Baraka.

Chapter 8.

Three months. Three months until I get out of this mini prison! I decide to head to the domitory to put my shopping and uniform in my box. I pass by the classrooms and I see most of my classmates have arrived. I pretend that I have not seen them and continue heading to the dormitory. Some of the students have changed to their tracksuit and are laying in the field. Some are standing along the pavements talking to one another. I am sure they are narrating their holiday experience.

"Happy New Year Baraka."
Someone holds my neck under his arms and messes with my afro.

"Hey watch it with the hair.
I just knew it had to be you Kamau. Happy New Year too."

"Let me help you with that."
He takes one of my bags as we head in to the dormitory.

"Thank you Kamau."

We sleep in the same dormitory. Actually the whole crew. We all sleep in the same cubicle. When Kamau was still a member of the council, he pulled a few strings together with the prefect in charge of Tana dormitories and we shifted to the same cube. Kamau said it would increase our bonding. Biko was the only one who had his own bed. The rest of us slept on double-decker beds.
"How was your holiday Kamau."

"It was okay Baraka. Nothing really to talk about."

"Have the rest arrived?"

"Yes they have except Tony. You know he is always a late comer. Let us expect him back next week."

"Hahaha! Tony. Luckily his father does not mind explaining to the administration how they had gotten late."

"Hey Baraka."

"Imran. How are you?"

"I am good."

"We will catch up later. Let me settle in first."

"Okay Baraka."

"I do not like that kid." Kamau whispers to me.

"Why not? He is a nice kid." I am quick to defend him.

"I do not know. There is something about him."

"Is it because he is a genius, or a nerd? You do not have to be envious that he is smarter than us. We all have our different gifts."

"Me, jealous? Come on Baraka. No! it is not even about that. Never mind. Here we are."

We enter the Tana dormitories and pass through the  hallway and other students' cubicles. Our cubicles is located at the furthest end of the second floor. Cubicle 54.
I find Biko asleep and Amani is reading a play, Betrayal in the City. We read that book in our literature class.

"What is up partners?"
Amani jumps out of his top bed with a smile on his face.

"Hey Baraka. You are growing bulkier by the minute. Are you working out?"

"Is it not my father making me work at the farm."

"How is the chief and your mom doing?"

"They are fine."

I get to my bed. I take out my sheets and make my bed.  Kamau and Amani are having a conversation while Biko is still asleep. He must have woken up very early since he is coming from Nakuru which is far in the Rift Valley. I finish up and lay on my bed and rest too for I am sleepy.

"I am going to take a nap guys."

"Okay Baraka. We are going to take a strawl." Amani say as they leave with Kamau.
        
                        **********
"Wake up you sleepyhead. We need to head for supper."