Outcast - Episode 4

 

Before my seventh birthday, Papa enrolled me to a community primary school. I started from Primary one. They had a general nursery class and I was meant to be there. But because I was bigger than them, I was taken to primary one. My first day at school, I was isolated. It looked like everyone in my class did nursery class together. Everybody related well, played and talked to each other . They called each other's name. I didn't care because I was used to isolation. My seat partner found me weird. I could tell from his look. I didn't know his name until another classmate called him Nonso. Our teacher entered the class and a student struck the table about four times with his hand and all the students stood on their legs. I followed, but one could detect I was just following their various steps. I was staring at Nonso waiting for his next action; body wise and others.

"Good morning, antyyyyy, May God bless you amen", they all chorused and stressed the word "aunty".

"Good morning. How was your day?", she replied.

"We are fine. Thank you", they said. She sat on her chair, and we all sat down on our various owns. She flipped some books on her table, stood up and moved to the chalkboard. She wrote English language on the board with a white chalk.

All episodes of this story can be found here >> https://www.ebonystory.com/story/outcast

. For those who don't my name, I am Mrs Okonkwo, she said.

"What's today's date?" She asked. All the students raised their hands up, save for me. She stared at me and told me to stand up. I did.

"What's today's date?", she asked. I stared at her again. Today's date? What's that? I haven't heard of sort, I said to myself.

"Can't you talk? Are you dumb?", she asked. All the students burst into laughter except a girl that stared into my eyes. I looked at the teacher again, looked at the girl, and tears dripped out from my eyes continuously.

"Why are you crying?", the teacher asked.

"I want to see Mama", I retorted. The principal entered the class immediately.

"Why is he crying?", the principal asked. She continued, "he is a new student and haven't been to school before. I was the one that kept him in this class because he was too big for nursery class. If he can't cope after third term, he will repeat the class. Just take it easy with him, his father brought him today". I stared at the principal as she came close and tapped my head. I found all we were taught herculean, but the teacher guided me slowly. After the school had closed for the day, I saw three of the girls in my class gossiping about me. I didn't hear what they were saying, but one was pointing at me. I ignored and continued walking. Two boys in my class were with one older guy, whom I was sure he was in class higher than our own, they approached me.

"Hey, what's your name?", one guy in my class asked.

"I am Chukwu....., sorry Obiefuna" I said.

"So, this boy is not only dumb, he doesn't know his name too", he said. They all laughed and he turned to the two boys in my class, "last position is guaranteed for this one". The other classmate, dragged my bag from me and flung it somewhere else, they laughed again, and ran away. I walked to where it was thrown, before I could get there, a girl had helped me to pick it. She was in my class as I looked at her face clearly. The same girl that didn't laugh when others were laughing at me.

"Have your bag" she said. I collected it, and made to turn away.

"You can't say thank you?", she said. She spoke like an adult. So much calmness and courage. I wish I could have that.

"Thank you", I said and walked away. She caught up and asked me if we could walk together. I nodded.

"What's your name?", she asked.

"Obiefuna", I replied.

"What a nice name.

Read " A Tale of Five Bandits " by the same author ( Obinna Tony )

. I am Ifeyinwa", she said. I nodded. I wanted to talk back, but words failed me. I was socially awkward. When she got to her house, she waved goodbye to me, and I did the same. I walked so fast, so I would get home earlier.

When I got home, I saw Mama Nnukwu by Mama side trying to make her eat. It was unusual.

"Good afternoon", I greeted them. 

"Good afternoon", they chorused. Mama Nnukwu gave me a huge smile and let out, "your mother is pregnant for a new baby". She expected me to jubilate. I was happy, but I couldn't express myself. I stared, until Mama told me to enter inside and eat the food that had been prepared for me.

"This boy is too calm for my liking" I heard Mama Nnukwu say.