Chapter 1- St. Peter's High.

"Timmy, Timmy!" The faint slightly deep feminine voice rings in my head. Still lying in bed not realising I'm late for school.

"Timmy!are you deaf!"The same roaring voice calls my name. The thump, thump of her feet gets closer and closer. Recognising my Mother's voice, I try to yank myself up,but the ear-deafening slap lands on my bare-back.

"Timothy! Do you know what the time is? It's 7:30 and you are still sleeping!"

Mama, a middle aged woman, about 5.6 feet tall, she is fair in complexion and has the body size of an athlete. Seeing her, you'll hardly believe she is a mother of three; Myself, Dave, my elder brother and Cindy, my younger sister.

Reluctantly, I stand, mumbling and grumbling like a kid. Mama retreats like a victorious warrior. She goes back to the kitchen. 

Slowly recalling the painful memory of the Labour prefect's lashes on my palm. It was as if inflicting pain on me was a source of happiness to him, with every lash a grin of satisfaction on his face. I dash to the bathroom and in less than twenty minute, I am fully dressed and ready for school as I advance to the sitting room.

"How many times have I told you to stop staying up at night! Don't worry, I will soon seize that your phone and your PS3! Stupid boy!"

Mama says, cleaning the washing basin as we call it. Its as if she has a third eye at the back of her head.

"Mama,can you please call The VP and tell him I won't be able to come today? I don't feel too well."

Mama turns to face me, sizes me from head to toe, chuckles and turns back to her chores.

"If you know what is good for you this morning, you better start going to school now. Your food is in the flask and---"

"No! Mama!" I interrupt.

"I've told you I don't like carrying food to school like a toddler,I am a big bo----"

Mama hates being interrupted. By the fierceness on her eyes, I know if I should proceed I'd end up with a knock on my head or worse. Realising that, I decide to change the topic,

"Mama, do u know we will be having a PTA meeting next week?" I smile. Mama takes a deep breath as she closes her eyes.

"Timmy, before I open my eyes, carry your flask, go into the car. I'll call the driver to take you to school," Mama says calmly. With that attitude, there is no way I could say anything else, Mama would yell like an erupting volcano.

The journey to school is always so-----what's the word, so disheartening, especially when you know an angry Labour prefect awaits you. My school life has never been a bed of roses. Well, let me start from scratch. Back in my primary School days at St. Peter's, the school hosted an annual Talent show in which everyone was free to participate. Due to Bolaji, my best friend's persuasion and my love for Eminem's rap music, I decided to perform 'I'm not afraid', my favorite Eminem's hit song .The day finally came. Never in my life have I seen so many people sitted at the reception. Applause and screams filled the air as the first and second contestants performed.

"ladies and gentlemen," Mr. Oluwole, the supposed MC announced. 

"It's time for us to welcome our very beloved A student,he has won so many academic awards for this school, including the All-Bright Milo inter-school competition, from Primary5a, Timothy Chigozie!" Cheers and screams filled the air as i came on stage. I looked up and I saw Mama clapping and smiling with so much energy. She said something to a woman who was seated beside her. I am sure she said, ' that's my son' or something closely related. Papa was also seated beside her with little or no emotion on his face. Next to him was Dave who went with his video camera. With a crooked smile, he carried the video camera close to his face and began recording. Beside Dave was Cindy, my younger sister. She was so energetic that evening. She screamed and cheered all the way. Suddenly, my mouth turned dry and my throat tight. My hands, knees, lips and voice began to tremble. I managed my way to the centre of the stage. Mr. Oluwole, the school's literature teacher handed me the microphone. Everybody watched, waiting for me to say something at the very least. There I was, frozen. I couldn't utter a word! A single word! Ever since, I've been known as Tim-Tom. In full, Timid -Tom. A few of my class mates still call me that. I took a vow never to attempt something as dumb as singing in front of the whole school. 

I am pulled out of my subconscious by the loud squeaky noise of the school's massive gate apparently being moved by Mr. Musa, our lazy security man. 

St. Peter's High school, one of the most influential school in Lagos. It has all the qualities a standard school should possess and by all the qualities, I mean, a football field, a Standard tennis court, a laboratory room, a library and a cafeteria. Annually, the school organises an inter-class quiz and debate competition, inter house sport's competition, excursion and the damned Talent show. The school has won so many inter-school academics and sport awards that we have a room we keep all the awards.

"you this su-malli boy. E be like say you get pikins Wey you dey epp baff for house. You know wetin time dey talk? Time na 08:12! Dem don almost finish assembily and you still dey inside car like Dangote pikin," Mr. Musa as he fully opens the gate. The driver manoeuvres the car to the parking lot. 

The labour prefect is at his usual duty post, holding a long Cain with ten students kneeling down before him. Their bags still on their backs. What a heartless soul! Judging by the look on their faces, I know they'd rather be anywhere but there. The driver gives me my flask as I walk towards senior Emmanuel, the labour prefect. He looks up and sees me. With the usual grin on his face, he advances. 

"Ha! Timothy Chigozie. Oh sorry, Tim- Tom, the Famous Rapper. The king of all late comers,"He says in such a mocking tone, humiliating me in front of my juniors.

"You've really outdone yourself this time," he continues. He looks at his watch and smiles to himself. 

"8:22! You really have some nerves coming to school today. I will so-" 

"Eh, actually, I'm not feeling too well. I think I am catching a fever." I defend myself. I couldn't take it anymore,had to say something.

He bursts into a very loud laughter.

"You! You are not going anywhere! You think you can escape me! Today, it's me and y--" The VP signals him. 

"You! Kneel down there! I will come for you." He orders as he runs to the VP without looking back. Most of the students stare at me. I think they are expecting me to do or say something. 

"If not for the saying, Obedience is better than sacrifice, I would have stood my ground. I would have shown him something today." I mutter as I get on my knees. 

If not for the saying obedience is better than sacrifice? What was that, Timmy? I shake my head and I look above. 

The VP seems to be having an interesting conversation with Emmanuel. lets cut the bull shit. I only call him Sen. Emmanuel whenever I'm in trouble, or he is in front of me, or if I'm speaking to a higher authority.

The VP points at me and the students. Wow! He really seems angry. Seeing Emmanuel in that situation plants a smile on my face. The VP walks towards me with Emmanuel right behind him. I can't wait to hear what he has to say. As for me, I will make matters worse for him. Today, we will know who is in charge! 

"All of you get up. Sorry for the harsh treatment you've been receiving from this------rascal!" The VP says. 

Jeez! I expected something to happen,but I never thought it would be this juicy. I have never felt happier in my life. Some of the children burst into tears, making the situation more memorable.

He continues,

"As you all know, I haven't been around for a while. In my absence, I never thought this school would be turned into an Army Barracks. Arrant Nonsense! Please Students, do stand up."

The students ignore the VP. It's as if they are waiting for me to respond. Immediately, I get up to my feet and as expected, they follow. Cool! I feel like the Alpha!

"Timmy, your mom called. She said you aren't feeling too well and that's the reason for your late coming today."

It keeps getting better and better. I never thought mama would intervene. It's a miracle! 

"But Timmy, you should have told Emmanuel about your health. You shouldn't even be kneeling under this hot sun on a normal day."

It's action time!

"No sir,I told Sen. Emmanuel. He---He didn't even care about what I had to say. He still ordered me to kneel down. I tried persuading him but he turned a deaf ear and threatened to give me tribal marks. Sir, I feel so dizzy. I don't think I have ever been subjected to this form of hardship In my life," I say in such a pitiful tone. I am so proud of my myself right now.

The look on Emmanuel's face is priceless. The VP looks at him with absolute disgust.

"Emmanuel, go to my office. I am coming for you."

Emmanuel looks at me intently for some seconds. He turns and walks towards the VP's office. I am sure if he has his way he would strangle me to death. 

"Once again, I apologise." The V.P says.

Mission accomplished!