“Attention!” A boy called from a mid-sized classroom. He was signaling other students in the room to stand and greet the incoming teacher.

“Good morning sir.” The class chorused.

“Good morning students, how are you?” the tall thin teacher, Mr. Dickson asked.

“We’re fine thank you.”

“Well, sit.” He said.

Mr. Dickson himself occupied a desk in front of the class on which he relinquished a handful of books and a box of chalk that he came with. “So where did we end yesterday?” he asked among the young pupils. As the monitor rose from the first row to hand the teacher his exercise book, one student who sat behind Ralph, threw a piece of paper that landed on the floor next to Ralph’s desk.

Ralph looked sideways and bent down to pick the paper and unfold it.

My name is Ralph. What’s your name?

Ralph widened his eyes with amazement. He tore the paper but did not take any action until the other boy threw another paper. By that time, the teacher had already begun teaching.

Ralph took in deep breath and picked it up.

It read

Did you meet Mr. Dickson? He’s the class teacher and very boring I can say.

Before Ralph concluded the note, the teacher caught a sight of him; “Ralph Brooks. Are you paying attention?”

He folded the paper quickly turning to Mr. Dickson. “Yes sir.”

“Ooh and what was I saying?”

Ralph remained silent unable to say anything. His hand fidgeted holding the piece of paper. He tried to hide it in an open drawer under his desk.

“What’s that you’re trying to hide?” Mr. Dickson asked noticing the nervousness all over the boy’s face.

“Nothing.” Ralph shrieked. The whole class remained silent, attentive.

Mr. Dickson walked to Ralph’s desk and spread his hand. Ralph sighed and handed over the paper. Mr. Dickson perused it and eyed the boy sitting behind Ralph. “I know that this is your work, Randolph Michael.” He paused, frowning. “Okay boy. Stand up. To the office, now!”

Randolph begun standing lazily.

“Quickly! I have no time with you.” He rasped.

Randolph walked to the door and paused, turning around to Mr. Dickson.

“Wait for me there.” Mr. Dickson ordered and resumed with his teaching.

When the lesson was done there came in another teacher who taught other things. He covered a session till recess when the bell rang and everyone left the class except for Ralph. He did not know where to spend his recess and decided to take out his exercise book of Mr. Dickson’s class and peruse it.

The class door opened and Randolph walked in. He strolled straight to Ralph’s desk. Ralph gulped feeling worried. When Randolph halted, Ralph spoke first; “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.” Randolph replied. “It was my fault anyway, you don’t have to be sorry.” He stretched his right hand to himself then to Ralph. “Ralph. Friends?”

Ralph hesitated for a moment and then shook the hand. “Friends”

“Come with me, I’ll take you out.” Randolph said. 

Ralph packed his books in his desk drawer and left with Randolph

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