Hi, I'm Soar.
As I introduced myself to the class, I felt their eyes judging me, scrutinizing every detail. I'd grown accustomed to this feeling, having moved from school to school due to my parents' missionary work.
We'd relocated to Port Harcourt, and I was starting anew as a JSS2 student. My siblings and I were staying with our aunt, while our parents continued their work elsewhere.
I glanced around the classroom, missing my old friends. They weren't perfect, but they'd made me happy. My mind wandered to the bad experiences I'd had in my previous school. When I found out we were moving, I was relieved to escape.
But here I was, starting over again. "Hi, I'm Soar," I repeated, trying to sound confident.
The teacher gestured for me to take a seat, and I spotted an empty chair at the back. As I settled in, I noticed a group of girls staring at me. One made her way towards me as the others filed in a straight line behind her.
I recognized the leader, she was the one in the very front row. And the girls were the ones who sat with her. Hi I'm Peace, and these are my friends she said pointing to them. Her tone seemed friendly, but I detected a hint of superiority.
"Hi, Peace," I replied, trying to sound casual. "So, why do you sit alone?" Peace asked, nodding toward the empty seats around me.
"I... uh... I just prefer it," I stammered.
Peace smirked. "Well, you'll get used to it. Welcome to our class, Soar. Know your place."
Her words felt like a warning, but I brushed it off. I'd encountered similar girls before.
Just then, another girl approached. "Hi, I'm Peace – Peace 2," she clarified with a smile. "We're namesakes!"
I raised an eyebrow. "Why the numbers?"
"In this school, everything's a competition," Peace 2 explained. "But don't worry, I'll help you navigate." I am the vice principal's daughter, she said.
Peace 2 I called out, yes she said. "Why are you being nice to me" , she answered "because it's what we are supposed to do, love one another." That sounded familiar, I looked at her and she smiled saying my dad is also a pastor apart from his work as the school's vice principal. No wonder I said in my mind.
What about Peace 1's father, is he rich or is he the principal because her level of authority was demanding. None of the above, peace 2 replied, we don't even know her parents. Astonished, I looked up so why is her head in the clouds, I asked. Laughing Peace 2 says in this school, intelligence is valued over wealth, you will soon find out, she says leaving me. Try to come early tomorrow so you can save yourself a seat.
Tomorrow came and I went to school a little earlier, thereby earning myself a seat in the middle row. During all these, I always felt eyes on me, however when turning around I won't find the person. I found out I was seating beside Peace 2, happy we exchanged pleasantries and the lesson began.
As the lesson began, I felt eyes on me again. This time, I turned to meet Adrian's gaze. Sparkling white eyes locked onto mine, and I felt a jolt.
Peace 2 whispered, "I think he likes you."
My heart skipped a beat.
During break, Peace 2 and I bumped into Adrian. Time stood still as our eyes met.
"Hi, I'm Adrian," he said, his voice smooth.
As we parted ways, Peace 2 whispered, "He's smart, influential, and rich. His siblings are icons in this school. And he isn't different, he excels in academics as well as in sports. In short you can call him an all-rounder she said giggling. He commands the respect of the whole school, not just our class. I became intrigued, who really is this guy? He enters the class and again our eyes meet, holding my gaze he approaches my seat, I will be seating with you from now on, he smiles, winking at me. Peace 2 was excited, she couldn't believe it. Bearing the attention of Adrian, my news quickly spread around, the whole school wanted to know the girl who caught the attention of one of the Simon's brothers.
Peace 1 was jealous of me, as I practically took her place in the spotlight, but couldn't do much, as Adrian commanded more loyalty and authority than her. Days passed into weeks, weeks into month and finally holidays came. For the first time in my life, I didn't look forward to holidays, I missed school and it's attention, my classmates were nicer to me because of Adrian. I felt loved and accepted, everything seemed to be going well or was it?
The holidays passed quickly and it was the final term of the school year, I was happy to resume. However everything changed...