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"Mom, why? Why would Hazel get to enroll in that school, and I cannot? Everyone in this house knows that whatever Hazel has, I must have too! Our family is rich and can afford the fees, so why can't I go?" Amanda, Hazel's stepsister, shouted angrily.
"Amanda," Mr. Stephen replied calmly, "you know that school only accepts the best students. Hazel earned her place through hard work and intelligence. You, on the other hand, are… average, not like Hazel."
Amanda's face twisted in frustration. Before she could respond, Mrs. Stephen, Hazel's stepmother, interjected.
"Mr. Stephen, are you trying to say that Hazel is better than my Amanda?" she snapped. "If my daughter wants to attend that school, then she will. And there is nothing you can do about it!"
Amanda smirked triumphantly. "That is why I love you, Mom."
Mr. Stephen sighed heavily. "Fine. You know I always prioritize Amanda. Ever since the incident ten years ago, you know I have had a hard time forgiving Hazel for what she did. She almost took Amanda's life from us."
Amanda left the room with a satisfied smile, leaving her parents to discuss further.
Mrs. Stephen softened her tone. "I know, my love. But sometimes it feels like you would choose Hazel over our daughter, and that hurts me."
She moved closer to her husband, sat on his lap, and kissed his cheek.
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The Next Morning
Hazel arrived at school and spotted her friend Jasmine from a distance. Without hesitation, she called out, "JASMINE!"
Jasmine turned around, grinned, and ran to embrace Hazel. They walked to their classroom together, chatting happily.
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When the history teacher entered the classroom, all the students stood up to greet her.
"Good morning, class. Today's topic is Freedom, and we will use Nigeria as our example. Nigeria was colonized by Britain but gained its independence on October 1, 1960. That is all for today; we will continue this topic in our next class."
The teacher left the classroom as the bell for the break rang.
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At the Cafeteria
Students bustled around, collecting food and finding seats. Hazel and Jasmine did the same, settling into their usual corner.
Hazel leaned closer to Jasmine and whispered, "Jasmine, I noticed a guy in our class who never talks to anyone. He just sits by himself, even earlier when everyone was busy asking questions. He was just there, staring at everyone like he was not part of the group. Why is he like that?"
Jasmine raised an eyebrow. "Oh, do you mean Zamiel? Why are you asking? What business do you have with him?"
"I didn't know his name, and I do not have any business with him," Hazel replied defensively. "It is just… odd. Oh! I forgot to tell you something about him."
Jasmine leaned in eagerly. "Oh, my baby! Come on, tell me!"
Hazel hesitated for a moment, then said, "The first day I came to this school, he was staring at me the entire time."
She paused, her cheeks warming slightly.
"That's all?" Jasmine asked, visibly disappointed. "Seriously, Hazel, that's it? Anyway, since you're so curious about him, let me tell you what I know."
Hazel nodded quickly, eager to hear more.
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