CAMPUS PAROL »»»EPISODE 4 continue I have no doubt that it’s Bayo. He’s the only person that calls me by that nickname. He turned around to face me. “Bayo wetin I do you na?” I swiftly asked with a pity face. “You promised to do anything if I helped you out of that mess we caused.” Bayo said. “We? Bayo! We?” I angrily asked. “You did the whole killing and landed me in trouble.” “Who started the fight in my room?” He defended. “Ok. Fine. How are you helping me out of here?” He had a wicked grin on his face and said, “Banji, make I no deceive you, you must to join us before we free you else we go minus you from the earth’s population.” Me, join the cult? God forbid. I have contravened my mum’s first plea by walking with you, you wolf in sheep clothing, I was about to say. I can never join the cult after all my mum and dad has been through because of me. “You don ready?” He asked and added, “it won’t take three minutes to join us.” “Let me think about it please.” “Your answer should be positive else I will bid you farewell.” He said and walked away through the same direction he came from. “It won’t take three minutes to join us.” I mimicked him and added, “even twitter that is quite harmless takes longer minutes to join and yours just three minutes.” It all got me wondering how the world has turned out to be, harmful things are easier to reach while the profitable ones are very tedious to dare. My escape was paramount to me so I brought back my drifted mind. I struggled so hard, scratching my tied hands against the bark of the tree but to no avail. I loosened up and faced reality. “Go bring am come!” Someone commanded, guess it’s Strike. I was ready for battle if I am let loosed. I was at the peak of my rage. The last time I felt that way was when Kofo was slapped by a bus conductor. Oh my! I really dazed this conductor. He took my gentility for stupidity. The conductor refused giving us our balance, even after Kofo pressured that we were almost at our designated bus stop. We alighted and Kofo as a lady, jolted him by his shirt while I stood aside quietly watching film; Kofo in acton. “Hey! Leave me na.” The conductor said. “You are joking.” She meanly replied. “You sef give them their change make we dey go!” Some passengers in the bus yelled at the bolshie conductor. “Hey! Leave me one. Hey! Leave me two.” The conductor counted. I was boiling in rage as he counted. The more he counted the more my anger increased. “Hey! Leave me ten!” He completed and slapped Kofo. Oh my God! My rage bursted out of its cage. I pounced on him like a hungry lion. I beat him blue black. I didn’t stop landing blows on his jaw even while I saw his blood stains all over my shirt. I was ready to faint him, thanks to the passengers that held me back. I left the venue still angry while Kofo followed me. One of the hefty guys hurried to where I was tied. He cut the rope with a knife and directed me to an unknown place. I can battle you, I said to myself. He was walking directly behind me while I took my steps short. “Oooouch” I groaned and bent down, holding my right foot pretending to be hurt. “What’s it?” He foolishly bent down to help me examine the foot, dropping the knife just by me. I looked at the knife, he looked at me. I looked at him, he looked at the knife. In a jiffy, I rose up hitting him very hard on his jaw with my knee. He groaned and fell flat on the floor, giving me the opportunity to pick his knife. I immediately attempted to stab him but he defended. I kicked him hard on his face and stabbed him deep inside his stomach. He screamed for help, I fled immediately. I actually don’t know where I was headed but I kept running as fast I could. I became very tired after running some meters away, so I decided to rest, in no time I snoozed off. Dr Longe asked the whole class to submit their assignment to the class representative as he took his leave. I gladly submitted mine, it took me days and nights to finish the assignment. I saw Sade running to meet Dr Longe and I wondered what happened, so I decided to pass by and eavesdrop. Oh! She was explaining to Dr Longe why her assignment wasn’t with her and why she can’t submit. I bounced back to the class to pick up my bag and take a stroll to my hall. I never paid attention to Bayo who kept calling me from where he sat down, the back of the class. I can’t afford to reply him because of his wayward lifestyle. I had thought it’s better to be alone than to be in the wrong company. I have two more lectures for the day but I decided to still take a break to my hall and return when its about to start. I walked magestically on the road as if it was constructed by my father, listening to cool blues. The lyrics of each song that played blew my mind beyond comprehension. I sang along with the song that played. I got to my hall, climbing the stairs one after the other until I got to the topmost floor where my room was. I could perceive the smell of Kofo’s perfume, Tony Montana. I shrugged off and shut the voice that kept telling me she was presently around. I became ill at ease when I heard Intimate sounds protruding out of a room on my floor. I quickened my steps to my doorstep to be sure if am safe or my mind was actually correct about Kofo’s presence. That amatory sound hit me again, directly from my room. I still trusted my girlfriend not to be present in the room so I decided to knock. I waited for several minutes just for me to have access to my room, all because they wanted to be in order. My roommate, Emeka, was sweating profusely even while he has a towel thrown around his neck. I entered the room and peeped at Emeka’s corner, only to meet the shock of my life, Sister Grace. She has been Emeka’s exercise instructor all the while I was outside. I made light of the situation by sticking solely to my business; It’s her body and not mine. I opened my cupboard and made myself something to eat. I ate, rested, and took off for my remaining lectures. I strolled back to my class because I still have spare time left before the lecture will commence. I arrived some minutes before the class started so I went through my course notes. Alas! We had a test. Thank goodness, I luckily prepared for it; exactly what I read was set as the test. Some of my course mates frowned out of the class while some were smiling just like I did. I was so happy to go to my hall when the class representative announced that the last lecture wasn’t holding. I walked along the veranda of the department just to greet Mrs Nwachukwu who was standing in front of her office. I greeted and pass by her. She called me when I was almost getting to the end of the veranda. I moved quickly to meet her, she ushered me into her office. She adviced me as a mother to keep up my good attitude and not join any unprofitable group. She dismissed me. I walked a little ahead and met Sade, who was about going to meet Mrs Nwachukwu for moral advice as she openly explained to me; Mrs Nwachukwu is our school mother. I set off quickly to my hall. My phone alerted me for an incoming message from Kofo. I read and discovered she was waiting for me in my room. I rushed quickly to my hall with joy. I conqured the stairs within seconds to arrive at my floor. Not again, hearing the same Intimate sound? I wondered if its now a welcome sound for me anytime I arrive my floor. I moved quickly to my doorstep just as I did earlier. I wasn’t disappointed to know it came from my room. I paused and dialed Kofo’s number that happens to be switched off. I was relaxed because I trust her. I was about knocking when Kofo opened the door. I hugged her and she hugged back more tighly. She prevented me from entering the room, pulled me aside and told me what I already know. She said my roommate is a womanizer. “It’s daybreak, Mr!” I heard faintly. I laughed out loud and replied Kofo, “I know.” Ooooouch! I held my cheek with my left hand while trying to prevent the rays from the sun with my right. I felt so pained on my cheek, I must have been slapped more than once. My eyes were still dizzy though. I realised that I had been dreaming all the while. With my heavy eyes, I looked at the fellow who had maliciously slapped me and still has the guts to stand in front of me. I thought I had escaped. I was completely stunned when I realised the person’s hair was plaited. I was about to flee again but I later realised it was a female secondary school student. I had thought it was Strike. “Hello Sir. What is wrong?” the girl politely asked. “Nothing. There’s nothing wrong.” I quickly replied. “Why then did you sleep in front our school?” “Your school?” I asked, standing up to check around. The girl smiled as I checked all around to confirm if I did sleep there truly. My curiosity was satisfied when I saw the name of the school branded on the entrance gate. “I woke you up so that other coming students won’t make a joke out of you” She cut in. “Ha! You did this for me? Thank you so much. God bless you.” I said with a saturated eyes. “Please, what is your name?” “Adaobi.” “Please Adaobi, how far is this place to the campus gate?” I asked because I was confused of where I was. “It’s quite far from here but boarding a bike would be adviceable.” I wondered where Bayo and his useless gang transported me to. It must have been kilometers away from the campus. Getting to school is the main issue here, so I hurriedly checked my pocket for money that would at least convey me back to school. I paused after a while with my hands in my pocket and thought deeply where my wallet was. My pockets were as dry as Sahara, I had no money in them. My wallet must have been stolen or misplaced during the hassle. I sighed, turned around and was walking away. “Hey Mr! Wait.” Adaobi called. I slugglishly stopped without looking behind because I was so perturbed. Adaobi walked up to me. She faced and stretched out her arms towards me. I speculated on what message she was trying to get accross to me by stretching her hand. “Take it.” She said, “Get yourself to school.” I collected it from her. It was five hundred naira. She really amazed me. A little girl that doesn’t know me from nowhere, shaded me away from disgrace and helped my wrecked financial state at the time. The least I could do for her was to give her my priceless customized wristband, that was given to me by Kofo on my birthday. I can’t but reward a nice gesture like hers. She took it from me and smile, opening her arms for a hug. I contemplated to hug her because she was so caring to be true. I could remember when I was at her age in secondary school, my parents warned me seriously about strangers. They had warned me never to collect anything from strangers nor heed to them when they look suspicious. Adaobi was a different student, so compassionate. I hugged her. I really felt loved once again after all the deadly stress. “What’s your name?” She asked. “Banji. I’m Banji” She ran off because she was late already. I feasted my eyes on her until she finally vanished from my sight. I sighed and smiled. Adaobi’s picture formed on my mind as I walked to the main road to board a bike. I can compare her to a rose flower because of her heavenly fragrance. I can evaluate her with the lily because of her delicate, dainty appearance. Her well braided hair gave her a stunning African look. How I wished I could continue to live in the little Adaobi moment. Everyone should experience an Adaobi moment at least once in their life, I thought. I stopped a bike to transport me back to the the campus. The bike man took his time riding the bike at the exact speed limit specified. If I could swap anything or alter my life a little, I had swap my dream with my current life. They were outright opposites, all that I could have done in reality, I did in my dream; silly me. My life were already in shambles, they were already falling before me. I alighted from the bike in front of the campus gate because motorcycles were not allowed to enter into the campus. I trekked the remaining distance to my hall. I was praying seriously as I walked. “God would You please take this cup away from me and let me live.” I prayed like Jesus who was almost being crucified. I felt guilty all the time I saw students gathered, because all that crossed my mind was Emeka and Chinedu’s death discussion would have championed that gathering. I took off with great speed when I saw some guys in my hall gathered, talking and arguing loudly. “That guy is just so merciless. He killed all of them.” Someone said among the crowd. “He is so dangerous.” Another added. I had thought they were refering to me so I quickened my step and after a while started running. I became calm and halted running when I deliberated quickly and found out that the guys were discussing about yesterday’s football match. The champions league semi-final between Barcelona and Chelsea, so Lionel Messi was the key discussion. I climb the stairs with a heavy heart. It took me minutes, what would have needed thirty five steps to conquer the stairs. I met my room opened wide like the gate to Jerusalem. I entered with caution and peeped at the two segments of the room; Mine and Emeka’s. After rapid check that noone was in the room, I bolted and rested my head on the door. I was pondering on what to do next when I felt a hand resting on my shoulder. Not again, not again today I said to myself. The hand still rested on my shoulder without shifting its position. My mind was already made up for the worst. I slowly turned around to confirm whose hand it was. I was alarmed when I saw who it was, Bayo. “Shush.” He sounded with his index finger on his lips, telling me to be quiet. I was surprised to see him in my room. I thought I searched the two segments of the room, where did he hide? I asked myself. “Banji, you have to help me here.” Bayo pleaded and added, “I need you now more than ever.” “Before you make your devilish request again, I would have to ask you few questions.” I said with a bossy face. “Go ahead. I will sure have an answer.” He replied. “First, How did you get into my room and why did you come?” “I entered early this morning.” He said. “Many students are gathered in front of my room, even the school security, so I have to come take shelter here.” “Ok. Fine. Secondly.” I said when Bayo interrupted. “Banji, please I have no time for all these.” He said, covered all over with pity. “Help me please.” “Guess you don’t need my help.” “Please Banji, Please.” He said on his knees. I was dazzled by Bayo’s pleas. Bayo on his knees? I still can’t believe. He really must need my help, I thought. “Ok Ok Ok. Fine. What’s it?” I said with a pompous pose, “how may I be of help?” “Banji, am wanted!” He fearfully said grabbing me by my shoulder. “Everyone is looking for me.” “Then, how is that my business?” “Banji, you know we were together all the while Emeka and Chinedu died.” “Ehn! Please and please don’t say that again.” I warned. “We were not together and I know nothing about their death and how you killed them.” “Banji, let’s pour it all on Strike.” He said, “let’s pour it on him if it becomes hotter than this.” I nodded to agree with him just to ease him off my neck. He proceeded to Emeka’s wing to lay on his bed while I went to mine. Bayo became restless all the while he was chilling out on Emeka’s bed, I could hear him move around. He couldn’t bear it any longer so he came to me. “What’s wrong?” I asked. “Nothing.” He replied. “I am fine.” “Sure, you are not.” I said. “You are feeling guilty about Emeka’s death, huh?” He bent his head remorseful and sat on my bed. Bayo was so dejected after telling him what really have been lurking around him. “Bayo are you a cultist?” I boldly asked. He raised his head and gazed at me for some seconds and bowed his head again. I moved closer to him, and raised his head up. “Are you a cult member?” I restated my question. “Banji, It’s a long story.” He said sorrowfully. “Am not in a haste.” I replied. “Perhaps, I just have a lecture and that’s in the afternoon. Speak on.” He paused for some seconds and explained, “It all started when I resumed as a freshman. I really can’t differentiate my right from my left, all seem good to me. I had a ‘rock it all’ mentallity. I guess I interpreted this saying, ‘pass through the school and let the school pass through you’ wrongly. My parents restricted my movements all through when I was in secondary school. I exploded now that I have the opportunity to be far from them. My calamity started when I met Akingbide Sukanmi. He–” “Who is Akingbide Sukanmi?” I interupted quickly. “Oh! Sorry. I mean Strike.” Bayo clarified. “Ok. Now I get. Continue.” He adjusted his sitting position and continued, “I met Strike at the cafeteria. That faithful day, he sat with his cliques, they were all eating on the same table when I entered to eat also. I bought my food and quietly sat at a corner a bit distant from them. I was eating when he ordered his guys to bring me to where they were. I didn’t resist because I wanted to make a whole lot of friends. I sat so comfortable with them. Then, they were all about to leave when Strike gave me an invitation to a club party. I went. It took place that night. While grooving and catching fun, a girl came to me and whispered in my ears to follow her. I couldn’t resist her beauty so I followed. She took me to a small and dark room. I was quite scared so I asked her what’s she up to and she said I should sit while she goes to change in the bathroom. I was so happy thinking she wanted to give it to me free. Unknowing to me, It was a trick to get me to meet Strike. He came out fierce looking with a dagger in his hand. I knew immediately I was in danger. I couldn’t do anything because his gangs came out one after the other to join him. He asked me a question which I quickly gave an answer to because I don’t want to die.” “What question?” “Will you join us?” Bayo replied, “I immediately said yes because I was scared he will kill me if I said no.” “So how where you initiated?” I curiously asked. “It’s so terrible to describe.” He said. “Just go ahead and describe.” I said, acting like a FBI. “They brought human blood in a ” Bang! Bang!! A knock on the door.
Posted on: Sun, 31 Aug 2014 13:07:50 +0000
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