School

"I've always been a loner. My life has never been a smooth ride but I try my best not to let it get to me. I'm fifteen...too small right?

You won't believe what I've gone through all my life".

"Amy!" Mum calls me

"Oh...not now"

"Amy!" She calls again

"Yes mum,I'm coming"

"Hurry or you'll be late for school. Don't forget to take the money I kept for you on your bed".

"Alright mum. I won't. I'd stay back for extra lessons today so I won't be coming home before 4pm". I say

"It's no problem honey. Just come home immediately you're through with classes". Mum replies

I pack my books and stuff into my backpack and take one last look at myself in the mirror before heading out. I feel happy today,a rare feeling. Normally,I get crazy mood swings. My life has been that way since Dad left us,when I was six. I couldn't see it coming, I was just a kid. He used to be my favorite- I was daddy's girl,I feel like he betrayed me. I know I shouldn't hate him,but I do. Mum has been the only one caring for us all along,I and my elder brothers (two of them). She automatically became my favorite when 'He' left.

I've had to deal with emotional trauma all alone my whole life. I still blame myself for dad's leaving,maybe I'm not good enough. I get anxiety attacks frequently,I know I should tell my family but they won't understand. A typical Nigerian parent wouldn't.

As I board a bus to school,I think about everything: my past,my family,my classmates,what I'd face in school and the fact that I have to keep my problems to myself no matter what. I get to school,saunter into the compound, everything seems normal at first,so I head towards the block that contains my class. It is then I see the angry scowl on the teacher-on-duty's face. He is blocking the second gate with his miniature frame. At that point,I notice,I'm late...again. I've never owned a wristwatch,those things made me anxious.

"You're a senior and you can't set examples for your junior ones. Run here this minute". It's the teacher on duty, shouting as always.

I find myself jogging towards him. I know I won't get serious punishment since I'm in my final year in high school. I know this because I've been coming late the entire school year.

"Good morning sir"

"What's good about this morning? Look at when you're coming to school. You should be ashamed of yourself. You are supposed to be in school by 7:45am but look at the time. It's 8am..."

I didn't bother to look at any time,I didn't have one to look at. I tune him out and go back to my thoughts. I remember I was given an assignment.

"Sh*t! How did I forget about the assignment. I usually don't forget things. I'll have to hurry and finish it during the first period before our English teacher comes in. She likes giving out homeworks so much..."

"Amara,are you listening to me at all? Amara!" He screams

"Sir! I can hear you sir. I'll take the Juniors and make sure they serve their punishment sir" I say and start walking towards the second(internal) school gate.

"Stand up and follow me everyone!" I shout at the Juniors who are still on their knees.

***

I'm still cranky after supervising the punishment with my nice(very angry) guidance,I march to my class,tired. I usually sit in front,right from my first year. I get to my 'locker n chair', drop my backpack and sit in it.

Thankfully,I only missed the first period. I turn to my seat mate and friend, Cassandra.

"Good morning Cassie. What topic did the principal take this morning?"

"The one he started in the previous class, matrices". Cassie says

"Oh! Thank God. I love that topic. I have nothing to worry about then. Please, give me your note so I can update mine... and, have you done your homework?"

"English? Yeah,I just did it" She said and we share a laugh.

I'm happy I have a crime partner who does assignments in school 'the next day'. I collect her book and update mine while doing my homework. I love multitasking,it drives me. I'm so engrossed in my notes that I don't notice my English teacher enter the class.

"Good morning ma"

"Good morning students. You may have your... Amara,why are you sitting down? Amara!!!"

I snap out. I hear someone screaming my name and I look up to see my teacher in front of my locker with an angry expression on her face. That's when I realize...

"Trouble"