Free Me

SIX

One could only hear the indistinct chatters that filled the air as a very large number of students stood in front of Anatomy Complex, eager for the gate to be opened. All were clad in different attires. Some wore simple clothing while many looked stunning in their expensive eye catching clothes. Most of the ladies wore heavy makeup and if not because of the books they held in their hands, one would swear they were attending a wedding. A lady dressed in a blue jeans and a kaftan top, with a matching coloured veil wore sun glasses even though it was 7:40am and she was seated under a shade. These, and many more told whosoever was passing by, that they were level 1 students - freshers as they were commonly referred to.

Nusayba was seated at the farthest end of the door step in front of the building. She was dressed in a mint green abaya that had white embroidery on it. And she wore a not so thick jacket over it; because of the cool morning air. It's been three weeks since she started school. Today being a Monday, she had to come to school earlier than usual because the first lecture was MTH1301. The lecturer, Mal. Balarabe during their first lecture, made it crystal clear to them that he detested late coming and he would embarrass whoever came late to his class. The next time they had MTH1301, most of them came early and were surprised to see him waiting for the complex to be opened. Immediately the gate was opened, he ran into the building and up the stairs, to the lecture room. Seeing their lecturer running, the students took to their heels too, though they had no idea why he was running. Some entered before him while he entered before some. Immediately he was in the class, he started counting. He counted from one to ten and on the count of ten, he closed the door. Five minutes later, he opened the door and then students trooped in. All were surprised that he didn't stop them. When they had taken their seats, he cleared his throat and spoke.

"All of you that came in now stand up and walk out" and the class had burst into laughter. Why didn't he just stop them the moment they came in?
Since then, Nusayba always came very early anytime they had that course. 7am dot and she was in school.

Now as she waited for the gate to be opened, she felt the urge to ease herself. She glanced at her wrist watch and it was 7:55am. She decided to hold it in. The gate will soon be opened. She thought. She had hardly dismissed the thought when the man in charge of opening the gate arrived. Mal. Balarabe was yet to arrive so the students took their time. Nusayba found a suitable seat in the third row and sat but she wasn't comfortable. She was pressed. Why of all days did she have to feel the urge to pee early this morning? She let out a small hiss. She glanced at her wrist watch for the second time and it read 7:59am. Mal. Balarabe would be here anytime soon. She thought but what? She felt like her bladder was going to burst so without a second thought, she stood up and headed for the rest room. She knocked on the door but unfortunately for her, there was someone in the rest room so she had to wait. Another palava. Today was a bad day for her. She thought. By the time she was out of the rest room, it was 8:09am. She had spent 10 minutes out. Now she was 100% sure the lecturer was in class. She felt like not attending the lecture but on a second thought, she changed her mind. Why wouldn't she attend the lecture when she came early? And with this thought, she braced up herself and walked up to the door even though she felt her heart throbbing hard against her rib cage. She gently turned the door knob and the croaking sound the door made while she opened it turned the attention of the class to the door. All eyes were on her as she stepped in. Even Mal. Balarabe stopped talking and paid attention to her. Instead of walking further into the class, Nusayba stood glued to the floor. Thirty seconds passed and she still didn't move. One minute and she was still standing. Mal. Balarabe looked at her from head to toe.

"What a nice dress you've got" He said and the class laughed.

"Now why don't you take a seat?" He smiled, his gaze still fixed on her. Nusayba looked up and seeing a smile on his face, gave her hope. The class was dead silent.