EPISODE SEVEN

At the Ajayi's Residence...

“Can you tell me more about your school?” Kemi queried Sammy. 

He had come over to their house to see her. Kemi had noticed how shocked her mother was when he told her he had come to see her; she had given Kemi that “mummy look” and Kemi knew exactly what it meant. She should be ready to answer questions as soon as he was gone. Sammy seemed to like her.

Hmmm, I’m too young to have a boyfriend, my mummy is going to kill me, Kemi pondered as she listened to him go on and on about their school.

“Russell College builds the right foundation you need to help achieve your dreams in life. Our classrooms are well equipped, our teachers are experienced, we go on excursions and tours; they not only focus on academics but social, moral, cultural and emotional areas so we can totally balance inside out. They give us variety of lunch so you won’t need your lunch box,” he teased Kemi.

“Behave!” she reprimanded him.

“Russell College is one of the best schools in this area and can even compete with other top schools across the country. It’s the place to be,” Sammy said with so much confidence.

“Its okay….you’re almost bragging. Wait, my mum told me you also have a school bus?” Kemi asked.

“Buses, you mean? Yes we have many buses that pick and drop of students. It’s only for students whose parents are interested in that service though; I have some friends who don’t go with the school bus, they get picked up by someone.” he explained.

“Someone? Like their parent?” Kemi asked in surprise.

“Yes. Parent, uncle, maid, it has to be someone that has the password.” he continued.

“What’s the password?” Kemi asked again, this time with so much curiosity.

”Well, password is like a code so that there would be no case of kidnapping, you know. So whoever would be picking up any child must have a password that must be approved before the child can be allowed to follow the person. I usually follow the school bus so don’t even try to ask me to give an example of the password because I don’t know.” Sammy warned with his middle finger.

“You’re very funny, how did you know I was going to ask?” and they both laughed.

…………………………………………………………………..

This Russell College is such as big deal, Kemi reasoned to herself.

They are even very security conscious. Kemi remembered a safety book she had read some months back; “Adventures of Muna” by The Safetychic. 

The book was about a safety guide for children, telling them what to do in cases of harm or danger. She had remembered a part on safety from kidnapping. Muna, the main character of the book was a strong and courageous girl who always knew what to do in those situations. 

So that also makes Russell a great school indeed; they can really concerned about the safety of all their students. I’m just getting more and more reasons to like this Russell College. I’m so excited that my parents have finally agreed to send me to Russell College, I can’t wait to be a college student already! she chuckled.

“Thank you God for making my dream come true. I promise to make my parents proud and I ask that you help me to be the best student, win lots of awards and graduate excellently. 

I want to be a medical doctor when I get much older and I am convinced, like Sammy said, that Russell College would give me the right foundation that I need to achieve my dreams. 

I choose Russell.”

The End.

EPISODE SIX

The Ajayi's Residence...

Knock-Knock-Knock!

“Mrs. Ajayi, please open up!” Mrs Kamsin, their next-door neighbor yelled.

“Hello Mrs. Kamsin, what brings you here this afternoon?” Mrs Ajayi asked as she opened the door to receive her neighbour. “Please I need a huge favour from you. Can Tochi and Sammy come stay here for some few hours? I have to get to the hospital to see a family friend and also run a quick errand for her at her house……she has no one to help her. I don’t want to be driving the children everywhere; my husband is away on a business trip and today is my maid’s day off so I was wondering if…”

“Yes, you can bring them here,” Mrs. Ajayi interrupted, “It’s not a problem at all, what are we neighbours for?”

“Oh thank you so much, I owe you on this one,” she yelled as she ran up the stairs back to her apartment.

“Hey guys, Tochi and Sammy will be staying here while their mum runs a quick errand for someone. I need you to be good and hospitable while they are here,” Mrs. Ajayi explained to the kids, whose eyes were glued to the T.V.

“Oh, guess they’re here already,” she whispered to the kids and walked briskly towards the door. 

“Welcome darlings!” she smiled as the two teenage kids walked into their house. 

Tochi was a fifteen-year-old, older than his brother with three good years. Tochi immediately walked towards Bimbo, embracing her. He was just a year older than Bimbo. While Tochi and Bimbo went into the room to converse, Sammy stayed with Kemi and Kunle in the living room. They were watching a movie so everyone had their eyes all glued to the TV. Suddenly, there was a power cut. “I’m sure they’re going to take 15 minutes looking for the power source.”

“Exactly!” All three seemed to enjoy the movie.

There was a huge silence in the living room. Kemi’s mum had gone to her room while they were watching TV; she could still hear Bimbo and Tochi’s voice from the room catching up; they were really having a good time. Kemi turned to face Kunle, who was already fast asleep. “This boy,” she muttered to herself.

“What did you say?” Sammy’s voice interrupted her thoughts.

“Oh no-nothing”, she stuttered. For some reason, she felt shy being around Sammy. He was two years older than her, slightly taller, intelligent and confident. He dressed well too and had a good physique.

“So tell me something I don’t already know about you?” Sammy interrupted Kemi’s thoughts again.

“Well, I’m not sure there’s anything I would want you to know that you don’t know already know… oh, yes…I would be starting college in your school next year!” Kemi cried with excitement.

“Really? That would be cool, means I would be seeing you more.” Sammy chuckled.

“What can I offer you?” Kemi inquired thoughtfully.

“A bottle of coke please!” Sammy responded with a smile.

He had a cute smile too; she forgot that part as she walked towards the kitchen. Kemi came back into the living room with a two bottles of Coke™ and Fanta™, along with her lunch box. Lifting the side stool beside the sofa and positioning it in front of Sammy, she placed the drinks and her lunch box on the stool.

“What do you have in there?” Sammy asked, pointing at the lunch box. “Oh! That’s my favorite lunch box and I have some cookies in there. I like to use it even when I am not in school,” Kemi responded, admiring her lunchbox.

“Do you want some cookies?” she asked.

“Yes I do, thank you”, he responded.

“You know you won’t need this precious lunchbox of yours once you get into my school, right?” Sammy asked after they had both finished the cookies.

“Really? Why would you say that? I would still love to take lunch to school,” Kemi questioned.

“Well, College is for big boys and big girls, nobody goes around with a lunch box; besides, you get to eat lunch in my school.” Sammy responded.

“Are you serious? Tell me more please!” Kemi pleaded for more details.“Okay, I’ll tell you,” Sammy chuckled. 

“During lunch break, we have a dining area where everyone in the college gathers. There are usually three meal options, everyone files out in a single line, picks up plates and walks towards their preferred meals. There’s usually someone on the other side to dish out some of the food into your plate…you know the way buffets usually look like? Have you even been to a buffet before?” Sammy asked Kemi.

“Well, not in real life but I’ve seen in the movies so yes, I have an idea. I’m not that dumb you know?” Kemi responded with a frown on her face. “Ha-ha, I was just teasing, nothing serious,” Sammy guffawed.

Kemi’s mother walked in on Sammy and Kemi having a good laugh.

“You guys are really enjoying each other’s company,” she said as she walked towards the kitchen.

Only then did Kemi realize that Sammy had been in their house for about four hours. 

It was already evening and they would be preparing for dinner soon. Chatting with Sammy was much more fun than Kemi thought; she had been enjoying their time together so much that she didn’t realize how much time they had spent. The next day was Sunday and she would need to iron her dress ahead of tomorrow.

“Sammy, I need to be excused for a while so I can iron my dress for church tomorrow. I promise not to be long so I can join you again.” Kemi asked.

“You should have asked, I can help you. Go bring your dress and tell me where the iron is. Maybe I should even teach you,” Sammy teased, tittering.

“Very funny!” Kemi responded.

Knock-Knock!

“Kemi’s mum, I’m back!” Mrs. Kamsin’s voice echoed from behind the door. She had been gone for about five hours.

“Welcome, hope everything is alright with your friend?” Mrs Ajayi inquired.

“Oh yes, she is responding to treatment at the hospital, I encountered a lot of traffic on my way to pick up her things in her house and also on my way back here. I’m so tired.” Mrs. Kamsin explained as she sat on one of the dining chairs.

“Tochi! Samuel! Let’s head home. Thank you so much Mrs. Ajayi for accommodating us, hope they didn’t cause any trouble while they were here? She further asked.

“No, not at all, we both know they are well behaved. I was just about to get some snacks for them when you knocked,” Mrs Ajayi replied as Tochi and Sammy walked towards the dining area to welcome their mother.

Mrs. Ajayi insisted they all had some fruit salad before leaving so everyone gathered on the table to have some fruit salad; only Kunle was missing in the action because he was still sleeping. The Kamsins were ready to take their leave after enjoying the wholesome snack.

Kemi remained on her seat at the dining table, thinking about her time with Sammy. She couldn’t help but remember that part of her not needing her lunchbox once in college. Hmmm….So there’s free lunch at Russell College or it must have been added to the school fees, that’s why mummy says it’s a bit high, Kemi thought. 

College must be really different from what I’ve been used to….guess I will be learning a lot in Russell College after all, Kemi smiled.

To be continued…

EPISODE FIVE

The phone kept ringing on the other side but there was no response. It was a Friday afternoon and Mr. Ajayi had just called Mr. Ikechukwu, the Admissions Officer at Russell College. He wanted to find out if they would be open the next day, Saturday, being a weekend. He thought it would be a great idea to visit with the entire family but that would have to change since there was no response. 

“Thank God I have not even mentioned it at home; the children would have been disappointed,” Mr. Ajayi sighed with relief.

About half an hour later, Mr. Ajayi’s phone rang. It was a return call from Mr. Ikechukwu, who informed Mr. Ajayi of his availability the next day and how he would be happy to host the courtesy visit of the Ajayi family at their school. Mr. Ajayi was even more pleased with Russell College, as many schools wouldn’t go out of their way to be available on a weekend, especially for a parent who wasn’t even ready to start with their school.

Kemi still have about six months before she would be finally enrolled into their school, he thought.

                           . . .

“Okay, ladies and gentleman, now that we have all finished breakfast, I would like everyone to go and get dressed, I’m taking you out,” Mr. Ajayi announced to the house.

“Where are we going to?” Bimbo asked first, and then Kunle and finally Kemi asked the same question.

“Well, it’s a surprise!” Mr Ajayi responded.

“I know I know,” Kunle yelled in excitement, “We are going to the Cinema.”

“Well, there’s only one way to find out so go on everyone, go and get dressed.” Mr. Ajayi waved his hands in dismissal so they could leave.

“Oh my goodness! This is not happening! Wake me up someone.”

Kemi could not contain herself as she saw their car approaching Russell International School. Her mother smiled too while Bimbo and Kunle could not really understand what the fuss was about. Kunle was really hoping they could go and see a movie or go-carting but somehow, they ended up at Kemi’s dream school.

“Come on K, put a smile on your face because this will most likely be your school too in some few years to come. Don’t worry, we can still see a movie before heading back home,” Mr. Ajayi affirmed, noticing the disappointment on his face from his rear mirror.

“Yippee, now you’re talking, let’s just hurry up and leave here”, he chuckled.

As the Ajayi family walked through the security post towards the reception area, they were welcomed by a group of teachers from the school. It looked like they had been informed of their arrival. Kemi was most pleased at this gesture; she had started to imagine how her first day at school would be.

It would be wonderful, she thought to herself. The welcome would be like the return of Moana after encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds in a bid to fulfill the quest of her ancestors which was to return the heart of the goddess in other to bring back peace upon the sea and land. Everyone in the kingdom welcomed her with smiles, laughter, songs, drums and dancing. She would be celebrated and treated like a princess as she get ushered into the school.

Kemi could imagine play time with her friends: It would be like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The way they had fun, jumping around everywhere, singing songs together and sharing their lunch. She would have friends from different tribes so that she can also learn new languages, play games together, go for sports together and form a reading group where they can share books and talk about what they have learnt.

What about the boys? Hmmmm, I would only be friends with the most handsome and intelligent boy in my class….nobody wants to end up with a blockhead, she thought.

In class, she would make sure she has the front row so she can see and hear clearly; she would make sure she wins the heart of every teacher and probably get awards for the best student overall.

That would be so super cool, Kemi reasoned again.

And when the closing bell rings, she would majestically walk into the school bus with her friends, get to gist about everything that happened in school that day, sing songs and make the journey home very interesting. Going to school the next day would something to always look forward to.

“Kemi! Kemi!! Kemi!!!”

Mrs Ajayi shook Kemi as she sat, lost in thoughts. “We are going for a tour round the school, wouldn’t you like to come?”

“Yes of course, I would love to,” she responded as she hurriedly stood up and ran towards her dad who was already much ahead with Mr Ikechukwu. Apparently, she had been daydreaming about her first day at Russell School.

It was nice though, she thought to herself and giggled as she slipped her hands into her dad’s.

Going round Russell College was AMAZING! The school had everything she had imagined and couldn’t wait to actually be a student. The walkway, classrooms, labs, music room, play area were impressive.

“Thank you Daddy for bringing us here today, it is the best surprise ever!” Kemi said as she hugged her father from the back seat. 

“You’re welcome darling. Now who’s ready to see a movie?”

 “Yay!” everyone echoed in unison.

To be continued...

EPISODE FOUR

It was a beautiful Saturday morning the birds were chirping, the cocks crowing and the gentle rays of the morning sun slightly making their way through the windows into Mr. and Mrs. Ajayi’s room. Mr. Ajayi was working on his laptop while Mrs. Ajayi was reading a book on their bed. She liked to do some reading in the morning just before starting her day.

“Honey, that Russell School isn’t bad,” Mr. Ajayi gently remarked, “I’m just going through their website now and I think it won’t be a bad choice after all and since they have a payment plan, the pressure wouldn’t be much at least for a start.”

 “I agree with you my dear husband. It would really mean a lot to Kemi. I also don’t really like their current school where it’s always one complaint or the other, but look at the Kamsin children, who are very intelligent and always well behaved. I’m sure that Russell school also had a part to play.” Kemi’s mother rattled.

“Hmmm, Mrs. Ajayi of Life! Like it wasn’t your idea to put them there in the first place”, Mr. Ajayi teased.

“No strings attached, I just want what is best for my children and I think putting Kemi there would help us ascertain the truth.” she returned the tease.

  . . .

It was another Monday morning. Everyone was trying to get things done in preparation to go out. Bimbo usually went with their father because her school was along the same route while Kemi and Kunle usually walked to school because it was nearby. 

“I might pay a visit to Russell College during my lunch break today. I would like to get more enquires ahead of time.” Kemi’s father explained to her mum as she was preparing their lunch bags.

“Ok dear, that wouldn’t be a bad idea, at least we can see and know what the fuss about this school really is.”

“Please remember to take a tour round the school and take pictures too so I can even see and also show Kemi.”

“Who has time for all that? I think you should go then,” Mr Ajayi said with his face squeezed.

Kemi’s mum smiled and hugged him, “My honeypie, the one and only, as the head of the family, I think you are in a better position to go and assess the school. Remember you recently teased me that I picked their current school? So you should go and experience what I did and try to get as much info. I love you too,” she mocked, walking out of the kitchen with the lunch bags.

                                                            . . .

 “Russell International School”, Mr. Ajayi pronounced, impressed. He parked his car in front of the school. The building look huge and really nice, he thought to himself. The Security Operatives were very polite in taking his details and he was immediately ushered towards the reception.

The receptionist was a happy and bright young lady who welcomed him with a smile. “Welcome to Russell International School Sir, how may I help you today”, she warmly requested. Mr. Ajayi informed her of his mission and she asked him to wait for the Admissions Officer of the College Section. 

Few seconds later, a tall, fair-skinned man walked towards him.

“Hello Mr. Ajayi. Welcome to Russell International School, my name is Mr. Ikechukwu and I am the Admissions Officer for the College School.” he greeted with a firm handshake. “Allow me to give you a tour round the school before we sit for further discussion,” he added as he ushered him into the school.

After some few minutes...

“Wow, I must say I am really impressed.” Mr. Ajayi commended as he sat down. They were now in Mr. Ikechukwu’s office and he was served a hot cup of latte and two cupcakes.

“You have very wonderful facilities here,” Mr. Ajayi added as he gently munched on his cupcake.

“Thank you very much Sir, we have put all this in place to create the perfect learning environment for our student. We seek to raise happy, confident and vibrant students who are enthusiastic and motivated to achieve endless possibilities both now and in the future. At Russell College, we equip our students with the fundamental skills essential for academic work, while encouraging creativity and practical abilities. They learn to work both independently and in groups and the students thrive within our happy, family atmosphere,” Mr. Ikechukwu carefully explained. He went on further to discuss the admission procedure, fees involved and the payment plan most suitable. 

Mr. Ajayi suddenly realized he had spent about 40minutes in the school; he was having a good conversation with the Admissions Officer but he had to return to his office before lunch break was over. 

“Please have my card and feel free to call me anytime for further enquiries.” Mr. Ikechukwu handed a copy of his complementary card to Mr. Ajayi and walked him to his car.

                                                           . . .

 “Baby, how was your day today?” Mrs. Ajayi asked her husband as she crawled into the bed beside him.

 “Well, I must say that I was really impressed. They have it all and their payment plan isn’t choking, I think we can manage. Kemi aspires to be a doctor and we need to give her a firm foundation. There’s just one string attached and that is SUCCESS! Let’s do all we can to support Kemi’s dream!”

 Kemi’s mother smiled in admiration, “My husband, you have done well and I support all you have said 100%. I even think Bimbo should join too so she can be better equipped for her SSCE while Kunle can join once he completes primary 6.”

 “Hmmm, good planning!” Mr. Ajayi teased, “Yes, as a concerned mother, I choose Russell…”

To be continued…

EPISODE THREE

It was Mrs. Ajayi’s day off from work and she thought it would be best to take a nap before the children returned from school. Working as a nurse is quite demanding, especially in a public hospital where you have so many patients to attend to. She had always dreamt of taking care of people since her childhood.. She remembered her first day at work, which was perfect.

Mrs. Ajayi’s thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door.

“Who’s there?” She yelled. It was their next door neighbor, Mrs. Kamsin. She was an affluent, sophisticated full-time house wife. She had a maid who did all the chores while she just worried about her looks.

“Hello Mrs. Kamsin, are you fine today?” Mrs. Ajayi quizzed thoughtfully, as she opened the door.

“Hi Mrs. Ajayi, I am doing very well, thank you. I just feel a little bored in the house and saw your car parked outside so I thought to come have a chat with you.”

Before Mrs. Ajayi could reply, Mrs. Kamsin was already inside the house heading straight for the sofa.

“Don’t worry, I won’t be long, just need to service my interaction skills a bit,” she giggled as she sat softly on the sofa.

“What is all this now? Not when I’m trying to catch some sleep before the children arrive,” Mrs. Ajayi murmured to herself. 

“My kids would soon be back from school so I will soon be gone besides, I haven’t seen you since last week. Your work really is stressful. I hope you find time to rest?”

“I was about to take a nap when I heard your knock on the door.” Mrs. Ajayi gave her the ‘like you care’ look.

“Wait a minute, what’s the name of your children’s school again?” she asked abruptly, 

“Is it Russell International School?”

“Yes, it is,” Mrs Kamsin responded, “Why do you ask?”

“Well, my daughter Kemi, says it’s her dream college and I was hoping you could tell me a bit about the school.”

 “Oh really, that would be great!” she exclaimed in response. “I for one value my children’s education a lot and personally discovered the school when we just moved here. It’s everything you desire for your child…the classrooms, facilities, curriculum, teachers, environment, name it! They go all out to help every child, I repeat every child, to develop to their full potential. I’ve seen a lot of significant improvement in my children since they started there.”

“Wow, you have really said a lot. Tell me then, how much is their fees?” Mrs. Ajayi asked with one of her eyebrow raised.

“Well, it’s quite on the high side depending on the class but I don’t think you should focus on that at all. They have a very convenient payment plan but most importantly, focus on the value you will get. Trust me, it’s one of the best decisions you’ll ever make for Kemi and even Kunle,” Mrs. Kamsin gently explained.

“Oh! I think it’s time to go, the school bus will be arriving soon,” Mrs. Kamsin stood up to take her leave.

Are you serious? They even have a school bus? Mrs. Ajayi thought to herself.

“Ok, no problem, thank you for stopping by anyways, I took pleasure in our brief conversation. And like you said, I will discuss with my husband and make a decision about the school.”

“Please do, you won’t regret it! Mrs. Kamsin answered loudly, as she climbed the stairs towards her apartment.

..................................................

“Welcome my darlings!” Mrs. Ajayi smiled at Kemi and Kunle as they dragged their feet into the house. “Hope you both had a great day? Go on and take a shower. Kemi, I have news about your dream college!”

“Really?” Kemi’s face immediately lit up, “Tell me, tell me mum!”

She was already sitting next to her mother. “Yes really, but first, go take a shower then come back and I’ll tell you.”

Kemi was back in less than thirty minutes. Her mother doubted if she really took a shower as instructed but then she could understand the excitement. She went ahead to tell Kemi all that Mrs. Kamsin had shared with her and even about the school bus. 

She knew Kemi would like that because she currently walked to school with her brother. Finally, she mentioned that she wasn’t sure they would be able to afford the fees unlike her sister’s school.

“No mum, don’t worry, God will provide for you and dad before that time comes so you will have the money. Besides, you still have till next year to save up,”  Kemi said to her mother with an appealing face.

“No worries darling, let’s see how it all plays out,” Kemi’s mother responded gently squeezing Kemi in her arms in assurance.

The rest of the evening felt different for Kemi. She felt some bit of hope that her dream college was becoming a reality. She was excited to narrate everything about the school to her father after dinner and he also assured her that he would discuss further with her mother. Kemi was even more excited, at least both her parents seemed convinced that it was a good school. She had no idea Tochi and Sammy, Mrs. Kamson’s children attended Russell International School. They were mostly indoors and go out most weekends; besides they had just moved in about a year ago into the building.

Finally, it was bedtime, Kemi didn’t forget to say a prayer for her parents:

“God please bless my daddy and mummy so that they can have enough money to send me to Russell International School. I promise to make them proud. Please God, I would be the happiest girl in the whole wide world if you can make this come true.”

To be continued…