Chapter 5 The Test: Part 2

''That's him! I know that car and plate number. It must be him, Musa said to himself as his heartbeats began to race slowly. He began to sweat and feel uncomfortable as he tried to come up with a plan to get him closer to the lecturer. Soon enough, an opportunity presented itself when the lecturer came out of his car and tried to get a bunch of papers from the trunk.

Musa rushed to the lecturer, pretending to offer him help with the papers. "Sir, can I help?" Musa asked. "Oh, sure. But take these instead," replied Mr. Tongshinen. Mr. Tongshinen then proceeded to hand Musa some final-year student project books instead. Musa began to ask within him if Mr. Tongshinen knew him or if he was just being careful not to give the test questions to anyone.

"There, that should be the last batch from the vehicle. Is there anything else I can help you with, sir?" Musa asked Mr. Tongshinen. "No, not really. That should be all. I am really grateful. What is your name, young man?" Mr. Tongshinen asked. "It's Musa, sir," Musa replied. Mr. Tongshinen then proceeded to extend a handshake to Musa. Finally, this is what I am talking about, Musa said to himself.

Musa left Mr. Tongshinen's office smiling. He got what he wanted. It worked. He could see Mr. Tongshinen going through the questions and the answers, making sure everything was correct. At this point, Musa knew exactly what he had been blessed with. He joyfully walked to the nearest park, took out his phone, and began chatting. He was so relaxed about everything and saw no need to even go through his books.

Slowly, Musa began seeing his mates around. He walked past the hall where the test was to take place, and he could see everyone was serious, cracking their head, trying to solve some questions, and reading as much as they could. He just laughed within him and walked away.

"Hey, Musa, wait up!" A lady called out to him. He was shocked, the reason being they were all freshers and barely knew each other's names. Musa thought to himself before turning back to see who it was, "Who in the hell is that?" As he turned back, he was greeted by a pretty face; her name was Nanret, a coursemate of his. Well, this day keeps getting better and better, Musa said to himself.

"Where are you going? Are you not reading?" Nanret asked. Musa scoffed and replied, "Well, not exactly. I just don't feel like it, especially the hours or minutes required for any exam or test. My brain would end up just freezing in the exam hall." Nanret stared at Musa as he was explaining with a look. She had this: I don't believe a single word you're saying, look. "Well, everything you just said is magana banza. I don't believe you. I know you've read that's why you're strolling," Nanret said while interrupting Musa. "Oh, by the way, I'm Nanret. Don't bother introducing yourself; I know your name already," she said while having her hand stretched out to Musa for a handshake.

Musa hesitated to return the handshake, knowing his abilities, but at the same time, he didn't want to be rude. He then proceeded to shake hands with her. To his amazement, Musa saw nothing. He stood there listening to her speak, but he was spaced out. His thoughts were centered on why he wasn't able to get anything off of her.

So, I was hoping maybe you could put me through this particular exercise before the test. Hey, Musa, are you there? Nanret said while waving her hand in Musa's face. "Dan Allah, ki yan kuri. My mind was somewhere else," Musa replied after snapping back to reality.

They both walked around the school premises, looking for a suitable place to sit and get some work done. When they finally got a seat, Nanret wasted no time bringing out her jotter and workbook. She told Musa that time was no longer on their side, and she needed to solve this particular question before the test started. Musa took a glance at the problem and laughed. He already knew what the questions were going to be and the possible answers. Musa told Nanret not to bother with those questions but instead focus on the ones he was going to show her. He tried to make it seem like a gut feeling in order not to make her suspicious.

With one hour left before the test, Musa's phone rang; it was Daniel. He was calling to let Musa know he was in school. They both agreed to meet after Musa was done with his test. At this point, Nanret stood up and told Musa she needed to go to the hall where the test would be taking place. She explained to him how she wanted to get a good seat for her and a few of her friends before all the seats got taken. Like before, Nanret stretched her hand to Musa for a handshake; Musa wasted no time in bringing out his, too. It happened; he saw something.

All right, bye! Thanks for your help; I really appreciate it, Nanret said to Musa as she walked away. Musa sat back a bit longer, drafting his answers to the questions he saw. He needed to be sure about everything, both the answers and the questions. It was easy for him to do because the test format was an objective one. All he needs to do is tick A, B, or C.

"Shit, I have less than 20 minutes left. I better start going. I need to find myself a seat before it's too late," Musa said out loud while packing his books and jotter. He rushed down to the same hall Nanret was in. On getting to the venue, he was amazed at the number of students present. The whole place was crowded. Looking through the crowd, Musa tried to see if he could find any familiar face he could sit with.