CHAPTER 8: A Clash of Egos

​The gesture spoke volumes about Khalid's character, demonstrating that his pursuit of academic excellence was not driven by material rewards, but rather a genuine passion for learning. With dignity, Khalid returned to his position, and the assembly continued after a brief, awestruck silence. Na'omi confronted Khalid in class, her countenance beset with indignation. "Take your gift," she exclaimed, her voice laced with disdain. "I detest it. Your public display of generosity was an embarrassment, a stark reminder of your triumph over me. What have I done to warrant such treatment?" Khalid's smile was unperturbed as he replied, "I assure you, my intention was not to offend, but to honor you. My actions were motivated by a genuine desire to show respect, without any malice or ulterior motives." Na'omi's skepticism was palpable, but Khalid's words eventually assuaged her concerns. "You have a talent for articulation, Khalid," she conceded. "Your words are as persuasive as they are charming. However, I must express my trepidation – will this gesture not arouse suspicion, perhaps even rumors of a romantic entanglement?" Khalid's reassurance was swift. "Most of the staff are aware of my motivations. You need not worry." As the conversation drew to a close, a teacher appeared, and Khalid hastily returned to his seat. His friends, however, were not as understanding. They confronted him after class, their inquiries laced with a mixture of curiosity and concern. "Do you harbor feelings for her?" they asked. "Even if you do, was this grand gesture truly necessary?" Khalid's explanation was patient and measured. "My actions were not driven by romantic sentiment, but rather a desire to honor Na'omi and demonstrate that my actions were not motivated by a desire for material gain." The senior classes were immersed in their SSCE examinations, while the junior classes were subjected to a stringent regimen. Khalid, meanwhile, had been elected president of the accounting students. However, the tranquility was short-lived, as a series of misunderstandings erupted between the outgoing SS3 students and the incoming ones. The resulting chaos lasted for three days, its ferocity unprecedented in the annals of Federal Government College, B-Y. The principal's absence exacerbated the situation, and the emir and local police were eventually summoned to intervene. However, their efforts were in vain, and the SS2 students were forced to seek refuge in the area classes for the duration of the crisis. The outgoing SS3 students, armed with an arsenal of makeshift weapons, seemed to have orchestrated the violence with military precision. The principal's return on the fourth day marked the end of the crisis. In its aftermath, nearly half of the outgoing students were suspended, forced to endure a stringent punishment before being permitted to complete their examinations under close supervision. Their parents were summoned to the school, and the students were barred from residing in the hostels, allowed only to enter the premises to write their papers. As the new academic year commenced, Khalid returned to school with great enthusiasm, eager to embark on his final year of secondary education. His determination to excel in both his JAMB and SSCE examinations was palpable, and he had equipped himself with all the necessary textbooks for his nine subjects. On Sunday evening, Khalid made his way back to the school premises, opting for an unauthorized entrance, a tradition often employed by senior students to smuggle contraband into the school. These prohibited items included cell phones and traditional attire, which served as a distinguishing mark between senior and junior students. However, this practice was strictly forbidden, and any student found with such items would face severe consequences. As Khalid navigated the shortcut, he encountered a group of staff members heading towards the nearby hospital. Recognizing Khalid, one of the staff called out to him, "Khalid Sayyad, have you just arrived?" Khalid acknowledged their greeting, and the staff members, familiar with his exemplary record and character, began to tease him good-naturedly. However, their joviality was short-lived, as one of the staff members requested to inspect Khalid's bag. Khalid's apprehension grew as he opened his bag, revealing a collection of personal clothes and no uniforms. The staff members ordered him to empty the contents of his bag, and Khalid complied, his anxiety escalating. The staff members questioned Khalid further, "Where are you headed, Khalid Sayyad? It seems you're embarking on another holiday." Khalid responded nervously, "No, sir. I left my uniforms in the hostel." The staff members confiscated Khalid's bag and instructed him to wear the clothes he had on. As Khalid began to walk away, one of the staff members called him back, requesting that he empty his pockets. Khalid reluctantly complied, revealing a brand-new smartphone, one of the most expensive models available at the time. The staff members seized the phone and informed Khalid that he would need to report to the common room the following day.