Chapter One

"Bzzzt, bzzzt, bzzzt!" That's the alarm for school. Upon waking up my brain replays the last few scenes of my dream. I started to wriggle and stretch within my cozy, warm, haven that is my bed. As parts of my body were gradually turning on, I realized today was my big trip to the Oli Oli Museum. I leaned over my bulky blue clock. I switched it off. Suddenly my body's systems were all on go. At this, I pounced from my bed like a hunting puma. I was already feeling fired up for the day. Oli Oli was a spacious indoor sanctuary where there were hands-on activities for families to come together, play, and bond. Kids are free to wander, wonder and discover in spaces designed to foster their creativity, curiosity, and imagination. I didn't know much about it but this was all I heard from everyone else. My friend went there once and she told me that it was good wholesome fun. She told me there was an air gallery where you could create your flights (I don't know how) and learn about aerodynamics. There was a similar water gallery too and a future park. This was going to be an educational trip.

Under the shower, I thought about the Kho Kho championship that was approaching. For three years my blue house had won back-to-back and I was counting on our win this year too. Now I was in grade eight, almost a senior. Our P.E teacher will announce the name for the captain and vice-captain post and I had given my name for the position of vice-captain. Last year I secured the best defender title and I was extremely proud of it. Now if I were to become the vice-captain I would be thrilled about my achievement. I looked around my modern, tiled large contiguous, contemporary bathroom. I glanced at the two sinks, the marble flooring, and the rug. It was a full bathroom. I quickly exited. The day dawned crisp and clear. The first rays of sunlight lit up my room. The dawn chorus of melodic birdsong drifted in. The best part about my room was the furniture and layout. I have a bed right in the middle of my squarish room, which takes up quite a bit of space, but I like it that way. You may find me laying there reading a book in the natural light coming through my window, which is my main source of light. There is a Fresco bedside table, a sliding cupboard and there is a mirror hanging on my off-white walls above a small table. The accessories in my room are small but big enough. It is filled with different kinds of art and photos. On the wall is a black outlined photo frame with photos of me and my family and our holiday to Australia.

My senses are all over the show when it comes to my room. It smells like fresh vanilla because of the bowl of dried petals and shells that have been smothered with air freshener. It feels warm in the morning because of the natural light that comes streaming in and in the afternoon it feels cold cause of the sun moving to the other side of the house. It looks good with all the light colors fitted into my room, and with the dark blankets covering my bed. It's nice to get up to something like that. The fresh air circulates the room which gives me a sense of new relaxation. My bedroom looks smells and feels great.

After I got dressed this was a polka-dot gaudy shirt with straight blue pants and a yellow sleeveless open sweater I went downstairs for breakfast. I was wearing ankle boots. When it comes to casual wear, I tend to shy away from avant-garde looks. I mostly stick to trendy, simple ensembles that stand out a little. I don't like outfits that are screaming too loud. Unlike my little sister, who was eight and fashionable from an early age. Her wardrobe smelled of perfume and ballet shoes mostly. She was very girly and I was described to be the boyish type. Well, I was a lot into sports and wearing Nike most of the time. I even had a Nike bag that my dad bought me last year.

As I was going downstairs I saw dad and Amelia at the breakfast table. It smelled of eggs and French toast. My dad looked at me and said hello to me.

"Hey Dad", I said gleefully.

"All set for the excursion?"

"Yes, Dad", I replied straightforwardly.

"Have fun dear. And take a lot of pictures of the museum and let me know", he said interestingly.

My dad was a senior architect at Icon Architects & Engineers. This massive house that we lived in was provided by the company. I lived in the town of Beaufort which was a well-developed and sophisticated town. This was where I was born. After breakfast, my dad dropped me at Beaufort High School in his four wheels Toyota Matrix. I am lucky that my school follows up both; a wonderful school building and strict discipline for quality education. My school has a big colorful, multi-story building. It has wide spacious rooms. The boundary wall also looks very beautiful. My school is a campus school. There are separate sections of KG level students, primary, elementary, and high school students. It has all facilities inside. In the mid of the school building, there is a big auditorium hall. The auditorium hall of my school is used for various school purposes like celebrating events, and festivals, and for other extracurricular activities. It is very large and spacious. The classrooms at my school are spacious and airy. Its windows are wide and colorful. There are charts, graphs, and other wallpapers on the walls of my school building. My school has an excellent building structure. The multi-story building serves all the students very well. I was proud of my school. I was enrolled here since kindergarten. My school was very sophisticated and it had everything in it.

Chapter Two

The big colorful gate of my school welcomes us daily. I saw a lot of other students like me wearing the nicest clothing. It was a day to go out so we weren't required to wear our school uniform but put on any formal or casual clothes. In a distance, I saw Madeline waiting for me. She was wearing an A-line dress with a yellow flowery print and combat boots. She was wearing an olive-colored jacket. The color of my sweater matched her dress. Madeline was my best friend since kindergarten. She is the person whom I admire most for her personality and friendly attitude. At first, I was a bit disturbed by her excessive talking because I was introverted. Later, I realized that she was a girl of an outgoing nature. We did a lot of things together. Both of us love to read books and science fiction was our favorite genre. We exchanged books. Sometimes we also had some assignments together for our classes. Watching movies regularly had become a passion for us. Besides, both of us had a common goal. We loved to shop. So, visiting the malls was a kind of hobby for us. Once every month we move to shop but we do not buy all the time. We had developed some common interests so far. I had countless memories with her.

"Hey, Isabella! Over here!" Madeline waved her hand excitedly from a distance even though I had spotted her the moment I entered the gate. I ran to her and gave her a pleasantly resilient hug. She was a bit taken aback I noticed, but she smiled anyway and gave me a quick welcome. We both were excited about the excursion to The Oli Oli Museum.

"Where are the others? Nova, Lily, Grace, and Maya…" These were my other close friends. All of us knew each other since kindergarten and we all never left each other since then. I was extremely lucky to have all of them and I couldn't imagine my life without them. They were my best pals. We were more like sisters.

"They all are inside the classroom. They are waiting for you. Let's go." We both darted to our classroom. Nova was sitting on top of the table. Maya was standing and Lily was sitting on the desk chair like a well-behaved girl so was Grace.

"Hey" all four of them greeted me at the same time.

"What's up?" I answered them. They all seemed well dressed! Lily was super rich so she was wearing a high neck with a leather jacket and matching pants with timberland boots. I noticed some shiny jewelry around her neck was she wearing a ring? It was October and the weather was almost chilly. Nova was wearing a shirt and a skirt with black leggings and beige pumps. Grace had put on wide jeans and a white t-shirt with fancy earrings and colorful sneakers. Maya was wearing a basic pink dress with gladiator slippers. I was elated to see all my friends in their casual clothing. The anticipation of just watching them in fancy clothes was on another level. Not that there was the competition between us but we were mature enough to see our friendship past everything.

The huge buses were all set to take us. We all made a queue when the teacher signaled us and we went and sat inside the bus. The whole time on the bus the girls were bawling and clapping and singing the song 'We will rock you'.

After an hour, we reached our destination. Oli Oli Museum was something unimaginable. At the entrance was a big yellow signboard that showed the map of the museum. As I stood there I saw that it was divided over two sensational floors of discovery, eight different galleries, and forty hands-on exhibitions. First, we bounced in the net of Toshi. Toshi was a giant nylon net-part playground, part trampoline- designed by Japanese textile and fabric artist Toshiko Horiuchi MacAdam. Then we went into the creative lab where a guide showed us ways to create and destroy things with some unusual synthetic chemicals. Next, we had a lot of fun in sketch town where whatever you drew was made in 3D. The photos of Sketch Town can be transformed into unique 3-D paperwork that children could take home. I drew a small UFO that got converted to 3D. I wanted to show it to my dad. He would be surprised. I clicked a lot of pictures with my digital camera. We had to do everything in pairs so I was paired up with Madeline. She was particularly captivated by the future park where we stayed and enjoyed a bit longer. There were big screens that showed many futuristic park models and how technology could replace the traditional concept of a park. The ideas in the videos were incredible. Then we went to the air and water gallery where we experienced aerodynamics and built planes and rockets. We had a blast at the hurricane booth. In the water gallery, we danced in the rain, played with a water vortex, fired a ball cannon, and washed a real car along with rich opportunities to explore the natural world and scientific principles (vortices, buoyancy, density, pressure, gravity, and so on). Finally, we explored laws of motion and experienced kinetic energy at Incredi-Balls.

The day came to a wrap and we headed back to our school. The next day as it was 7:45 and I had fifteen minutes with Madeline before the first period. We had a conversation.

"Hey, Isabella. How's life? We had amazing fun at the Oli Oli Museum. My mother couldn't believe how a place could be so revolutionary. She was so mesmerized after the experiences I shared with her. The best part was the future park and even the water gallery…." She wanted to continue but I cut her off.

"I've thought of participating in the dance show. Will Nova accompany me? Can I ask her to perform with me? I mean she is a very good dancer…" I said solemnly.

"Oh! The dance show that will be aired on TV! Do you want to participate? Go ahead. You can ask Nova. Fingers crossed!" After a minute, Nova appeared out of nowhere.

"Hey, I overheard you guys. Okay, Isabella. I'm ready to escort you. My sister can teach us the dance steps and if you want we can practice once a week on the weekends. My sister Mia has a passion for dancing and she has even taken some dance classes. So….." Nova's voice was brisk and wobbly at the same time.

"That's great", I responded. "Thanks, Nova"

Chapter Three

"Okay, Class, May I have all your attention, please?" Our teacher Miss Maria continued. "The selection for the Kho Kho tournament today is in the auditorium. Your sports teacher has called all of you there." The whole class started murmuring altogether. I heard my name in the murmur. My friends must be expecting me to win the vice-captain. I was expecting the same for myself. I've worked very hard and proved myself enough to get considered by the sports teacher. Every year I have participated in all sports competitions and won first, second or third place. If I became the vice-captain today, tomorrow I could have a chance of carrying the torch at the opening ceremony of the sports day. Like Sophia, the sports champion of our school. Sophia was Lebanese and she was the most known person in the school. Her style, her attitude, her good looks, and her confidence; everything about her was perfect and admirable. She was the captain of the blue house and this year she would carry the torch and mark the opening of the sports day. One day I wished to reach where she was now and I had full belief in myself as I was the best. It was my dream to carry the torch. And I was getting there quickly. I had other plans as well like to join the beauty contest if there was one in Beaufort someday shortly.

I am very beautiful. That's what I always heard about myself from my friends, their parents, and my relatives as well. I was very noticeable and hypnotic. I have thick silky hair, white complexion, round eyes, a small nose, and a prominent jaw. I have a heart-shaped face and broad skinny shoulders. I am very tall and skinny. Nova once brought me a red satin shirt and she got me a children's size. I had to make her return that as it didn't fit me. Why does everyone think that I am size zero?

The respective houses were gathered in the auditorium. Our sports teacher Ms. Rena who was an Indian was also present. She was old and crinkly and whenever she spoke she talked arrogantly just to show that she had some class. I believed that was the result of her aging only and she wasn't haughty or anything. Sophia was there standing next to her. Ms. Rena eyed us all with a curious mind before she began. She had a paper in her hand where the names of the candidates that were selected were written down. Was my name in there? I tried to peep but I just saw blurred writing from far away.

"Are all the houses here...right from class five to class nine?" she said assertively.

"Yes, Ma'am", we all replied in a chorus.

"Girls, you know that this tournament isn't very easy…" the stress on the word easy. Man! Her accent was crazy. "Only one house wins. The winning team will be awarded a hundred points and the second place will get thirty points."

I was listening with all ears and I was nervous but excited too. Kho Kho was my favorite game and I was always unbeaten at it. As I mentioned I not only got the best defender award last year but I was the one responsible for the team win.

"Starting from the Green House…" She should stop flaunting a British accent, I said to myself. She took a pause and continued...

"Samantha Dan is the captain...And June is the Vice-captain". All the girls started clapping and cheering for both of the girls.

"Now, the Blue House"… my House... "The captain is Carla. Congratulations Carla. Please step forward. Carla, you are responsible to train the whole team alongside your vice-captain which is Isabella Anderson."

Instantly my face flushed with excitement and I marched proudly and stood beside Carla. Ms. Rena revealed the names of the other two Houses and then she dismissed us all back to our classrooms.

Madeline was immensely happy for me so were my other friends. She congratulated me and Maya, Lily, Nova, and Grace cheered up for me. They wished me good luck in the tournament. I had a huge responsibility on my head to get my whole team in place for the big day. I felt on top of the world.

Chapter Four

It was Lily's birthday. She invited the whole class, all thirty of the girls. But only twelve showed up including me. I have celebrated many parties in my life. Birthday parties are a culture of this town. It was binding for us all to celebrate our birthdays and exchange gifts with each other. My birthday was in May and this was the fourth birthday that I was attending so far this year. A lot of snacks and drinks were arranged according to everybody's choices and preferences. One of the best things about this party was that the birthday girl had a surprise for all of us. She had picked out pictures from our school days, created a slideshow out of it, and played it on a large screen. And then, she gave a full 30-minute-long speech, reminiscing all the good old days. She even organized some games such as musical chairs, treasure hunt, and passing the parcel.

Lily's house was luxurious. She had beautiful high-arched windows and velvet drapes framed the windows. Better than mine.

I won the musical chairs. I was always good at winning games. I had a streak of good luck that always made me win.

The next day in the break-time me and all of my friends sat outside our classroom discussing the boys in the other section. I am not into boys nor will I ever be.

"I have a boyfriend", Grace exclaimed.

"Who is he?" I blurted out. I was a bit taken aback to hear that. That was offensive. I wanted to concentrate on winning sports tournaments and get to carry the torch at the opening ceremony of the sports day one day. I didn't have any time for this nonsense.

"He is Indian," Grace said instantly. "We have been dating for a month now", she said proudly. "He is very serious with me. He even let me meet his little brother. I spoke to his baby brother and he is so cute!"

"Now that's grave… when you have met a member of his family," Maya said assuredly. "Is that why you put on eyeliner every day?"

"No!" Grace quickly disapproved.

"Hey, Isabella, why don't you see anybody? You are gorgeous and everyone knows that. My mother asks about you all the time. She always tells me Nova where is your stunning friend? Nova give her the necklace that your grandma gave you, it will look lovely on her, blah, blah…" Nova said… "She is a fan of you I must say" she added.

I was flattered at what Nova said. Everyone liked me a lot. I was happy and lucky at the same time. A splendid combination it was. So far I wasn't let down by anything in my life, not at home or in school. There were a hundred reasons to be happy. I had a rich dad, a big house, a sister who was great heed, and friends whom I could share everything with, my happiness, and also my sorrows. They also walked with me in every step of my life! I was in a well-cultured school and I had brimming plans in this school. I was waiting for high school and I was sure my journey would be foolproof.

"So when are you giving me your grandma's jewelry?" I asked skeptically.

"Hey give it to me too!" Maya called out. "Am I not your best friend?"

"Sure! I'll bring one for you too punch kin", Nova said pleasingly.

"Yeah, right," Maya said dismally. "Sure you will".

At this, we all laughed crazily, and then the school bell rang.

Chapter Five

It was the month of December. The sky was overcast with clouds and chilly winds were blowing. The temperature went down to minus zero degrees. But in our town, it never snowed. During winter, schools usually take a break and close down. My dad planned a visit to the hill station in Clinton. Last year we didn't go so we planned to go for a family vacation this year. Clinton was my mom's hometown and my grandparents lived in that town. Everyone knew that the town was a ghetto; it was a shanty town, underprivileged, and mainly had an impoverished infrastructure and tenement housing. I detested that town. Many of my relatives lived there and I heard that the schools there weren't very well developed.

Anyway, that town was a good hang out and we usually enjoyed our stay. We get to eat the traditional foods that my grandmother cooked and the town was known for its rich culture and delicacies.

We made the trip and to be honest it was just a time pass for me. There was no place to go, just a local zoo and a butterfly-themed park and there was a shopping mall which I went to with my sister Amelia and my cousin Jack. This shopping mall was grand as compared to the other shops in Clinton. The wealthy of the town came to buy clothes here. I found the pricing to be very cheap. Jack didn't bring any money with him. I had a lot of cash with me so I bought him some clothes, a jacket, and two t-shirts. He was thanking me for it the whole day and I told him that it was nothing. He even wanted to repay me but I let that go too. Jack was my second cousin. We were close. He went to the best school in Clinton which was not so best as compared to my school. He never talked about his school and I never knew what his school looked like from the inside or what the academics of the school were. Were there even sports here or even any excursions? I had not yet seen any school here so I didn't have any idea nor I had imagined anything.

I loved the tasty food my grandmother made especially her meatloaf and the Jambalayas. Next, our whole family including my cousin went to the zoo. I clicked many pictures and noticed that the lion was missing from the cage. Where was the lion? Regardless, we took pictures of other animals. Later that day we had a delicious lunch and went back home on public transport. The public transport in Clinton was shabby and we almost didn't fit in the minibus. My cousin Sarah laughed watching me adjust onto my aunt's lap. I felt embarrassed. Well, most of our time was spent at my grandparent's house. After fifteen days our trip came to an end my family packed their bags and we all said our goodbyes. The trip was all right, nothing special. I already didn't like my mother's hometown and I wanted to get back home as soon as possible. The day we came back Nova called me.

"Hey Bella, How are you? How was your vacation?"Nova spoke in a cheerful tone.

"It was okay! Nothing extraordinary happened." I said indifferently.

"Why? I thought you were eager to go to your hometown…"

"My mom's hometown", I cut her off.

"Oh, yeah". She quickly discerned the fact... "Hey listen. About the dance practice, my sister has agreed to coach us. Why don't you come tomorrow and we can practice every week over the weekends? I have picked the song and I have learned some beginning steps."

"That's amazing. I'll be there tomorrow at five." I hung up the phone.

I went to the dance practice and it was surprising to see Nova's sister flickering to the song. The choreography was phenomenal but my dancing was pathetic. I couldn't even move my arm. I was as stiff as a board but Mandy; Nova's sister was appreciative and patient. I felt lucky as I was going to be aired on national television. I was tickled and anxiously waited for my day to come on TV. I would make everyone jealous. I would be a star and everyone would take my autograph and then maybe I could take part in a beauty contest in the future. I had to focus and concentrate on being a winner. And I guess that I already was. Things were going my way for the time being.

It was Monday, the second of January. It was the parent-teacher meeting day. The result of the first term was being given out today to the parents. I got up at 9 am, had a light breakfast with my family, and got dressed. I wore denim pants with an Adidas shirt. My sister Amelia wore a light blue frock with grey slippers. It was her result day too.

I was frantic and nervous at the same time. My exams were great and I knew I had gotten the highest marks. I started to work hard last year. This year there was even better news I knew somehow. My life and luck were going too well to betray me. Luck is where opportunity meets preparation.

"Greetings Mr. and Mrs. Anderson! I have been expecting you both. I am Isabella's class teacher. Isabella did well." My class teacher spoke to my parent. She started looking for my report card in the files and when she finally found it she handed it to my father.

My father eyed my report card skeptically. It took him a while to read it.

"Isabella is a very bright student. She has been working hard as her report indicates. She got the third rank with 93%." My class teacher continued.

Third? For a moment a pang of nostalgia engulfed me. I didn't want to be third, I wanted to be first. Nevertheless, my father was happy and proud of me. He was constantly giving my example to Amelia throughout the day. I rolled my eyes. I was furious though. Now I will work even harder, I said to myself. I could have been happier with first place. I felt a bit disappointed in myself.

Amelia got 4th place which quickly made my dad cheerful.

"Let's go and get a treat and celebrate shall we?" my dad joked.

"I don't know. Can we go to McDonald's?" I mentioned.

"Anything dear", he replied amiably.

Chapter Six

I called Nova and told her I was coming home for the dance practice. My dad dropped me at her place. Nova lived in a flat on the sixth floor. She had only two rooms in her house. We practiced in a small area. The song was 'Whenever' by Shakira. Dancing is not my sport, but soon it did become my passion that I want to work hard for in my spare time I put more effort into it and I never want to give up no matter what. I was getting better and more flexible each day. That's why they say practice makes perfect. I was enjoying my dance practices thoroughly and I was going to Nova's house every other day. When the day arrives for me to show myself I have to put everything I have learned in a month. I seldom get exhausted and I never want to give up because my urge is to be the best dancer in my school. Now people will call me 'The Dancer'. I found that one must keep dancing in their spare time to become an expert in this sport. When you perform in front of many people that is the most exciting part and performing in front of national television is the best part.

Finally, the big day arrived. Nova and I got dressed did our make- up and at 1 pm sharp head out for the channel 44 studio. We went to Land Cruiser which belonged to Nova's uncle. On route, Nova explained to me that we would also get interviewed so I had to be ready for any sort of questions they would put forward. I became hesitant. I didn't want to get interviewed I just wanted to perform and come back. However, all my worries evaporated as we reached the studio. The view of the territory was breathtaking. There was a vacant green land full of tulips and other types of flowers. It was a highly fragrant garden. The birds were chirping and I saw bees and butterflies too. I felt exotic. It seemed like heaven. There wasn't any concrete path to walk on to get to the small building in the middle of the vast land. So we had to walk through the greenery. It was enjoyable to walk on the grass which was damp and dewy. It seemed to take like forever to reach the entrance of the building. 'Channel 44' the sign read. As we entered through the big door we were directed left to a much smaller room. I was amazed at the camera setup in that small room. There were three bulky cameras controlled by three men. Two more men were sitting on a chair behind the camera probably monitoring them. In the front, there was a small center stage and to the left was a sofa with a tiny table where a man and a woman were sitting. They were the TV presenters.

There was already a performance going on when we entered. A group of five girls was performing Bharatanatyam which was an Indian Classical dance. They wore a vibrantly colorful sari with a pleated stitched cloth in the front that fanned out during their leg and knee movements. The sari was draped specially and their hair was tied in a tight bun adorned with flowers or the gajra. They were all well turned out. Unlike Nova and I, who wore denim bell bottoms and a denim shirt. We thought of ways to elaborate our costume and ended up putting a shiny bandana on our waists that had metallic bells that made a sound when they moved. We were a bit underdressed but we were confident and prepared. The cameras were capturing the Bharatanatyam dance perfectly.

After ten minutes, their Bharatanatyam ended. There was a fifteen-minute break and after that Nova and I were called to the sofa for the interview. A camera was straight in front of us. The couple who was sitting right in front of us was quite young, in their thirties, and quite appealing and handsome. They looked like typical VJs, young and energetic. They would take our interview in a short while. I was uncertain about the question they would ask us. It was my first time in front of a camera and I felt bizarre. I was almost about to puke.

The presenters said something facing the camera which I couldn't figure out as I wasn't listening to them. But it seemed that they were giving the audience a short introduction to us.

"How do you feel giving a dance performance in front of so many people and what will you be performing on?", the woman gestured to us in a gentle but elegant tone.

"We feel happy here and nice to perform on the song 'Whenever' by Shakira." Nova tried to be merry but only sounded croaky. I felt that her response was nothing momentous. The hostess passed on the mike to me.

"Umm…. I paused. I gave an awkward smile. I felt like an idiot. A total moron. But loser was not in my dictionary. However, I didn't know what to say or how to say so after ten seconds Nova replied on my behalf. This was a recorded show and I hoped they would edit the video and cut out my part of the interview. I truly prayed for that.

Nova and I made our positions on the stage. The song began and we started to shake our buttocks and the bandana made a jingling sound. The lights were all focused on us so were the cameras. I danced with all the energy in my muscle and surprisingly I remembered all the steps. I didn't know how Nova was performing as my eyes were looking right into the camera in the front. Later on, Nova explained to me that she had forgotten a few steps and she looked at me and tried to imitate me. She said that she had lost some of her steps in between.

I didn't know when the show was aired on television but a few days later my dad's friend called us for dinner. After dinner when we all sat together, Molly, my dad's friend's daughter who was like eight came up to me with a notepad in her hand and asked me for an autograph. She said that she had seen me on TV on channel 44. I immediately felt all high and mighty and gave her the autograph.

Chapter Seven

I was sitting in my classroom copying sentences from the whiteboard when the school accountant knocked on my classroom door. She that Isabella was needed in the principal's office. I was startled as our principal hardly met any students. She never showed herself to anyone.

Nevertheless, I left my classroom for the principal's office. Her room was near the main entrance of the school. I became increasingly anxious as I walked nearer and nearer to the principal's room. When I reached the office; I paused for a second then I raised my hand and knocked at the door.

"Come in", she said. I entered her air-conditioned room. The air was chilly and it smelled of leather and white ink remover.

"Yes madam"

"Isabella please sit down." I sat on the big leather chair and looked at her face. Is this real? What could be the matter?

"Your mother just called in and I am afraid she had sad news. Your father had just passed away, he met in an accident. I am so sorry."The principal spoke with compunction.

"What?" I could suddenly feel my heart come into my throat. My eyes widened. Hardly any reaction came out of my mouth. I realized that I couldn't speak. Nonetheless, I sat in the office and waited for my uncle to arrive and pick me up. Soon I and Amelia were on our way home. My mom was sobbing quietly. I went and hugged her and tried to console her. How could I even? When I was in despair and didn't know what was going to happen. Amelia was shocked and speechless.

I didn't go to school for a whole week then my mother gave me some shocking news.

"But why mom? Why do we have to shift to Clinton? Everything is good here, our lives are perfect here…"I wailed. My mother told us that we didn't have money now nor a house as the company was about to take the house away. My mother had some savings to support us but that wasn't enough.

"Honey, it's for the better. We have to go to Clinton and live with our grandparents until we find a new home. There's a school there, Clinton High School where you will continue your education. You and Amelia. We have nothing left. You need to understand. Amelia is happy. It's for the best." My mom lectured us. All seemed ambiguous to me and I didn't have any good feelings about the migration. Something didn't feel alright, like something bad was about to happen. We had to leave our term in the middle of March and go to Clinton. Our grandparents and Cousin Jack greeted us at the airport. It felt awkward to move permanently out here or at least till when my mom wished us to go back. I wasn't staying here forever in this shanty town, I swore to myself but time will pass quickly and maybe we'll go back next year. I already started feeling sick and repulsed at the airport. After an hour we were in our grandparent's house. Their house was old and small. There were hardly any spare rooms so I slept on the sofa in the drawing room for the time being until my mother found us a new house. The sofa was cramped up so I felt uneasy on it every night and I couldn't sleep well. The food that my grandmother cooked rectified the erratic sleep.

After two weeks we found a new home. I expected a big and appealing house but instead, the house was ramshackle made of bricks and cement and the architecture was a bit worn out (wasn't that bad). There were two rooms, a small kitchen, and an open dining area and the flooring was concrete and dusty. We had to clean the whole house before moving in. We didn't buy any furniture, just small steel (Cheap ones) sofa set, two mattresses, a television, a mirror, a refrigerator and that's all. We couldn't even afford an air conditioner, but later on, those were installed in by our uncle. My mother was grateful to him but at the same time, she didn't want to take the favor. In April we enrolled in Clinton High School.

Chapter Eight

Dad wasn't there now for pick and drop. A minivan came to pick me up in the morning. I opened the door and sat on the second last seat. Amelia sat right in the front. I wanted to be at the back because I didn't want anyone to notice me. There were mostly girls in the minivan and one guy. After two more stops, the van driver signaled me to get off the van. Was he crazy? Why was he leaving me in the middle of the road? Anyway, I got off nervously. The minivan sped ahead and I was left with Amelia on the side of the road. After ten minutes another minivan came and this driver asked me to hop in. Seriously?

I sat in the van trusting my instincts. This man works for the other man, I thought. How many other minivans are there? I just wanted to reach school as soon as possible and I was getting excited. I am going to make new friends, I thought. I didn't know what to expect so I waited as the minivan dropped me near the front gate of the school. The gates were small and white. Above the gate, there was a big board that read Clinton High School in blue. There were branches of trees surpassing the entrance. It looked pleasant to me. As soon as I entered I scanned the whole school in one go. There was just one building, a limited ground area, a tiny center stage, and a small sitting area where there was a table for tennis and a badminton net as well. It looked like a miniature sports territory to me. But that was all. The school looked neat and clean which was a plus point, however, I was taken aback by the small compound.

I went to the office and introduced myself to the principal. She didn't respond the way I thought she would. She just stared at me and kept looking through my documents. She then asked me to follow her to the new classroom.

There was a secret door in the principal's room and she seemed to take me to my new class through that door. The door was a secret entrance to the main building where the principal could keep an eye on every student and reach to them in a twinkling of an eye. The building was made up of concrete and well-painted. There weren't any graphs or charts on the walls and I noticed that the walls were sedated with seriousness. The floor was mosaic tilling. And it looked chalky. The construction was very simple; everything was dull, flat, and lifeless other than the trees that were planted all around the compound. The rest was just black and white.

After taking a right I followed the principal up the stairs and to the corner, there was a small classroom. It was odd as the classroom was on the nook and it was a box. The air was damp. There were twenty petite tables with chairs all jam-packed, there was a window where some light poured in, a whiteboard, and a small untidy dustbin. I was shocked to see such a small and crowded classroom. There was no place to breathe. I wasn't used to it I knew, how would I manage, I thought. A plump teacher with curly hair approached me instantly. I told her that I was from Beaufort, (A city of splendor). Nobody in the room even noticed me and all of them were busy with something. There was too much noise in the classroom. There were even boys in the classroom.

"You may take a seat next to Jill. As you know even she is a new student. Are you both related?" The teacher inquired.

"No, not at all", I responded as I looked at Jill.

Jill and I could be friends I thought. But I was wrong. She didn't even look at me as I sat next to her. She didn't say hi or hello so I initiated the talk. She just gave monosyllabic responses to me and after a week she got highly annoying. She seemed pesky. I decided to change my seat and I ended up sitting with a boy. We never really talked and I didn't personally like him as he was funny and weird. I had all the stationary and he had none so he casually borrowed my pens and pencils and never returned them. It was infuriating but he seemed more tolerable than Jill.

Chapter Nine

I thanked God as the year came to an abrupt end. I had to spend only three months in this classroom. In class eight. Now I was a senior and moving to class nine. I chose pre-medical subjects and Jill told me that she had opted for commerce. There was an amalgamation of students and I was placed into a completely new classroom that wasn't crowded and was bigger and better as it was airier and more open. I was entirely naïve about the position I would be in this grade. I quickly made friends with Amber. One day I was having a conversation with her during break time.

"So which house are you in Amber? When do you have sports day?" I put forward my question.

"No, what are you talking about? Houses… sports day…? We don't have a sports day and no houses. The table tennis and the net thingy is just for leisure you know for P.E. periods especially, we don't have a tournament or anything". She replied squarely.

"No sports?" I learned. I couldn't imagine my life without competitions and sports. Was I going to spend my time just talking to others with no extracurriculars? The academics were pathetic as well, suddenly everything became missing in my life. I felt empty in my stomach every day with no one to fill that void. My life was already destroyed. I used to spend my break times knowing people around me, watching faces, and absorbing personalities. There was nothing else than staring at faces in break time and other times and hating every face. My school in Beaufort was a million times much better.

"But this is your home. You know this town well. Try to adjust here honey… Look even Amelia is happy. She has even made a couple of friends. Try and make friends. It will be good for you." my mother explained to me once when I started crying and complaining.

"Isabella, what is wrong with you? Why are you troubling our mother?" Amelia snapped at me as if her life was going right on track.

Surprisingly there were only thirteen students in my class. Four were boys and the rest were girls. I sat right in the front. There were two girl groups out of the nine girls. Spending time with Amber was fine but soon I started feeling lonely. Two months passed by. The teacher introduced a new girl Abby. Abby was short heighted and had thin curly hair and wore spectacles just like me. She had come here from South Africa but she was white. She sat with me and Amber. Before we three could become more friends, Amber forsook me and Abby and joined the mean girl's group. What a strumpet, I thought. Now there were a total of four girls in that group and they eyed me mysteriously every single day. It felt that they were up to something, that they would harm me. I couldn't trust them nor could anyone from our class. They were the gossip makers. I wasn't an eavesdropper but one day I heard them speaking foul about our geography teacher. They were fishy. I didn't like them at all. And the other group was out of the ordinary. They were always tied to each other like they were bound to each other. They spoke about serious grown-up topics and were mystical. To me, they seemed bizarre and uncanny and I seriously wasn't interested in their out-of-the-world discussions.

Soon Abby and I became best friends. We started laughing and talking and I found a good friend in her. Amber seemed to eye me bashfully and once I heard them talking about what I loser I was and I was startled. Were they right? Was I a loser?

And then one day this happened. My hair started falling off incredibly. My room floor was completely covered in thick strands of fallen hair. It was a disaster. I couldn't touch my head because my hair would constantly fall off. I was fifteen. I couldn't be bald at fifteen. I stood in front of my mirror and suddenly the thought of being a beauty queen flashed over me. I was about to take part in the beauty contest at Beaufort. I started sobbing right then and there. I complained to my mother and she promised me that she would take me to a dermatologist. The doctor prescribed me medicine and hair oil but that did no good. I was left with thin hair and bald spots on my head.

Chapter Ten

It was November and very cold. Our teacher revealed that midterms were in a month. She also announced that there was going to be a little festival in the school. The festival was a little project for the commerce students. They would put up food and gaming stalls. We all just had to come with money and buy all their things.

It was lunchtime one day and I was with Abby as usual. And then I saw someone. He was tall, dark, and had a French beard. I had never seen him around before. He was simply handsome. Instantly, I got attracted to him. I was in love I realized. After the first time I saw him, I couldn't stop staring at him. He was perfect. I got to know his name and that he was an engineering student in the other section of ninth grade. His name was Matt. I talked to Abby about him and told her that I wanted to talk to Matt anyhow. I started to have erotic daydreams about Matt. Abby told me that he wasn't that perfect and I should find someone else. Maybe she was just jealous or was she also in love with him too? My eyes would always find him if he wasn't around. I wish he was in my class, I thought. Abby wouldn't stop noticing what I did every day.

"Are we stalking?"She would say.

"I guess we are!" I would laugh and reply.

The festival day arrived. I was glad as we got the whole day off. But bummer I forgot to take money from my mother. So I didn't have any money that I could happily spend that day. I borrowed some money from Abby. What must she be thinking, how poor was I? I was truly embarrassed.

On the stage, there was a music setup and they were taking dedications. There were some food stalls; some students were selling hand-made jewelry, and two games and a teacher was selling freshly made waffles with different toppings. I was tempted so I bought a waffle with vanilla and chocolate toppings. I decided to check the jewelry stall out. A team of girls was doing it. I saw that one of the girls was very pretty with long hair and a round face. I grew jealous. I eyed her envyingly. My hair was all gone, I thought.

"Would you like to buy one?" She looked at me.

"No, thanks," I said and moved from there without delay. The jewelry was outdated and I didn't like the designs.

Then suddenly I heard a dedication. The sound of the person speaking on the mike boomed and the whole ground could hear it.

"This song is dedicated to Charlotte from Ben. Ben says I like you Charlotte. Will you be my Valentine?" A moment later a romantic song started playing. Oh, God! How embarrassing, I thought. The thought of someone making a dedication for me never crossed my mind. Anyway, there was a stall where some students were selling chocolate fondue and it tasted bland when I tried it. I realized that all my money was finished. I couldn't ask Abby for more. It was embarrassing. I was wealthy once but now I felt needy and insufficient.

"How is the chocolate fondue?"The girl who sold asked me frantically.

"It was great" I lied. I moved away. There was a gaming stall where you had to arm wrestle a guy to win 100 dollars. I could see that the boy was bulky and muscular. Anyone would lose. I thought I could wrestle him and win the money but that would be unethical. I didn't want to look like an outcast in front of everyone let alone Matt. Another dedication boomed.

"This one is from Jeff to Isabella. I love you, Isabella. Will you be my girlfriend?" Then a song started playing. Jeff was a student in my class. Why would he do that, did he like me? I was overwhelmed at first but after five seconds it hit me. I was more than just shocked. I was thunderstruck. At that moment I hated everyone. I noticed many eyes suddenly shifting to me. Now I would be a gossip and a loser. My heart started beating fast. Someone had made this dedication on purpose. I couldn't do anything. I couldn't pacify the situation. The school knew me now, I thought. Then another dedication and this time Abby were targeted. Someone had subjected both of us. Before long I realized who had done it.

"Amber? Are you sure?"Abby wondered.

"Yes! It was Amber, Molly, and the rest of the two. I am a hundred percent sure. Let's go talk to them. Let's take revenge!"

"I don't think so. Let's leave it to that. It looks weird." Abby looked scared.

"Why are you a scary cat? Why do you want to move back? I am going to them and I will seriously crush them. How could they do this to us?" I started to cry there and then. Tears poured out of my eyes. Abby consoled me. I ran into to bathroom. I felt hate inside me. I couldn't locate Amber and Molly and the other two in the school. What would everyone think about me? I couldn't bring that up in front of mom and Amelia and I kept quiet the rest of the day.

Chapter Eleven

Midterms had begun. When I entered the school day on an exam day I saw a big blue board and there were five lists of student names neatly pinned on it. It was the seating arrangement for the exams. I searched for my name to know where my seat was and I searched for Matt's name to know if he was located with me or not. My seat was in the senior section. Matt wasn't with me on the list. His seat was in the junior section. I felt sad. I have to try again tomorrow and check. Lately, I've wanted him to be around him often. I felt different around him, different and invigorated. I found my classroom and gave my exam. It went well and I knew that I would top my class as students here were average-minded.

I went home in the minivan. The driver of the minivan drove fast and recklessly. Sometimes I got scared. I made friends with a girl in the van and I didn't even ask her name. We started sitting and chatting together. Today I gave her my iPod and forgot to take it back. When at home I couldn't find it anywhere and the next day when I asked my friend in the van if she had it she denied that she had it. She was a thief so I stopped talking to her from there on.

"Can you buy me a new iPod?" I asked my mother.

"Honey, you know how times are tough. I can't afford that at the moment. How would an Mp3 player do for you?"

"Okay", I said. An Mp3 would do just fine. The exams were over and soon the results would be announced. Here, before the parent-teacher meeting, the teacher announced the results in the classroom in front of everyone. She took the names of each of us with the percentage and position. Most of the percentages were in the sixties which was a shame. My percentage was great, it was ninety percent. Then disaster struck. Molly scored 92 percent and got the first position. I had to find a way to beat Molly. Molly was good but she was mean and I didn't forget what she, Amber, and her gang did to me on the festival day. Abby scored seventy-two percent which wasn't that bad.

Today I missed Madeline and I felt like talking to her. I begged my mother to let me borrow her cell phone and make the call. She agreed. I took the phone from her and dialed the number and waited long enough for someone to receive the phone. Finally, someone answered. My heart started pounding and I felt excited.

"Hello, who is this?" a man answered.

"Hey, I am Isabella calling from Clinton. Can I speak to Madeline? It's her best friend speaking."

"Sorry, Madeline is not available at the moment. I will notify her when she is there. Bye." The line cut and I was left bereft of speech.

I almost felt like crying. This was the only way to reconnect with my best friend and I was sure mom wouldn't let me make another call. I missed my friends, I missed my school and I missed everything that was a part of my life.

Chapter Twelve

In the second term, I vowed to myself that I would get the scholarship for my mother. I started studying a lot and I never even went anywhere. I used to lock up my room and study from the afternoon till midnight. Board exams were in June and I needed the scholarship for next year that is if I get straight A's.

A new girl enrolled in our class. Her name was Becky. She had thick red hair, a milky white complexion, and a beautiful face. She was prettier than me. I knew boys would go after her. I felt hate and jealousy. She sat beside Abby and me. She started talking to Abby. Whenever Becky would come and sit beside us a hue of the fragrance of perfume would overwhelm us. Becky didn't need any make-up. She was a natural beauty. Soon Abby and Becky would start being together and talk like anything. I felt a little left out.

One morning, as I was heading to school in the minivan, I saw a Mercedes Benz stop at a signal beside our minivan. Who could afford a luxurious car in this small town? Whoever it was, was filthy rich. After some time the car stopped in front of the school gate. I quickly recognized who came out of it, it was Becky. I felt devoid. Right now I didn't have that kind of money like before. I wasn't as rich as I was, after dad. I was poor and I was a loser.

Soon Becky came out to be a showboat. She would talk about how her mother worked in the fashion industry and had connections with show hosts and supermodels. How she spent her weekend partying with friends and watching movies at the cinema. She even had a tablet where she watched Vampire Diaries and Gossip Girl. Becky said that she had so many connections in the rich world that she even made an offer to work in television.

"Have you ever been on TV?" she asked me once. I didn't feel like replying to her and telling her my history so I said no and then she told me that she had been on TV too. I deduced myself to be substandard in front of her. If I had started to tell her about my spectacular life in Beaufort, then she might have known then that I had had a better life than her. She had lived in Clinton all her life. Her dad was working here for the town. He was controlling the government in the town. How had she been familiar with splendor and extravagance? Becky started interacting with the seniors and becoming the gossip girl of our school. I wanted to be popular, I wanted such reputation. I wanted to talk to Matt. Somehow Becky came to know about him. She told me that he already had a girlfriend. She was a senior and they had been together for three years now. I didn't want to believe her but I was perplexed. Maybe he did have a girlfriend. I grew doleful and more wistful. I had nobody to share my feelings or my conversation with. Abby started being with Becky and hanging out with her senior friends. I was left alone and even the teachers started noticing that.

Chapter Thirteen

There was a debate competition and I wanted to participate. I wanted to win and outshine anyhow. Auditions and rehearsals were going on. I decided to give it a try but I didn't have any debating skills and I had lost all my confidence. I was teamed up with Sarah for the audition and we had gotten the topic 'Is artificial intelligence dangerous?' Sarah was a very confident debater. She had style and clarity. I felt a little second-class to get to be teamed with her for the auditions. She was really good and that made me jealous. During practice, I couldn't come up with anything. Sarah incorporated all the points. I knew I would blow it. I realized that I couldn't learn my argument or properly revise any of the points.

The auditions were in the science lab and there were a bunch of seniors plus an English teacher to warden us. I was spooked to see the circle and I knew that I wouldn't say anything and just blank out. Sarah took the stance and started speaking in a loud and clear tone…

"Some notable individuals such as legendary physicist Stephen Hawking and Tesla and SpaceX leader and innovator Elon Musk suggest artificial intelligence could potentially be very dangerous; Musk at one point was comparing artificial intelligence to the dangers of the dictator of North Korea. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates also believes there's reason to be cautious, but that the good can outweigh the bad if managed properly. Since recent developments have made super-intelligent machines possible much sooner than initially thought, the time is now to determine what dangers artificial intelligence poses…."

After speaking for five minutes she ended. That was perfect, I thought. I instantly knew that I wouldn't be able to say anything. I cursed the moment I decided to take part in this debate contest. I knew I didn't have it in me. I went and took the center stage. I looked at every face in front of me that was judging me. I had suddenly forgotten what to say. Somehow I began with a few words then I blanked out.

"Outside of preparing for a future with super-intelligent machines now, artificial intelligence can already pose dangers in its current form…"

I could say a little then I stopped saying anything. I stood there in front of everyone staring at me. The air in the room turned ungraceful. Suddenly I couldn't breathe. I grew tensed and then abruptly I got a headache. I couldn't think clearly. I was embarrassed and angry at the same time.

At home I couldn't do my homework nor could I study properly. I grew beyond frustrated. My headaches grew frequent. Exams days were tough as nails and my anxiety was shooting up. Somehow I managed to give all my exams and hoped for the best. I performed well and I was expecting three straight A's.

After vacations when I joined school now I was a senior tenth grader. I wasn't excited about the advance and there was nothing to be happy about. Abby and Becky were my friends only and soon we ran out of topics to talk about. We just sat silently and even the class was noticing that. We started having quiet days. We even stopped greeting each other. Everyone was worried about their result and discreetly waiting for it. In October the results came. Abby got one A and two Bs. Becky got 2 B's and a C. And I got 2 A's and a B.

My rival Molly got straight A's and the scholarship she had been hoping for. You have to get three A's to get the scholarship. I missed mine with a B. What would I tell mom and Amelia? They were expecting my scholarship and I dismayed them. I psyched out. With the result in my hand, I went home. On route, our minivan met with an accident. It was a minor accident no one got hurt. However, after that accident, I started getting headaches. I had trouble thinking, concentrating, and even remembering things. I felt irritable at times with low self-esteem.

I knew I was having a serious mental health problem and needed medication and counseling. After examination, I was diagnosed with teen depression. My mother was very hurt and shaken by my affliction. Amelia was happy and had a normal life. I was ill and having a far from a happy life.

The doctor insisted that I don't go to school now and instead stay at home and take rest. I followed what he said and stayed at home for three whole months. I even missed Becky's birthday party. Becky used to call me and ask me about my health once in a week. She told me that Matt came to her party. I wanted to wear the best dress and impress Matt at the party but that came out to no avail.

Dad came into my dream and he told me to take care of myself, be worry-free and enjoy life. When I told her this my mom said that God was just testing me.

"Nothing can happen without God's permission and God will not allow a difficulty unless He has a divine purpose for it. If you will keep your peace, you'll pass the test, and God will bring you out better than you were before."

Later that day I thought about what mom said and I prayed to God to give me tranquility and victory and make me strong and calm. I resumed school in February and gradually started learning for my exams in June. In August we were having our farewell party.

Chapter Fourteen

I gave my final exams not caring about the result of that. Even if I got a B in all my subjects I would be happy and grateful. The doctor exhorted me and told me not to take too much stress. However, my condition was improving and I was becoming better every day. Just for me, my mother decided to take me to Beaufort for the summer holidays after the examinations. It was a big surprise for me and I lit up right away. She told me that we would stay in a hotel and also visit many places like the museum and the shopping mall. I would get a chance to meet my old friends. I was grateful to my mother and I was grateful to God.

In July, we packed whatever we had and took the flight to Beaufort. When we reached it, I was happy to see my city. The city of lights and tall buildings; I was overjoyed to see the streets and the shops. The air was sufficing and fresh. I felt a sense of assuagement. The hotel that we stayed in was right in the middle of the town. It was close to my past home and school. I decided to see my school and call some of my old friends. I decided to call my best friend Madeline.

"Hello, hi," I grew excited as I spoke to her on the phone.

"Hi Isabella, how are you and how have you been? Have you come here forever? Where are you speaking from?" Madeline asked me too many questions at once. I was a bit perplexed but ready to answer all of her questions.

"Oh! You are on medication," she asked tensed. "How did all this happen? You were the happiest girl alive. Is anyone bothering you in Clinton?"

"No, I just miss everyone there. And exams are stressing me a bit. Other than that I am fine and happy. I am getting better by the day." I told her.

"Let's meet up. I want to see you and talk to you. Things aren't that okay here as well. I want to tell you something." Madeline spoke.

The next day I took a cab to the Starbucks café to see Madeline. What does she want to tell me? At the café, I sat right in the vacant corner seat. The café was all empty so I could afford some privacy. Madeline arrived five minutes later. She was wearing a tank top with leggings and army boots. She hugged me as soon as she saw me and I cried tears of joy. She was not at all surprised to see me being emotional. We ordered drinks and she started talking.

"Lily's parents got divorced," Madeline began, "She was extremely upset. Her mother got her and her little brothers' custody."

"So sad to hear that," Isabella said and then thought that things weren't only worse on her side.

"Nova's father won a million dollars. Things got better on her side. She got a new big house. And Nova is kind of ignoring all of us. She thinks she is rich now and does not need anyone else. I don't know what's gotten into her."

Madeline paused and looked at the waiter, looked up, and resumed… "Maya failed her exams so she got to repeat the ninth grade and Grace left school after grade nine. Her grandmother grew ill so she left town and is never coming back.

"Oh! So much has happened," I said. If I would have stayed in Beaufort would everything still happen? Would have I lost my friendship? I couldn't have thought of my life without my best friends. All these thoughts were coming into Isabella's head. That is what you call destiny, she thought. Maybe everything happens for the best.

"Maybe, whatever happens happens for the best", Madeline said. Did Madeline know what I was thinking?

We had lunch together and I started feeling good. I went home. My mother told me that I had received a package from somewhere. Who could it be? And what was in that package? The package was from Nova. When I unpacked the tiny box, there was a CD inside of it. I played it on The DVD player of the hotel. To my surprise, it was the dance performance video that was aired on channel 44. It was so nice to watch myself dancing to the famous song. I looked commendable shaking my torso. I felt ecstatic for the first time in so long. I would treasure the CD and show it to Becky and she would be green-eyed. Nah, I wouldn't show it to anyone, Isabella thought later.

My mother and Amelia watched the video and they were proud of me. After a few days, my mother gifted me a purple maxi dress and told me to wear it at the farewell party. She even gave me matching sandals to pair with them. The dress and sandals were expensive. I couldn't have asked for more.

Chapter Fifteen

Finally, it was the farewell day. I got ready. My mom did all my make-up and I looked stunning. She worked in a beauty parlor when she was a little younger and learned make-up from there. The farewell party wasn't starting until five in the evening. I looked at myself in the mirror after I was all ready to go. I looked garden-fresh and beautiful and even my hair looked fuller. Amelia told me that I looked like a beauty queen. A little flattery will get one anywhere. I believed what she said. My mother clicked many pictures of me. She told me that I looked too good in the purple dress and sandals. My make-up looked particularly gorgeous. My uncle dropped me to the farewell at four-thirty. It was in the school.

The school was decorated with colorful balloons and white curtains. Rows of chairs were arranged on the ground. There was music set up on the stage that reminded me of the day when there was a similar set-up and dedication made by my name. Nothing of that sort would happen today. I felt different and relieved that the year had come to an end. I would be starting college soon. I wouldn't have to come to this darn school anymore. My mother told me that we would shift to Beaufort once again and I will go to college there. She surprised me with the news last week. The positive ending can overshadow any problem. I was getting my life back and I was on cloud nine. I was moving back to Beaufort.

I noticed that everyone was looking at me. Was I looking that beautiful? Abby told me that I looked unique out of everyone. My dress looked priceless and my hair looked amazing. Becky wore a bright orange shirt with white skinny pants. She carried a dazzling orange purse with her dress. I knew I looked much better than her. She was number two and jealous.

"Hi, Isabella you look gorgeous. Where did you get the dress from? It looks impressive. Seriously all eyes are on you." Becky said to me.

"Thank you. My mom gave me this dress. It's from Beaufort." I replied.

I spotted Matt and he was looking at me. He waved at me and I looked at him. The party started and everyone looked delighted. After half an hour dinner was served. I went and sat on one of the chairs. After eating I went and stood near the side of the stage. Matt came up from behind and started talking to me. Surprisingly, he recognized me. He asked if I was Isabella and I said yes. He asked if I was enjoying the party and I again said yes.

"I was getting a bit bored. Do you mind us spending some time together? Let's go somewhere else." He was unbelievable. I was pleasantly taken aback. But mostly I was animated. I couldn't believe that Matt would talk to me and I would talk to him. I agreed to go with him and he took me to the back of the school. We sat on the stairs. He looked hot. And he was so close to me, I could feel him.

I told him my story and how I ended up with medication. He seemed impressed by Beaufort and the life that I had there. He told me that his mom was a doctor and she was raised in Beaufort herself as well. His parents were separated. He had two younger brothers and a little sister. He told me that he was moving to Beaufort for college.

"Really…? Me too! Even I am moving to Beaufort. Which college? You know, I am so happy to be going back. I will get my normal life back. Things have been tough here. No offense, but this town is sick. I've made zero real friends and you are the first one who seems palpable and nice. I like you, Matt." Suddenly I felt romantic and I felt like kissing him. He seemed to guess what was on my mind and moved forward to kiss me.

I moved away. I sensed an eerie feeling like something wasn't right.

"We can be friends if you want to?" Matt gave me an awkward smile and held his hand out to me. I shook hands with him and we laughed. He was likable and cute. I went home pleased and satisfied.

Today was the day I was traveling back to Beaufort. It was the luckiest day for me because today I was getting revived. I was getting what I always wanted. Things would again be in my favor. I would be friends with civilized people and feel comfortable around them. No more hardships and no more a shanty town.

In Beaufort, I lived in a rented apartment which was big and beautiful, more than enough for me. I joined a medical college and continued my education there. Matt was going to the same college and we became best friends. Madeline was also going to the same college as if our bond was unbreakable.

Luck is believing you are lucky and I never stopped believing in myself. God blessed me with everything I ever wanted after a little test He took. I became a successful doctor and married Matt. Even Madeline got married and we became neighbors and best sisters. Matt and I bought a new house in Beaufort and we lived there happily ever after.