear went through her. Could it be they were purposely ignoring her? And if yes, did it have anything to do with what had happened a week ago? She had truly believed that with a message about Harmony, hers would be forgotten and her slate wiped clean. Turns out it was just wishful thinking. But she didn't want to jump into conclusion yet.

She cleared her throat loudly before speaking again. "I said to quit the noise. Didn't you hear me the first time?" She spoke loudly, her voice more commanding than the previous time.

"And who are you to tell us what to do?" Ifechukwu demanded. She pushed away from the desk she sat on and made her way towards Favour near the window. She'd always wanted to put Favour in her place and this looked like the perfect opportunity she has been yearning for.

"I have that right as the class prefect," Favour answered. She held her gaze when she noticed a gleam in her eyes.

"I'm your assistant and you don't see me bossing anyone around. You seem to forget we're all classmates here." For someone whose every word riled her up, Ifechukwu appeared too relaxed and that annoyed Favour even more. Everyone knew not to take Ifechukwu at face value. She was cooking something, that was for sure.

"I don't care if you're my assistant or not. I simply asked that you guys keep the noise to a minimum. I'm trying to study here." Favour held her ground. Ifechukwu smiled at her attempt to remain unbothered. "And what are you smiling about? What is going through that head of yours?" Her voice wavered the slightest, but Ifechukwu noticed. She saw through her facade and wasn't ready to give up the rare opportunity to humiliate Favour. She winked at her and turned to address the class.

"What I think personally doesn't matter. And that's why I'm bringing it to your notice." She spoke boisterously. "How about getting a new class prefect? Favour has made a lot of bad decisions alone this term and I'm sure she's yet to make some more too. How can we trust her with the affairs of this class? I say we demote her while I assume her role. If you're for the suggestion, raise your hand." She lifted her left hand and waited for others to do so.

Favour wasn't having it anymore. Five hands were already up in the twinkle of an eye. This was totally ridiculous. Her expression pinched as five more hands went up in the air. She frowned further when six more hands flew up in the air. She stared across the classroom, concentrating on the reluctant ones who were still torn between making a decision. She decided she'd had enough when she noticed two more hands slowly going up.