One Wrong Turn

Episode 23

The trip to school was quiet as usual, me and my parents rarely talked. But i had to break this news to my mother this minute
“mummy, we are starting extra lectures today”
” and It’s only now you are telling me?” She replied, a little offended .
“well i forgot earlier”
“so when will you close?”
“5:30”
“I can’t pick you up at that time, you will have to come home yourself”
That was the exact response i had envisaged and prayed for.

“oh that’s not a problem, i can find my way home” i replied excitedly
My mum must have caught the excitement in my voice, as she warned sternly
” come straight home after lectures, you should be home by 6 at most.”
Those words went in through one ear and out the other. I still wish i had listened.

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The morning assembly started with the usual hyms and national anthem, before we marched to our classes.

Unlike every other day, today will be long and unpredictable. I didn’t quite know how it will turn out for me. I strolled to the principal’s office to check out the timetable for the day.
It was perfect for my plans, i had only one subject, which means i could leave the school by 3:30. That would mean 2 hours with Ehis.

As i walked back to the class, i pinged Ehis, to inform him of the time table. He agreed to pick me up by 3:30. Everything was set.

The day went by very fast, i could hardly focus in class. All i had on my mind was meeting Ehis later. I planned something special for him today.
At the end of lectures that day, we stayed behind as other students made their way home.
The school was rowdy as usual, hundreds of students made their way towards the gate.
The car pack was fully occupied by different brands of cars, with parents waiting eagerly for their wards.

It was a little strange for me. I wasn’t hurrying to get my stuff together, I wasn’t rushing out to the car park to meet my mum.

I just sat there in class, looking out the window and enjoying. the freedom i had.

I could do anything i wanted, and walk back home without feeling any remorse.

This is the time in my life when my parents control began to wane. There was little that could be done to salvage me, my heart has chosen a poor course.

As time progressed, the compound began to empty slowly. Most of the students had gone, the car park became empty.

Only my classmates were left in the school. Those who brought lunch had started eating, others went out to buy snacks.

I had neither. The money my mum gave me was barely enough for my transport. I didn’t think i would need lunch, Ehis would take care of that.
All i took was extra clothes. That was all i needed. I was becoming an expert at absconding from school.

I spent the lecture break chatting with Ehis, giving him minute by minute update on events around the school.

At 2:30 the bell rang, signifying the commencement of the first lesson.

The subject was English.

All through the lesson, i sat there fantasising about what my afternoon will look like.

The viberation from my phone jolted me back to reality. I rested my head on the table, with my phone beneath the desk to check out who it was.
” baby, I’m around……waiting for you”
The message was from Ehis, he was waiting already. I glanced at my watch, it was just five minutes before the lecture ends….i couldn’t wait.