BROKEN TILE

CHAPTER FOUR

FAVOUR

     Chastity was a bit of what I expected. A lot of people with different faces; pretty ones and eye destructive ones. Rich kids flaunt their cars, wears and popularity as well as their rude attitude; obviously, they were proud of what they were and wouldn't help but show off. There were few of them who had morals and manners. Middle class students like us minded our businesses and focused on what brought us to Chastity.

Unlike others who just had themselves and their families to make proud, my case was different. I had to study endlessly and tirelessly because I knew I was on scholarship and wouldn't want to disappoint LIPTON and my family who looked up to me. I became a bookworm and to be honest I enjoyed reading even before I got the admission, but this time, the passion was built with both an intrinsic and extrinsic factors.
I visited the library at my leisure because I had a lot of books I was working on. I had little time to hangout with friends but whenever I got the chance, they made it worth while.
         Speaking of friends, I met Sarah and Maggie few days after I had enrolled into Chastity. They were kind of talkatives, I had thought. When I first met them, they wouldn't stop talking and giggling. We were actually having the freshmen orientation and they sat on the next row behind me. I couldn't comprehend whatever they were saying but it was annoying listening to their hisses and giggles. I confronted them when I couldn't bear it but they chose to ignored me instead. After the orientation, we all exited the hall in a single line and just after I stepped out of the hall, my eyes met them as they stood near the statue close to the school auditorium. Their eyes met mine and they smiled innocently at me. I guess that smile got me attracted to them. I walked up to them and after the whole conversation of introduction and talking about everything and nothing in particular, I realized how fun and sweet they were. Sarah and Maggie came from the same city and I learnt they had been friends for a long time and I was glad to be their friend too. We hung out more often after that day and we attended classes which we had in common together.

On a long run, I met Tony. Tony was a shy and timid kid and he actually looked younger than his age. He wore a big goggle with thick lenses which swallowed almost the bridge of his nose. His ears were wide and one could mistake it to be that of a rabbit. He wore clothes bigger than his size and most times his lips appeared cracked and sore.
I met Tony one Thursday afternoon at the cafeteria. I was so hungry I had left Mr Ike's boring histology class to feed my roaring stomach. Quite unusual, the cafeteria was a bit empty. There were students sitted in different angles but it wasn't noisy and crowded at it used to be. I was happy at least I wouldn't have to queue for a long time to get my meal. I ordered spaghetti and shrimp and a glass of lemon juice. I walked to one of the empty tables near the window at the left hand side of the cafeteria. I sat down quickly as I couldn't wait to feast. Just as I was about to raise a piece of shrimp to my mouth, I noticed a group of boys enter the cafeteria. They were four in number and looked like trouble. I'm sure as hell that students fear them. One of them who appeared to be their leader was tall and had broad shoulders. He looked like an athletic fan and I won't be surprised if he hits the gym often. He wore a face cap and was chewing gum. He was taller than the rest of his group but they wouldn't be called short anyway. They seemed to respect, fear and obey their leader.
I chewed the shrimp and sipped my juice as I observed them. They stood at the entrance and viewed the whole area, obviously looking for a prey. I noticed every one in the cafeteria suddenly started whispering and talked in low tones. I continued with my meal and watched. They walked to a table close to the door, their leader sat heavily in front of a boy who looked nervous and scared. He dragged the laptop in front of the boy who was now shivering.
"Do you mind if I keep this?" He asked.
"Please my mum will not forgive me if I loose this laptop." The boy shivered.
"Oh what do we have here? Mummy's boy?" The leader joked and the rest of them laughed loudly.
"Is your mummy here? I mean does she teach here?" the leader teased.
The boy shook his head.
"Then why are you bringing your mummy to our friendly conversation? I want to be your friend little squirm and that will cost you your laptop." He winked