CHAPTER THREE
THE EXAMINATIONS
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 9:00hrs.
The first semester exams were fast approaching and as expected the atmosphere of Thomas Jefferson High was scented with examination fever. As for the 10th graders it wasn’t going to be easy, for their classes have been very serious and demanding. But Henry had Naomi and Jane as contenders to worry about in the forthcoming exams. They were all preparing intensively for the exams. Classes as expected had gone a step further. In the stairway, a conversation ensued between Henry and Jane.
‘Hi Jane, how far have you been preparing for your exams. Covered your course outline yet?’ Henry continued with a question.
‘Actually Henry, I’m almost through except for Math. I’m not done with that yet’ Jane responded.
‘Alright, I have a plan to help us cover the course outline easier and faster; two hours after school each day, we take some challenging topics in the outline and some practical lessons’ Henry suggested.
‘That’s fine. We’ll introduce the idea to Naomi and others who would be interested’ Jane said. Just then, Naomi came by.
‘Hi guys, what’s up?’
‘Ah talk of the angel and here she is. We’re fine, and guess what’ Jane responded smiling.
‘What?’ Naomi inquired anxiously.
‘Henry and I are thinking private extramural classes after school each day and perhaps, some practical lessons’
‘Oh that’ll be fine. And I’m in. I mean do I have to say that?’ Naomi replied happily. Just as Naomi turned to leave, she was approached by Mark.
‘Hey Mark, how are you doing?’
‘I’m doing great Naomi, that’s the name right?’
‘Off-course, you didn’t forget my name now did you?’ Naomi asked, slightly disappointed.
‘Oh no, I didn’t. Can I talk with you for a moment?’
‘Sure. What’s up?’
‘Nothing much is just that I find you very attractive, and would really like to know you better. So I was thinking about a lunch date this Saturday by 1 pm. You’ll choose the restaurant and I’ll pick you up. So what do you say?’ Mark asked with a radiant smile.
‘Mark, you seem like a nice guy to me, but I think this is moving too fast. I mean I barely know you, besides I’m kind of in a relationship right now, and I wouldn’t want you, I mean us, wasting our time when I know this will not lead us anywhere’
‘So, you are saying no to me because of that Henry of a boy, right? Is it because his father owns Philips group of companies? Well, it’s okay but just so you know, I run Thomas Jefferson High, and I will get what I want, when I want it, however I want it and not even you or Henry will stop me from being with you’ Mark responded in a very angry tone that totally shocked Naomi and left her speechless as he stomped down the hallway.
The first week of the extramural classes was easy going and the students were fast covering their course outlines, and difficult topics were becoming easier, but for Naomi, another problem seemed to bother her; she couldn’t keep herself from thinking about what Mark said, and she feared Henry’s life could be endangered with Mark around, but she never considered telling anyone about it, not even Henry, especially because she never heard from Mark for the rest of that semester. The exams soon came and went, but this time Naomi topped the class. Henry and Jane emerged second and third places respectively; but they were all happy and congratulated each other for the achievement was meritorious; they worked for it. Back at Naomi’s home, a lively conversation ensued between her and her parents.
‘Congratulations, honey, you’ve made us proud. And for a prize choose any place of your choice to spend the summer vacation’ Mr. Graham promised his daughter, his face all turned red with laughter and joy at his daughter’s success.
‘Well, I’ll say New York New York
‘That’s okay, honey, we’ll start making preparations for your travel ticket as soon as possible’ chipped in Naomi’s mom.
Leaving her mom and dad, Naomi headed for the mall where she coincidentally ran into Henry.
‘Master Henry Philips, where would you be spending your summer holidays’ she asked him in an official and English manner.
‘Oh Miss Naomi Graham, what a lovely coincidence; my dad just bought my flight ticket to New York
‘Great! Because I get to spend my summer holidays in New York
‘I have to go to the mall, you know for some good shopping’ she added as she ran across the road and took a cab to the mall.
Just as Henry was about stepping further, he was intercepted by a group of intimidating fellows, who seemed to have been observing them from a hide out.
‘So you have been the one messing around with my girl friend all along?’ one of the boys spoke up in an angry tone. It turned out Henry was not the only one interested in Naomi.
‘N-n-noo, we are j-j-just friends, I mean class mates. Yeah that’s all’ Henry replied nervously.
‘Oh shut up, you liar. Now this is a warning from Naomi herself and a friend of mine who happens to be interested in her- Gbush, gbush’ he said as he clubbed him thrice on his right arm and twice on his back. He also punched him in the face.
‘Stay away from Naomi punk! She doesn’t want you anymore. Fuck you!’ the leader who clubbed Henry said as they ran down the street. Henry managed to get home and had his arm tied up for a whole week.
‘You see big bros I warned you stay away from this girl. Now see what she has caused’ Rooney Henry’s kid brother who never liked Naomi complained after Henry had finished narrating his ordeal. He looked so much like him but had an ebony black curly hair that hung always from his head in a pony tail. Henry always related his issues to his brother since their parents were hardly at home; his father had to regularly shuttle cities were his company had branches, and he liked embarking on such trips with his wife; she is a shareholder in the company and also a co-owner.
‘Look Rooney, there is this feeling I have each time I’m around Naomi. Naomi, yes Naomi, the sound of the name sends Adrenaline surging into my blood. Her beauty dazzles me, her feminine features, body profile, and most of all; her smiles are very warm and comforting. I love this girl’ Henry responded as he walked around the room, gesticulating in a poetic manner.
‘Henry, you have a long way ahead of you and a bright future too. Studying Medicine in College does not come by playing love games, man. You’ve got to face your studies squarely’ Rooney advised his brother.
‘On the contrary Rooney, I concentrate more when I realize she loves me and will always do. The thought of Naomi’s loyalty keeps me even more focused. Yes, that’s the way I feel’ Henry replied cheerfully.
‘Well, whatever. Just be careful or this Naomi girl will get you in the hospital. I’m off to the Library. I’ll catch you at dusk’ Rooney said as he left he room.
The next morning, Henry had gone to visit Naomi, but met her absence. He also found a similar club with which he was attacked in their white painted sitting room decorated with green leather sofas, a glass room-divider; with varying pieces of art work hanging from the walls, and a bar made of Ivory and Mahogany and stocked with assorted drinks. However, these were not new to Henry; he was busy ruminating over what he had seen. And all attempts to contact her proved abortive; she was reported to have gone to the movies with some guys, by her mom whom Henry met. But that was not his first time of seeing Naomi’s mum or visiting their house; ever since he and Naomi began dating her home has become one of his haunts. However, Henry was at this point beginning to think and feel differently of Naomi. What Henry did not know was that the club he saw was Naomi’s father’s; he plays baseball for recreation, and the guys she went out with were her neighbors.
TO BE CONTINUED
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