Some days to our convocation, one of my lecturers called me to tell me that I was the best graduating student in my department. It was not so much of a suprise to me anyway, because I knew the level of effort I had put into my studies, but, above it all, I was happy I made it. My father had promised me a car if I could graduate with a good grade, and not only did I graduate with a good grade, I made it as the best student from my department. Nkechi was the first person I told when I left my lecturer's office. "Guess what?" I said after she picked the call. She is not good at guessing, and "hmmmmm...." was her response. I knew if I don't hit the nail on the head on time, she would keep humming till my airtime runs out. So, I let the cat out of the bag. She shouted and screamed. Within me I felt so important and fulfillled. My parents did almost the same, except for my dad who only said, "That's my boy." The convocation ceremony went well, as my parents graced the occassion. Nkechi's parents also came, and it was a time for the two parents to meet each other. My parents didn't stay for long as they had to travel back home that same day. So also, Nkechi's parents, and it was just a matter of time before I and Nkechi were all alone again. The ceremony had ended so early, and as at 4pm, we were already bored. We were sitting under a tree somewhere in school when one of my coursemates walked passed. "Two love birds." He said. I and Nkechi looked at each other, and then started laughing. That was our usual way of telling people we were not dating whenever they say something along that line. The guy reminded me of the departmental party we would be having later that evening. Actually, I am not a party type, but, he made me see reasons why I should attend. "Don't forget you are the best student of the department o." He said with all sense of duty. After much consideration, Nkechi and I agreed to attend the party, and leave after an hour or two.
My dad has kept to his word by getting me a small Toyota Camry, and he had told his driver to bring it before they came to the convocation. Nkechi and I drove the car round the school before I dropped her in her hostel for her to change for the party. I went home to change too, and about an hour later, I was in front of her hostel to pick her for the party. The music was loud, and the whole place was smelling of alcohol. Nkechi hid herself beside me as if the whole place would swallow her up. The party had started before we got there, and I could see some strange faces who were not in our department. I and Nkechi found a corner, and settled down there. Not so long, the MC called out a guy, and told him to get any girl he would dance with. I don't know how the guy saw Nkechi despite where we sat, I was against it at first, but I later released Nkechi's hand. As she was going sheepishly with the guy, we heard an argument at one end of the hall, and the next thing we heard was the sound of bottles. People were breaking bottles. We all stood looking at what was happening. Two guys were already facing each other, ready to fight. But, we all took to our heels when we heard a gun shot. Nkechi ran back towards me, and we both ran outside into the car I brought to the party. People were running out of the hall in different directions, and as I tried to move the car in a hurry, I mistakenly accelerated the car beyond limit, and the next thing I realized was that, I had knocked down 2 people with the car. All of a sudden, the whole place was so silent and quiet. I couldn't hear anything again. Nkechi was saying something, but I could not make out anything from what she was saying. I had killed two fresh graduate with the new car I was given hours ago. Hmmmmm.....please, you would have to excuse me at this point. I don't like narrating this very aspect of my story. Moreover, my eyes are filled with tears right now. How I wish I was never given a car in the first place. How I wish....
(c) 2015. Austus Ofmat Nwanne
No doubt, Badejo has sealed his fate, and has earned himself some years in prison. From best student to Cell 91. But, do you believe Badejo's fate is finalled sealed? Well, let's keep our fingers crossed till tomorrow when I'll come your way again.
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