Observations

The story below is typical of many individuals where the individual takes his or her frustrations to a bar and when they cannot be assauged, brings them home. I often think that they're crazy because a bad situation is never solved by drugs and/or alcohol. I have a family memeber with this predicament. Until one accepts there is a problem, it can never be solved.

Food For Thought

Crazy Head

He strutted into a bar liked he owned it. It was the sort of joint that was typical of areas of Kampala that never went to sleep, loud, rude and always spoiling for some drama. With a cocky grin he leered at curvaceous young woman who ignored him. He scowled at her, his sense of self offended. Just then, a whole posse of his friends acknowledged him noisily. His face lit up, his ego once again reinstated. The other patrons sighed in distress; it looked like it was going to be another crazy night.

Diggy Man was the local bad boy who prided himself in his lyrical flow and his sense of invincibility. With a cocky swagger, he joined his friends and proceeded to make a nuisance of himself. Although his friends minded a great deal, they let his bad behaviour ride; he was buying the drinks after all.

As the drinks flowed, so did Diggy Man’s bad manners. He abused everyone in sight on his way to the back of the bar for a blow of weed. He bumped into a patron and shouted, “Bamba clat!” The patron scurried away as he did not want to get into a fight with the obviously stoned Diggy Man.

Diggy Man was spoiling for a fight. His friends sensing this coaxed him onto the miniature stage at one end of the bar. The DJ immediately played a favourite track and Diggy Man went into one of the smoothest freestyle flows this side of the hemisphere and the crow was loving it. A few performances later, Diggy Man left the stage basking in the adulation.

Back at his table, the curvaceous lady that had ignored him earlier was now all over him like a bad rash. Her boyfriend wasn’t liking it and got quiet vociferous about it. The boyfriend was advised to let it go but he wasn’t impressed by Diggy Man’s bad boy reputation and proceeded to pummel him. Diggy Man didn’t stand a chance.

Humiliated, he took his frustration home and proceeded to break the windows of the house, much to his mother’s frustration.. His brother got out the house and with a few choice slaps sent him to his room to lick his wounds. Crazy doesn’t always pay.

Fool's Paradise

Chapter Four

They were late, everyone had been chased out of the dormitories and roll call had already been made, but nobody bothered with them as they made their entrance. The music was pumping out in vibrating rhythms and students were seriously working the dance floor singing “Fire!” along with The East African Bashment Crew.

The Dudes moved to one side of the main hall to where the boys stood. Several boys were already discussing which girl they were going to slow dance while others looked miserable as they were at the dance only because they had to be.

Laura Kempuga and Juliana Kagimba dragged The Dudes to the dance floor. Connie Mafabi, Imelda Ariko and Suzanne Aseya joined them. César grinned at Kaye who pretended not to notice. The music changed from hip-hop to Lingala and César moved to Kaye and urged him not to waste time, it was time he made a move on Suzanne because he knew that another boy was planning to do likewise.

Kaye danced one more song then told Suzanne that he was going out for some fresh air and asked her if she cared to join him. Suzanne beamed at him and agreed. Technically, students were not allowed to leave the main hall until the end of the dance unless you were an official but a few students got away with it because of their friendship with the officials and the teacher on duty didn’t fuss either if there was no incident, mainly out of laziness. The Dudes nudged and “high-fived” each other as Kaye and Suzanne left. Juliana watched César intently as they continued to dance.

Outside, Kaye stood awkwardly by Suzanne’s side fidgeting with his fingers. Suzanne said, “Kaye, why are so quiet? You can be quite talkative. Or is it me that’s the problem?” Kaye rushed to deny it but her wide grin stopped him; she was just teasing him.
Kaye was silent for a moment then blurted out, “Do you like me Suzanne, I mean really like me?” Suzanne laughed. “Now that’s the Kaye I know. Yes, I like you…I mean really like you.” Kaye stood there and looked at her with a very wide grin on his face. Suzanne giggled at his glee, feeling all nice and warm. She sought his hand and he held hers firmly giving it an occasional squeeze. They stood side-by-side in silence but very happy and content.

Back inside the music changed to Dionne Warwick’s “Whispers in the Dark” César took hold of Laura and pulled her close to him. After a few moments rubbing against each other Laura whispered into César’s ear, “I hope that later tonight you’ll be moving that way.”
“Don’t I always.” He held her even tighter as they drifted into a world of their own.

As Juliana danced, she watched Laura and César over Theo’s shoulder. She wondered what he saw in her. She was her friend and a nice person too, but basically, the girl was loose. Right now, she was hot for César, but what would happen when she tired of him and set her sights on somebody else? At least she would be there to offer consolation for she knew that César really liked Laura and he would be very unhappy.

Morgan held Aida in his arms. “Would you rather we stopped dancing?” Aida looked up at him puzzled and asked, “Why?”
“You’re so stiff. It’s like you wish you were somewhere else.”
“I wouldn’t have agreed to dance with you if I didn’t want to.”
“Then relax.”
“I am relaxed.”
“Wow, if that’s how you feel like when relaxed, I’d hate to see you tensed up.”
Aida pulled away and glared at him. “Well, if I’m not laid back enough for you then why don’t you find another dance partner?” With that, Aida turned on her heel and walked away in a huff. Morgan sighed, that girl needs to loosen up. He spotted Connie Mafabi standing alone and approached her for a dance to which she agreed.

Suzanne and Kaye joined the dancers and swayed cheek to cheek. Theo caught Alex’s attention over Juliana’s shoulder and gestured to the couple with his head. He turned and saw Kaye mouthing the words of Mario’s “Let Me Love You” to Suzanne who was gazing happily into his eyes. Wondering what he was looking at, his dance partner Imelda glanced over his shoulder and eyed the scene. She cackled and Alex asked what was so funny. “Look at them,” she said, “They look so stupid acting all gooey and stuff.”
“I happen to think that they look very good together.” The coldness of his tone silenced her.

The song ended and Alex turned and walked away. Danston was leaning against the wall shaking his head, “That wasn’t very nice leaving her on the dance floor like that.”
“I know but sometimes she annoys me. She’s always mouthing off about everyone as if she’s perfect herself. I don’t even know why I bother talking to her. The chick irritates me.” Danston decided to hold his council. Alex sighed, “Okay Danston, out with it.” Danston smiled, “She wants you to sleep with her.” Alex was incredulous, “What does Imelda’s bitchiness have to do with sex?”
“She’s not getting any that’s what. Her friends all around her are getting it but no one is making her any offers even if it’s for the satisfaction of saying no.”
“So, why doesn’t she come straight out and ask for it?” Danston was amused, “Come on Alex, you’re smarter than that. Would you do that? At least you’d hint around first. Besides, this is Uganda. As liberal as our teenies have become, there’s still a little bit of that feeling that girls shouldn’t do the asking because it might make them look desperate.” Alex chuckled, “Someone forgot to tell Laura that.”
“Besides,” Danston continued, “There’s a school of thought that believes abstinence is the way to go.”
“Yeah, I think I can relate to that.”

There was a fracas at the back of the main hall. A drunken girl who was insisting on dancing but could barely stand was making a big fuss. Her friends were trying to control her but she wasn’t having it. Maureen Mukasa, in exasperation, turned on her heel and stormed off.
A short while later, the crowd that had gathered around her parted and César appeared, Maureen close behind, looking a little anxious. “Cassandra, stop it!” She looked at César through bleary-eyes as she struggled to stand straight. “Ach, leave me ’lone! Jus’ go ’way. You ’ways like spoiling my fun, go ’way!” César took a deep breath then gave her a slap that knocked her out cold. Her friends seized her before she hit the ground and pulled her to a corner. “Maureen,” César said as he noticed her next to him, “Watch over her and make sure she doesn’t get into trouble.” Maureen nodded grimly as César walked away.
“I don’t know what to do with that girl. She can’t hold her alcohol but she insists on drinking. If she gets caught and is sent home it’ll be me my parents will kill,” César remarked as he joined Laura.
“Don’t worry, everything will be okay.”
“I can’t help worrying.”
“Relax, we have a long night ahead of us…you’ll be needing all your energy.”

On the other side of the main hall, Anthony found James standing alone, leaning on the wall. “Why aren’t you dancing?”
“I don’t feel like dancing,” replied James.
“Why?”
“Because I’m tired, I’ve been dancing from the moment we arrived.”
“I don’t understand you. We are at a dance that has phat jams and hot babes and all you can do is bore yourself by standing up against the wall.”
“Has it occurred to you that I just might be enjoying myself watching what is going on?”
“Why watch when you can be in the mix? Teenie, get with the program!”

The tempo of the music slowed down and Anthony took hold of James’ hand as he led him to the dance floor. James quickly snatched his hand away. “There’s no way I’m dancing a slow with you!”
“Don’t be stupid!” Anthony took hold of James’ hand once again, “Just follow me.” With much trepidation, James did as he was told. They crossed the dance floor and stopped in front of a group of girls that parted to reveal Maureen Mukasa. She smiled, “Hi James, I was beginning to wonder if you were ever going to ask me for a dance.”
“Huh?” was all James could say. Maureen’s smile widened. “Come on,” she said as she took hold of his hand and led him to the dance floor. Maureen wrapped her arms round James’ shoulders as he put his arms tentatively around her waist. “You’re shaking,” she said.
“Yes,” he croaked and felt his face grow hot.
“Relax, I won’t bite.” She took hold of his arms and wrapped them tighter around her waist. He felt his hormones raging inside of him and he tried to pull away but she wouldn’t let him. “Will you relax, it’s a natural reaction. Actually, I’m quite flattered.” James felt his face grow hotter and wished that the ground would open up to swallow him. From a short distance away, Anthony grinned and mentally patted himself on the back.

The entertainment minister announced the last dance. Everyone surged onto the dance floor and danced with an enthusiasm that seemed to know no bounds. By now, Cassandra had sobered up a little and her face was feeling sore. Damn her brother, he was always trying to control her life, she was sick of it. Maureen joined her looking pleased with herself. “What were you doing with that small boy,” Cassandra wanted to know.
“What small boy?” Maureen was all innocence. Cassandra rolled her eyes in exasperation, “I’m talking about James.” A wicked grin spread across Maureen’s face as she said, “Trust me, Cass, the boy isn’t small at all!”
“Get your mind out of the gutter, you know what I mean and you haven’t answered my question.”
“I was just getting to know him better.”
“Oh no, you’re planning on corrupting the poor boy. Mo, he’s only in Senior 2!”
“That’s only a class below us.”
“Yes, but S2 and S3, to us is light years apart!”
“Speak for yourself. Besides, I’m not corrupting him, I’m educating him.”
“With you, there isn’t much difference.”
“You’re just fuming because your brother caught you drunk.”
“Yeah, thanks to you!”
“What was I supposed to do? You were going bananas and fighting everyone. I warned you about drinking too much of that bungu,” Maureen admonished.
“Please,” Cassandra said, “I don’t need you to preach to me. If that idiot thinks he can ruin my night, he has another thing coming. Are we still on for later tonight?”
“Of course, Yona said to meet him by the biology labs at three.”
“Good!”

The girls were the first to leave, starting with the Senior Ones, then the Senior Twos and so on. Aida Namatovu stood at the door and ticked each girl’s name as she left the hall. César escorted Laura to the door when it was the Senior Fives’ turn. She whispered into his ear reminding him of their rendezvous later in the night. As César left her, Laura joined Connie who said, “You need to calm down, your vibrating with anticipation and you know how easily Aida’s suspicion is aroused.” Laura giggled at that, “Yeah well, what she needs is her libido aroused!”
“The ‘Ice Queen’? That will be the day!” The two girls walked out of the main hall arm in arm, giggling mischievously.

César watched Laura leave with Connie and thought that he must be the greatest lover that ever lived, and then he smiled to himself as he thought, yeah right! He knew that it was just wishful thinking. Aida watched César as he walked back to his friends. Morgan Mushega watched her watching César; she was always watching him.

Danston raised an inquiring eyebrow and César told him that he needed to use his room later in the night. “Change of plan I see. You always go to girls’ end. What’s up?” César replied, “Juliana told Laura that the Head Girl is on the lookout, and since girls almost never come to the boys’ end especially in the middle of the term, it would not occur to the prefects that Laura would do so.”
“Don’t be too sure about that,” Danston chipped in, “Aida’s like a hawk; she misses nothing.”
“True,” César agreed, “but right now Laura’s in her good graces and besides, things have been relatively quiet lately and security is a little lax.”
“Don’t worry; we’ve got your back,” Kaye said. Theo nodded his agreement and added, “And brother, you had better give us all the nauseating details.”
“I think I should write a book, ‘The Adventures of César Kamani…The Man Who Couldn’t Keep It Zipped Up’,” laughed Alex. César scowled at Alex. His friends laughed as they left the main hall. César wasn’t amused, his status as the school stud was becoming a strain.

Fool's Paradise

Chapter Three

Morgan Mushega was in the prefects’ common room when Aida Namatovu walked in. They exchanged greetings as Aida poured herself a cup of tea. She sat wearily in a chair. “You look like you’ve had a long day,” Morgan observed. Aida settled further in her seat and sighed after a sip of her tea, “That’s an understatement! Maureen Mukasa alone is enough to give anybody a nervous breakdown.” Morgan threw his head back, let out a roar of laughter and agreed, “Yes, I know what you mean. Between her, Anthony Baiga and the Senior 4s, it’s amazing the school’s still standing!”

Aida arranged her skirt primly around her legs with one hand as she took a sip from her cup. Looking at Morgan, she said, “To tell you the truth, I’m not looking forward to tonight. Saturdays are usually the craziest days and policing those kids is a nightmare.”
“Too true, but what I do is pretend that I’m not bothered by what they’re doing and pounce when they least expect it.”
“Ha! Whenever I try that, it never works…it’s like there’s a spy network that makes international security organisations look like non-starters!” Morgan let out another of his hearty chuckles, “Yeah, I know what you mean.”
As Morgan continued to chuckle Aida watched him, “I get the impression that you take things a little too lightly.” This made Morgan bristle, “Why?” Aida just shrugged her shoulders as she said, “It’s just a feeling.”
“Because I refuse to get uptight about everything around me...No I just like to look on the brighter things of life.” Morgan put his empty bottle of soda in an empty crate and walked stiffly out of the common room. Aida rolled her eyes as she continued sipping her tea and thought, now who’s being uptight?

♣ ♣ ♣

In Casablanca, a senior dormitory, Laura Kempuga admired her half-naked body in the mirror and screwed up her face in disgust. “Hmm,” she said, “I’ve put on some weight.” Her roommate Connie Mafabi turned to their friend Imelda Ariko and shook her head in amusement before turning back to face Laura, saying, “What weight? You’re still as slim as when you joined the school at the beginning of the term. Stop complaining, you’re just fishing for a compliment.” Laura grinned at them, “And you told me exactly what I wanted to hear. I have to look good for tonight.”
“Why do you have to look good tonight? You hardly ever bother to dress up for any of the dances,” said Juliana Kagimba as she entered the room.
“Yes, but tonight is different. I’m planning on giving César the best night he’s ever had, so I have to really put him in the mood.”
“Oh. I don’t understand this fixation you have with sex.”
“Juliana, dear, that’s the only way to keep a man.”
“No, it isn’t, Laura. Besides, have you thought about the STDs, HIV/AIDS and unwanted pregnancies that come along with sex?”
“You need to relax. You have a way of working yourself up. I know how to take care of business so stop worrying about me.”
“Trust me, Laura, most of the time it’s not by choice, you have a way of putting yourself in compromising situations.”
“Hey, I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself.”
“Oh don’t pay attention to Juliana,” Imelda interjected, she was excited, “Uh-huh, what’s the plan? Come on, Laura, give us details.”
“There’s no need to panic, all will be revealed in due course.”

Laura continued to admire her body in the mirror as Connie unveiled from beneath her pillow a soda bottle that was filled with bungu, a local drink distilled from cassava. Imelda grabbed at it eagerly and took a large swig. Juliana sighed, that was another thing she couldn’t understand, this tradition of consuming alcohol before a dance. She was glad she didn’t need any to enjoy herself; she believed it was all in the mind. Besides, alcohol had a tendency of making you do things that you normally wouldn’t do. “Exactly! That’s why we take it, it gives us courage,” said Connie. Juliana shook herself out of her reverie; she must have said the last bit out loud. She stood up and rummaged in Laura’s suitcase. “What’re you looking for?” Laura wanted to know.
“You’re hip huggers.”
“They’re hanging on the hook behind the door.” Juliana thanked her and left the room.

Connie made a face at the closing door. “How can you stand her?” she asked.
“Who?” Laura wanted to know.
“Juliana. She’s always putting on this ‘holier than thou’ act but I can tell that there’s passion boiling underneath that cool surface.”
“Juliana, passionate? Ha! That will be the day. Anyway, she’s a good person and I for one have no problem with her,” Imelda chipped in.
“I agree with Imelda, besides, she’s my best friend,” Laura added. Connie just shrugged her shoulders and said, “Okay.”

♣ ♣ ♣

At boy’s end, in Nairobi, Senior 2 student, James Adonnes was reading a book as he sat in the one of the courtyards. His classmate, Anthony Baiga entered the courtyard and stood over him. “Jamo, what is wrong with you?” he asked. James looked at him with a blank expression. “How can you be studying when everybody is getting ready for what promises to be the best dance of the term!” Anthony was incredulous. James just shrugged his shoulders and went back to his book.

In disgust, Anthony snatched the book from James who growled in exasperation. Anthony pointed an admonishing finger at him, “Now, now, temper, temper.” James glared at him as he said, “I think I have the right. Why don’t you just leave me alone? I would like to get some studying done before the dance. After all, a dance is just a dance.” Anthony made a dismissive gesture, “Yeah, whatever. Come, let’s go.”
“Where?”
“Let’s go.” James sighed, it was pointless arguing with Anthony; the boy was so persistent that he sometimes sounded like a broken record. He stood up and followed his decker-mate.

The two friends left Nairobi and sauntered into Dar-es-Salaam, also a junior dorm, and headed for the corner room on the right in the first courtyard. A boy who went by the name of Wendo let them in. Wendo was doing a booming business; his room was packed with eager students who wanted alcohol but were not brave enough to go to the village to get it for themselves. James wrinkled his nose in distaste and worried about being caught by the prefects. He turned to leave but Anthony held onto his arm. “Relax,” he said. James snatched his arm from Anthony’s grip and said, “Anto, this place is a trap and if you want to stay and get caught, that’s up to you but I’m not ready to get into trouble.”
“Kawa, that’s okay, let me get the swallow and we bust.” James shifted his weight impatiently from foot to foot as Anthony made his purchase, seeming to take forever. Finally, Anthony was ready to go and the two left Wendo’s room.

As they reached the courtyard door, a group of prefects swept passed them. The two friends stopped to see what they were up to. The prefects marched into Wendo’s room and immediately apprehended all in the room, some too intoxicated to comprehend fully what was taking place. One by one each prefect left the room pushing, supporting or leading the occupants of the room. Wendo was putting up quite a spirited fight but the prefect that had a hold of him away was a husky, no-nonsense young man who handled him quite well.

James turned to Anthony with a righteous look. Anthony made another of his dismissive gestures and marched out of Dar-es-Salaam. James shook his head in amusement as he followed his friend, Anthony did not like to admit that he was wrong.

Back in their cubicle, Anthony Baiga took a swig from the bottle that he had just bought from Wendo and handed it to James. When he didn’t reach for it Anthony asked, “What’s the matter?”
“Nothing, I just don’t feel like drinking.”
“Ach, stop being a sissy! Here, drink some, it won’t kill you.” James reluctantly took the bottle and sipped tentatively. When he noticed Anthony’s scrutiny, he took a large sip and screwed up his face, the stuff was disgusting. Anthony grinned and patted him on the back, “That’s more like it.” James watched him take another swig and wondered why anyone could derive any pleasure from such a foul tasting drink. Anthony offered James some more alcohol and then polished off the rest. The two friends grabbed their towels and basins as they headed for one of the courtyards to bathe. As they finished dressing, prefects came into the dormitory and herded all the boys out like cattle.

As they made their way down to the main hall, James felt light headed and stumbled. Anthony held his arm to steady him and hissed, “Will you chill! The prefects will see you and you’ll get us both into trouble.”
“You shouldn’t have forced me to drink.”
“Did I put a gun to your head?”
“You might as well should have.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing,” James muttered as he snatched his arm from Anthony’s grip and promptly stumbled again.
“What is your problem?”
“Nothing, just leave me alone!”
“Kawa, do what you want!” Anthony walked ahead in a huff. James stopped and took a moment to get his bearings back then followed Anthony into the main hall, joining him in their class line for roll call.

As Aida Namatovu prowled the main hall, she caught sight of James Adonnes joining his class line for roll call…she could have sworn that she saw him stagger. Shaking her head in disbelief, she prowled on; there was no way that James could be drunk.

♣ ♣ ♣

Back in Ouagadougou, the courtyard was packed with bathing students so The Posse dumped their basins by the water taps and headed for one of the senior six rooms.
After knocking on the door in the far corner a voice came from within, “Do birds fly?” César replied, “As high as a kite” The door was unbolted and opened. Danston Mugoya stood at the door bare-chested and grinning as he scratched his wild and unruly afro. He stepped aside and let the boys in. The room reeked of ganja as always.

Danston was the son of a very wealthy businessman who contributed heavily to the school. Everyone knew that he drank and smoked but because he pretty much kept to himself and because of his family connections, they left him alone. Besides, he was the favourite nephew of the Headmaster who was prone to disbelieving anything negative said about him.
Danston was also fiercely loyal to his friends, especially The Dudes of which he was part. He found that they were usually true to themselves and didn’t take any nonsense from anyone, definitely his kind of people. Oh, and another thing, they always secured him with some fine girls who they sometimes helped sneak into his single room. Danston was the only non-official with a single room.

Theo and César sat cross-legged on the floor as Kaye positioned himself by the desk behind the door and Alex joined Danston on his unmade bed. The host pulled from under his bed a one-litre bottle filled with bungu.

The bottle was passed around as they sipped from it. Danston lit a reefer and passed it around too. It was excellent weed. César watched his friends in wonderment while the mood became mellow as it kicked in. Smoking marijuana wasn’t one of his favourite activities and declined to partake in it.

They continued to guzzle the booze and it changed their disposition to a more active one. They decided that it was time to get ready for the dance. They gurgled mouthwash and hit the taps. Dressed to kill and smelling of expensive colognes the boys headed for the dance at the main hall.

Fool's Paradise

Chapter Two

Ouagadougou was in chaos. The party fever was building up. Everyone was shouting in a call and response manner. “Ouaga, Ouaga – Ouagie baby! Ouaga, Ouaga – Ouagie baby! We gonna Ouaga – Watch out baby! ‘CAUSE WE GONNA WAG IT RIGHT AT YOU!” Kaye, Alex, Theo and César joined in the cheer after which they all laughed raucously as they headed for their cubicle.

Ouagadougou was one large hall that was partitioned into cubicles, which accommodated two double-decked beds and two wardrobes. There were two doors on either end of the dorm. They opened to two courtyards that led to the senior six rooms.

The prefects were on the prowl. They knew that the late afternoon before a dance was the time students sneaked in alcohol. Two prefects sauntered into The Dude’s cubicle and struck up a conversation as they casually inspected the place, asking questions about miscellaneous items as if they held any interest for them.

Kaye shook his head as he chuckled, “You guys, why don’t you just come straight out and ask if we have any swallow?” The prefects stated that it was just a social visit. “Look, you’ve never “visited” us before and we know for a fact that you don’t like us and I know you haven’t gotten a change of heart, so why don’t you cut the bullshit, search the place and bust!” Theo couldn’t stand hypocrites; especially the ones he felt were stupid.

The prefects did not appreciate The Dude’s attitude and a confrontation was on the verge of taking place when Morgan Mushega entered. “I’ll take over from here,” he said to the prefects. With some reluctance, they left. Turning to his friends Morgan said, “How many times do I have to tell you to stop annoying my prefects? They’re just doing their jobs. Just chill them, okay?” There were murmurs of assent all round. “Good,” Morgan continued, “Hey César, I was wondering if I could borrow your black jeans.” César pointed him to where they were and soon Morgan was on his way. Theo commented, “Sometimes Morgan can be so worked-up, he’s the one who needs to chill!”

Four years of O’ level had seen them get into trouble for only minor infractions but never the more serious offences. Theo wondered why the prefects thought that the two years of A’ level would be any different. The others chuckled as they nodded their agreement. “You guys need to realise that it’s Morgan who keeps us out of trouble. Stop tempting fate,” said César.
“Now look who’s being so hot and bothered?” Theo joked. They all joined him in laughter. César sobered and remarked, “But seriously, we need to realise that we’re not above the rules.”
“Yeah, yeah, don’t get preachy on us. I’m off to bathe.” Alex grabbed his basin and towel as made his way to the first courtyard. The others followed suit.

♣ ♣ ♣

Meanwhile, at girls’ end, there was bustling activity as girls went about their preparations for the dance later that evening. The girls’ dormitories were larger than the boys’ dorms, each with rooms that accommodated six girls in the junior dorms and four girls in the senior dorms. The rooms in each dormitory shared a common corridor that led to a courtyard that was flanked by the bathrooms and the rooms of the girls in the highest class of both the junior and senior sections.

In Alexandria, one of the junior dormitories, sitting on her bed, Cassandra looked up from the novel she was reading as the door to the room flew open and slammed shut. She watched her best friend and roommate rush to the window and hand over a one-litre bottle that had been hidden underneath her jacket to a girl that was waiting for her outside who quickly disappeared. She then jumped into her bed seconds before the door flew open once again and the Head Girl, Aida Namatovu, stormed in. “Maureen Mukasa, you will tell me what you were hiding underneath your jacket!” Maureen replied in the weakest voice she could muster, “Nothing.”
“You will stop lying to me, Maureen!”
“I swear I’m not.”
“Then get out of your bed so I can check you.”
“But I’m sick; I think I’m getting malaria.”
“I don’t believe you. When I called you a few minutes ago, you were running like a mad woman, hiding something from me.”
“I wasn’t hiding anything. I was feeling dizzy so I was trying to rush to my bed before I collapsed.” Aida stepped to Maureen, pulled back her bed covers, and patted her down. She searched under the beds and then turned to Cassandra with a questioning look. Cassandra just shrugged and returned to her novel. Aida then turned back to Maureen, “You had better be telling me the truth.”
“I am. I’m just waiting for the medical assistant to open the medical room.” Aida gave her one final glare and swept out of the room.

Maureen giggled as Cassandra burst into laughter, “I swear, Mo, sometimes I think you enjoy living on the edge.” Maureen got out of her bed and shrugged off her jacket, “Well, what do you expect with this boring old school? There’s never any real action so one must create one’s own fun!”
“I hate it when you switch to that accent of yours. Anyway, you had better watch out because Aida is determined to catch you.” Maureen made a dismissive gesture, as they heard a knock at the window. The girl that had been handed the one-litre bottle earlier by Maureen was returning it minus half the contents. Maureen took it, thanking the girl who promised to reciprocate the next time. “No problem,” said Maureen.
Cassandra grabbed greedily at the bottle and took a large swig from it. Maureen raised a sardonic brow, “Cassandra Kamani! I hope you realise that’s alcohol and not water you’re guzzling like that. Be careful, you don’t want you’re brother seeing you drunk.”
“Ach! He can go to hell. I’m going to have some fun tonight in spite of him!”
The girls continued to drink then Cassandra asked where Maureen had got the alcohol; it tasted different. “This’ the real stuff, not that watered down nonsense that the other guys give us. I got this from Yona.”
“You’re really serious about that guy. There’s something shady about him. Besides, you know how him and his friends are always getting into trouble. You had better be careful.”
“He’s so irresistible, I can’t help myself.” Then Maureen leaned over to Cassandra in a conspiratorial manner, “Tonight, Yona and his teenies want to sneak us out of school for a drink up.”
“Are you mad? We could get into trouble!”
“Shh! There’s no need to shout. What’s the matter, Cass? Are you chicken? I’ve never known you to turn down an opportunity for some fun.”
“Well, this is not one of them. I told you I intend on having some fun tonight,” Cassandra said huffily