International Scholars High School has a small garden behind the reception block. The reception block is always quiet because the offices of the principal and vice principals are there.  The small garden is rarely used by students because most of us are scared of the vice principal for administration, Mr Jackson.

Mr Jackson is the head of the disciplinary committee for students and any little offence he would take it up like you murdered someone. Everyone knows him to be a choleric individual so we all try to stay away from him, including teachers too. I've heard a few teachers gossip about him.

Walking into the garden I hope to find solace, I had the novel sister Deola gifted me as a present for my birthday in my hand. She got me the book three days ago when she came home from school. I had seen the movie, After during the holiday but I never got the chance to read the published book. Until now.

After sitting comfortably on the metal bench, I flip the pages of the novel trying to find the chapter I stopped at. I was at the chapter where the two main characters broke up and it didn't fail to remind me that Daniel broke up with me last week.

I cried my eyes out in the school's bathroom that very day. I haven't told Anna and Zara though. I just don't know how to tell them. What would I say is the reason we broke up? So I decided to keep it to myself.  Daniel on the contrary is unfazed by our break up as he and Pauline have become inseparable.

I heard a hiss which interrupted my reverie. I look up to see the pimpled face of Anna. "So this is where you are? You made me look for you all over the school." She exaggerated making me roll my eyes.

"What's up?" I ask as she sits on the bench I'm sitting. I shift a little to create enough space for her.

"I heard."

Her words leaves me puzzled. "Heard what?" I close the novel I'm reading and drop it on the bench. I turn to face her, my eyes concentrated on her face as I wait to hear what she meant by; 'I heard'.

She spoke again leaving me more confused. "Why didn't you tell us?"

"Anna, what are you talking about?"

"Daniel broke up with you!" A frown was plastered on her face. "You didn't deem it fit to tell Zara and I, uh? Wale told me it was a week ago."

I hissed then rolled my eyes. It just had to be Wale blabbing about what isn't his business.

I removed my tie from my neck and dropped it on my lap. "It's no big deal na. You're just blowing the whole thing out of proportion. Besides we can't be together forever, we'll break up one day." I told her pretending the break up didn't affect me.

"What exactly happened between you both? Wale didn't tell me what caused the break up, he only said I should ask you."

"We had a little argument which we weren't able to resolve." I lied then bit the inside of my lower lip.

She scoffs, "you think am stupid abi? What really happened?"

"It's nothing!" I said in a high pitched voice. "Abeg, leave me, I was busy before you came here to ruin my peace."

I pick  the novel and continued to search for the page I was before she interrupted me. Anna took the book and stood up glaring at me. "If you want this book back, you had better give me an answer to my earlier enquiry."

"Give me my book!" I said in a whinny voice then pouted trying to look cute.

She ignores me and puts the novel under her armpit. "If you want the book, talk now."

"Anna, don't suffocate my book with the smell of your armpit!" I pointed at my book trying to hide the smile I had on my face. I wanted the words to come out harsh but unfortunately my friendly side surfaced.

She rolled her eyes. "Since you're not ready to talk; then forget about your novel."  She turned around to take her leave but I decided to call her back after arguing with my subconscious. A part of me wants to tell her, the other wants to keep things confidential.

"Wait." I mumbled underneath my breath just enough for her to hear. She turned around, a triumphant smirk playing on her lips.

She sat next to me, my book still under her armpit. "Give me my book first." I ordered.

"Do I look like mumu to you, Tobi? I know you very well. I'll give you the book, you'll then runaway."

I mentally cursed my cunning and playful side. I let out a despondent sigh as I prepare to reveal to her what happened between Daniel and I.

"Daniel and I had se-"

A figure appears before us interrupting Anna and I. Zara, who is panting, plops on one of the other two benches but regrets it immediately as her hand hits the metal seat. She let's out a small cry without tears then began to massage her hand.

"You have been searching for me too?" I asked, it was a guess.

I wonder what's wrong with my friends this afternoon. They keep interrupting me anytime I find a place or thing of solace.

"I have," Zara stops to pant as she sits upright leaving Anna and I confused. "I have gist for you." She managed to say. "Hot gist!"

Anna's ears perked up at what Zara said. She dropped my novel on the bench carelessly making it fall to the ground. I pick the novel from the ground and use my hand to wipe away the invisible dust off it then held it firmly on my hand, to prevent Anna from taking it again.

"Talk na!" Anna's impatient side surfaced.

Zara coughs exaggeratedly then adjusts her clothes even though it wasn't needed. I roll my eyes at this, she always loved the attention she got.

"Mrs Simeon caught Seun and Joseph in the boys toilet in JSS1."

"Mad o!" Anna said surprised. "How can they even go to JSS1 toilet? Their sense did not tell them to stay in our own toilet."

"What were they doing?" I asked suddenly interested.

Zara rolled her eyes while Anna hissed. "They were playing with sand." Zara replies, sarcasm leaking in her voice. "What do you think they were doing, Tobi?"

"Help me ask her o!" Anna hissed once more.

Judging by their remarks, I knew immediately konji was at work. Not that I didn't know immediately, but I wanted more information.

"I hope she doesn't take them to Mr Jackson's office else na wahala be that." Anna directed this to Zara.

"According to what I heard, she didn't  say anything to them apart from the Jesus she shouted when she opened the toilet and caught them."

Anna and I both laughed at her narration. Trust Mrs Simeon to shout Jesus. Mrs Simeon attends the Lord Chosen and is one of those scripture union (SU) women. She always tied scarfs and wore long baggy skirts, her blouse and gowns are always baggy. Most students laugh at this. She and makeup are enemies and the only hair we've seen her make is kiko or cornrows. She teaches junior school mathematics.

"She took them to Mr Jackson while preaching to them. The juniors were just laughing." Zara concluded with a titter.

Anna gasped, so did I. "They are so dead." Anna said and I couldn't agree more.

Things in International Scholars High School are just getting heated!

Glossary

Kiko – An African hair style made with special black rubber or thread.