The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
Chapter 7: PUNISHMENT
Monday came faster than I expected.
I barely slept the night before. I kept imagining different scenarios. Would our punishment be suspension, expulsion, severe labour. I didn’t even know which one scared me the most, disappointment, shame.
By 9 a.m., the school compound was unusually noisy. Parents and guardians were walking around with serious faces, talking about how disappointed they were at us.
I came with my Aunt. Amira and Hameedat came with their mums. The boys also came with their parents/guardians.
My Aunt didn’t ask many questions on the way but I knew she was going to give my parents feedback. That alone scared me more than shouting would have.
At exactly 10 a.m., the school became very quiet. Then the adults were seated on the chairs arranged while we stood at the front facing everyone. Amira eyes were already swollen, and she kept sniffing but we could see through her pretense.
The SDC members sat at the long table, Mr. O.G, the head teacher, one senior teacher (Miss Toriola), the school proprietor and proprietress.
Mr. O.G stood up and greeted, “Good morning our esteemed parents and guardian,”
They greeted back and he continued, "We apologize for the inconveniences this meeting may have caused but the watch ward of Krystal college is Discipline, so I would be asking a few questions to the students, moving forward”
My heart was beating so loud, I was sure everyone could hear it.
The questions began.
To the boys:
After school hours, you were all caught playing snooker and gambling while in your uniforms, true or false?
Have you not been warned against such habits?
To the girls:
Who suggested going to DJ-whatever house?
Who directed you to where you went?
Does the route of your house lead to the man house?
How old was the man you visited?
Why did you leave school without permission?
Amira spoke first.
She cried. She shook. She contradicted herself, making the situation more complex.
When it was my turn, I told the truth. My voice was shaking, but I didn’t lie. I explained everything; how we were going home, how Amira begged, how I didn’t want to go, how Hammedat insisted and we didn’t even enter the house.
Hameedat spoke next. She admitted her mistake, apologized sincerely and spoke the entire truth.
And immediately the parents started shouting at us. Amira’s mum questioned Amira violently and Amira replied back with the same aura, she wasn’t scared of her mum and it made Hameedat’s mum shout at her. I think Hameedat was able to dodge one slap but the other beatings she couldn’t while my Aunt was glaring at me silently. I knew I was in big trouble.
The teachers intervened and controlled the chaos and everybody was silent for a long moment before it was the boys turn. They didn’t have any good explanation but they admitted to their mistakes and each of them sincerely apologized.
Immediately, Saheed’s father angrily said that Saheed was no longer going to school, he was taking him to the village since he wanted to become a nuisance. The chaos began again and the parents/guardians began beating their children but my aunt was still glaring at me. I could tell that my punishment was waiting at home.
Finally, the proprietress spoke, putting the chaos to an end. “Our esteemed parents and guardians we only want to bring your attention to the misbehaviors of the children,” she said calmly. “This is a serious offense. Very serious. But because this is the first time it’s happening in this school, and because most of you told the truth, we will not suspend or expel any of you.”
I exhaled.
“However, you will all receive punishment for your actions,” she continued. “A new notebook containing written sincere apology, manual labour when you come to school, and a strong warning. One more mistake like this, and you will not remain in this school.”
We nodded quickly. “Thank you, ma.”
The SDC meeting ended.
Nafisa rushed to hug us.
“We’re not suspended or expelled, but our punishment is severe” I whispered
Jerry stood beside George, hands in their pockets, as they talked while Saheed and the other boys quietly walked back to their classes.
I also followed Nafisa and Hameedat back to our classes but guess what, Ahmeed wasn’t in the class and when he later came he didn’t even ask how the SDC meeting went.
However, George and Jerry sat with me, Nafisa and Hameedat. We talked about everything that happened again and for the first time since everything started, I didn’t feel like crying. I felt this was the beginning of something different.
To my dedicated readers, do we have team Amira?
Reply in the comment section with an emoji 🥰
Thank you for reading this chapter 📖