They formed groups for studies. Three groups so far, mixture of both boys and girls. Everyone was free to join any one. Godwin, Peter, Amara and Junior were in one. Lovett, David and Sarah were in one. And the last group was dominated by the newest students.
It was a very big competition. Challenges were always made. Every member of each group sat up and was determined.
“What do you think about we donating money every weekend, at the end of the term we will gather it and give to the overall winner so that others will also get motivated and want to be the next winners?” Godwin suggested.
“Good idea” Many agreed.
“I don’t have money to be contributing” Few of them complained, mostly the girls.
“You are not asked to pay thousands. And it’s not everyday contribution. Once in a week. There’s no way each one of us here can not get up to hundred naira before the week ends. We are not doing it for others, It’s for ourselves. Just assume you come first and your school fees for the next term is taken care of, will you not be happy? I know it’s not everyone that will make it to that point, I am not even sure of myself too but I assure you that each member will benefit. You must not come first to know that you are doing well. This competition will help we all to sit up. Surely our good performances will Impress our parents, teachers and even ourselves and maybe the money contributed will be more than enough for the school fees so the remaining money will be used to buy even if it’s biscuits and juice and share” Godwin’s elaboration was understandable. Though not everyone accepted the idea but those that agreed outnumbered.
Every group became very serious in studies. No one had time for plays and jokes. Even teachers were witness because during revision week the class surprised teachers that came for revision. They were very interactive during those sessions—asking questions and answering almost all questions. Teachers began to talk about the SS1 among themselves. The SS1 were referred to when advising other classes.
Godwin saw Lovett’s picture in one of the book he collected from her. He transferred it to his own book. He doesn’t want to return it. He was going to keep it to himself. Then he went to see her, she certainly was going to be among those heading to the football pitch for games. So he followed and luckily he saw her among other girls chatting, immediately she saw him she excused herself from them.
“Those twins are so clumsy with football” Lovett said to Godwin standing together at the end the football pitch. It was inter house sport.
“I wonder why they chose to play instead of watching. Anyway, practice makes perfect”
“No, not this type. They too knows. They are only catching fun not and not for any other reason. It’s like you don’t really like sports?”
“Hmm I don’t hate them either, only that I can easily substitute them for better things”
“Things like?”
“if I have something else to do. Like playing piano, designing or studying”
“Designing must be your hobby?”
“Not really, it’s playing keyboard. Being creative is just my natural talent…”
“Shoot the ball, Mr man! Look at this one! You have ball and it is just you and the goalkeeper.. Oh God!” Their game master shouted, interrupting their discussion. Making them look the direction of the ball. “What was he intending to do? If you can’t shoot you pass to another person. What’s the need for dribbling when you don’t have better skills. That’s your problem. You don’t think before acting. You are dull and you have no confidence in yourselves”
The game was very lively and fun. Everyone’s attention was on the ball. Everyone had a house they belong and player they support. Some good players were already making names, Just like David. David was also a very skillful player and that’s drawn more friends to him especially girls. Amara who behaves as though she doesn’t care now makes her jealousy obvious. She tries to ask David about whichever girl that comes around him. She was almost like a monitor to David recently.
“Are you scared to tell him you love him or what?” Lovett asked Sarah one day in the class.
At first she did not want to admit crushing on David but after a short reflection she gave in “Somewhat. Guys can not be trusted. I do want to look cheap”
“Nobody is trustworthy. Everyone has flaws. We just keep trying and sometimes get lucky. Try him. I’m sure you have been studying him all these while and you haven’t come up with anything vile about him”
“Lovett, the main problem now is that I think he has lost interest in me. I noticed he sees a particular girl in JSS3. One fair complexioned girl like that and the girl Is even crazy about him”
“This is now complicated. How do we go about letting him know of how you feel about him?”
“I was hoping to say yes when next he brings the topic up” looking pitiful now.
“But, unfortunately.. Amara I don’t think there’s anything I can do about it unless if I should talk to my boyfriend and his friends. Maybe they will help talk to him”
As Lovett brought the idea, Amara seemed not to like it. She behaved weird and disapproving.
“You don’t want me to tell them?”
“They will make him feel like I crave for the relationship”
“Hm.. this one is more than difficult. Well, only thing I can say now is that you should start going closer, care more and show him by avoiding to make him feel bad”
“Will that work?”
“Not completely, but it will go a long way. Don’t make trouble with those you think he likes or those that crushes on him. Be closer and friendly to them. Before the end of this month we will see how it goes”
The game master noticed Godwin for one thing. He was hard working not just academically. He help arrange whatever that was needed to be arranged. He takes care of whoever was injured or exhausted. That was where Lovett assists him the most. Their game master liked them and always call them for help or to assist with some situations.
There was a school fees drive. Both those that paid part and those completely owing were sent home. Godwin was among them. His registration fee was not completed. They were to clear their debts before exams commence. That day school took a different dimension. Godwin’s friends missed him especially Peter and Lovett. They did not enjoy that day. To Lovett, everything was out of place. Something was missing. The class was boring and looks as if nothing was happening. She that doesn’t feel drowsy in the class slept that day.
“Babe, are you well at all?” Sarah asked Lovett feeling her body temperature. Lovett raised her head and nodded.
“You look dull today. Did anything happen or it’s just hunger?”
“Nothing happened. I’m fine” Lovett said. She didn’t want to bring Godwin into it. But Sarah’s curiosity have prompted her to thinking about him the more.
“Let’s stroll out then”
“Is there anything we are going out to do?”
“There will be, when we go out”
Lovett did not want to follow her but she persuaded her to. They went out together and bought something. Sarah was good at asking guys for money and she was always lucky. So whenever she needs money she knows how and where to get it.
“Is our form master still disturbing you?” Sarah asked. After swallowing the bite in her mouth.
“He haven’t stopped. But not as much as it used to be” Lovett answered weakly. She haven’t started eating her biscuits.
“That’s what I want to hear. But if it continues and you are no longer comfortable just open up to me, I will do something about it”
“What do you intend to do?”
“Don’t bother knowing. When it’s time you we know”
“I fear more for Godwin. It will cause him emotional degradation and academic setback”
“He will be fine”