C8 The Trip

Just as I wanted, the weekend came and left. I had a blissful Saturday and a blessed Sunday.

The church I attend is not highly populated as it is situated in a remote Hausa village. Only a few Christians who are residents of the village and have no means of transport to leave the village every Sunday, attend our church.

But for those who have cars and are willing to burn gasoline, they just drive out of the village and look for a bigger air-conditioned church.

Now don't get too fast to judge them. Listen to the state my church is in first. Well, I am a member of the Redeemed Christian Church Of God(RCCG).

I am sorry to say but if you are a Nigerian and you don't know this church, you need to be checked. We are everywhere. In houses, shops, uncompleted buildings, plazas, markets, e.t.c

Street kids should be able to draw our church logo with their eyes closed.

I am not trying to criticize my church or anything. For one, I love our General Overseer. Such an affluent and elegant man, but my church is still what it is... Everywhere.

Well, I don't know how it works but all I know is, after every Go-A-Fishing, new churches are planted or maybe one... Not too sure about that.

Well, our church is one of those that came up as a result of Go-A-Fishing.

Here's the problem... These new churches are sometimes not given the proper attention and funding to grow but the head pastors are eager to grow the number of churches under them. So they still ask the church to commence anyway.

In return leading to churches like mine.

My church is huge. No doubt, but it is not a completed building. It is still bricks held together by cement. The walls are not even cemented. We have no doors, no windows, only 20 chairs, and to make it worst.

As my mother would Say ;

we are sitting under open heaven.

That is to say... There is no roof over our heads, the church has not been roofed!

I remember once when it rained during service and we all had to have service in my dad's CRV. I sat in the trunk. Yes... That's how bad it was.

Well due to the above factors, we only have few workers like three choristers, three teachers, an overbearing admin who leaves everything to my father. I dislike him so much. So arrogant..... with his potbelly.

I remember one cold morning, I wore my favorite Lil Wayne hood to his house. I went there to get chairs and instead of him to help me. He made rude remarks about my jacket and Lil Wayne and said I should never step into his house again wearing it.

Like I cared or even wanted to step foot in his filthy house. I only looked for excuses to go there so I could see their cute puppy.

Cause of our shortage in workers... Everyone, including me, has to contribute. So, therefore, I am in the choir department and also help out in the children's department cause I love kids.

The stress does not end where you think it does dear brethren.

Remember I said my church is an uncompleted building? Yh... It also means we have no toilet and when a kid got to go, you know a kids got to go... If you know what that means.

So pls do me a favor and add that to your list of stress in my children's department when counting next time.

Well in case you haven't noticed from the above, let me drop the bomb, and to those who have, well-done guys... Quick brains.

Yes... I am a P.k! A preacher's kid! A pastor's child!

Well, my life was just perfect... Well, I guess so...Till the previous Go-A-Fishing. When they made my Father pastor!

Ugggh... I so do not want to be a PK. I don't like it. I mean I don't even act like one. Would you have known I was one if I didn't tell you? But no. Fate had to tease me.

Well, I'm glad I got to meet some people like My babies Praise and David. Very adorable children and dear Moses. He is 15 years of age.

It's Monday again and I'm ready for school. I chose to braid my hair on Sunday. I told my hairdresser to plait shuku for me.

A beautiful African hairstyle that entails braiding of the hair to the middle of the head all around. Don't know if I explained that well. Sorry if I didn't.

Well, It suits me well especially when I add a base or plait some to fall forward to rest on my forehead or by the side.

*********

Miraculously, my bus gets to school during the assembly and I get to the assembly ground just in time to hear the owner of the school addressing us.

He makes it known that He has seen talents in our school and would like to develop them if we want it or not.

He Says that the SS3 would not be partaking as they are preparing for JAMB and WAEC, and SS2 would not be partaking either as they have offended the school by vandalism on school property.

He then says he has registered all of us in SS1 for this and we would be going to the camp where we would spend a week. He said he had sent messages to our parents and later in the day, letters would be handed to us for our parents concerning this same issue.

He says if our parents are not interested, they are free to opt-out by just giving him a call and turning down the offer.

He also makes it known that any junior interested should go and meet Miss. Ana for registration before it's too late.

I am beyond elated by this news because I am usually always indoors. That's how my parents raised me. With less freedom and outings.

If it is not a family outing or a school program, there is very little chance that I would go.

So therefore I jump on any chance I get to go out... And this is a jackpot. An outing for a whole week! I can't miss that.

** *** ** ***

We have a newcomer. His name is Ayo... Very huge and fat. He, Emerald, and Victor live in the same locality so it is quick for them to make friends with each other and that is not so good for me.

Because I and the class boys do not always get along. I can only imagine the sort of things they would be telling him to keep us apart.

I only get along with one boy and that is Gorge. He is mature, nice, handsome, and intelligent and he is the only boy that truly understands me. Thus the only boy I associate with.

Oh least I forget, Dapo is also another boy I get along with. Although he can be very supercilious and annoying sometimes.

The boys in my class do not like me because; unlike the other girls, I live a very simple life.

Where other girls try to please the boys and make them fall for them by being artificial and all, I stick to being my wild, rough, tomboy self and that makes the boys think I am egoistical so they take it upon themselves to 'bring my shoulders down'

Although that's their cup of tea cause they can't ruin something that never existed.

Well, I sure am going to pounce on this opportunity when I get home. I can't miss it.

He also tells us that those of us that planned ongoing for a debate this week should overlook it as SS2. In other words, senior class 2 would deal with it in our absence and we should just go have fun and fulfill the purpose of our outing.

I already know what it is I want to do when I get there. Can't wait to get home and fill the form.

On getting home, the form says that a candidate is allowed to be enrolled into three classes and I choose;

Singing

Afro dance

And Ballet.

I know I am not so good at any of them but of all, I have a better chance at singing than any of the others.

My parents are against me going but after a lot of persuasion and promises, they let me go on the condition that I take three inhalers with.

I know I am not going to use them and do not want to take them with but I agree anyway to avoid destroying the deal.

I am thrilled by this tour and Faith and Edna are also coming. What's more... We are to stay in rooms and we can have a minimum of three roomies and a maximum of five. I think Faith, Edna, and I have got this all figured out.

When I get to school on Tuesday, the whole of SS1 is going. Sadly that 'whole' includes Silvia. I honestly hope we would not be in the same classes. Well, the only class I would have to share with her is the singing class.

Faith filled in Singing, ballet, and catering.

Edna filled in, instrumentals, singing, and cheerleading.

Nathaniel and I are in two classes together. Singing and hip/afro dance. His other class is basketball.

As for Vic, we are only in Afro dance class together. He chose photography and football as his other classes.

We are to take off tomorrow and I just can't wait. I am sure Faith, Edna, and I will have a great time, and hopefully, I would draw closer to victor during this tour.

Nathaniel and I have become closer within these weeks. I see him as my male best friend as we are almost always together. I believe we share almost everything.

Unlike Victor, Nathaniel has no sort of liking for Silvia. As far as I know, we both dislike her equally.

The day is done and I am in the school's bus field with Faith and Edna when I see victor, Ayo, Emerald, Silvia, and a few of her gang girls approaching.

Well for some reason... Dina is not there.

They all stop at a distance and only Victor is walking towards me.

"Here comes your knight in shiny amour" Faith squeaks into my ear. She then giggles and leaves me there.

How could she and Edna leave... What If I need them to stay?

I grip my bag straps tightly as Victor approaches and I look at the floor as if searching for something. So it would not be too obvious that I am standing there waiting for him.

"Hey"

"Hi" I reply...

"It's been a while since we last had a proper conversation," He says whilst looking at me and desperately trying to make our eyes meet but I deliberately avert my gaze each time. I just might drool if I dare look into his eyes.

"I... I.. . Have something to tell you... Or rather ask you... actually... Tell and ask you. " he says. This time looking at the ground. He seemed to be uncomfortable and having an intracorporeal war with himself. As if not knowing if to speak or not.

"I'm all ears. " I simply reply.

He looks at my face and that cool face of his drops into a face displaying guilt.

"Do... You... Ummm... Do you.."He is cut off by the sound of the bus behind me.

That my cue to go. Oh, fuck it, Mr. Dan! You could not wait a little longer? When I want you to stay, you threaten to go, and when I need you to go... You stay!!!

"I'm sorry that's my bus... I have to go... Maybe some other time? "I ask him.

His face brightens when he hears this.

"Sure. No p." He replies with a broad smile.

When I get into the bus;

"so what was that all bout? "

"He wanted to tell me something but couldn't"

" and why is that?" Faith asks

"I don't know... The bus was leaving and he was shy... I guess" I say whilst blushing.

Faith waits a few seconds while observing me before;...

"Wait... You think he... Like... Likes you?"

"Yh... I Mean... Maybe... H... He did.. Seem shy. "I Say whilst smiling.

"Girl! You gotta slow down. You're just jumping to conclusions that would fling you right out of your happiness when proven wrong. " she says sternly.

"Chill girl, why you getting so worked up about this? " I question.

"You think I'm getting worked up? Girl, you're not just my BFF... You're my lil sis.

I can't sit back and watch you make stupid mistakes that I know I could have helped you avoid!

The way this is going, you may just one day... End up telling him you like him or asking him out on a date! "She scolds.

"Wow." I simply reply.

I am surprised by the sudden change in her mood and because I know she is mostly speaking the truth.

"Look I don't trust that boy. In one week, he's made you cry. He is changing you. You even ironed your uniform for him.

I mean... I saw it... But I chose to swallow my opinion. Jade promise me you won't let him hurt you... Ok...

Else my hatred for this dude will only grow bigger. I have been condoning him cause I know you like him"

"Okay," I simply reply to this my mother-like friend.

"Don't just tell me okay. You gotta do it.."

"Sure I will. Now stop stressing. "I reply

"Okay," She laughs.

"But if he seriously came to ask you out...You'd say yes? "

"Yh...I guess... I mean... I'd love for that to happen... It would be a dream come true for me"

"And you don't think that would be a bit too soon? " Faith asks me with much astonishment in her voice.

I do not give a reply cause I know my answer differs from what she wants to hear and my answer is totally wrong.

###########################

It's Wednesday. Time for the trip. I have all I need for this week. My prefs, hair packers, and a whole bunch of other stuff. I also made sure to stuff those inhalers at the buttomest bottom of my bag. I know that's not a real word, but I need you to get the point.

I would not want anyone to find them. Especially not my roommates.

Victor has spent over a week at SHA now so he is no longer a newcomer. And being the hottie that he is, It is no surprise that all the boys except Nathaniel rally around him and obey his every command.

He is like the king of boys in our class now. The main Don... The top G...

Well I mean... One deserves some accolade for being able to be so... Unique and Prudent.

When getting on the bus, I am expecting Victor to sit next to me so he can tell me what he wanted to say yesterday... But nope. He goes into the first lane behind the driver with SILVIA!!!

As for Nathaniel, being the gentleman he is. He sits at the second to the last role behind by the window side. I go in after him, then Faith comes in, and then Edna.

About five minutes after the bus takes off, I see Silvia scooching Closer to Victor and I watch him put his hand over her shoulders as she rests her head on him... WTF!!!

Just then, the bus driver turns on the radio, and Perfect By Ed Sheeran floods the bus.

When I look up, I see that Victor is staring at me through the mirror In front. Expressionless and he is just looking. His hand still on Silvia!!

Just then... An idea hits me. Payback time...

I scooch closer to Nathaniel and I place my head on his chest. Nathaniel is surprised by this act as he had not been expecting it... But he quickly recovers from it.

He moves his hand that had been on the chair to my shoulder and uses it to draw me closer. I smile at him and lean further into his chest.

The expression on Victor's face is priceless. His eyes are wide with anger... And that's my cue to carry on...

I place one hand on Nathaniel's chest. When I look at the mirror, Victor's anger is very evident and he quickly tears his gaze from Nathaniel and me and looks out the window.

My mission has been accomplished but I am having too much fun to stop now. Nathaniel is 16 years old. Hence his chest Is quite broad.

I am resting on Nathaniel's chest, listening to perfect and breathing in his amazing perfume. This... Indeed... Is... Perfect.

Victor can do all he wants, I've got some tricks up sleeve as well.

I know I am being cruel and wicked. Playing on Nathaniel's emotion like this... But... I don't know... I just don't think before I do things sometimes. Especially when Victor is involved.

I can only imagine how much damage I would cause when Nathaniel eventually finds out about my wicked, insensitive, and selfish plan that unknown to him..he Plays a huge role.

I can only hope for his forgiveness after this has been uncovered.

I may never be able to face him again... Am I stupidly about to toss a gem into the ocean in Hopes To Get A Fish.