A Loner's Journey Through Lemonade Making

Chapter 11| The Birthday Gift

Friday marked the end of my first week of school and two days since Aunty Oma mysteriously became nicer to me. I would say the week went okay. I'd gotten a little more popular among my mates, all thanks to Safia and Munachi. Being seen talking to Joju occasionally after the door of his locker hit my forehead that Wednesday had also played a role in my 'rising' popularity. But nothing beat the debate on Monday.

One of the things that came with Aunty Oma's new behaviour was her concern for what I ate and what time I left for school. I didn't sweep on Fridays and even if I did, Aunty Imade would have handled that because Aunty Oma insisted I left the house by 7:25 latest. She also insisted I packed something to eat at school. I only ever took a bottle of water and a biscuit or whatever I'd found lying forgotten in the freezer. If I had enough money, I would treat myself to a snack at school. When she'd said this yesterday, I started wishing she would pay for the school food service. It would be good-- going down to collect my food and eating outside, socializing with other people and not starv–

"Don't you want to go to school today? Do you know what the time is?!" I heard Aunty Oma scream from the living room.

I hurriedly took the bread out of the toaster, nearly burning my fingertips while at it. I threw some grapes into a zip lock, then rushed to my room where I grabbed my hairbrush and notebooks. I said bye to Aunty Oma, then raced to the gate.

I was walking down the road when I saw Mrs Lawson drive past in her black Range Rover with a sleepy Shalewa in the back seat. I smiled excitedly, hoping she would see me and offer me a ride. In true Mrs Lawson fashion, she did. Thanking her excitedly, I hopped in next to Shalewa. We chatted till her mum pulled up in front of school.

On my way to class, I wondered if she would become a boarder soon since she was in her final year and most schools made it compulsory for the students in terminal classes to do so. That made me wonder if I would, too. With the way things we going with Aunty Oma, I wanted to say yes. But I couldn't vouch for Uncle Blessing.

As I was cleaning my desk, I felt the urge to look up.
Joju was pointing a pencil at my forehead, probably intending to prick it.

I frowned. "Like seriously? This early in the day?"

He shrugged, not looking at me. He began doodling on my desk, seemingly absent-mindedly. A stick figure here, a flower there.

"So..." He stopped—the pencil had broken. "You good?"

I almost gasped in surprise but caught myself quicky enough. Instead, I swallowed. "Yes. You?"

"Same." he smiled. I reciprocated, trying to ignore the imaginary pain from my classmates' eyes stabbing me.

My eyes drifted to the door just in time to see Jemima walk in with Adanna. She caught me looking and rose a brow at me.

"Jomiloju!" she started making her way towards us, smiling.

I rolled my eyes discreetly. Ever since he sat on her desk on Wednesday, they'd been talking as if no o, they were the only ones in class. It was maddening.

"Jemmy Jemmy, how far?" he gave her a handshake, curbing the hug she was about to give him.

"JJ come, I want to tell you something." she took his hand and dragged him away, looping their arms as they neared the door.

I hissed, disappointment rising in me. People always stole whatever moments I had with JJ!

☆☆☆☆☆

Our principal was dramatic, but also quite strict. The scent of his perfume could send students flying to their seats and making books mysteriously appear in front of them. The room would go pin drop silent, while his hawk eyes darted around, looking for anything odd or implicating.
He was a stout, bald man with an enormous potbelly. He was also a motivational speaker, especially during exams.