The noise and chants were so loud they shook the school. No surprise, the principal came rushing into our class.
"Peter! What the hell are you doing?" Mrs. Quinn roared.
"Mom, he started it!" Biggy whined.
"Don't mom me. Both of you—my office. Now!" she barked.
"Ma, Biggy started it all!" Lucy protested.
"Lucy, take down the names of everyone making noise."
"Yes, ma!"
"And you two—behind me!" She jabbed her finger at Biggy and me.
"Ma, Ade was only trying to—" Eva tried to explain.
"Eva, enough! You know the law. No fighting. If confronted by a bully, you report it. Never fight back." Her eyes sliced through Biggy, who just smirked.
---
In her office, we both told our sides. She folded her arms, unimpressed.
"You've got two options," she declared. "Trim every flower in the school garden—by hand—or face a one-week suspension. Pick."
"A week suspension," Biggy said proudly, like it was a medal.
"I'll trim the flowers," I said, jaw tight.
"Good. Get to work," she said with a small smile. Then she turned on Biggy. "On your knees! What kind of child are you?" She smacked him on the head, leaving him pouting.
I sighed and left the office, ready for my so-called "nutritious punishment." Note the sarcasm.
---
To my surprise, the whole squad was waiting outside for me. Boys, girls—everyone. My chest swelled. Maybe they really saw my worth.
"What's your punishment, bro?" Barnabas asked, patting my shoulder.
"Trimming flowers," I shrugged.
"With what, shears?" Paul asked.
"With my hands. Duh," I smirked.
Their jaws dropped.
"The whole garden?" Barnabas yelped.
"Yup."
"Where's Biggy?" Lucy asked.
"Suspended for a week."
"Then we're helping you," Eva declared, hugging me.
Cue butterflies in my stomach again. I really need tequila on standby to drown these feelings—they're getting too loud.
Together we attacked the garden. Thirty sweaty minutes later, the flowers were neat, and my classmates had my back. I thanked each of them before heading to Mrs. Quinn. She nodded, softening.
"I discipline because I love," she said.
"No problem, ma," I replied.
---
The school bell rang—closing time. Relief washed over me. Still, my palm throbbed where Biggy had bitten me.
"Bye, baby!" Lucy waved.
"See you tomorrow, bro!" Barnabas slapped my hand.
"Bye, Ade!" Alice called.
I felt like royalty. Walking back to grab my bag, I noticed Clover at her desk, head buried, shoulders shaking. Crying. I almost walked past, but nah—that's not how I was raised.
"What's wrong, Clover?" I asked, perching on her desk.
"Nothing. Just leave me alone," she snapped, rummaging in her bag.
"So much anger," I teased.
"Yeah, but it's none of your business!"
"What did he do this time?" I pressed.
"Didn't he just hit you? And here you are, asking about me."
"Whatever," I said, wiggling my brows until she cracked a laugh.
"Ade, what are you doing?" Eva's voice sliced through the air.
"Making her happy," I answered.
"You nearly got beaten to death because of her, and you're joking? Let's go home!" Eva grabbed my arm.
"Bye, baby Clover," I called, winking.
She blushed faintly. "Bye."
"Adejoke! I hate you!" Eva snapped outside, tears in her eyes. "You were literally flirting in front of me!"
"Can't I? I'm a boy," I grinned.
"Take me home!" she screamed.
"Why are you angry?"
"Just take me home!" Her voice broke as she wiped her tears.
"Okay, I'm sorry."
She climbed onto the bike, her silence heavy as we rode. The awkwardness cut deep. I dropped her at home, then headed to work—my first night singing at a bar in Ghana. My hands still stung, but my heart beat with a mix of fear and excitement.
---
Super short, I know, but it sets the stage for what's next.
Your favorite teen authoress 💞💌
Oziomajasmine 💝