Lesson For Young Boys

Chapter 5

Chad was all too eager to get to school when Monday finally came. He’d dreaded last week all because he was suspended from the clique. But now that he’s settled things with Ben, he was anxious to get to school and see the look on Danny’s face when he would see him having lunch with his friends again . Ever since his misfortune. Danny had constantly been in his neck. It got to a point when they briefly exchanged blows in class just because of what Danny had said. Although the fight was a square, Chad promised to make Danny pay for every bit of trouble he had caused him. And now was the right time to do it . He left home for school all too early.

Chad suddenly developed cold feet when the vice principal called out his name and Danny’s for breaking school rules. Fighting was against the school rules and regulations and everyone knew this, but Chad had not been able to help himself that day as Danny had continuously pestered him. They were called to the front of the assembly when they were both given six strokes of the cane. They both bore the pain without flinching. It was concluded that their parents we’re going to be sent for while they were to continue their punishment on the field ,under the supervision of the Kanpur prefect . Ben was the labour prefect so Chad wasn’t bothered , since they had settled. He stared a dagger at Danny. Who did not bait an eyelid . They went for cutlasses and then they were taken to the school field to begin clearing. Ben showed up few minutes later and both Chad and Danny greeted him.

‘’ May I know what caused the fight on Friday ?’’ He asked sternly. Or at least feigned it well. Chad narrated what has caused him to pounce in Danny that day. As usual, it was because Danny started mocking him again for being off the Cree. Chad narrated the story and did not fail to mention the part where Danny referred to his clique as ‘stupid’. He knew the exact effect he was expecting and that was what he got. Without bothering to hear Danny’s side of the story, Ben passed his judgement. Danny was at fault. He never should have fought Chad, he never should have mocked him in the first place. And most of all, he never should should have insulted his friends. Ben released Chad to go back to class and told Danny to clear both his own portion of the field and Chad’s. He knew that would probably take him day if he wasn’t fast enough but he didn’t care. At lunchtime Chad reunited with his friends at their usual table . Ben didn’t tell his friends that he was ending his suspension because of what he did. He simply said: ‘’ let him stay. I’m in a good mood today. Guess what guys; my dad bought me the latest version of the Nintendo on Saturday. You need to see it.it’s so cool, just like P.S.2

Chad felt lost. So this was Ben’s plan, to use him to make him look cool. A part of him felt stupid for allowing someone’s father take credit that supposedly belonged to his father. All the boys we so engrossed in the game discussion that thy don’t notice when he slipped away . He was about going to class when he saw Danny coming towards the cafeteria. He immediately went back inside to join his classmates,Kheylan and others others. As usual, Danny’s seat had been reserved. This time he sat like one of them without seeking permission and started making discussion.

‘’Congratulations Chad,‘’Kheylan said. ‘’I see you’re now back to your crew. So what are you still doing here?’’ He asked, making sure to keep the irritation off his tone so he wouldn’t annoy him. Now that Chad was back in the clique, he was accorded his former respect.‘’Actually,I was never off the crew .’’ Jude replied . I only suspended myself so I would know so my true friends are and you guys have proved that you are really on my side . Even when everyone thought I had been rejected, you guys still accepted me. But Danny, he’s only a fair weather friend . And after what he did to me on Friday , I just couldn’t stand it anymore . I had to leave my cover.’’

He’d cleverly turned things around and it worked for him. They believed every bit if what he said.

“You wouldn’t believe all the things he said about you.” Tony quickly agreed .

“ He even tried to turn us against you”. Mike seconded. “. He’s really a bad fellow . He’s not worthy to have friends like us.”

“Talk of the devil,” Chad said as he saw Danny walking towards their table looking all work out. Chad let and evil smile hang around the corner of his lips .

“ What’s up guys?” Danny greeted in his usual way. “What’s he doing on my seat again?” He asked expecting back up.

“ what seat?” Kheylan asked repulsively. “ Did you bring any seat from your house when you were coming to this school?” They all chuckled as Danny stood there puzzled.

“ But Kheylan I told you to save my seat as usual. What are you talking about ?” He asked In wonder. “ Do I look like your slave that you can order around? Save my seat . Don’t let him sit. Do this. Don’t do that, “ he mimicked. “ Danny, that era is over”.

Just then Chad stood up and faced Danny. He gave him a stunning wink. He drew his mouth closer to Danny’s ear then whispered: “ I told you I’m going to make you pay. This is just the beginning,” he said then retreated “ have fun farm boy,” he said aloud then they all burst out laughing as he walked away leaving Danny dazed .

“ friends indeed,” he said soon as he was out of ear shoot.