Joseph.

Begrudgingly, I pulled myself out of bed. I already knew that it was going to be yet another boring school day, another day where I got to play the role of spectator while my other classmates lived Netflix series lives. I wonder if any of them even remembered to do their chemistry assignments.

I knelt by my bedside and prayed for a few minutes, mostly for my parents because only God really knew when they'd be coming back. Then I got up and picked my phone from my bedside drawer, just to make sure Doyin and Remi hadn't made any impromptu announcements.

When I opened WhatsApp however, another notification had me distracted for a few minutes. I tapped her contact and decided to read what she'd sent.

Esosa: Hi, good morning.

Thanks again for the video. It was really helpful.

I quickly replied with a "you're welcome." I checked the class group chat, but all I found were the leftover arguments and shades from yesterday.

~ Esosa: You don't have to be so rude. You treat everyone like they're shit, but you have to be the shittiest person I know.

~ DoyinTheQueen: Bitch, I'd like to see you say this crap to my face.

Esosa: Alright, you pick the time, I'll be there. Don't start rubbish you can't finish.

~Chisomm: Oya, you people it's okay. Biko

~starfire: Nooo. Let them continue, me, am enjoying myself oh.

I rolled my eyes before putting my phone down. Didn't Esosa realize that she was way too pretty for all these baseless arguments. She was tough, and I understood why she always felt the need to put Doyin in her place, Doyin was a walking, breathing, living version of pride itself. But sometimes, it was really just better to ignore Doyin's pointless dramatizations.

I got of my bed and decided to start preparing for school. As usual, the house was empty for the most part. The only other person at home right now was my Aunt Kelly and technically, this was even her house. I just referred to it as "home" because for as long as I could remember, it had been my home. My parents travelled way too much for their own good, so it was really either being homeless or living here.

When I had put on my uniform, I quickly combed my hair, before racing out of my room. I had my backpack on and was about to rush through the living room, when a familiar voice called me back. I stopped and backtracked till I found myself in the kitchen.

"Ah ahn Joeseph," My aunt Kelly shouted playfully "Won't you greet me before heading out?"

"Ekaro ma." I said bowing my head respectfully. When I first got here, I used to postrate before her every morning and every night before going to bed. She stopped me, saying that it was way too formal. That loosened the tension in the air at the time, and now, she's one of my closest adult friends. It took a while for us to get where we are now, but I'm grateful for her friendship.

"Ekaro oko mi." She said with a smile. My aunt was short, and light skinned and at the moment, she had a short bob wig on. She looked wonderful, as always with her signature "kiss the cook." apron tied around her waist.

"Fine boy!" She continued "Be careful on your way to school oh. And don't forget to wash the car when you get back. Mi o fe gbo story oh!"

"Yes ma." I said.

"Eh hen." She said.

"What about mum and dad?" I asked, "have you heard anything from them?"

Aunty Kelly's face fell when she heard my question. I could already tell from the lines that had formed on her forehead, what the answer would be.

"I'm sorry Joe." She said sadly "No, I haven't."

"Not even since they landed in Connecticut a few days back?"

Aunty Kelly shook her head "No honey, not even since then."

I sighed. My parents were pretty busy people. My mum was a model, and my dad was a photographer, famous for his many exotics and priceless picture of famous places. They travelled around together because they enjoyed it and were living out their dreams. But I wish I got to live out my dream of seeing them.

Then, I nodded and was about to turn away when I remembered something.

"John called yesterday, before you got home." I said, "He said I should greet you."

A warm smile spread across Aunt Kelly's face at the mention of my older brother's name. John was my only brother, who had graduated from Emerald high last year. He was like the happier, much more optimistic and forgiving version of me. I actually miss the days when he was always here, cheering me up after yet another disappointment from mum and dad.

"How is UNILAG treating him?" Aunty Kelly asked.

"He said it's been stressful. The lecturers are frustrating his life, and the impromptu tests are as bad as they come," I said in a monotonous voice "but he's handling it just fine."

Aunty Kelly rolled her eyes in amusement "Shior. Boys, you're all the same, really. Please remind me to send him provisions this weekend. Does he like coco pops or cornflakes now?"

"Both," I replied, "Send him both."

"Alright," Aunty Kelly said with a nod "Now please get going. You'll be late if I delay you any longer."

"Okay, bye aunty." I said, before noticing the dishwashing soap by the sink. It was almost empty.

"I'll stop by mama Ishola's and buy some soap on the way back." I added.

"Thank you, Joe." My aunt said as I turned to leave.

"It's no problem at all."

It's the least I can do after all.

***

When I walked into the school hall, I had to stop at the entrance. I wasn't late or anything, at least not too late, the school pledge was being recited. I placed a hand on my chest and repeated after the school head boy.

I pledge to Nigeria my country.

To be faithful, loyal, and honest

To serve Nigeria with all strength

To defend her unity

And uphold all honour and glory, so help me God.

It was funny how the pledge had lost so much meaning in today's economy. People would happily sell out Nigeria in a heartbeat of, they knew they could get some cash in exchange.

The hall was your average Nigerian secondary school assembly ground. It had cream walls and enough white chairs for the entire school populace to sit on. There was a pulpit in the front, for the principal to make his announcements. And behind him was a row of chairs, for the HOD's and vice principals to sit.

I was walking through the hall looking for a place to sit, when I found some empty chairs close to the middle of the hall. I sat in one, and a few minutes after, a certain someone sat in the next one.

"Hi." Esosa said quietly. She sounded shy. Not in the way you would be if you were talking to a crush, but more like she was trying to be careful with me. I could tell that she found my kindness disconcerting.

"Good morning." I greeted with a smile "How was your night?"

"I got to watch the season two finale of miraculous on repeat before NEPA finally took the light." She said dryly "I slept like a baby afterwards."

She cringed, but only for a milli second before she recovered with a small smile. I could tell that she was thinking to herself, "goddamnit, why did I say that?"

"I haven't watched that show in a while." I laughed, "What's the latest season?"

"Season 5." Esosa answered a little too quickly, "My little sister is obsessed."

Sure she is.

*"That's cool." I said with a small smile, "I kinda gave up after season three. But if I'm being honest, that show shouldn't have gone further than season two."

"I know right, but I just can't stop watching it, no matter how hard I..."

Esosa was about to say something else, when a prefect passed by us. She eyed us suspiciously, but eventually focused on Esosa, probably determining what the best punishment to give her was.

"I think it'd be proper if you went to kneel down in front." The girl said.

I gulped; I peeped behind the head of the person in front of me. The principal was reprimanding the school, which was why he hadn't asked us to sit yet. He was supposed to have been done with the announcements by now.

"... There are just so many negative vices amongst you." He said angrily, "sexual immorality!"

"Hm!" Some of the students chorused, a few prefects were on the lookout for them, as they carefully scrutinized the hall.

"Stealing!" He boomed again.

"Hm!"

I could tell from the heated state of the hall that right now was not the best time for Esosa to be humiliated like that. She was going to become a scape goat.

I wanted to say something, but Esosa beat me to it.

"I'm really sorry senior." She said, "It won't happen again."

Senior no name shook her head. She wasn't having it. Why was everyone so keen on punishing this girl?

As if things couldn't get any worse, a wonderful person came waltzing into the hall, looking for a seat of her own. Unfortunately, the closest available seat to her was the one at the end of the row I was sitting on.

This place about to blow.

"Excuse me... Oh hi senior Rita!" Doyin said happily, they hugged and honestly, I'm not even shocked at this point.

"Hi Doyin," Rita said, "I love your hair."

I looked at Doyin's hairstyle, "police cap" which was actually pretty neat but definitely not worth all the hype.

"Thank you." Doyin said before her eyes landed on Esosa. She rolled her eyes at her before moving to the last chair.

"Right, so where was I?" Rita said, feigning forgetfulness by stroking her nonexistent beard "Oh right, get to the front of the hall."

"I can just kneel down here." Esosa said quietly, "please senior Rita."

But senior Rita wasn't having it. She grabbed Esosa's wrist and began to drag her up, but Esosa wouldn't budge. Esosa glared at her, from her position on the floor.

Doyin looked around sneakily, even going to the extent of stretching her neck to see some places. Finally, she saw a teacher about to pass by, and she shouted.

"Mr. Abioye!" She said loudly. I heard the principal say something about being able to take our seats and sat down alongside the other students.

Esosa was still on her knees while Doyin and I were seated. Mr. Abioye walked briskly towards us, and I guessed that he thought there was an emergency.

"What is going on here?" He asked angrily "Don't you know that we're in the middle of the announcements."

"Senior Rita is asking Esosa to do something and she's being disrespectful."

Rita just stared at Doyin, probably Doyin's lie had shocked her into silence. Esosa on the other hand. Looked like she was seconds away from bursting, as she looked at Doyin, then Mr Abioye, then Doyin again."

"She wasn't being disrespectful sir." I said suddenly, everyone involved including a few eavesdroppers, turned to look at me.

"And I was the one who made her talk. I kept asking her questions and she was trying to get me to keep quiet, I'm so sorry sir." I said.

I could literally feel Doyin's anger as she scowled at me. Rita just looked like she didn't want to be here anymore. She was looking back, like there was something else she should check on. I didn't know Doyin had cowardly supporters.

*"Wow, Joeseph" Mr. Abioye said, frowning at me, "I'm quite disappointed in you. Oya Esosa, sit down. Joseph, go down on your knees."

Esosa was still shocked, so she didn't respond to the instruction immediately. She stared at me for a bit, then blinked rapidly before taking her seat. I knelt down beside her.

"But sir..." Rita tried to object, but Mr. Abioye just shook his head. He wasn't having it.

"Next time, keep a closer eye on the students." He said firmly "And I don't want to hear any more noise from this section of the hall."

"Yes sir." Senior Rita grumbled. Mr. Abioye walked away, before Rita turned to face Esosa.

"You better watch your back Esosa." She whispered, "Because you've made yourself yet another enemy."

"Okay." Esosa said with a shrug. I bit my lip to hide my laughter as Rita marched away angrily.

"Don't you dare try what you just did ever again." Doyin said, her eyes were reduced to slits "I'm not someone you should mess with."

"Like you messed with Donny?" I asked, an eyebrow raised in confusion "Also, this is between me, Esosa and senior Rita. Mind your business."

I think she said something, but I tuned her out so that I could listen to the principal's announcements. I had already missed most of them, so I wanted to catch the few I could.

"The dirtiest and cleanest class will be announced tomorrow. As model students and tomorrow's future leaders, you are expected to know the meaning and value of cleanliness." He said before clearing his throat. I could tell from the way he adjusted his glasses, and changed his stance, that he had something important to say.

"In light of all the reports about homosexuality, romantic relationships and sexual immorality that have been heard recently, the school counsellor, Miss Helen will be hosting a sex talk tomorrow afternoon."

Groans and disdainful hisses could be heard thorough out the hall before the murmuring ensued. Esosa and I just exchanged amused looks as the principal tried to get evryone's attention.

"Heis!" He shouted "Heis! Prefects, fish out three students for me, just three! Then, I can use them as scapegoats."

The prefects zoned in on the rows of students and the hall fell silent. The principal tapped his microphone again and again before he started his closing address.

"I can't do this." Doyin muttered to herself before standing up, "No, no, no."

Her face had lost some colour and she was panting a little. It looked like she was on the verge of a panic attack.

I watched her as she quietly got up and walked away. I looked back and watched as she whispered something to senior Rita before walking away.

"What suddenly happened to her?" Esosa asked, a little concerned, "She was so full of it before, and suddenly a silly sex talk makes her cave?"

"Maybe it triggered something for her?" I asked.

"Or maybe she's worried that somehow it'll expose her?" Esosa suggested.

I watched two students get up, and hurry out the door, not so long after Doyin had left. I could tell that the taller, slim one with brown hair was chisom, and the shorter girl with much longer hair and a bigger figure was Makayla. At least now, Doyin would have support from her friends.

"And with that today's assembly has come to a close. Please, proceed to your classes." The principal said.

Everyone walked, class by class, in an orderly manner to the exit. First JS1, then JS2, and other classes followed. The principal had put this arrangement in place to prevent any accidents.

When it was finally SS2's turn, row by row, all the students got up and moved before it finally got to my turn. Then, I got up and moved alongside Esosa, out of the hall.

"Thanks," She said sheepishly, "I would have really been in trouble if Senior Rita had had her way."

"It's fine." I said with a shrug. I could see Remi and Donny talking ahead of us. I couldn't call them from where I was, but if I hurried up, I could catch up with them.

"I'll see you around." I said to Esosa. She smiled and gave me a quick nod.

"Yeah, sure." She said. And with that, I walked briskly ahead, trying to weave my way through the throng of students.

***

It turns out that Remi and Donny made it to the class a while before me. She was seated at her table, at the front of the class while Donny was seated on her locker, nodding and listening intently. I pulled my chair away from my table and placed it beside Remi's. She beamed when she noticed it.

"Joe boyyy!" She squealed; I acknowledged her with a smile before taking my seat. Donny and I shook hands, with a clap, the way guys do.

I met Donny and Remi when I got to SS1. We were all science students and had a few other things in common as well. We don't always sit and move together like the other cliques in school do, but our bond was just as tight as ever.

"So," I said, "I'm guessing there's gist."

"Yes ohh!" Remi exclaimed, but not too loudly, "Apparently, rumour has it that Doyin has a revenge plan in the works for Efe and Enife."

I nodded, remembering everything that Donny had told me over the phone yesterday. Shit had hit the fan, Eric and Donny hated him and they'd ostracized him as a result. Good, I was sick of him hanging out with them anyway.

"That bitch honestly needs someone to teach her a lesson," Donny said with a sadistic grin, "and I want that person to be me."

I shook my head, "Look, Donny, I know it sucks to be rejected, but you going after Doyin right now is like adding gasoline to fire. Leave her alone. For once, you aren't part of her drama, you should be grateful."

Donny nodded and looked at me with respect in his eyes.

"I guess you're right." He said. I sucked in a deep breath and mentally braced myself. What I was about to say next would probably piss him off, but it needed to be said.

"But you can't deny your part in this bro," I said, "You should've left her alone when Remi and I warned you the first time. You aren't in the right either, you know?"

Remi made a sound, obviously thinking it was a bad idea for me to have told Donny that. His breathing changed, and he glared at me, like he was ready for a fight.

"Joe, that bitch lied to me," Donny growled, "How was I supposed to know that all her promises were fake? She played her part so convincingly."

"Because she's Doyin." I said calmly, looking into his eyes so that he'd know I wasn't scared "And you're not an idiot."

Donny got up abruptly, but Remi's reflexes were just as sharp as his were, if not sharper. She placed a hand on his shoulder before speaking to him.

"Calm down," She said firmly, "We don't want any more drama now do we?"

Donny grunted and sat down, avoiding eye contact with me. I didn't say anything either. Remi cleared her throat, something she did whenever she wanted to change the subject. I don't even know why exactly I had said what I said. I just didn't like it when people played the victim without owning up to their own shit.

"The school will soon start looking for new prefects." She said with a smile, "And I was thinking of running for head girl."

"With the way Doyin has enslaved you, I'm sure you have all our classmates support." I said teasingly.

"Haha, very funny." Remi said before rolling her eyes.

"But I'm serious," She continued, "I want to start telling people now so that they'll have me in mind when the real action starts."

"We'll support you." Donny said with a nod at me, "If you need any thugs, let me know, this election is yours."

I laughed, while Remi just made an "are you serious?" face.

"We both know that Joe is more of a strategist than a thug," Remi said, "but I really appreciate the support guys, thanks."

Donny and I looked at each other, then shook hands. We were cool again, at least for now.

Remi began to talk about her plan and campaign strategy, when Esosa walked in with Aramide. They were talking, and I just couldn't help but notice how her eyes lit up as she spoke with excitement.

"Joseph!" Remi snapped. I switched my attention to her, shock evident on my face.

"I was asking you if you had any opinions on my strategy," Remi said with a smirk, "But it seems like you have something else on your mind— or someone."

"What?" I asked, feigning shock, "I just noticed her walking into the class."

"I called you three times." Remi said with a teasing smile. "Looks like someone has a crush."

"Just admiring yet another of God's beautiful creations." I said, trying to play it cool. Yeah... that wasn't just "cool."

"Awnnnn, oga oh." Remi cooed, but Donny just sighed.

"I get what you mean, Joe." Donny said, "she's cute but she's trouble, I mean, you saw first hand what she did to Benjamin."

I blew out a breath as the memory of that day rose to the surface. It had been terrifying to say the least, but I wasn't scared of her. Anger issues were no laughing matter, and that was why I had chosen to get a teacher instead of interfering myself. But even as I recalled what had happened, it didn't make me like her any less. Benjamin had brought all the anger out of her when he's slapped her, and anger issues could be fixed.

"Benjamin hit her first," I said, "And she's not such a bad person. She's nice and polite, she deserves to be given a chance."

"Okay," Donny said with a shrug, "But I really hope this doesn't turn into another Chisom situation. You told me the truth even when I didn't want to hear it. I owe you that much."

Chisom was my ex-girlfriend. In SS1, when everyone was still getting to know each other, we had fallen for each other. She was beautiful and mere words weren't enough to describe how exactly she had made me feel. Apparently, she had this thirst that being with me wasn't enough to quench. She had wanted attention, but not from me.

"I understand Donny," I said, "and I'll be fine. Chisom and Esosa are two different people anyway."

"Yeah..." Remi said hesitantly, "But they both have problems, and you like fixing."

"Like I said before," I said, a bit firmly this time, "I'll be alright.

And then, Donny changed the topic to the movie he'd watched yesterday.

***

Ring! Ring! Ring! Ring! Ring!

"Long break!" The timekeeper yelled. I sighed in relief as our English teacher walked out of the class. As much as I loved classes, double periods were always mentally draining. I stood up and was about to walk out when someone tapped my shoulder. I turned to see who it was.

"You're going to the tuck shop, right?" She asked me. I nodded.

"I already know that if I send you, you won't go, "Remi said, "Let's at least walk together."

I nodded and we left the class together. For some reason, Remi just didn't like going to the tuck shop alone. She didn't like going anywhere alone. Girls were weird, but I had to humour her because she was my friend.

We walked down the noisy corridor till we got to the small classroom which had been converted to the tuck shop. There were two lines being attended to by two different attendants. Obviously, the calmer quieter line was the one for seniors, while the line filled with pushing, pulling and noise was the line for the juniors. The separation had been the head boy's idea, and it was a pretty good one. Remi and I joined the senior line with only four people in front of us. Two very familiar girls walked to the line and stood behind us.

"Not only are we early," Remi said as she observed the two girls, "We get some gist as well."

I rolled my eyes at her but quietly listened as the two girls argued.

"What you're doing will get you into serious trouble." Makayla said.

"What trouble?" Doyin sneered, "It's not like there's anything those two whimps can do to me."

"You act like you're invincible," Makayla said looking her in the eye, "And like absolutely no one can hurt you but I know that deep down you're hurt Doyin. It's only damaged people who act this way."

Doyin's unbothered gaze turned into a heated stare as she eyed Makayla. It was obvious that Makayla had stepped on her toes.

"Know your place, Kayla." She said coldly, I could feel her venom and rage from where I was standing, "I am not damaged, and you don't know anything about me. Keep your goddamn opinions to yourself."

Makayla left out a "huff" but said nothing else.

Soon, Remi and I were attended to and we left the line. I looked at her, and I could already tell by the look on her face that she wanted to say something.

"Looks like Doyin might be cooking something big." She said. I shrugged.

"As long as we aren't involved, I'm good." I replied.

"I just don't know how Makayla got wrapped up with someone like her." Remi said sadly, "She's not even anything like the rest of Doyin's cronies, but somehow Doyin still has her wrapped around her finger."

"Typical high school drama." I said before taking a bite of my sausage roll.

"You seem to be so indifferent." Remi said, frowning at me.

"Because there isn't anything we can do." I said after I had swallowed "I really just hope whatever she's planning doesn't hurt anyone I care about."

"You mean Esosa," Remi said as she wiggled her eyebrows."

"Rest, Remi."

Remi just laughed. But deep down, I knew she was right. I was worried about Esosa because she had honestly been through enough. I just hoped that Doyin's rage wasn't enough to burn down the whole school.