"For Gold to be Gold..."

Chapter 2

“Last night, I had a vision, where my eyes beheld a good looking strawberry tree. All men fed from this tree but suddenly this tree died and men saw the tree as useless.” Mom narrated her vision to my Dad.

Well,my Dad is very nonchallant when it comes to Spiritual and religious things.

“My love,these are just dreams,maybe you saw a strawberry tree yesterday on the Internet or somewhere else,stop exaggerating too much.” Dad advised my Mom.

Mom was still so worried but she prayed concerning the vision.

Just as it was time for school, each day I journeyed to school, I always said to myself: time for school is time for more troubles, time to set the school on fire. Teachers felt fear all because of me. So unfortunately, I made a teacher retire and lose his job.

I was indeed small but mighty.

While in Grade 8,I went down a dark path with smoking and taking hard substances.

They were different gangs in grade 8. We had the bulls head g**g,Hell’s g**g and the angels of destruction. The bull head g**g was more deadly than ever. I joined the bull head g**g. If my dad ever discovered that I joined a school cult,I would be beheaded.

Our school was one of the most expensive and luxurious schools in Nigeria, but I didn't value the gift of education Dad offered me.

School gangs don't kill,they only fight,protect the interest of its members and we deal with teachers who mess around.

Adebisi, a boy that originated from a poor family background. He was my classmate and he was the smartest among everyone. Sometimes in life, we don't really value what we possess until we lose it.

I was so dumb in school,I was majorly known for smoking,terrorism and other abominable things. My report card completely fails to reflect the exorbitant tuition my father pays.

Adebisi's family weren't financially stable,the only reason he had the opportunity to attend an expensive school like Blue Wales ,was majorly because he was offered free education to any school he would love to attend. Let just say he schooled here at Blue Wales after he won a mathematics olympiad competition.

Driven by an annoying moral superiority, Adebisi completely lacked the camaraderie to cover up our mischief. Adebisi aligned himself with the students' prayer union who fancied themselves God’s favorite.

“Kids ,it is time for the Maths test ,get your materials prepared.” Mr Dennis our Maths teacher said.

I was fully aware of today's test, but preparation escaped me; academia simply failed to capture my interest.

Our question papers were already given to us ,I was unbothered ,exams were stricter than I thought. No opportunity to giraffe.

Adebisi possessed an enviable mastery of mathematics. I attempted to quietly summon his assistance, but he met my plea with absolute silence. Driven to desperation, I attempted to glance at his script, only for him to erupt in local outrage as if I had deeply slighted him—an outburst that instantly drew the unwanted attention of Mr. Dennis.

“Femi ,what is going on there?” Mr Dennis asked.

“Nothing serious sir,” I replied.

“Last warning,” he said.

I leveled a deeply hostile gaze at Adebisi, ensuring my eyes communicated the absolute depth of my anger.

My answer booklet was blank and empty. I had no other option than to take a little nap.

“Five minutes left,”Mr Dennis just reminded us.

Awaking from my brief sleep , I was met with the urgent truth that the final seconds were ticking away.

“Time's over,Everyone drop your pen and submit your answer booklet,” Mr Dennis said.

I was overwhelmed with so much shame because I couldn't even write anything on my booklet.

“Fem,what's wrong with you? Why did you submit an empty answer booklet?” Mr Dennis asked

I couldn't even respond to him. Overwhelmed with so much shame and disgrace.

“Seems like you didn't study for the test ,you're so dumb ,you're just wasting your time in school, just tell your Father to get you a job because school isn't meant for people of your species,” Mr Dennis rained insults on me.

“Next time when teachers are taking lectures, you won't play games. You would pay close attention to lectures. You're just wasting your Dad's resources and spoiling his built legacy,” He kept on pouring insults on me.

I felt so ashamed though,but I kept the grudge in my heart concerning Adebisi.

As Mr Dennis exited the classroom,Bull's head g**g and I went to harass Adebisi, we beat him up,and injured him because he refused to cooperate with me during the Maths test.

We dealt seriously with him,despite the fact that our fellow classmates tried to stop us from doing so.

A few hours later,Adebisi reported this case of harassment to our principal. With tears in his eyes,being wounded for being just and fair.

The principal summoned me to his office.

“Femi,I am fed up already,I am tired of calling your parents for stupid issues. What is your problem? What is the matter with you? The principal asked me.

I was speechless,sat so cold,and overwhelmed with shame.

“Fem,I am talking to you, your parents gave you all you desire as a child,seems like you've been scared of interacting with your parents,but let's talk man to man,” The Principal said.

“If I had such an amazing childhood your parents are giving you probably I wouldn't be struggling much right now. Appreciate this gift your parents are offering you now,some days you might not have this opportunity,” He kept on advising me.

"Sir, I do not have any issues, but I am committed to giving my absolute best and working on areas where I can improve. Thank you very much for your advice.” I replied to him.

“You can exit my office,” he said.

I felt remorseful, I just felt like I was cursed or something.

“You might not value what you have until you lose it,be grateful for each moment of your life”