Chapter Sixteen
The school was in its form, with students trooping in from different parts of the city and rushing to meet up with the day’s assembly. Austin was glad they came in early, and it felt nice to be punctual for a change. All thanks to Nala, he thought. Allen had been bugging them on their way to school, saying different kinds of lousy things. Nala found them funny, but Austin didn’t.
They got settled in class for their first lecture of the day but Austin noticed Allen wasn’t in class. He seemed less bothered about it and focused on what he had at that moment. The bell rang midway during the class, and everyone in the class seemed shocked. This doesn’t happen unless there is important information to give. Everyone seems restless and panic flew in the air,
“Everyone stay in their seat” the teacher instructed as she walked to the door, opened it, and peeped outside.
“Move out slowly, according to your seat rows”
Nala hurriedly picked up her bag and tipped to Austin’s seat, “move over” she muttered as she pushed him. He moved to the side and she could barely sit comfortably.
“Have any Idea what’s going on?” She asked, smiling.
Austin rolled his eyes “We are both here right?” He smirked
“No need to be rude about it”
They got to their seats and they followed suit, the way the other students left the class. The hallway was crowded, with different talks and rumors flying around. Nala stood beside Austin with everyone trying and struggling to fit into the hallway. She ran her hands across his arm and held him tight, in order not to be pushed off. Austin noticed how she held him and knew she didn’t want to be shrugged off by the way students were struggling. He let go of her hands and pressed her close to his body, holding her shoulders. Nala inhaled deeply and felt like she should be here forever. He smelled like masculinity dipped in pineapple and she loved it.
“Thanks” she moaned.
He smiled at her and winked.
“EVERY STUDENT SHOULD MOVE DOWN TO THE ASSEMBLY GROUND” the principal’s voice thundered in the hallway through the speakers mounted on the ceiling. Whilst everyone was struggling to get to the last floor, Austin stood still with Nala hoping to be that way forever, he felt safe with her, and being with her was something he had wanted for a very long time. Nala slowly slid away from his grip as the hall was now okay for them to pass through.
“Come on”
On getting to the assembly ground, Austin sighed and had his hands cover his face. He wouldn’t say he was surprised, but he thought his brother had let it go already.
“Oh my God,” Nala muttered, looking surprised and stealing a gaze at Austin.
Allen and Jade were standing on the podium, with each other on both sides of the principal. No one needed to tell Austin what happened, he knew it was obvious they got into a fight.
After they got to school, Allen saw Jade entering the restroom and followed him immediately. Jade was surprised to see him. He tried to greet him and extend a hand for a handshake as a sign but Allen had other plans. He punched jade on the chin and his head went flying into the mirror. Allen not caring about the blood oozing from his forehead and the shattered glass on the floor. He picked Jade up and smiled mischievously
“You thought you’d rip my brother and me right”
“Sto.. p” Jade struggled to say as Allen’s clutch on his collar tightened.
“I can’t hear you,” Allen leaned closer. Jade grabbed this opportunity, Tilted his head backward, and surprised Allen with a headbutt. That sent Allen sprawling
“Fuck!” Allen groaned in pain, “you son of bitch…” he turned aggressively with the intent of retaliating but was stunned by Jade’s fist. Allen was sent straight down on his knee. Jade shook the hand he used to punch and blew air on it from his mouth.
“You got some balls,” he said, smiling and trying to gasp for breath as he staggered. The headbutt he gave Allen had his head spinning, he leaned on the toilet door to prevent him from falling. He watched Allen struggle to stand up, using the sink as support as he stood up.
“You don’t know when to stop!” Jade flexed his muscles and charged at Allen, Allen swerved, wrapped his arms around Jade’s neck, and pinned his head on the mirror
“I need that money back!” Allen’s voice thundered
“Well it’s gone boo”
Allen’s rage spiked, he was about to hit Jade with a low Jab.
“What’s going on here!”
Coach’s eyes went from the broken glass on the floor, the wide open toilet door, and Allen pinning Jade on the mirror. Allen quickly released Jade and adjusted his collar.
“Nothing sir,” he said, feigning a smile, and attempting to breeze past the Coach who stood at the door but was stopped by a firm hand on his shoulder.
“You won’t leave until I ask you to. Now go back there”
Allen went back reluctantly, standing beside Jade.
“What happened here?” He asked, pointing at all the broken glass on the floor. They both kept quiet with their heads down.
“I asked a question!” His voice rose, it was obvious Coach was getting agitated with their lack of response.
“Since you won’t say anything, follow me to the principal’s office”
“Sir..” Jade spoke up and came forward
“Save it, and follow me” Coach left the restroom.
Allen grabbed Jade by the neck immediately “you better not say a word”
“Or else what?”
“Well you could try me and let’s see what happens”
Allen released him, smiled, and straightened up his shirt for him.
“Are you not coming?” He turned and asked Jade when he realized he wasn’t following him.
They walked into the principal sitting, waiting for them, and Coach standing beside him like a bodyguard. They stood in front of him like criminals waiting for a judge’s judgement but none was forthcoming because he wouldn’t say anything. After a few minutes, he heaved a sigh and stood up. He walked up to them and leaned on his table.
“So what happened sons?” He asked in a low voice. They kept quiet and didn’t say a word.
“You just resumed here and you are causing trouble? I wonder what it is with you and your brother” he faced Allen with concern in his eyes. Still no word from any of them. At that point, the principal fist was already tightening, it was obvious he couldn’t control his anger anymore. He flared up and sent the chairs in front of him flying.
“I asked a question!” His voice thundered. They were both shaking and it was obvious fear was taking over but none of them said anything.
“Come on boys, say something. Let’s know how to deal with the issue” Coach asked, concerned about what the principal might do.
“Okay, wise boys.” The principal smiled and walked back to his seat.
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