Amala leaned back and her eyes darted between the many cars they passed by as Jolene drove towards her new school. After taking her medication, the pain had subsided so she didn't show any discomfort again.
But even with that, Jolene couldn't stop worrying about her. She saw how Amala had held her stomach this morning and was worried that she might be sick but trying to act strong.
''Aunt, how do you feel now?'' Erica asked and Amala turned to look at her.
''Are you worried about me? I told you, I'm fine.'' Amala looked at Erica and smiled.
''We can go to the hospital if you are not feeling well. You don't have to report to school today.''
''I finally got the courage to go to school, do you want me to stay back again? I might just end up not going again.'' Amala replied.
''I'm just worried, that's all.'' Jolene said as she drove the car.
''I'd be fine.''
Ren City Royal High School
After driving for a few more minutes, Jolene pulled over in front of the school. She turned to Amala. ''We are here…''
''You are not thinking of sending me inside, right?'' Amala asked when she saw Jolene removing her car key.
''I am sending you inside.''
''No, don't! I am not a child Jolene. I am 18.''
''You are still a child to me. My little sister.''
''I don't care. You are not sending me inside. Just give me the transfer documents. I will go to the administrator's office myself and complete the other necessary things. Do you want the students to laugh at me on my first day at school?'' Amala went to the front seat and picked the documents in the envelope and closed the door.
''But…''
''No buts. I can see myself through the transfer. You already took care of everything. I just need to submit these documents, right?''
''Yes!''
''Then, we are good. Take Erica to school and go to work. I will take a taxi to the house when we close.''
Jolene looked at Amala and sighed. ''Alright, fine! I will leave the rest to you but you need to call me if anything happens, okay?''
''I will stop worrying and go to work already. I'm going in!'' Amala said and strapped up her bag behind her and turned to go. A lot of the students were already going inside, so she joined them and went inside.
''Mum, trust her. I think she will do well on her first day. At least, she won't cry like me because I missed you!'' Erica said and Jolene chuckled.
''Let's go then.'' Jolene drove away and a little while later, a black Benz pulled over and Leo got out of the car.
Year 3 class A
Amala could hear the chattering of the students inside the classroom as she walked slowly behind the teacher. Her hands gripped the bag tightly and she lowered her face.
''Get back to your desks, everyone!'' The homeroom teacher said when he entered into the classroom with Amala.
Upon seeing the new girl, some of the students looked at her with curious gazes while others mumbled amongst themselves.
Seated at the left far end of the window was Leo. He looked at Amala indifferently, taking in her every facial expression.
''How is everyone doing today?'' The homeroom teacher asked the students.
''Mr. Hugh, we will be fine if we don't take the test today.'' One of the female students said and the others chuckled.
''Not a chance. You are writing the test and if you fail, bring your parents.'' Mr. Hugh said.
The classroom erupted into another banter, letting out an 'oh' sigh.
''Alright, we have a new student here. She is on transfer to our school.
''Hey, transfer girl, which school did you come from?'' One of the male students asked.
''Be quiet, Eric.'' The teacher said before turning to Amala. 'Introduce yourself to them. They are your classmates.''
''I'm Amala, from Hans City.'' Amala said, keeping it short.
''All the way from Hans City? Isn't that very far from here? Why did you transfer to this school?''
''Charles, are you a detective? Why are you asking her so many questions?'' Mr. Hugh sighed and shook his head.
''Let me see… where would our Amala sit….'' The teacher casted his eyes around the classroom, looking for an empty desk. He settled on the one next to Leo and smiled. ''Amala, go and take the desk next to our class captain.''
''Thank you, Sir!'' Amala said and walked towards the empty desk. When she got there, Leo placed his bag on the table and turned his face away.
Amala looked at him and let out a sarcastic chuckle. She turned to look at another empty desk next to a female student and asked. 'It's this desk empty?''
''Huh?'' The female student looked at Amala. She had a shocked expression on her face. As if not expecting Amala to talk to her.
''I asked if the desk is empty?'' Amala asked again.
''Ye… yes, it empty but…''
''I will sit here then.'' Amala placed her bag on the table and sat down before the girl could finish her words. She looked at the girl and asked. 'You were saying…''
''I… nothing, you can sit. It doesn't matter. Since you will change very soon.'' The girl muttered.
''What are you talking about? What is your name?'' Amala asked. She had failed to notice the eyes of the rest of the class on her as she spoke to the girl.
''I… my name is Joy!'' The girl stuttered.
''Joy! I see.'' Amala said and chuckled. She looked up and noticed everyone watching her, including the teacher.
''Why are you all looking at me?'' Amala asked.
''No one likes to sit next to me. They are surprised that you did.'' Joy said timidly. Even she still didn't understand why Amala sat next to her.
Amala looked at Joy and asked. 'Are you smelling?''
'No!''
''Do you have bad grades?''
''Yes!''
''That makes the two of us. Relax!'' Amala patted Joy's shoulder and smirked. She turned to the teacher saying, 'Mr. Hugh, I can sit here, right?''