Act I, scene 1
680 Words
(An average height man walked out of the Principal's office into a lobby where class entrances were at the sides. He was of a fair complexion but tinted by the harsh sun His sparsely bearded face almost broke in halves by a wide smile as he walked boisterously. His discussion with the Principal had been favourable giving reason for his jubilant stride and mood.
Ahead of him was a male student who appeared dazed; what struck as strange was his position at the center of the lobby).
Man: Eric !
(Eric turns in response to the call without appearing unsurprised. He approaches the teacher hesitantly. With a tall somewhat hefty frame, with a groomed overgrown hair and a radiant brown colour. His uniform, creatively tampered, consisted of baggy trousers resting over large canvasesa, loose shirt partially tucked in revealing a not-so- lustrous large buckle with the brand name emblazoned probably fake, his tie sagged. While he noted this, Eric stood before him , the atmosphere turning awkward due to silence and height difference).
Eric: (calls on impulse) Uncle Clement!?.
Mr Clement: (an unusual flush of annoyance and frustration) For Heaven's sake, Eric. I'm not (counts his fingers as if listing) father's or mother's brother. (stops) Call me Sir, is that clear?
Eric: (calm but loud) Yes sir.
Mr Clement: (regains composure) Why are you looking confused as if you heard a vision or apparition (pause) Why are you looking like this (tugs at his shirt).
Eric: (pulls away) Sir…this (stutters but wipes his mouth) This..is the only pair I have and it was like this when I got it (straightens his uniform).
Mr Clement: (looks at him doubtfully) It's not even my concern but more importantly (pause) Why aren't you in class?
Eric: (jiterry) Erm.. Sir..you see…..
Mr Clement:(teases) See what?
Eric: (still jittery) I came to call you …but you were in the office and I was waiting.
Mr Clement: (unconvinced) Are you lying)
Eric: (insistent) I'm saying the truth… (pause) I only forgot myself.
Mr Clement: (convinced) No wonder you were (pause) zoned out. So I have your class.
Eric: (mutters) I'm not sure o.
Mr Clement: What was that?
Eric: No ..I think the last period was yours but .. (pauses but resumes quickly) Sir, your class is over .
Mr Clement: What class are you having?
Eric: (lies) I don't know o. The last period was yours.
Mr Clement: (flustered) You know what.
(He pats his back pocket before pulling a folded paper from it. He unfolds the paper and reads through it)
Eric : (exclaims) Jesus.
Mr Clement: What (pause and looks up to Eric smiling) So your class has a free period (folds the time table and puts it in his pocket) and you wanted to hide it.
(Before Eric could respond, he handed him a key which Eric receives hesitantly)
Mr Clement: Go and get my lesson note from my drawer, I'll be waiting for you at class.
Eric; (blunt) Sir, where is your drawer?
Mr Clement: (seething but replies in sarcasm) In my head. (points at it and resumes in annoyance) Don't you know where my staff room is ?! What's wrong with you ?! You imbecile.
(Laughter emerges from a classroom nearby infuriating Mr Clement further)
Mr Clement: ( walks and peers into the classroom window) What are you laughing for? Should you be concerned with whatever irrelevant thing amidst a learning environment? (Yells even louder) Everybody go on your knees! (Notice their hesitation) Didn't you hear? I said…( leaves the window and walks past Eric towards the classroom door while Eric follows) I said ……( stops as he notices a teacher in the class who stared condescendingly at him)
Eric ( enters the class oblivious of the situation) Uncle, let me go and bring cane so that you can flog them.
Mr Clement: ( angry and embarrassed at once) Flog who? (Pats him hard on the back and pushes him out) Go and get my note. Fool.
(Meanwhile the class burst into laughter as Mr Clement apologies to the teacher)
- Writer
