The last days at trainfield High school

It was early in the morning and it was still dark when Jim solaade woke up to someone shaking him roughly.He groaned and mumbled to himself half asleep. 'Jim!'he jerked fully awake at the sound of that familiar voice.It was his brother. 'Eric!'Jim said in surprise 'Yes,it's me'and his brother smiled in a way that showed only his upper teeth. 'Man! what....?' Jim began.They looked at each other,delighted. 'No greeting,little bro?'wole smiled again. 'Sorry,does anyone know you're here?Does daddy.....?' Jim did not complete the sentence;instead he hugged his brother tightly." I've missed you!" Eric was thinner.Jim could feel it. 'mum knows I'm here,' Eric said. He too did not mention their father. Just then,the alarm clock sounded.It was time for Jim to get up and he released his brother. 'Go on,get ready for school,'Eric said,stretching on the bed.'At least you seem happy to see me.'He looked round the room at the carelessly flung shirts,jeans and boxer shorts over the chair,to the poster of the Manchester United football team on the wall above Jim's bed.A typical boy's room.Another worn-out poster of Tupac Shakur was pasted on the opposite wall. 'I didn't remove it even though its an eyesore,'Jim said,grinning. 'Everything's just as you left it.' Eric squeezed Jim's arm lightly. He picked up something from the bedside table beside Jim's music CDs,chemistry and mathematics textbooks.'Man,this is some watch.Must have cost a mountain. You always get all the nicest things,why....?' 'Eric,don't touch my watch.' 'What's your problem?can't I look at a watch?' 'I'm sorry bro',Jim muttered.'I'm glad to see you back-really-but,you know.....' 'My cute,spoilt little brother......you grow taller every time I see you'.Eric stood up and walked towards the door .'Don't worry about the old bear.Better get ready for school .Er-i took some cash from your drawer,hope you don't mind'. Sighing,Jim plodded to the bathroom.Trust his brother to always collect things,but he was happy he was back.it was a new day and the beginning of his final year at school. Like his brother,he was tall and long-limbed as an athelete,though,unlike his brother,he had dimples when he smilled .He was 16 years old and was already sprouting a beard.He flexed his right arm noting that he had developed muscles. Good. He whistled as he took his shower,refusing to think about the morning's surprise. The reason why was a long story ;too long to think about on a brand new day. As Jim ate his breakfast of bread and tea ,Eric sat on the sofa watching early morning cartoons on television.Their mother was in the kitchen with Nancy,their househelp. it was like any other morning-peaceful,almost as if Eric had never left.Then Mr solaade came out of his bedroom yawning.He was a tall well-built man with his head shaved bald.He wore a loose caftan over his bulging tummy. 'kemi....'He began and then stopped short and rubbed his eyes to make sure. 'Good morning,dad' Eric said and as an afterthought prostrated himself.He sounded as if he was enjoying himself . 'What are you doing here?'his father said in a strangled voice. Mrs solaade came running out of the kitchen. 'Good morning dear,just relax and let me explain ' Jim knew his father wouldn't listen . 'what is this good- for- nothing doing in my house?'his father roared.'Didn’t I tell you never to set foot in here again?Get out before I call the police!. 'kola!'Mrs solaade shouted-if her high,thin voice could be considered a shout.'it's too early for this and he is your son you cannot treat him like this!You must not go on like this!'she pleaded 'it's you!'mr solaade turned to her.'you spoilt the boy!he has brought shame and disgrace on this family and you still beg for him.All your children are bad!' Jim jumped down from the dinning table and knelt down too beside his mother and brother and also pleaded. Mr solaade stood still ,his chest heaving,and said very quietly,'you are not welcome here and turned back to hid room.Mrs solaade collapsed onto a chair while Eric stood up grinning widely. 'you can laugh 'his mother said.its not funny we'll have to talk to uncle kazeem and maybe uncle erdu to talk to him. 'he is not a serious man' Eric said grinning 'Eric! he's your father' his mom protested. Jim picked up his backpack and slung it over his shoulder. 'You've not finished eating' his mom said anxiously. 'I'm not hungry.Bro stay cool.'He was annoyed as he turned for the door buy he didn't know exactly why. Dad and his temper,Jim thought.Outside the gate,he stood for a moment and listened to the distant sounds of the buses and shouts of the wardens on the main road.A bird crowed in the distance.Someone called his name.it was his next door neighbour and schoolmate,arjun batia ,running towards him.A short,thin boy who hardly reached Jim's shoulders. 'Heard you arrived back from your trip yesterday'.arjun said slightly out of breath. 'was waiting for you' 'Hey arjunbro! sorry.my mind was somewhere else.'Jim smilled delightedly and threw arjun a friendly punch. Arjun snorted noisily. 'well ,it's nice to have you back.'