"Elsie, over here," Kate called out to me as soon as I entered the class.
I saw her sitting at the back of the class and as I walked up to her, I could feel my classmates stealing glances at me.
"Why are they all looking at me like that?" I asked myself as I walked over to Kate's seat.
"Oh shit!" I screamed inside my head. I had forgotten about all that transpired between Mira and me yesterday.
It seems that she had a lot of people on her side.
"What are you thinking about?" Kate asked as she pulled me back to her seat.
I was so absent-minded that I didn't realize when I passed her seat.
"Sorry, I was absorbed in my thoughts." I smiled as I turned to face her.
"Sit down." Kate gestured to me as she adjusted for me to sit beside her.
"I know you are thinking about what she said...."
"I wasn't thinking about it." I stammered trying to defend myself.
"Shhh!" Kate said as she placed her finger on my lips. "You can tell that to anyone but not me. Elsie, I know you are worried about it and you are trying to not let it get to you but you don't have to. It doesn't matter what others think about you."
Kate paused in her speech when she noticed that I wasn't paying much attention to her.
"Someone is still sad about what happened yesterday. I bet you will be shocked to hear about what I want to tell you...." Kate said with a glint in her eyes.
I knew that look in Kate's eyes. A look she had whenever she was being mischievous or had a story to tell.
"What is it? Katieeee, pls tell me." I pleaded as I pulled her hand and acted cute.
She looked at me and sighed before replying.
"Well, I heard that we will be nominating people for awards at our graduation ceremony in July after our exams today.
And based on popular opinions you have been topping the list for almost all the categories."
I felt so many emotions within me, I was excited, anxious and scared. I was scared that Mira would make fun of me if I don't win any awards.
"Elsie, I only told you this because I want you to know that Mira's view doesn't matter. The whole class still respects you and believes in your ability." Katie said as she pulled my cheeks.
"That's for leaving me behind after school yesterday".
I smiled at Katie and she smiled back at me. Katie was the only one who knew me well or should I say the only friend I have in school. Most of my friends hung out with me just because of what they would gain from me.
I stopped my thoughts from running around and started reading. We were to have our integrated science exam later in the day. I liked the subject a lot and hoped I would be the best in it once again this term.
Time went by and by mid-day, we were done with our exams and were all busy chatting and playing around.
I was sitting beside Mira and quietly eating my snacks and praying that our teacher would address us soon so that I could go and sit with Katie.
Mira and I were so much at loggerheads that we had to draw a line to demarcate our seats, she couldn't cross to my side and vice versa.
I know you all will like to know what brought about such enmity but that will be a story for another day.
*********************
"Good afternoon class". Our teacher greeted us as she entered the classroom with some files in her hand.
"Good afternoon". The whole class chorused in reply.
"I apologise for being late and keeping you all from going out for your break time". She apologised, looking up at us.
"I know you all must be excited about the big announcement and the nominations, that's why your Mathematics teacher will be helping me out....."
She was cut short as our maths teacher walked into the class beaming with smiles.
He turned to address us after we had greeted him. He was a very stern person when it came to his job but he was very friendly with us outside the classroom.
"I am very happy that after five years, I can now walk with my head up and shoulders high in this school..."
He paused and looked at us. We were all tired of being kept in suspense.
"Where's Elsie and Ben? He asked as the whole class turned to look at us.
Ben and I slowly stood up as our classmates continued to look at us wondering what we might have done.
"Well, Ben came out top of the class last term with Elsie coming second for the first time since you all were in grade one."
The class suddenly became noisy over what he said and soon the whole class began to clap.
"So you can see why I am very happy today...."
"He only came top of the class last term, don't brag about it." Our teacher chirped in cutting him short.
"And I am very sure Elsie will bounce back this term." She continued.
"Elsie, you will bounce back right?" Our teacher asked as she smiled at me."
"Aaah, yes I will bounce back," I replied abruptly as I was lost in my thoughts.
Ben and I sat down as our teachers continued addressing us.
I wondered why most of our teachers paid so much attention to grades and who came out top of the class My only concern was to make good grades, pass my exams and have fun with my friends.
"Life shouldn't be that hard, right?". I thought.
"After all, we were still kids."
I am the type to get lost in my thoughts and daydream whenever I am not interested in what's happening around me
"Elsie, are you paying attention?" Kate asked as she tapped me, jolting me out of my thoughts.
When I came out of my thoughts, they had already nominated some students for the most punctual, best in sports and most social student.
"We will now nominate students for the neatest and best-behaved student." I heard our teacher say.
The whole class started calling names and after that everyone voted. I got the highest vote for both categories.
"Neatest student! I sure do deserve it." I said to myself with a huge grin on my face.
"Of course, my mom made sure of that. I have her to thank for my neatness."
After the nominations and voting, we started rehearsing for our dance on graduation day.
"Another social activity again!" I screamed inside my head.
I slumped in my chair and wondered why we had to perform on that day.
"After all, we are the graduates. Couldn't we just sit down and watch others perform?"
I was glad I wasn't given any key role which meant I could muddle along during practice. All I had to do on that day was look neat and give a big smile to the audience.
Kate was the lead singer because we had to sing and dance to the song. She had a nice voice and could dance as well.
I wondered why she didn't want to become a singer, she had the voice but she chose to be a food scientist.
"Dreams and aspirations can change with time." Someone once told me, and I believed that. Kate was a foodie, and it does suit her.
The moment we were done with our rehearsals, I quickly rushed home. I needed to go home and recharge after a draining day.