TUTOR NAIROBI

It was a week precisely after the incident at the chemistry lab. I and Vincent hadn't crossed each other's paths again, well apart from the chemistry practical which we were able to do without arguing and that's thanks to the lab assistant.

Ms. Daniels asked I and Vincent to wait behind during the break period. I hoped she wasn't going to give both of us a sermon.

She came back into the class with Mr. Palmer which surprised me. Were they still going to punish us for the broken apparatuses?

"Good day my young scientists," Mr. Palmer greeted us taking the seat Ms. Daniels offered.

"Good afternoon sir," both of us responded.

"See the look on their faces," Ms. Daniels laughed, Mr. Palmer following suit. "You two are not in any trouble okay?"

I nodded in sweet relief. I don't know about Vincent.

"Okay. We wouldn't want to take much of your time," Mr. Palmer started. "Adebayo," he called focusing on Vincent. I had to look at the boy too.

"Sir."

"I don't mean to embarrass you in front of the lady." he paused to look at me. "But you and I know you –infact we need to ace your game. Your chemistry is suffering. Same goes for physics and mathematics but the chemistry is a big no no."

"And that's where you come in Nairobi," Ms. Daniels said smiling at me.

I didn't have a good feeling about that. I could feel it in my tummy that I wouldn't like what was behind that smile.

"How do I come in? I don't have any business with him." I heard Vincent scoff.

"You see, Vincent here has been having problems with physics, chemistry and mathematics right from his SS1."

Vincent groaned. "Ms. Daniels did you really have to say it?"

"Yes she had to. Adebayo's father had to pay me and his physics teacher for after-school tutorials. He even paid some teachers outside the school. His physics and mathematics improved only a little but the chemistry is still poor," Mr. Palmer explained. I still didn't understand what I was supposed to do with the story.

"Okay sir. But I still don't get why I'm here."

Ms. Daniels sighed and gave me the are you that clueless look. "Nairobi you're going to be Vincent's new tutor."

"I knew it!" Vincent punched Ms. Daniels desk, earning a glare from the two teachers.

"No way. That's not happening," I said defiantly.

"Yes way Nairobi. Adebayo doesn't want to withdraw from the science class, so we considered letting his mate tutor him. it might be easier for him to assimilate that way. His father would pay you."

"It's not really about the money. Why was I chosen? I'm sure there are some other intelligent students in the class."

"Yes. Why was she chosen? There's Chijioke and Alex–"

"You guys would end up discussing irrelevant things. This is for your own good Vincent," Mr. Palmer said seriously.

"Amanda," I suggested.

Ms. Daniels laughed. "That one would get lost ogling at him throughout the session."

"Don't even suggest Jessica,"  Mr Palmer added like he read my mind.

"Why?"

"Jessica would not even agree."

"Neither am I," I said shaking my head. "I don't agree."

"Vincent and Jessica have a problem. He once hit her when they were in–" Mr. Palmer looked at Vincent. "What class was it then?"

Vincent bit his lip at Mr. Palmer's question. "It was a mistake. And it was her fault."

I thought he was bluffing before. I couldn't believe he would hit a girl. I had always sensed the tension between them.

"I just hope you have a grip on your temper now. I don't want you hitting Nairobi during your tutor sessions," Ms. Daniels said to Vincent.

"I don't want to tutor him! We don't get along at all." I made sure I used my hand to demonstrate the height of it.

"That's why we did it. It would help both your relationship and his grade," Ms. Daniels said.

"Ms Daniels, it would be a disaster. We couldn't even carry out our chemistry practical with out the lab assistant in our midst," Vincent said.

As much as I hated to admit it he was right.

"Yeah. And besides how do you know I'm that intelligent to tutor him?"

"Your score in the scholarship exam says it all."

"No it–". A greeting interrupted me. I look at the entrance of the class to see a man in a crisp wine suit approaching. He looks so much like. . .

I heard an 'oh God' from Vincent.

"Welcome Mr. Adebayo," Mr. Palmer greeted cheerfully. He stood up and shook hands with the man. Ms. Daniels stood up to give him a quick half hug before ushering him to her seat.

"Thank you dear," he said smiling at Ms. Daniels who was already seated on one of the students seat. This man looked like he was in his fifties but he was still elegant. I now knew where Vincent got the looks from.

Don't get me wrong here, even if I did dislike the boy, I have to admit he was cute. He had this impressing dark eyes and beautiful lips. Don't get me started on his skin, it was clear, chocolate and spotless —during our makeup chemistry practical, I had to wonder what product he used for his beautiful dark skin. I'm free to appreciate good things right? I mean I'm an artist after all.

"Good morning father," Vincent greeted the man like he was forced to. I had to suppress a laugh. Is this how rich kids greeted their parents? I had to wonder.

Well at least they had parents to greet unlike a certain someone. . .

"Ayo," the man acknowledged. His ethnic name I guessed. He gazed at me, "Hello there. . .?".

"Nairobi sir," I offered.

"Ah," his voice sparked with recognition. He turned to Ms. Daniels. "She's the one right?". Exactly how much does he know about me, I wanted to ask but I bit my words back.

"My dear, how are you?". I noticed Vincent roll his eyes.

"I'm good sir." I decided to add, "And you?"

"I'm great. I'm happy you agreed to tutored Ayo," he told me.

I was quick to deny. "Oh no sir. I di–".

"Father, I can't let her tutor me," Vincent said squeezing his face like shit.

"Why not sir?" His father asked sarcastically.

"We're not really the best of friends –infact we aren't even friends. We don't get along at all," I said.

"Oh. But your teacher assured me that you'd do it? I didn't expect this," Mr. Adebayo said looking over at Ms. Daniels with a questioning look.

"Mr. Adebayo don't worry yourself. She'd tutor him. I'll make sure of that," Mr. Palmer smiled.

"Okay?" He let his gaze rest upon me. I crossed my arms, I was not going to tutor that brat. "So Nairobi what do you say about a ten?"

"Huh? No offence, I don't understand." Vincent muttered 'oluwa'  while the teachers chuckled.

"Your payment. How's ten thousand Naira?" Vincent's father explained. My jaw dropped but I recovered quickly.

Ten thousand Naira would be given to me if I could just deal with the brat for some hours –just like that? I had said I wouldn't tutor him but the price was tempting.

If I agreed to that, I wouldn't need to work at that pathetic hotel.

But Vincent. Could I really put up with the guy? With the way he was squeezing his face like a week old shit, it was obvious he didn't appreciate the idea of both of us spending some hours together.

But who the guy help?