Double-edged Sword - Episode 1

 

I sighed for probably the thousandth time today as the maths teacher left the class. This was the last subject for the day before closing time. How I managed to stay awake throughout the class was a wonder to me...And that's saying something. Don't get me wrong,I love maths and I excel at it, but our maths teacher, Mr Akingbade has a talent of making maths a snorefest. He just walks robotically into the class with a straight face, goes straight to the point, gives few examples and voila!!!! End of class . With this usual routine from him, I would rather watch paint dry on the wall.

The ringing of the bell signalling closing time brought me out of my drowsy state.Standing up, I packed my books into my school back and headed for the door....

"John,please wait" I groaned inwardly as I turned around to face the source of the voice.It was Sandra. Sandra was one of my classmates as well as one of the few who actually made attempt to interact with me. Speaking of myself, I guess its high time I shed some light;

My name is John Azubike,the second child of John Azubike Sr, C.E.O of J.A concept ltd , a firm that deals with the sales of computer systems.(You might as well call me Junior, but please don't). I am fourteen years old and currently in my second term of S.S.2

All episodes of this story can be found here >> https://www.ebonystory.com/story/double-edged-sword

. I attend Towerland College and currently study in the art department. I lost my mom at the age of Five, leaving me with my Dad and my elder sister,Sylvia. My sister finished from the university three years ago and is currently helping my Dad run the firm.She got engaged about two months ago to the son of one of my Dads friends,Chuks(cool guy). I'm average heighted with a caramel coloured skin and annoyingly long eyelashes(traits I inherited from Mum). As for my appearance,I don't brag about being handsome or ugly.I usually leave it to people to judge. So far, so good I've received positive reviews on my appearance from different set of people, so its all good. I'm kind of socially awkward and always keep my opinions to myself, rarely contributing to conversations around me but that's not to say I was a dunce or nincompoop. I get good grades and all,but few people in my class and neighbourhood talk to me. Probably they have the opinion that I'm a snob because of my status and intellect but theres more to me that meets the eye.So much more......So much dark....

"Yes?" I raised my eyebrows as I stared at Sandra. She was a bit shorter than me and her hair was made in cornrows;the school hairstyle for the week.She was light skinned and with her heart shaped face and button nose, her appearance screamed"ADORABLE!!". I could have smiled at that moment but then again, I don't smile. I haven't smiled since mom passed away. Smirk? I can.  Smile? I don't.

"Please can you lend me your maths note?" Sandra replied "I couldn't copy everything Mr Akingbade said." (Who could blame her? That man sucks.)

I shrugged and brought out the note from my bag then handed it to her. No maths till next tommorow anymuch.

"Oh thank you thank you thank you so much!!" She squealed in excitement, her babylike voice drawing attention to us. I glared at the onlookers and they looked away. 

"You are such a life saver" She finished with her trademark smile.

"Whatever" I muttered turning to leave the class"Just give it to me tommorow when you're done" And with that, I made my exit.

On finishing with the usual boring closing time routine of prayers and announcements, I headed to the gate to find my Dads car waiting. Surprisingly, my Sister was at the driving wheel. Usually it was my Dad.

"Hey,bro" She grinned as I settled at the passengers seat. "How was school?"

"Eh" I shrugged "Just there. Nothing really interesting. Where's Dad?"

"He had to attend to an emergency" She replied as she kicked off the ignition and zoomed out of the school premises. I shrugged.Not that it mattered anyway. If my Dad came to pick me up. Would it have changed anything.?

I raised an eyebrow in confusion as Sylvia took a different route away from the the road to our house.

"Sis?" I glanced  sideways at her"What's going on? Where are we going?"

"To the supermarket" She replied, her eyes on the road."I need to get things ready for dinner on time"

"Seriously?" I groaned in frustration. "Couldn't this have been done before coming to pick me up?"

"Hush" She snarled playfully reaching out to flick my nose.Heaven knows I hate that."Don't even start with your complaints. The list doesn't contain much items. I won't take time"

"Wow, where have I heard that before?" I remarked sarcastically at her last statement. Previous shopping trips with my sister taught me that women tend to overdo things and spend more time than necessary when it comes to shopping. Go shopping with a woman by 9am and expect to be done by 1pm.Why? Only God knows.

Sylvia parked the car by the supermarket,rolled down the windows and switched off the ignition .

"I'll be back soon.5 minutes" She said before opening the door band stepping out.

Rolling my eyes, I leaned back on the car seat to relax a bit............

"Young man" I frowned as my peaceful moment was cut short by an elderly voice coming from my right.I looked at the window to find a man in his early sixties wearing a worn out suit and smiling at me.I was guessing he was one of those swagalicious beggars who would use all the grammar in the world to obtain a little cash from you.(From queens English to American Slang). However on closer inspection, my instincts told me there was more to his appearance...

"Young man" he repeated"I was passing by and when I saw you from afar. My spirit was drawn to you"

I inwardly pinched the bridge of my nose in frustration.Its bad enough to follow my sister on this impromptu shopping trip that will take centuries to conclude. NOW THIS? 

However the man wasn't done.

"I perceive sadness and frustration in your heart" he continued, his expression becoming serious. "These feelings you have harbored for so long was caused by something that happened in the past.And that past troubles you till now. However, I just want you to know that your remedy will come in due time.Something will happen in the future to ease your troubles and make you smile again.But the remedy will come in the least way you expect"

With that,the old man turned around and walked away. I sat wide-eyed transfixed to the spot. Who exactly was that man and how did he know about me?

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