THE ULTIMATE TAKEOVER

The second week of April would always remain engraved in Brenda's mind, like a word written in indelible ink.

Then a student in a prestigious academy, she was in class and the teacher Mr Nichols was explaining some maths concepts when someone interrupted him.

This was not unusual as the teachers used to consult within themselves and the students would take the time to take a breath. Maths was not the easiest subjects.

Mr Nichols walked out and stayed away for a few moments and when he came back he looked awful. The murmuring class went back to silence as everyone's eyes looked at the teacher. He had obviously heard some devastating news, Brenda thought.

Instead of going back to the blackboard, the teacher came straight to where she was seated and whispered to her ear that she needed to accompany him to the principals office.

That's when she discovered that the look of devastation on his face had something to do with her.

Being a good student, she knew that she hadn't breached any school rules even as she rose to follow Mr Nichols outside.

The rest of the class started whispering even before she got to the door and her best friend Stella who was seated near the door said something inaudible, probably a good wish. Brenda whispered something back, unsure what to say as she walked out.

Mr Nichols stood at the hallway outside and when she got out he started walking in silence and she followed, deep in thought.

The principal's office was situated some fifty meters from Brenda's class, a distance that looked longer to Brenda that day.

Curiously and fear filled her in equal measure, curious to find out why learning had to stop due to her and fearful that she could be in trouble with the school adminstration.

A breach in school rules meant suspension or expulsion and she prayed that it wouldn't come to either of those.

Mr Nichols walked fast, prompting her to hasten to catch up and in a few moments they stood outside Mr Adams office.

A brass plate on his door left little doubt in a visitor's mind that they were inches outside the highest office in the school.

Teacher and student waited in silence for a minute then the door opened and the secretary ushered them inside. Mr Adams office was adorned with a beautiful carpet and she felt some guilt for stepping in with her shoes on. But she forgot that detail instantly because what she saw removed all fears of expulsion and suspension from her mind. She started worrying for her father.

In the vast office the principal sat at the furthest end of the long table while on the surrounding seats was a man she didn't like, her uncle, her father's brother. Both men were drinking something from enamel cups, their moods sombre.

In all her school life, her father never sent anyone to represent him on matters related to her education, least of all his brother because he already knew that Brenda hated him.

Ever since her mother died of cancer, her dad was always there for her, ensuring that she had all that she needed and giving her solace from the loss. He would always be waiting at the school car park waiting at the end of the day to take her home irrespective of his busy schedule at work and the two had grown to form a very strong bond. They were inseparable.

Her father was the director of a huge corporation that dealt with computer software, importation and assembly, and her uncle worked for him.

Brenda didn't hide her dislike and contempt for the uncle, which arose from his drinking habits and the noises he made while he was drunk. They simply didn't please her. He would insult her father, accusing him of stealing the company from the family but her father would do nothing about it. She had tried to find out from her father why his brother hated him that much and the origin of the accusations but her dad kept on postponing the answer. Maybe she will find out on her own, she had resolved.

Now that she was in a boarding facility, it was a while since she saw her dad. He had driven her to school at the beginning of the term and she was looking forward to his visit over the weekend. She really missed him and she was certain he missed her too.

But now the sight of her uncle unsettled her and she knew that something bad had happened to her father. She only prayed that he was alive.

“Welcome Mr Nichols and Brenda. May you get seated." The principal said without preamble.

Brenda looked at her uncle, seeking for his eyes, looking for some hidden message but he bowed his head, avoiding eye contact.

“Sorry for interrupting your learning but there's something very important and unfortunate that everyone needs to know. It's my tendency not to delay the delivery of bad news." He added.

“Brenda am sorry but your father has met an unfortunate accident while on a sightseeing tour in Africa. Sorry, but your father has passed away." The principal said.

A moment of silence prevailed as all eyes converged on Brenda, each gauging her actions. She bowed her head, tears running down her cheeks as she digested the awful news in the silent office. In all her life she didn't think that her father could die. She always thought that he was immortal, the only good friend she had.

Her head now was a mixture of feelings as she imagined the loss she had just incurred. She couldn't believe that she was now an orphan, left in the hands of a man she detested. She suddenly hated her father for dying without even biding her goodbye.

“Brenda," The principal said, “Your uncle came to take you home. We'll excuse you for all the time you need for the funeral." She heard part of his speech, the rest she disregarded as she was consumed by a mixture of feelings. From the corner of her eye, she saw her uncle as he rose from his chair and limped towards her. He came nearer but every step he made infuriated her.

In a moment he stood by her then he tapped her shoulder. All her resentment towards him escalated and she sprang up, dusting away his hand. He stood back in shock as the principal and Mr Nichols sprang to their feet to witness.

“Don't touch me. Go on now and celebrate, I know you are happy that he's dead." She said as she burst into loud sobs.