FRESH TOADS

Chapter One

10th September 2007, I held my dad's hand as he walked me down the residential street of Chiokwa street, the street were the secondary school I had always longed for is situated, my expectations, anticipation and nervous were high as I walked smartly with him down the street to get registered in my first secondary school. He had fought tirelessly to see that I am enrolled at the Nigerian Air Force Secondary School Aba Road, but for my elder brother who didn't inform him about the interview we were supposed to have after the common entrance exams. His punishment was spelt out to him in clear word, late school fees payment which will mean receiving strokes from the Soldiers and driven home. I was actually excited it never worked because I never wanted to attend the school, seeing my brother's outcome one year ago isn't encouraging, and I would have waved it with the everybody with its own experience, until that soldier gave us hot scolding right there were we sat waiting for the entrance examination.

The Nigerian Air Force Secondary School Port Harcourt is located inside the Helicopter home Port Harcourt and following it's name, seeing helicopters and other planes taking off and landing is the most beautiful attraction to the school for many students including me. For that reason I have always longed for the school, carefully reading through the preparatory materials awaiting the big day of the entrance examination. I was told admission into the secondary school was strictly on merit as many notables were reported to plead for their kids to gain entry to the school with money to no avail. That day of the common entrance, I had dressed my best, and followed my dad who was with my examination slip to go sit for the exams. My confidence in passing was over ninety percent apart from Mathematics I am way brilliant in other subjects. We had all been ushered into the examination hall with our parents ordered to stay far away from us as we took the examination. My Dad, he knew his son won't let him down and had gone all the way to get a comfortable locker seat for me. I sat quietly with the others having afore knowledge of what the military are capable of, my brother had once told me that they had punished a ward and her parent who tried to interfere before. And doing anything funny will attract strokes here and at home, dad will not spare, I trust him on that. Our paper was delayed a little and so we took the time to look out the window, and oh, the beauty of the run way and the planes landing and taking off. All eyes where glued to the window watching this all white plane, run smoothly as it prepared to fly, we were glued to it until we heard a sharp voice from behind. You came to look at the planes or to write exams? Sit down before I knock your head! We turned sharply and our eyes met this lanky looking soldier with a stern face. It must be Soldier Musa, I soliloquised, adjusting on my locker seat, remembering the story of the no nonsense soldier my brother always talked about. He didn't tell us his name nor anything, he only gave us more strict promises. If I come back and see you looking outside, you'll have yourself to blame. He said, before walking away. We sat fixed, immovable until the teacher with the question paper entered the hall. A military school is a military school and one cannot really differentiate between a civilian teacher and that of a military officer. No smiles, stern look!

No Cheating, our eyes are on you understood? The invigilator yelled, there's no need to cheat, no one will even try to risk it. I flipped opened the examination paper and following the instruction provided my details before proceeding to the questions, thank God I studied, some of the mathematics questions became work over. I submitted my answer script confident that I passed, and just whilst that reality dawned on me that I will be attending this school, fear became the next feeling. If only I had a choice, in our days once dad has spoken, it's final. You can only suggest to mum, who is the only medium you can air your grief. I went outside to meet my dad, he handed over the sausage roll and soft drink he bought and held me by my hand to the bus stop. I was more behaved in his presence, he is not a military officer but he gave us all the drilling they can offer. So you know how excited I was when they broke the news to me that I wouldn't be going for the interview, because it had already been done and my brother didn't tell us.

I can go to Ezebunwo's school. I suggested to my dad, I like their uniform, everything there seems great from his own appearance. I said not sure whether or not he will grant my request. Thank God he did. Eze for short is the son of our former landlord currently in JSS two, a class ahead of me was going to be entrusted with the responsibility of taking care of me in school and taking me back home. His sister was also in the school which I later found out was in SS three and the senior prefect girl of the school. Dad never protested, it's a good idea. He instructed me to get prepared as we will be going to the school the following day! I was glad, even though sad that my elder brother was going to suffer, I finally will be going to a civilian school.

We arrived NISSI ACADEMY my soon to be secondary school. Situated in a small compound, fenced and painted with yellow and ash color, the gate was opened by a student of the school for us as we made our way to the principal's office. Turned out he is my dad's friend! Good one. The registration was smooth.

Good! My Dad said, we'll go and return tomorrow.

No Dad, can't I start right away? I insisted. When it comes to academics I could lose anything for it. Whereas I have been the only one at home I was bored and tired of staying one more day.

You want to stay? My Dad asked

Yes, let me start immediately.

But it's already past ten

It's no problem, the principal interrupted smiling, your child must be a good one, insisting to learn. Let him stay, you could bring the money tomorrow!

Yeepaa! I heaved.

Finally I was staying. Registration secured!

Nissi Academy!