Chapter 6 : Mixed feelings
1568 Words
Monday morning dawned bright and early at Camp academy, casting a warm glow over the bustling assembly hall. Students chattered excitedly, exchanging weekend stories and laughter, as they settled into their usual spots. The air was electric with anticipation, a sense of a new week hanging palpably over the crowd.
Principal Mrs. Helen, with a kind smile, stepped onto the stage, her presence commanding attention. "Good morning, everyone!" she boomed, her voice warm and welcoming. "I'm thrilled to see so many bright faces today!" She began.
As she launched into her routine announcements, the students listened intently, their eyes fixed on the principal. But it was her final revelation that sent a ripple of excitement through the hall: "And now, I'm pleased to announce that our annual inter-school English quiz competition is just around the corner – next week, to be exact! We'll be hosting students from top schools in the region, and I have no doubt that our own Camp academy will emerge victorious!"
A collective murmur of excitement and nervousness swept through the assembly, as students exchanged eager glances and whispered words of encouragement to one another. The competition was a beloved tradition, a chance to showcase their skills and compete with their peers from other schools. Who would emerge victorious this year? Only time would tell.
As the assembly dispersed, the students of SS1 poured into their classroom, buzzing with excitement. The air was electric with gossip about the upcoming inter-school English quiz competition. Efosa, new to the school, was curious about the buzz.
"What's the big deal about this competition?" He turned to Jeremiah, who seemed uninterested, and asked.
"Just forget about it, bro. It's for brainiacs." Jeremiah rolled his eyes.
"Come on, men, spill the beans." Efosa's eyes narrowed.
"Fine. The competition has two categories: senior and junior. Five students from each category will be nominated. For us, three students from SS1 and two from SS2 will be chosen. SS3 is exempt since they're preparing for WAEC exams."
"For our class we have two sure nominaee," Firstly, Jeremiah's gaze drifted to Martha, the class prefect, who was engrossed in a book. "That girl's a shoo-in. She's a genius."
Next, he nodded toward Eshoe, who was chatting with friends. "Eshoe's another contender. Beside being a spoil brat; she's a whiz in English."
"As for the third spot is up for grabs between Micheal, Princess, and Jonathan." Jeremiah's eyes sparkled with mischief.
"Intense." Efosa whistled.
"You're not thinking of competing, are you?" Jeremiah's eyes locked onto Efosa's.
"And what if?" Efosa replied, before his gaze drifted to Mrs. Imade, who had just entered the classroom.
After Mrs. Imade concluded her lesson, she was now ready to select her nominees to participate for the inter-School quiz. "Now, let's select our nominees for the inter-school debate competition. Interested candidates, please step forward!" She announced.
With a confident smile, Eshoe was the first to rise, her elegant stride commanding attention. Micheal, Jonathan, and Princess followed suit, their faces set with determination.
However, Martha hesitated, her eyes darting around the room as if seeking an escape route. Her classmates urged her on, but she seemed reluctant to step forward. Finally, with a gentle nudge from Mrs. Imade, Martha relented, her eyes cast downward.
Eshoe's gaze snapped to Martha, her eyes narrowing into a glare. Efosa noticed the tension and wondered why Martha, the class's top student, was hesitant to participate. Just then, Itohan stepped out of her seat, her smile brief but bright.
"Are you interested in participating, Itohan?" Mrs. Imade asked, surprised by the new candidate.
"I think I'll give it a shot." Itohan briefly smiled.
Efosa's gaze lingered on the nominees, a mix of nostalgia and trepidation swirling within. Although been the school's golden boy in his former school, he'd traded admiration for anonymity in this new chapter. The last thing he needed now was too much attention and popularity, making participation a risk he wasn't willing to take.
The final selection was set to take place at the end of class in the school hall, and all candidates, as well as curious students, were invited to witness the oral display. Jeremiah, once apathetic about the competition, was now eager to attend, and he tried to convince Efosa to join him.
"Come on, man, you won't want to miss Itohan's display live on stage," Jeremiah said, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
Efosa, who had initially shown interest, now seemed unenthused. "I don't think I can make it, bro. I have a lot of stuff to do at home," he replied briefly.
"Stop being a jerk for once and be a supportive boyfriend," he joked, catching Efosa off guard.
"What are you talking about?" Efosa eyes narrowed.
"It's obvious Itohan likes you, so you need to be at the hall to show her you feel the same way," Jeremiah clarified, his grin mischievous.
"Why do you think she likes me?" Efosa stared at Jeremiah, wondering if he was pulling another joke.
"Which girl willingly offers a guy her number? Come on, Efosa, don't play dumb." Jeremiah chuckled.
Efosa finally relented to Jeremiah's persistence and accompanied him to the hall. As they entered, the nominees were already seated on stage, poised and ready for the oral test. Efosa's gaze swept across the contestants, and his eyes inadvertently met Itohan's. For a brief moment, they locked in a sparkling exchange, before Efosa hastily looked away, avoiding the awkwardness.
As they took their seats, Efosa turned to Jeremiah, his curiosity piqued. "What's behind Martha's hesitation to join the contest? She's undoubtedly the brightest in our class."
"It's a tale of blame and betrayal. Eshoe held Martha responsible for last year's loss, and some students joined the chorus of criticism. There you have it." Jeremiah replied, his voice low and conspiratorial.
Efosa's eyes widened in understanding, recalling Eshoe's glare towards Martha. "No wonder," he murmured.
Intrigue filled the air as the oral test began, with the junior students taking the stage first. Their performances were impressive, setting the bar high for the senior students. As the seniors took their turn, the tension mounted, each student showcasing their exceptional skills.
Before the results were even announced, a buzz circulated among the students, predicting Martha's nomination for the senior category. And when Mrs. Imade finally revealed the names, Martha's nomination was met with resounding applause.
"Alongside Itohan and..." Mrs. Imade's gaze swept the hall, pausing for dramatic effect as she sensed the contestants' bated breath. Eshoe's unease was palpable, her eyes darting anxiously around the room, fearing the worst.
But then, a warm smile spread across Mrs. Imade's face. "And Eshoe!"
The crowd erupted into applause, congratulating the nominees who would represent their school. Eshoe's relief was visible, her tense expression giving way to a triumphant smile.
After the contest was over, Efosa and Jeremiah strolled out of the hall feeling thrilled. Suddenly a presence caught them off guard.
"Hey, guys! What's up?" It was Itohan. She appeared beside them, her bright smile illuminating the corridor.
Efosa's heart skipped a beat, his mind racing with surprise. Jeremiah, sensing his friend's unease, shot him a sly grin, "I told you so." He whispered.
"Uh, hey Itohan... What's up?." Efosa stumbled over his words, feeling a tad tense.
"Where are you guys heading to?" She asked.
"Obviously, it's already 5:00 pm! We are heading home," Jeremiah chimed in, jokingly.
"Let's walk home together." Itohan chuckled briefly, her eyes shining with amusement.
"Nah... my ride is already on the way." Efosa hesitated, feeling nervous.
"Call it off," But Jeremiah playfully intervened.
"Okay then," Itohan replied. " My house is just a few miles from school, you can drop us off. How about that?" Her smile persisted.
Efosa reluctantly agreed, despite his reservations about being in close proximity to Itohan. When they finally got to the school gate, they all got into the car.
As they rode together, Jeremiah joked, "You're lucky Eshoe got nominated too, if not...she'd be breathing down your neck."
"Why's that?" Itohan's curiosity was piqued.
"Eshoe hates losing, especially to newbies like you." Jeremiah teased.
"Seriously?"Itohan briefly chuckled, before turning her gaze to Efosa, who had been quiet throughout the ride. "You've been awfully quiet, what's up?."
"I... uh... I probably don't have anything to say." Efosa stuttered.
Itohan's gaze lingered on him for a moment, her smile captivating. "You're shy, aren't you?" She asked.
"Since birth!" Jeremiah jumped in.
"I'm not shy... I just—" Efosa was about defending himself, but before he could continue, Jeremiah cut him off, "No need to justify yourself. You're a shy boy, and that's okay." His reply was met with a brief giggle from Itohan.
As they pulled up to Itohan's bus stop, she flashed a radiant smile. "Alright guys, I'll catch you both on w******p later!" With a wave, she stepped out of the ride and walked into her compound, her graceful stride leaving Efosa entranced.
He couldn't help but stare, his eyes fixed on her retreating figure, captivated by her beauty and charm. Efosa's heart skipped a beat as he realized he was developing feelings for Itohan, but his mind was also a jumble of anxiety. He yearned to connect with Itohan, but his fear of rejection and awkwardness around girls held him back. Little did he know, Itohan's smile had already set his heart on a path from which there was no return.
- Writer
