CHAPTER 2

TRENDING NEWS IN SCHOOL

Excel Folashade Adeyemi is 14 years old and the only child of her parents.

Her mum is a nurse, while her dad runs his own company.

Initially, her family was filled with so much love and laughter, but that all changed when her dad's company started facing difficulties. Her mum became too busy to meet the needs of the family. All of a sudden, her parents were constantly arguing, and the peace and love disappeared.

Her dad's company was eventually able to bounce back, but the friction in the family was already evident. Though things became better, the family wasn't as it used to be.

Excel attends a private school called Grace High International School. She resides in Lagos, Nigeria, with her family. They are well-to-do financially.

She is in JSS3, first term, and is also one of the most intelligent students in her class. Her grades are excellent despite the situation in her family.

AT GRACE HIGH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

It was break time, and Excel was outside with her friends, Stella, Adah, Roseline and Divine. They were in the school compound, seated under the shaded area available to students during break.

A conversation was going on between them.

"Ooh, my gosh! I'm so excited for Beauty's birthday party, guys!" Adah said.

"We all are," Roseline replied.

"I'm already imagining what I'm gonna wear. The birthday party is going to be good," - followed Divine

"You guys and birthday parties," Stella added. "Remember, we are in JSS3. You're supposed to be more excited about doing well in your Junior WAEC."

"Mummy Stella, the over-serious student," Adah said sarcastically. "All work and no play makes Jack a dull... or is it a lazy boy?"

"Anyways, if that's what you decide to think.     Excel, aren't you excited?" Stella asked.

Meanwhile, Excel wasn't even paying attention to what they were talking about.

"What? Excited for what?" she said, finally coming back to reality.

"What's going on in your mind?" Divine asked. "Is everything alright?"

"Yes, everything is. What did you ask me about Stella?

"Beauty's birthday party. Aren't you excited like the others?"

"Who is Beauty?"

"Ooh, my gosh, Excel! You don't know Beauty? The most popular girl in the whole of JSS3?" Adah replied.

"Everyone knows Beauty," they all chorused.

"Well, I'm not too excited. It's just a birthday party, anyways."

"Ooh! Excel, you've spoilt the mood," Roseline chipped in.

"Enough, chat ladies. It's time to head to class. Break time is almost over," Said Stella .

"You're right," Divine responded

"Race you ladies to the class!" Stella said running towards the class.

"Stella, ooh! a stranger won't believe you still do 'race you to class,'" Adah said

"We are no longer children," Rose said.

School was over for the day, and Excel's dad came to pick her up from school. She was surprised but happy because it was his driver that usually picked her up from school.

ON THE WAY

"Dad, you're picking me up today?"

"Well, yes, Excel. I was heading out to get something from the office and decided to come get you since your school was close to where I was heading. But I'll be back at the office when I drop you home."

"Ooh, I thought you were staying at home today."

"No worries, honey. I'll make out time for that."

"Okay," she said in a disappointed voice.

"Don't be sad, honey. Tell me about your day."

"It wasn't bad. The whole of JSS3 was just talking about Beauty's upcoming birthday party."

"Birthday party?"

"Yes, Dad."

"So, do you want to go?"

"Well, that depends on whether you and Mum allow it."

"I have no problem with you going, but your mum might. But she can change her mind."

A few minutes later, they arrived at their house, a duplex with a big black iron gate.

"Okay, Excel. I'll see you in two weeks," her dad said as she came down from the car after he drove in.

"Bye, Dad. I'll miss you."

"Same here."

He drove out.

"Welcome, small madam," the gateman said as he shut the gate.

"Thank you, Mr. Abdul."

"Have a nice day, small madam."

She went inside.

The day finally came to an end. Excel's mum came home late, as usual. Excel was already asleep, but before going to bed, she had made something for herself to eat because the paid house help wasn't available. She also attended to her assignments before going to bed.

Her mum was so tired that she went straight to bed as soon as she came in.