Accidents

The clouds finally parted for the shy sun, which had been hiding behind them for the past few days. The day should be good. The warmth and brightness is emotionally pleasing. As the last bell rang for students to assemble in the school hall, handful of students scattered all around the compound made a beeline to the main building, with the discipline master already hot on their heels, his whistle blown rudely at the reluctant students.

My class was famed for being the most fun, with equivalent number of boys and girls, balancing out the shyness of the ladies and the vigour of the men. Things were always well for my class... except for the case of Gerald. Gerald was a scrawny boy. Donned with a thick pair of black spectacles and always seen with a bulging bag which threatened to have him topple over backwards, he was, in no time, given the name of 'dork' by other schoolmates.

This did not bother my class one bit as geek he may be, he was always the one to usher in trophies and awards for excellent academic performances and for that, we were proud of him. The class has always protected him from bullies in the school. They, unfortunately, could not be there for him all the time.

This day, the tree leaves rustled and its weak stems swayed. It was the monsoon season and the ominous clouds plagued the region by the early afternooon once more, rolling over each other, creating layers of dark clouds, and threatened to hurl their contents to the ground. No longer did I first thought of the beauty of nature, the storm started. The rain splashed against the window panes noisily and wind trying to seek shelter in the classrooms howled angrily at our refusal to open the windows. The water level started to augment as the rain continued for hours.

Everyone craved for a bowl of hot noodles and headed towards the canteen to warm themselves during recess. All except Gerald, who stayed in class to study for the history test to be held on the next day. Along the way to the library, he inadvertently bumped against Japhef, the widest boy in the level, apparently too engrossed in the textbook. As his muttered apology went unheard, Japhef twirled Gerald around by the arm and started hurling profanities at him.

Japhef was infamous. His large build had contributed to his confidence and he found joy in challenges- physical challenges. Japhef's sidekicks dragged Jerald back to their class and Gerald, afraid to the point of turning pale, trembled as he was led to the most notorious class. He was heading for the Lions' Den, and he had no help.

It was a ruckus in the classroom. Bits of paper lay neglected on the floor and the smell of sweat intertwined with strong deodorant intoxicated Gerald, causing his nose to wrinkle in disgust. People were seen crowded around a corner of the classroom. There was a wrestling match. Gerald glanced at the clock nervously.
'Fifteen minutes, fifteen more minutes and they will come look for me'
he sought to pacify himself.

Japhef's two bulky friends held Gerald tight as he tried to escape from looking at people receiving punches and kicks in their groins. He squealed and winced as if experiencing the pain as he witnessed the acts of violence, until attention was on him and Japhef stepped into the 'ring', a smile playing on his lips, beckoning him forward.

He could wet himself in fear. People were cheering but the room seemed blur. Forcefully pushed into the empty centre as girls around squealed for Japhef's imminent victory, Gerald became flustered and began begging for mercy, pouring out his apology.
'Ten more minutes. Oh God, please!'
his mind pleaded.

'Oh no, Gerald. Accidents do happen, I'm aware..but with me, accidents do not go off without consequences,'
Japhef's tone was arrogant as he looked down upon a kneeling Gerald.
'Let's begin.'

Cheers erupted and blanketed Gerald's screams. He has not told anyone. He has not told anyone why he never joined the class for Physical Education, why he was always buried in books and why he could not feel too much- he had a weak heart.

As he took on the blows of Japhef, struggling to stand, he heard girls' squeals become urgent warnings but he could only see blurry outlines. He felt a sick twisting sensation in his chest and doubled over in pain. He felt his uniform become wet as light started to fill his eyes. Then, blank.

The whole class stood outside the operating theatre, with Japhef's class at the other end. Some girls from my class were crying while the boys stood solemn, occasionally casting a glare at Japhef.

The police had been called in and were speaking to Gerald's father as his mother sobbed quietly at his side. The light of the operating theatre went off as a doctor walked out. Snippets of the conversation was heard and the girls stopped crying in relief. Gerald was still with us.

The policewoman then went over and handcuffed Japhef and his two pigs while they started to protest. The members of the class looked away in shame and guilt as the policewoman handled them. As they made their exit, Japhef let out a violent outburst
'BUT IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT!'
and my class smiled as the policewoman replied sternly.
'Accidents do happen, I'm aware but yours is too frequent and in the eyes of the law, they are not without consequences...'


it doesnt end here...
2:12 AM
0 Comments