Deborah gazed out the taxi window, her mother's irritated voice a distant hum. The driver navigated the crowded streets with a jerky motion, causing Deborah's mother to complain loudly. "Can't you drive any faster?" she snapped, tapping her foot impatiently.
As they pulled up to a gray building, a woman with a bright smile and a flamboyant wig greeted them. "Sis! she exclaimed, enveloping Deborah's mother in a warm hug. Deborah watched the exchange with a mixture of curiosity and wariness.
Deborah's mother smiled, seeming to relax in the woman's presence. "Jessica, this is Deborah," she said, gesturing to her daughter. Deborah's aunt, Jessica, welcomed her with open arms, chatting excitedly about Uphills School and its excellent reputation.
Deborah listened politely, feeling a bit overwhelmed by her aunt's exuberance. The woman's warmth and energy were a bit much to take in.
As they settled into the house, Deborah's mother prepared to leave. "I have a plane to catch," she said, handing Deborah's aunt a cheque. "Take care of Deborah, and make sure she doesn't get into any trouble."
Deborah watched as her mother departed, feeling a mix of emotions. She was relieved to be starting fresh at Uphills School, but she couldn't shake the feeling that she was in for a wild ride.
Later that day, as Deborah was in her room unpacking, she heard her aunt calling shrilly, 'Deborah, come out and meet someone!" Oh dear, Deborah thought. She took a deep breath and went out.
Mary and her mother had dropped by. 'Mary, this is my niece Deborah Lain,' aunt Jessica said. Deborah, this is Mrs. Jayden and her daughter Mary. Mary stared at Deborah. She'd had a hazy memory of her and she had been expecting_ well, she wasn't sure what she had been expecting_ but certainly not the girl standing in front of her
Deborah was tall and slender, with large eyes and long eyelashes. Her hair fell in tangled plaits across her shoulders. She had a delicate, mysterious beauty that made Mary think of a freshly blossoming flower. She certainly didn't look like someone capable of being expelled.
Good afternoon, Deborah greeted her visitors, curtsying a little. She had a surprisingly deep, almost masculine voice. 'Come here, you pretty child,' Mrs. Jayden sang out. I hear you will be going to the same school as my daughter."
Hello,' Mary said, feeling a little awkward. I don't think you'll remember me; I'm afraid I don't much remember you. *Why don't you both step outside and talk?" Aunt Jessica suggested.
The girls stepped out to the balcony. I'm a commercial student,' Mary began. What class do you attend? 'Science." 'Oh, you're a brainy one, well' I suppose it doesn't matter whether we're in different classes. Let me tell you a little about our school. Morning assembly starts by eight, so I'll come over at seven-thirty, if you like. You must plait your hair in the week's style. I'll show you where I do mine.' I'd like that very much, thank you."
They both laughed, suddenly discovering they liked each other. Mary continued, 'do you remember two boys called Joshua and Caleb?" Deborah frowned, I think I do. Very troublesome boys, am I right?" "Only one of them was.' They laughed again. You'll like it here,' Mary said.
The next day, as the students stood in front of the hall laughing and talking just before assembly, Caleb joined the other prefects trying to organize everybody into lines. 'No more chains on trousers or dangling earrings for the girls. There will be an inspection of fingernails and socks during assembly. Principal's orders,' he said.
Then he noticed Mary standing with an unfamiliar girl. Deborah clung close to Mary. She felt queasy, the object of curious attention. Caleb moved over to Joshua. Who's that girl, the one with Mary? "Oh that must be the new girl she was telling me about yesterday,' Joshua said. 'A new student is joining us?" *Strange isn't it? Mary said she once attended our primary school, so she might recognize us. De_ something, um_ yes, Deborah.' Deborah. Caleb said. Let's go meet Mary to introduce us to her new friend, Joshua said.
Deborah's eyes met Caleb's, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. Caleb's friend, Joshua, cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "Hey, Mary, who's your friend?" he asked, nodding towards Deborah.
Mary smiled. "This is Deborah Lain. We're in the same class." Caleb's eyes narrowed slightly as he extended his hand. "I'm Caleb Michael. Nice to meet you, Deborah."
Deborah's handshake was firm, but her voice was icy. "I remember you, Caleb. You're the one who put a cockroach on my table." Caleb's face turned bright red as he stuttered out an apology.
Joshua chuckled. "Yeah, Caleb's always been a bit of a troublemaker." Deborah raised an eyebrow. "I'll keep that in mind."
As they walked to their next class, Deborah couldn't help but feel like an outsider. Everyone seemed to know each other, and she was the new kid on the block. But she was determined to fit in and make a fresh start.
After classes, Deborah headed to the principal's office. She had been summoned to discuss her transfer to Uphills School. As she sat down in the principal's office, she couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation.
Principal Pius looked up from the file on his desk. "So, Deborah, I hear you're a bit of a troublemaker." Deborah's eyes widened in surprise. "Who told you that?"
The principal smiled. "Let's just say that your former principal and I have a mutual acquaintance. But I'm willing to give you a second chance. You're on probation for this term. Let's see if you can turn things around." Deborah nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her.
As she left the principal's office, Deborah felt a sense of determination. She was going to make a fresh start and prove to everyone that she wasn't a troublemaker. She was going to make the most of her time at Uphills School.