In the class, their literature teacher was already there demanding to see the novel he asked everyone to buy. There was a stack of it on the desk in front of him. Those who did not buy the book were separated from the others.
Before Godwin and David would come in Amara was already standing with those who didn’t buy. Seeing the teacher they already know what it was. The teacher asked the boys if they had theirs, they said no. He asked them to join the rest but David headed towards his seat instead.
“I said join them here. Where are you going?” The teacher asked.
“I want to get Amara her own”
“Her own what?”
“Her own novel, a Flower in the Sun”
Amara was surprise. But when the teacher turned towards her she behaved calm.
“But she said she doesn’t have”
“Yes because I told her I didn’t buy it” David lied. He went to his school bag brought out the novel and brought to Amara.
“You bought for someone and didn’t buy for yourself”
“That is because I don’t have money. She gave me money for hers. I can’t use her money to buy for myself instead” Only Amara knew that David was lying.
“Okay then, join them. You Amara, write your name on the book and submit. This book I asked you to buy that you don’t want to will be recorded as part of your assessments, and the deadline for it is tomorrow. After tomorrow no more. If you want don’t buy, I’m sure it doesn’t cost more than three hundred in any book shop you go. You can’t tell me you don’t get up to three hundred in a day. Tomorrow, when I’m through collecting and recording them I will start the topic”
He asked those who were to be punished to draw closer for beating. He gave them three hot strokes each. Lovett was among them. Peter was there too. When it was Lovett’s turn the three boys shouted. ‘Sir, they don’t flog that girl!’ The teacher did not ask for reasons. He permitted her to go warning her that if she fails to present it tomorrow she will be sent home. That was common with Lovett to go free from situations of sort, her looks alone was alluring and captivating.
The rest stood the punishment including those speaking for others. After the beating Peter remained there seeking permission to lay complaints.
“Peter, carry those books and follow me”
“Sir, I can’t walk. One of my leg is paralyzed”
“How do you mean?”
“As a result of the beating. The cane touched my spinal cord and I’m sure it affected my lungs. Sir, please do you have fifty naira there? Let me buy water and take so that I will know what exactly is my problem”
“My friend carry these books. You are looking for money to complete your savings through me. You should have simply asked me to buy the book for you”
“No sir, it’s my…”
“If you are sick, you have the chance to die and rest. We are enough in this class. C’mon, carry this thing!”
Peter carried them and followed him acting like one who is in a severe pain. Some minutes later Lovett went to meet Godwin.
“I can’t believe guys can save with their lies” Lovett said looking silly.
“What is that suppose to mean?” Godwin asked smiling at her. “Are you actually referring to guys generally as liars?”
“You know better. It’s in their blood”
“Including me?”
“You never told me you are a girl, have you? Of course you are included. But I still appreciate. You guys used your talents well. What would I have done if…?”
“Wait! wait!! wait!!! You call lying our talent?”
“Was that a mistake? You prefer I'd rather called it your nature? Don’t bother. Same thing”
“I will let Peter and David know about it”
“I hope you can endure whatever they do to me?” The question amused Godwin. He often find her conversation intriguing. She speaks sensitively and thoughtfully. “I know you can’t watch them do anything bad to me”
Godwin did not talk because he doesn’t know what to say that won’t change the atmosphere. He may say he won’t bother about whatever they do to her then she will get angry, and conclude that he is not protective. That could be a test. So in other not to regret his words he remained mute, continue smiling.
“I saw Solomon with you, he doesn’t look friendly but I didn’t want to show myself”
“You did well for not coming. Solomon is just trying by all means to become an enemy”
“What was he saying?”
“You know what it could be. Nothing serious. That he will deal with me since I treated him the way I did. But which way if I may ask? What did I do to that guy? Will you force someone to love you?”
“That boy is just looking for what will happen to him”
“I told him. I warned him, and the next time he attempts this reckless behavior I will report him”
“You better do so that it doesn’t get to where he is planning to take it to” The topic was well sealed.
“You always study” Lovett said.
“Good or bad?”
“Something I admire”
“You can do same if you want”
“You know what? I’m going to beat you this term” Godwin smiled at her confidence. Both of them knew it was hard to determine for Lovett took was smart in a way.
“That is if you want. Hard work is required too, not just words. I will be proud of you if you make your claims happen”
“That’s between us. Me and you. If I win what will be my reward?”
“Anything good. Don’t try to know what it is. It will come as a surprise. But don’t think I will consider you, for we both may loose it to another”
“You don’t have to. And why don’t we involve others in this challenge?”
“Like who and who? And how do you intend to do it?”
“Boys against girls. Me, Amara and Sarah. You, Peter and David. And I want you to be the best among them. Then I will be the overall best” She knew all she was saying wasn’t really possible but she rather intended to amuse Godwin. They both laughed.
“What do I call you, a clown or a dreamer? You are very funny. Anyway, I love the idea. I will let them know only if you serious. You know in this class girls aren’t our match. Do you want to kill yourselves fighting for what you are sure not to win?”
“That is excess pride, it leads to failure. Just calm down. Even if we don’t win we will still be happy that we worked harder and improved our performances”
“One more thing. What if I’m the winner? What do I expect from you?”
“Something you don’t expect”
During preps the two boys from Junior class asked to see him came. Godwin discussed with them. They were to act as spies. They will secretly find out those who own those Nike names that were still left on the walls after his warnings. He discovered that some of the names were cleaned while majority of them were still there. It could be that of the old Students and it could be that of the new. He needed to be sure before acting. If he should go and begin to ask questions by himself some may deny their own names knowing what the consequences are.
The two boys liked the new development as it involved them. They knew they will be at advantage doing things with the most respected prefect. His influence will save them from many things.