THE EXTERNALS

Chapter Twenty-Seven

In one of the uncompleted rooms in Halima's grandpa's home, we later turned off the radio and started making plans for the singing contest. We had already rehearsing "Little Drummer Boy" by Pentatonix since we planned on singing it for our school carol before it was canceled so we didn't have to argue about the song to pick. Our only regret was that the boys didn't join us. Still, we weren't bothered because that could be easily solved. Master Ken, who led our rehearsal then lived close and we were nice to each other.

For proper identification, we decided to use our school uniform as the outfit for the contest and wear Christmas hats on it. To lessen the cost of the trending items for everyone, Khadijat offered to go get it at the market in bulk, making everyone promise to give her their money by the end of the week. Kaira also tried convincing the girls to buy the same pattern of shoes and bags, to stand out among other girls at the contest ground but we all turned down her suggestion. There were still many other things we needed money to cater for.

Transportation would have been another issue that would have given us heartache if John's Dad wasn't a member of the National Union Of Road Transport Workers. Right in front of us, John called to inform him about our outing and he agreed to help us, especially after hearing our sad and helpless voices. Another client had already booked him to take her and her business associates to a party venue so he had to cancel the plans made with her for our sake. He even had to return the money she gave him.

Even though John's Dad offered to take us to the contest ground for free, we still had to contribute money to fuel for his bus and buy food to energize his body as well. For all we know, a hungry driver is liable to get dizzy, make one wrong move and put everyone's life at risk. It was also a good opportunity to show him how grateful we were for what he did.

After finalizing our discussion, everyone started heading in the direction of their homes. John and I also passed through the same route we took when we were coming. During this period, I didn't hesitate to ask him why he had to drop out of his former school since it was far better than GMC. In response to my question, he told me the reason he had to do and even move to our area was that his Dad lost his job as the assistant managing director of a big Architectural firm because the owner's niece who just graduated from uni needed a job. He tried looking for another job but couldn't find any and had to turn a driver.

I felt bad for reminding John of a painful experience. I couldn't imagine what I would have done if I were to be the one in his shoes. From the ends of my teary gland, tears were pushing to come out but I had to control them so Pa. James wouldn't blame himself for it. Seeing my change of countenance already resulted in him giving me a pitiful look when the reverse should have been the case. He was indeed a kind-hearted and caring person. I couldn't wait to see him throwing his uni mortar board in the air happily. I couldn't wait to see him in his well-laundered army uniform, ready and prepared to serve the motherland however it takes. I was so sure he'd do great as a military person.

A loud knock drove me out of my bed the next morning. I had expected it to be from the woman my aunt usually buys pap and moi moi from on days she feels like taking it. The knock could have also been from my uncle or the 'Kokoro' hawker who lives directly in front of our home and sometimes looks up to my aunt for food to feed her family but it wasn't. Bene's very own Sukurat from Grace Model College was the cause of it. Seeing my sleepy face and weak legs was enough to draw out a nice smile from her ugly mouth.