Chapter Two

Inter- school quiz

The laugher didn't last for long.

" She keeps avoiding public attention" Jackson said pulling Vivian's cheeks.

" In any case we are supposed to protect her though"

" So we're not doing it right ?" Vivian said

" Of course not" Sophia replied

" Don't let Mrs. Gracefilled sway you and your thoughts. BEST FRIENDS !"

The three stretched their hands forward, held one another and chorused " FOREVER".

" I will be leaving guys, I've some things to do at home " Jackson said as he carries his school bag and headed for the door.

" I might crash here tonight, I'm still feeling sleepy"

" Alright, I will be leaving with Jackson. Don't stay up tonight okay "

During the usual morning Assembly the next day in school. The principal announced the upcoming inter- school competition between Hillview Secondary School and other secondary schools in the area. Vivian's homeroom teacher, Mrs. Gracefilled also announced it in class after the assembly.

" Three Students from SS 2 A , Two others from SS 2 B and the another two from SS C will be representing the school in the competition. I will be calling out the names of the school ambassadors in our class Sophia Martins, Joseph Vivian and Presley Udo. The three of you will represent the science class. The competition is two weeks away from now, I hope you prepare yourselves soley for it. If you have any questions or challenges please don't hesitate to come to the staff room. Consult me if you have challenges okay"

" Yes ma" the whole class chorused.

" Class prefect, what's your next subject ?"

" Mathematics ma"

" I will inform him on my way to the staff room.

Immediately she stepped out of the class, the students began to make noise. They formed a group and began chatting until a student, Praise, stood up and gave out a loud shout.

" This is so unfair"

The whole class quiet down while everyone turned and stared at her.

" What's unfair" the class prefect asked.

" Why is it that every competition that comes around the school usually assign the ' three feathers of a bird ' to take charge of it" Praise yelled

" Do you even realize that you're disturbing the whole school, sit down and stop making noise" the assistant prefect said.

Vivian turned to Sophia who's sitting next to her. The two gave each other a satisfying look.

" Praise, please if you actually have an issue with it head to the staff room" the class prefect said and gestures her to leave the class.

" I'm only saying it because I know many of us are silenced by the school authority so please let's speak up together. It feels like they are discriminating us or rather looking down us" Praise said

" Who's discriminating you ?" Mathematics teacher asked as he stepped into the class.

" Am sorry sir "

The class stood up and greeted him.

" No it's okay, go ahead with what you were saying please"

" I only said what most of us are scared of saying. I said it unfair for the school to always pick some certain students for basically all competitions in and outside the school"

" Do you want to go to the competition ?"

" Yes sir"

" I will submit your name okay. Make sure to do your best out there okay"

With this, the teacher proceeded with the day's lesson. During the break period, Vivian and Sophia went to SS 2 C to get Jackson to the staff room with them since he swapped to commercial class.

" Good day Mrs. Gracefilled " they greeted

" Uhm Three feathers of a bird right ? That's what they call you ?"

" Yes ma "

" What's the problem"

" Ma, we are here because we're not interested in the forthcoming competition" Sophia said

This drew the attention of other teachers who began to ask them why they wouldn't participate in the competition.

" Ma, we just want to step down a bit to others a chance to prove themselves" Jackson said.

" This is a not a tangible reason"

" We just don't want to participate" Vivian said.

" Ma, please help us talk to the higher authorities, we are sorry but we are planning on taking GCE ( General Certificate Examination) this year so we are working towards it " Sophia said"

" Ok, I will see what I can do about it, for now go back to your classes"

Like wild fire, words traveled round the school and students and teachers keeps asking Vivian and her friends why they want to leave the school competition for the Nation's hardest exams, the GCE.

" Some people are happy now " Peter said while glaring at Praise.

The school made an official announcement that the popular ' Three feathers of a bird' were outlisted from the competition.

" Someone keeps looking for attention" another student said.

" Now let's see if she will break the World's Guinness records"

" A.K.A I too know"

" Guys, it wasn't her fault that we stepped down. We really had something to do like everyone here know quite well that the exam is hard enough for Secondary School Graduates which means we should work harder, please don't blame her besides I believe she can do it" Sophia said to quiet the class down.

" She better do o if she doesn't want trouble in this school"

Two weeks later, during the quiz competition Vivian, Sophia and Jackson were also there with the audience. Hillview secondary school made it to the finals but then the host gave them a break. Sophia and Vivian were in the ladies' bathroom when Praise walked in.

" How is it going girl ?"

" Who's your girl and it's high time you stop pretending to defend me no one is watching you now" Praise said as she went into the toilet.

" Look, I don't give a damn whether or not Sophia was pretending but make sure you throw the question to the audience if it's too hard for you" Vivian said.

" Don't worry, I can handle it" Praise said.

" I know you can, I believe in you , go get it girl" Sophia cheered.

" Miss. Motivational speaker believe in yourself first. Praise will do well, let's go" Vivian dragged Sophia out.

As the quiz continued, a question from Further Mathematics was asked. No one seems to know the answer. The host moved the question to Hillview secondary school.

" Since this is the last question and it's a bonus question too, can I move it to Hillview students in the audience please" Praise said.

" Of course"

Vivian went up to the stage and solved the question. That gave them a winning point as they were declared the final winners.

" I knew you would pull through" Jackson told Praise after the competition.

" It's not like it was just me though,others helped" Praise replied.

"But you answered alot"

" I did my best to prepare for it, at least it paid"

" Hard work always pay" Sophia said.