CAMARADERIE TROUBLES

We entered Mrs. Stella's big and beautiful office.

"Sit down", she politely ordered. We relaxed on the sofa.

"I made a little mistake while announcing. I actually need a senior student in SS1 and two senior students in your class."

Amirah came in. She was a girl in SS1. She was the most brilliant girl in her class.

"Taofeek, I will see you later," she said.

"Alright ma" He bowed and walked out.

I laughed silently. I knew that would never happen. Mrs. Stella had softly told him he wouldn't take part in the competition. I knew he would go to a corner, feeling bad. I planned to go comfort him after the meeting.

Three students in the junior secondary school entered the office.

"Good afternoon ma. We were told you wanted to see us ma." Ayodeji said on behalf of the others, with the deepest humility.

"Yes, I called for you. Join them" She pointed at us.

"I believe you all are aware of the reason I called you into my office."

"Yes, we are ma" We chorused.

"Good, we've got no time. The competition is in two months, and you know when it's getting to poetry stage performance, you need a lot of technicality, accuracy, skill, talent, and a vast amount of qualities. I wouldn't give you false hope, or pamper y'all that the competition is going to be easy, It wouldn't! What did I say?

"It wouldn't be easy!!" we chorused together.

"Good, yes it wouldn't be easy. This is because you all will be competing for a win with lots of talented students like you from over thirty schools."

Sharon eaved deeply.

"Any problem Sharon?" Mrs. Stella asked.

"Nothing ma", Sharon managed to reply. "Are you nervous?"

"I'm ok ma"

"Better!, because I wouldn't tolerate any incompetence and non-challancy here. Back to what I was saying. That said it's not going to be easy didn't mean it's impossible. It's much possible to win this competition, and I have my hopes high on you all, that's why I chose you. But, it doesn't end here. Hard work and determination births success. You will need lots of rehearsals, practice, and training so that you will emerge part of the best that day.

By the way, there are two rounds in this competition; the preliminaries and the grand finale. If you perform good enough in the preliminaries, you would be part of the ten lucky people chosen for the grand finale."

"Yes ma", Sharon raised a finger.

"Are the preliminaries and grand finale going to be on the same day?"

"Nope" she replied.

She read from the handbill.

"Nice question. The preliminaries would be on October 5th, exactly two months away. This is when all the participants from the school invited would have their poetry performance. I wouldn't lie to you, it would be a long strenuous day because the participants would be much, both in the senior and junior categories. The best ten people would be selected by the judges from both categories for the grand finale... Grand finale, sometimes next year." She stopped talking and drank some water from the dispenser in her office.

"What date is the grand-finale ma?", I asked.

"Exactly January 24th, next year; provided there are no disturbances and factors that could hinder it. If para venture it's postponed, the organization is going to let us know. Do we understand?" "Yes ma'am" we replied.

I could see it that everyone was excited to be chosen for the competition. Mrs. Stella adjusted some files on the table.

"So you all have a task. Your poem for entry into the competition is to be submitted before Wednesday, next week. That's exactly six days now. We have to forward it to the organization via their official website. Should I trust you guys to do this?"

"Yes ma"

"You need to be prompt! Write your poem and submit anytime within the next six days for us to make reviews and corrections on your work. I've assigned Mr. Samson to be your supervisor. The drama teacher would coordinate your affairs during rehearsals and tell you the next move. I hope you all have a nice time, and good luck."

"Thank you ma".

"You may leave"

Everyone buzzed toward the door, discussing what we've heard. We were in haste to leave for the dining hall for lunch.

"Gloria, I want to see you" Mrs. Stella called me back.

"Yes ma"

"Gloria, I want you to know that you got what it takes within you. You are the major talent I'm counting on in this. Others are peripherals. Please don't fail me."

"I wouldn't ma", I humbly said.

"Besides, I know you wouldn't. You are more talented when it's come to this than the rest. I believe the rest of them will see you as a role model and perfect example. Gird your loins and win the school this trophy."

She patted my back.

"By God's grace ma".

"Good girl, you may leave".

I headed to go meet the rest. We hurried to the dining hall, we were very hungry☐☐☐☐☐