Chapter 2 A DENT ON CUPID'S WHITE

Chapter Two

Prof. Steve's imposing figure stepped into the class at 9am. He was a 35inch taller than the tallest man in the school. His dark long full and highly maintained beards gave him an additional 5 years to his 45 years on earth. His bushy brows hung over his eyes like a window edge. And with those brilliant eyes, he observes all things, but says only those things deemed necessary. His uncanny ways of shuffling his opponents feathers in court earned him the nickname 'Solowise' among his colleagues and the students. He walked into the classroom with a grave look on his face. Putting his hands behind him, he began to pace the class thoughtfully. "A close friend of mine borrowed a huge amount of money some months ago from a wealthy businessman using his house as a collateral. He was supposed to pay the money at 11:59pm dot last night.

On his way going to repay the money yesterday, he had an accident and lost consciousness. We were surprised when he came around on the hospital bed at 11:50pm and began to scream his creditor's name." He paused in his track. With a wistful stared blankly into space. "He asked that we call the guy on phone. But by the time he got to the hospital and my friend could repay the money, it was 12:05am this morning. And now, this creditor is suing for a breach of contract, refusing to take back the money and insisting on claiming the house." he concluded gravely.Then without warning, he pointed sharply at Luchie. "Young woman, what is going to be the fate of this friend of mine?" Luchie glance behind her in confusion, wondering whom the question had been addressed to. "I'm talking to you." Luchie turned and saw Prof. Steve looking at her. She took a deep breath, then stood up. Casually, she took her time to readjusted her gown and her spec. Then, she cleared her throat. "A debtor is a debtor, even in the midst of the painful throes of death. Nature's jabbing stones thrown on our ways exonerate him not, for it is within our will to turn them into whatever we wish - a step or a block," she started, speaking like an acclaimed orator. "He had all the previous days to honour the agreement he had, what prevented him?" she asked, and paused, looking round at her audience. Seeing the attention of the whole class directed at her, she went on. "Like Shylock, I would have demanded that a pound of flesh be paid in return. But no, that is the evil of the Common Law. Rather, I look, not just at the action, but the intention. I would appeal to the human conscience, and I would give a judgement fair and just," she concluded. A resounding applause trailed her answer. Some members of the class objected to her implied judgement, citing unfairness in her judgement against the lender. Thus, an argument sparked out. After some minutes of arguments and counter arguments, Prof. Steve picked up his marker, turned to the board and wrote, "CIVIL LAW". Thus, the lecture commenced. The classes came to an end at3:40pm. The students trooped out of the class, looking worn out. Techla stepped into the late afternoon sun with her friend, Luchi. They chatted casually as they headed to the car.

A young final year student hurried past, obviously buried in his own thought. "Hi, Charles!" Techla called out to him. Charles paused in his strides and looked up. "Oh! Hello, Techla," he replied, his face exploding into a broad smile and exposing his deep dimples. "I'm sorry, I was lost in thought." he said, offering her a handshake. "Hello, Handsome" Luchie cooed at him. "Hi, Luchie" he smiled, extending a handshake to her too. He was in his final year in the school, a brilliant young man from a middle class family. As a secondary school leaver, he had emerged best student in his A'Level exam, his result adorned with a parallel 'A'. That singular feat of intelligence had attracted the attention of the State governor who granted him an instant scholarship into the tertiary institution of his choice. Indeed, that had been a dream come true for the poor boy. With only a widowed mother to cater for the family, Charles, the first of 4 children, could not have dreamt of a tertiary education soon after his secondary education. But the Lord chases away flies from the tailless cow. "I'm sorry, girls, I was so carried away I didn't see you at first." he apologized. "But I hope all is well with you" "Just a chilled bottle of Brandy and all will be well," Luchie quickly replied with a mischievous grin, casting a surreptitious glance at Techla. "Don't mind her," Techla smiled. "Her head can't even carry ordinary beer." Charles smiled. "By the way, thank you very much for taking your time to take me though..... You just loosened those complicated knots and made it so simple." Techla quickly added. "Yes, you just extricated those complex web of confusion in her foggy head and..." Techla immediately pinched her at the back. "Ah! Damn you! I'ma sue you for this, girl!" Luchie exclaimed in mock pain. "Why don't you come along with us in the car. I will drop you off." Techla said to Charles, paying no attention to Luchie. "Oh, that's so kind of you. I would have gladly accepted that. But I have somewhere else I need to get to right now other than home. Thanks a lot for the offer," he smiled his appreciation. Techla nodded understandably and waved him goodbye. They all went their separate ways. "That guy is so attractive. I drool whenever I see him!" Luchie remarked, enthralled, and glancing at Charles' retreating figure. Techla walked pass her and got into her car. As soon as she revved up the engine, Luchie quickly snapped out of her reverie. "Hey, girl, I'ma kill you if you dare move that car an inch!" she exclaimed, hurrying over to the car and nearly tripping over on her heels. She made an amusing picture as her plump body shook under her black clingy gown. Techla smiled to herself. "I will sue you for all this stress!" Luchie threatened in mock anger seeing the smile on her face. Techla smiled the more. "See you in court, then!" she laughed and, quickly stepping on the accelerator, speed away along the terraced school driveway into the evening sun. **************************************

Luchie threw off her bag on the settee as soon as they got to Techla's apartment. Flipping out her heels, she sprawled out on the settee. Techla went over to the fridge behind the cushions and took out a cold bottle of Eva fruit juice and two glass cups. "Girl, you really have a great apartment o. Look at the gadgets. Look at the quality of the furniture. Even the tiles on your walls!" Luchie remarked, carefully admiring the ostentatious display of wealth in the comfy apartment. Techla poured out the drink. "You know, I'd have given you a reply if I didn't know this isn't your first time here. You said that the first time; you said it the last time..." "Last time? That ain't my last time here. I'm here today, remember?" Techla shrugged. "And I'll be here tomorrow in case you're thinking of not calling me over." Luchie quickly added, smiling like one who had cornered a witty fox. Techla silently picked up her glass and sat beside her on the settee. For a couple of seconds, they sipped their juice silently, each lost in her own thought. "You know, sometimes I wonder what my father was doing when other men were making the money," Luchie suddenly said thoughtfully to no one in particular. Techla silently gave her a side glance. She thought better not to say a word. But on a second thought, she said; "Your dad sent you to a prestigious school as Brainfield. You mustn't compare him to other men. That 'd be unfair." "Well, you're a rich kid. You've got no idea what it means not to have a rich dad." Techla smiled to herself. For a couple of minutes, she kept silent. Then she took up the remote control from the table. Seconds later, a WestLife song came alive in the background. "You think all these ostentatious display of wealth trip me? It's all just for my dad. He likes it. It makes him feel important, not me. I guess he believes this is all of life. And since he's the one making the payment, I don't think my opinion matters a dime to him. But left to me, I know there is more to life than just what money can get you." she finished, drained the content of her glass and got up. "That's what you always say. Maybe if I had a rich dad, I'd say same too." Luchie said, unconvinced. Then she gulped down the content of her glass and poured herself some more. Techla shrugged indifferently. Wearily, she got up and headed towards her bedroom.