Chapter 14

The oracle awards were coming soon. The competition was mainly for the final year art students, with other categories for junior students and the sciences. It was an highlight in the school's calendar and all the students looked forward to it.

It was made up of art exhibitions, debates and talent hunts. Some days of the program also held seminars and discussions. Students at other schools were also invited to compete themselves.

This was the topic of discussion in the early hours of school that day, just after assembly when the program was announced. There was cheerfulness in the air as the students discussed their acts for the program.

"What's the awards about?” Clueless Zion asked Zoe.

"It's a yearly program, hosted by the final year art students. It entails Competitions, Seminars, Exhibitions and awards on the final day.” Zep explained. Julia turned to them when she realized they were talking about the competition.

“And Zion it is always full of fun and enjoyment. Free food and free ticket to awesomeness that week. I'm so excited,” Julia chirped as she grinned widely.

"I can see you are,” Zion commented while Zoe smirked.

Just then, Mrs. Komolafe came into the class with a list. Everyone stared at her with curiosity as they stood up to welcome her. After the greeting, Mrs. Komolafe placed the list on the desk opposite her and looked straight at the students.

"I'm sure you all have heard about the oracle awards coming soon?” She asked. The whole class chorused excitedly while Zoe looked as complacent as ever.

"You guys will be working in groups this year,” The class was filled with excitement as the students drummed on their tables. Mrs. Komolafe smiled as she watched the youngsters rejoice.

Being in groups was also a highlight of the competition. And students were always excited when they got to pick who and who would be in their group. It always caused jealousy most times, fights and all, things common to high schoolers. It also helped to improve relationships amongst the students.

“Yes, I know you are excited. But we'll be picking your group members for you this year,” Mrs. Komolafe announced, her announcement shattering the heart of the students. “We don't want a repeat of last year,” she added.

The previous year’s Oracle Award was fun but also filled with drama. Two girls had a big fight just because they wanted to be in the same group with the coolest guys in class. The fight had caused a lot of commotion and disruption of school property. The school had later made the resolve of selecting students who would belong to the same group to prevent a repeat.

"Here with me is the list of groups and students in it,” she raised the list in hands up for all to see. “Also, this year you are going to have teachers as your supervisors.” The class went sad again, teachers meant no fun. At all.

"Okay so. I'll be calling your names and the groups you belong to. I'll also be telling you who your supervisor is so you can go meet him/her after class.”

“The first group!

James Nwosu Stephanie Kolade…” She continued calling while students listened attentively. James growled when he discovered he was on the same group with Stephanie. She was such a talkative and had a way of disrupting anything she had her hands on.

"Zion Oshogbon Afe Matthew Julia Briggs Zoe Adeleke.”

What!!!! Zoe yelled mentally. Julia turned to look at her and Zion with smiles and a face shaped as though it was about to explode. Matthew also turned giving them a thumbs up. While Zoe facepalmed herself to make sure she wasn't dreaming. How could she be grouped with this people? Zion, Julia and Matthew. Zoe threw her hands in the hair, to show her disappointment.

"You are stuck with us dear,” Julia smirked. For a second she almost thought Mrs. Komolafe grouped her with Julia just to punish her, seeing that she couldn't stand Julia. But if it was true, it wasn't good at all, this was the worst punishment.

"And your supervisor is. Corper Gbenga Adeleke.”

At the mention of that name, Zoe found herself smiling. It wasn't so bad after all, she had Zion and Gbenga. That's better.

After the class and several other classes. It was time for break. Zoe found herself in the company of those she had always tried to avoid since Js1. Matthew and Julia, but more strangely than ever. Matthew didn't gush over, and Julia didn't act like she was the only thing that existed. They were all cool and natural, Matthew was calm and collected, even though his glasses still sagged. While Julia didn't try to start a conversation with her even though she was still chattering and noisy. It was like they didn't care about her presence or they weren't just all over her again.

They got to the staff room which was almost empty. Corner Gbenga was reading a book while the worked towards him. Lifting his eyes off the book, he smiled and dropped it.

“Well, well, well. If it isn't my favorite students,” he whined playfully.

"Good afternoon sir.” They chorused.

“Welcome," he replied. "Let's go to the garden so we can have our meeting,” he added. Standing up from his sit, the five of them walked side by side to the Garden. Cracking jokes as they walked. Soon they got to the ever peaceful and quiet lawn. It was heartbreaking for Zoe, that her personal place had become a home for all.

They sat on the relaxation chairs there while Julia and Zion sat on the green grass. "Okay. So what's the competition about and what am I supposed to do?” Gbenga asked.

"Don't tell me they didn't inform you about your role here.” Julia asked looking surprised.

“Well. Mrs. Komolafe explained but I didn't understand what she was saying.”

"Yeah, that's right. She speaks gibberish half of the time,” Matthew said while the others burst into laughter.

“Zoe, explain to us what we'll be doing,” Gbenga asked grinning at Zoe.

"Why me. Julia is the one excited about this whole thing,” Zoe protested. She was too tired to talk for long, and that was what explaining the Oracle awards entailed.

“Hello?!?” Zion stressed. "She been the one feeding us all the information ever since. Don't be a figure head help too Nah. Besides I want to hear your voice,” Zion said sarcastically making everyone laugh including Zoe who removed her shoes and threw at him.

“I dodged it!!!” Zion yelped.

The others started laughing while Zoe and Zion argued.

"Okay!!! Let's be serious!” Gbenga called the back to order. "Zoe, will you explain what the awards is all about???” He asked politely. Zoe nodded and cleared he throat.

"Okay!” She started. "The Oracle awards is a week program. In which we have Seminars, Art Exhibition, competitions which are talent hunts and debates. The last day is for awards, but only for the competitions but other aspects too—” she was interrupted by Julia.

"And has won an award every year since our first year,” she said.

"Wao!!! Go cousin!!!” Gbenga hailed. Zoe smiled as she continued.

"That's all about it. And you are supposed to supervise us as we do this. If you do a good job. You can be giving an award,”

“Really?! I can. Never wanted to take this seriously. But guys get up and start working your lazy asses out. I'm gonna get that award,” he exclaimed.

"Wait. Is this because of us, or because of you?” Matthew asked.

"Because of me,” The students laughed at his words.

“Okay now. Who has a talent that we can work with,” Gbenga asked?

"Not me,” Zoe said as she raised her right hand as if voting herself out. No one said anything making Gbenga worried. He stood up and paced the area while the rest just watched him.

"Well Julia can draw,” Zoe blurted and looked away, forcing in a laugh. Julia had turned red, as she stared at her.

"That's true how could I have forgotten,” Gbenga said, as he smiled from ear to ear. "Our Julia can draw.”

“I'm not that good. And I don't want to embarrass myself,” Julia protested.

"No, you are good. I've seen your works they are beautiful,” Zion encouraged while Julia gave him a you-aren't-helping-matters look. Making him keep shut.

"Julia please,” Gbenga pleaded, his eyes like that of a child who wanted candy.

"Please."

"Julia.”

“We need you.”

They all chorused and when Julia couldn't take all they puppy faces staring at her anymore. She agreed.

"Okay fine. But I'm not promising a win.”

“No problem,” they chorused.

"I can cook,” Zion said put of the blues.

"What are you joking?” Matthew asked in between laughs. Julia and Zoe were also laughing.

"Don't tell me you want to enter that in the competition?” Zoe asked.

Zion looked dejected and heart broken.

"Don't say that. Zion you'll be participating. I'll register your cooking,” Gbenga said. Zion's face lit up and smiled.

"Wait till you guys taste the sweet delicacy of Chef Zion,” Zion said pointing at them one by.

"I think I'll throw up,” Julia said acting like someone who is vomiting.

“The only thing coming out of that small throat of yours is the mentality that boys can't cook,” Zion said spanking Julia.

"Boys can cook,” Corper Gbenga said. "At least I can boil water.” He said. They all roared in laughter.

“For our joint act, what do you think we should do," He asked.

"We can dance,” Matthew said as he started to break dance to an unknown sound. He looked very funny while dancing, making it difficult for them to hold back their laughter.

"We can truly. I was a choreographer back in University I can teach you a few steps,” Gbenga offered.

"Ok"

"Alright.”

“But we have to wear matching clothes so we can look unique you know,” Matthew suggested.

"Yes. That would give us extra points,” Zoe agreed.

"Okay we will be going to the market then. We will buy the clothes and also food stuff for chef Zion. Julia has drawing materials right?” Julia nodded in response to his question.

"Good!!!” He said. "So, Matthew will help Zion with cooking Zoe will help Julia in painting. Okay?” They all nodded in agreement.

"But what will you be doing?” Zoe asked.

"Err,” He said scratching his head. “Giving you all moral support from my house.” He said, making them all burst out laughing.

"Subsequently, I'll be learning how to boil water and chase hot girls online.” The rest couldn't hold their laughter anymore.

“Hot girls."

After they recovered from his joke. He pointed at Matthew and Zoe.

"You guys are handling the debate okay.” The duo nodded. "Zoe will be the main speaker okay?” They nodded again.

“And for our rehearsals and helping Zion and Julia. Most of it will be done from our homes. We want to give them a shockkkk.” He said.

Zoe shook her head at how child like her cousin could be. And it was so cute.

"That will be all, the break is over already. You guys should hurry to class,” Gbenga said.

"Thank you.”

“Bye Corper Gbenga"

"See you later"

"Bye"

They all said and left the garden. Leaving him there.

"He said he wanted to learn how to boil water,” Zion said, remembering Gbenga's joke.

They laughed to the joke again.

“He's such a clown.”