It’s been two days since the whole... situation with Ruth. And honestly? Nothing has changed. We still talk the same. No “Good morning, babe,†or “Hey honey mustard, how was your night?†Not like that’s even possible—I’m in secondary school, Zambian parents don’t do relationships. Scratch that—they don’t even want to hear the word “girlfriend.†Meanwhile, most of my friends have phones. So does she. And me? I’m out here like a caveman with a backpack and hope. So yeah, very weird predicament: We meet after school—by the tuition center—we talk… like two people who share a secret handshake but refuse to make eye contact. I walk her home. She says “Thanks.†I say “Safe travels.†Boom. End scene. Honestly? It’s like I upgraded my subscription and got the same order. No ads, no bonus content, just vibes. I nod to clear my head and turn to Ryan next to me. “Time?†“16:00,†he replies without looking up. “Thanks.†I lean back and mumble under my breath, “Well look at that—it’s already time to meet my girlfriend.†No one hears me, thankfully. My pride lives another day. Twenty minutes, huh? Might as well survive it. --- School Bell Rings. “FINALLY!†The crowd erupts with freedom cries. All those who were drooling during study suddenly have the energy of Olympic athletes. “Must be nice.†I shove my books in my bag like I’m trying to win a packing competition. Then the peanut gallery strikes again. “Why you in a rush, David?†Jude smirks. “Probably rushing to see his girlfriend,†he says with that voice—the most annoying tone ever manufactured by mankind. These goblins… They forget they’re the reason I’m in this situation! I shrug like I’m unbothered, but inside I’m giving them a slow clap of betrayal. Well played, traitors. Well played. Before I know it, we’re at the tuition center. And somehow, these monkeys are still talking. Do they inhale fuel in between sentences?? Where do they get the energy?? --- Huh. Something’s off. The room looks… spacious. Spacious as in: Where did all the furniture go? Why is there breathing room?? Also—Ruth’s not here yet. Odd. Just then, a bunch of new people walk in. Small. Fresh-faced. Unbothered. I’ve never seen these kids before in my life. I turn to the guys. “Anyone know who they are?†Everyone shrugs. “Nope.†“First time seeing them.†“Maybe they’re lost?†Mmm. Suspicious. Then, the teacher walks in—always right on cue after suspicious things happen. “Okay guys, I’ve got some great news!†Ah yes… great news. That’s never caused problems in history. “The tuition center will be upgrading to accommodate junior high pupils!†Cue explosion. Everyone starts talking like they just heard aliens were enrolling. One guy starts humming the Avengers theme. For no reason. “Alright, alright—settle down,†the teacher says, as if he didn’t just summon chaos with one sentence. “And you juniors—these are your seniors!†The seniors (us) instantly switch modes—chaotic superiority engaged. “Respect your elders!†“Don’t touch our desks!†“Senior privilege is real!†It’s basically a zoo now. The teacher shakes his head. “That’s enough.†Everything settles. Temporarily. “That’s all I had to say. Juniors, say goodbye and head to your class.†The moment they stand, war begins again. Bird sounds echo from the senior side. “Qeyo! Qeyo!†Someone flaps their arms. Another mimics a rooster. It’s pure tomfoolery. The juniors walk off, half amused, half traumatized. And me? I’m just sitting there, thinking: So this is my life now.
It’s been two days since the whole... situation with Ruth. And honestly? Nothing has changed. We still talk the same. No “Good morning, babe,†or “Hey honey mustard, how was your night?†Not like that’s even possible—I’m in secondary school, Zambian parents don’t do relationships. Scratch that—they don’t even want to hear the word “girlfriend.†Meanwhile, most of my friends have phones. So does she. And me? I’m out here like a caveman with a backpack and hope. So yeah, very weird predicament: We meet after school—by the tuition center—we talk… like two people who share a secret handshake but refuse to make eye contact. I walk her home. She says “Thanks.†I say “Safe travels.†Boom. End scene. Honestly? It’s like I upgraded my subscription and got the same order. No ads, no bonus content, just vibes. I nod to clear my head and turn to Ryan next to me. “Time?†“16:00,†he replies without looking up. “Thanks.†I lean back and mumble under my breath, “Well look at that—it’s already time to meet my girlfriend.†No one hears me, thankfully. My pride lives another day. Twenty minutes, huh? Might as well survive it. --- School Bell Rings. “FINALLY!†The crowd erupts with freedom cries. All those who were drooling during study suddenly have the energy of Olympic athletes. “Must be nice.†I shove my books in my bag like I’m trying to win a packing competition. Then the peanut gallery strikes again. “Why you in a rush, David?†Jude smirks. “Probably rushing to see his girlfriend,†he says with that voice—the most annoying tone ever manufactured by mankind. These goblins… They forget they’re the reason I’m in this situation! I shrug like I’m unbothered, but inside I’m giving them a slow clap of betrayal. Well played, traitors. Well played. Before I know it, we’re at the tuition center. And somehow, these monkeys are still talking. Do they inhale fuel in between sentences?? Where do they get the energy?? --- Huh. Something’s off. The room looks… spacious. Spacious as in: Where did all the furniture go? Why is there breathing room?? Also—Ruth’s not here yet. Odd. Just then, a bunch of new people walk in. Small. Fresh-faced. Unbothered. I’ve never seen these kids before in my life. I turn to the guys. “Anyone know who they are?†Everyone shrugs. “Nope.†“First time seeing them.†“Maybe they’re lost?†Mmm. Suspicious. Then, the teacher walks in—always right on cue after suspicious things happen. “Okay guys, I’ve got some great news!†Ah yes… great news. That’s never caused problems in history. “The tuition center will be upgrading to accommodate junior high pupils!†Cue explosion. Everyone starts talking like they just heard aliens were enrolling. One guy starts humming the Avengers theme. For no reason. “Alright, alright—settle down,†the teacher says, as if he didn’t just summon chaos with one sentence. “And you juniors—these are your seniors!†The seniors (us) instantly switch modes—chaotic superiority engaged. “Respect your elders!†“Don’t touch our desks!†“Senior privilege is real!†It’s basically a zoo now. The teacher shakes his head. “That’s enough.†Everything settles. Temporarily. “That’s all I had to say. Juniors, say goodbye and head to your class.†The moment they stand, war begins again. Bird sounds echo from the senior side. “Qeyo! Qeyo!†Someone flaps their arms. Another mimics a rooster. It’s pure tomfoolery. The juniors walk off, half amused, half traumatized. And me? I’m just sitting there, thinking: So this is my life now.