Cracks Beneath Applause
850 Words
So our friendship ends here, Diana thought quietly. Fine. Let’s not cross paths again.
Although regret tugged at her chest for calling off their friendship, she still believed her words mattered. One day, she’ll realize how valuable my advice was, Diana told herself.
Mina kept her gaze forward, her fingers clenched under the desk. I want a supportive friend, not someone who always finds fault in me. You’ve been good to me, but you don’t understand me the way you claim you do. It’s better we remain classmates than force a friendship that isn’t valued.
Tessa scoffed. “I can’t believe this. Your friendship is like Bluetooth — disconnected over a small argument.”
“Shut up!” Mina and Diana snapped at the same time.
“Class decorum,” the teacher barked. “I’m still standing here. You can continue your meeting after you leave my class.”
The classroom fell silent at once.
“Now, Tessa, Wumzy, and Mina, come out,” the teacher said. “A round of applause for them.”
The students clapped loudly as the three girls stepped forward.
“Each of you will pick a card from this basket,” the teacher continued. “Every card represents a country. Wherever you pick is where our Study and Succeed Model School ambassador, Mr Gabriel Adedayo, will sponsor you to study.”
Gasps filled the room, followed by excited applause.
“Yay! I picked Korean,” Wumzy exclaimed, staring at her card.
“Wow, me too. Korean,” Tessa said, checking hers.
Mina’s heart sank.
Korea? Why Korea? I hate the food, the culture… everything, she thought bitterly. Why not New York? Even Mexico would be better than this.
She inhaled deeply, forcing a smile. “I… I picked Korean too. Yay.”
“Clap for them,” the teacher ordered. “And let this be a lesson. You’re not here to play. Study, study, and study. Stop following Brother David because of small change, and stop following Brother Luke because he says he loves you. They are future destroyers.”
The class murmured uneasily.
“And you boys,” the teacher continued, “stop using study time to toast Janet and Precious. Focus on your education. Don’t roam the streets, throwing stones at your girlfriend’s compound to announce your presence. I pity your lives. There will be time for all that later. Study first. Your future depends on it.”
Laughter rippled through the class.
“And you girls, guard yourselves. Focus on your lives and education. Wumzy, Tessa, and Mina worked hard to reach this stage, and I believe they’ll work even harder. Am I right?”
“Yes ma,” the three girls replied in unison.
The class burst into laughter again, amused by the teacher’s dramatic warnings.
“Mistress Louis, one name was supposed to be added,” another teacher said, rushing in.
“Oh? But only three students went for the competition,” Mistress Louis replied.
“Yes ma. The arts class boy who took first position last term was added. Two arts, two science.”
“Alright then. Copper Joy, please call the name.”
“A round of applause for John,” Copper Joy announced.
Cheers erupted.
“Me?” John gasped. “I can’t believe this. It feels like a dream.” He rushed to the front of the class.
“Congratulations, John. You may pick your card,” Mistress Louis said.
“Star boy,” someone teased. “Brotherhood is proud of you.”
“Seriously, brotherhood is proud of you,” Antony added.
“Peace and Antony, be warned,” Copper Joy said sharply. “Everyone is proud of him. Instead of causing trouble, work hard so people can be proud of you too.”
Mistress Louis pointed at Favour. “Favour, bring me a cane or Black Maria. I don’t have time to shout today. Anyone I catch disturbing this class will receive fifteen strokes.”
The room went dead silent.
“I don’t want to be whipped today,” one girl whispered.
“Especially not by Mistress Louis,” her friend replied.
Mistress Louis smiled thinly. “ All of you picked Korean. Looks like Korea is about to welcome brilliant students from Study and Succeed Model School, Lagos, Nigeria. Clap for them.”
“Congratulations!” the students chorused as the class came alive with applause.
*****
One Week Later
“Wumzy, John, Mina, and Tessa,” the principal said, “remember where you’re coming from. Focus only on your education. The school you’re going to in Korea is one of the biggest elite schools in Seoul. They speak English, so communication won’t be a problem.”
“Yes ma. Thank you,” they replied.
“Good,” the principal said.
“Mina,” her uncle added gently, “remember the family you come from. Make us proud.”
“Yes uncle,” Mina said softly.
“We love you,” her aunt said as Mina prepared to enter the car heading to the airport.
“Mina!” Diana shouted, running toward her.
- Writer
