It was the worst of worst times. I look at Violet who looks at me with her eyes shiny and teary with rage. Her every gaze judgmental and cursing. I hope she ever forgives me. There she does it again, the ugly face. I hate to see her like this. At this point I can't even concentrate.
"Everyone, please open chapter 5."
Miss Rachel requests while moving around the room with her hands at the back.
"What happened in the previous chapter…anyone to remind us?"
The class is quiet. Everyone seems to shy away, and I look around and notice no one's willing to take it up. The least she can do is pick me because am not sure I remember what happened. Why I didn't review that chapter is a topic for another time.
"Miss Johnson, kindly give us a recap."
A chill comes through my spine, my eyes wide open and my entire body almost shaking. I clear my throat, ready to take up the question.
"Well, in chapter 4 Queen Charlotte is…."
Unsure of what am doing, I pause and throw my eyes around hoping to be rescued by someone. Unfortunately, the only person who could've rescued me was Violet. Our gazes meet and she clears her throat as though mocking me. Gosh, the last thing I needed to feel like was being mocked.
"Go ahead Miss Johnson." Miss Rachel acknowledges while taking a walk around the room.
Finally, some encouragement. With a wide smile on my face, I decide to take it up again.
"Queen Charlotte and her brother leave Germany for Bridgerton."
A crackling laughter interrupts my narration. I turn around to have the glimpse of what's going up.
"Sorry." Violet unapologetically mumbles as she turns around to take up some notes.
"Miss Nthenda, please behave yourself." Miss Rachel warns, looking at Violet not so pleased Ly.
Miss Rachel encourages me to continue with the narration. As I continue the narration with the little courage I have, I get interrupted again with the nit-pickings.
"That's chapter 3 actually. You could've known if you weren't too busy stealing somebody else's guy." There goes nothing.
Feeling so defeated and ashamed, I look at the rest of my classmates who 'boo' me. I can swear tears is started to roll down. I then look at Miss Rachel who is trying her best to stop the noise.
"Quiet, you all!" Miss Rachel finally commands and the class goes dead silent.
"I've had enough of you all. You think am here to play? Do I leave everything at home to play with you guys, you think this is some joke?"
The class is hitting up, I can feel the hit.
"I want you guys to know that am not here to stop noise and let alone the drama. Please save it. Am not here for any of that and if you feel like you're not ready to learn then you better leave this class. It's that simple. And you…you weren't like this." She says looking at Violet.
Violet glares away as Miss Rachel approaches her.
"What happened to you? You've continuously been disturbing my class. You used to be a good student. But you know what? Am tired of you. Please leave my class, now." Miss Rachel says pointing at the door with her ruler. That's miss Rachel when she is angry.
Violet looks at me, I can see the tears in her eyes. She packs up her stuff angrily and leaves the class.
"Let's continue from where we stopped from…chapter 5."
I finally take my sit.
So y'all must be wondering what went off between me and Violet. Violet was my best friend since kindergarten. We used to do everything together and she was more like a sister. We shared our dreams and became each other's rock. Since 7th grade, Violet had a crush on Darren; the cutest guy on campus according to her. However, he didn't notice her. Two days ago, it was Darren's birthday and he invited us both. Violet arrived later so Darren spent some time with me. Later during the day, Darren asked me out and I accepted. Mean right? I know, I don't know what I was thinking and now I hate myself for it. I've tried apologizing for a hundred times now but she wants nothing to do with me. Ever since she found out she's been this mean to me. I know I deserve it, but it's draining me out. Besides everyone deserves a second chance. I wish I could change things but it's too late now. There goes the bell. Gosh I couldn't even concentrate. People start leaving the class and Violet walks in as I start packing my stuff.
"I was waiting for you love child." Violet stands in my way with a half-smile like that of a villain.
Did she just call me a bastard? Honestly, am not taking this. I was just going to ignore her and walk out of this room, but you know what: am done playing nice. I stand up to her and look straight in her eyes.
"What did you just say?"
"I think its high time everyone knows that you're a fatherless child."
I felt my adrenaline boiling. I couldn't believe it was Violet saying all this. With no much further thoughts, my hand flies up in the air onto Violet's left cheek. Startled by my slap, she drops down her bag and she return the slap. As I jump off to attack Violet, a lot of people hold me back. The others hold Violet. In a flash, we are both in the principal's office waiting for our guardians to come pick up each one of us. As you can guess, we got a good shouting for fighting over a guy. Very uncommon for 10th graders. Aunt Nala comes to pick me up. Yes, I stay with my aunt and grandma alone. Where my parents are is a story for another day. As soon as we got home, she told me am changing schools. She was sending me to a boarding school that's like 200km away.
"I don't want to go there." That's me defending myself while I walk to my room, knowing clearly that she means it.
"It's not an option, negro!" Nala shouts back while making a call.
I know she's about to call grandma. At this point, I know how serious she is but was it necessary to be racist? She called me negro for being mixed. It's as though she was just waiting for me to screw up and then chase me away.
Two days later, we left for Saint Louis International High school. It was a 4-hour journey. Aunt Nala drove us to the place and getting there, it was just a completely new view. We're welcomed by a fancy black gate with the words 'Saint louis International High School' cascading through the black gate. Getting in, I just don't know how to feel. Seeing other students all dressed in their fancy uniforms; a white shirt, a blue tie with stripes, blue checks skirts, blue socks with stripes and a blue blazer. For the boy, the trousers are blue. Now am certain that am nervous. Grandma and Nala help each other in filling out my forms and then they say their goodbyes. Some girls come up to help with my luggage. The hostels are another level of fancy, although am told it is three people per room. The walls are all clean yellow, the hallway is fully tidy. All I can say is that the place isn't that bad. The girls who welcomed me are actually my roommates. Am told that's how stuff is here. All I can say is that they cool. They help me set up my stuff and yeah, it's evening already. At this point, everyone's on her own bed.
"Finally, we have a roommate." One of the girls excitedly points out.
"Who has hips." The other remarks and they all burst out laughing making me feel a little shy.
I knew they would talk about it. Samya and Lisa who are my roommates seem interesting.
"Are you South African?"
Samya adds. They both seem curious.
"No." I reply.
They look at each other, blank.
"Is that why everyone keeps staring at me?" I mention, looking at the two girls in wonder.
Not to brag but since I've gotten here, I've realized people keep staring with all sorts of grins. At first, I thought it was just cause am new, turns out there's more to it. Perhaps now you understand why Darren asked me out. Joking lol. So, the girls compare me to all sorts of celebrities like Queen Naija and Kim K. Geez, am starting to love this place. I've never been to a boarding school but am hoping my experience will be fun.
"So, which one of you is in West?" I curiously ask looking at the two girls.
"Not me." Samya shrugs.
"Am in South and she's in East." Lisa adds while taking up some Dolittle's. Am sensing something's up as they stare at each other.
"Wait, so you're in West?" Samya asks shocked. Now they're making me nervous.
"Yeah. Is it that bad?" I ask, looking at the two hesitantly.
"Class of cuties and bitches." Samya remarks as she licks her fingers.
"But don't worry, you'll love it."
At least some encouragement. I think I'll get along with the two.
"At first I had a problem with being here but now I think I'll love it." I speak, feeling really confident in my own words.
At this point, I can't hide my excitement. I lie back on the bed, feeling great. Samya decides to break the silence.
"Your relations don't really look colored." Samya at it again.
"Only my grandma isn't." I respond, while still lying on the bed feeling nothing but happiness.
"How so?" Lisa asks.
"At my mom's place they're all coloreds but at my dad's he was the only colored. So, I basically took after my mom and dad."
"Where's your dad?" Samya asks with curiosity looking all over her face.
"My mom told me he got arrested. I just know it's not here." I sadly respond.
Samya be asking questions as though it's a police station. Anyways, at least I've got someone to chat with.
"Makes sense. Why did you leave your old school?" Lisa asks, changing the entire topic.
"We were fighting over a guy."
"Oh my God!" Samya says her mouth wide open.
I explain all that happened to the girls. I know they'll judge me.
"She told my mom and that's when they found me a new school."
"What was your mom's reaction?" Lisa asks, now seated at the dressing table doing some manicure.
"She never really said much. She was the one who told me that I can date so long as I don't bring a thing back home." I explain.
"What?" Lisa exclaims.
"How old is your mom?" Samya asks, getting rid of the Dolittle's paper.
"She's young. She'll be in her thirties this year."
"So, you did that? To your best friend?" Lisa aks.
"You're evil."
Samya concludes. As she pulls up her duvet.
"It was just for fun! And besides, he chose her. They're together now. You guys actually think am that bad?" I ask my eyes already watering up.
"It doesn't matter, Toriah."
Lisa also turns her back on me and I actually start feeling bad.
"You, okay?" Samya comments.
Trying to avoid her, I take out my pajamas, pull up, switch of my light and get to bed with no further explanation.
Before I know it it's morning. I prepare myself for classes; I put on my uniform and the girls drop me off to my class. I must say; this uniform was specially designed for me. It defines my every part of the body so well. Back to class. The class is a mess, everyone's busy with their own stuff and I can't seem to find myself a seat. Then some few girls approach me.
"Natalie." Stretching out her hand.
I look at a splash of blue and white; a slim chocolate skinned pretty girl with long hair and perfect long legs. She's the actual definition of perfection. She's everything one can call a model. Puzzled with what she's saying, I stand still and make it clear am lost.
"Natalie here. Everyone around knows us."
This time around, she repeats the introduction without stretching out her hand.
"And am Bianca." The light skinned girl next to Natalie says.
"Cool." I respond, sounding really excited and at the same time unbothered.
So am guessing Natalie and Bianca are the queen bs of the class.
"What's your name?" Natalie asks pointing at me with her long crystal nails.
"Toriah." I say, almost smiling.
"OMG, you're so cute. I like your name." Bianca comments.
"Bianca, you're losing your cool."
Natalie speaks with gritted teeth, warning Bianca. She's right, Bianca's a bit talkative.
"My bad. You can be our friend." Bianca says smiling at me.
"Yeah, and maybe, we can hang out." Natalie says; playfully looking at her nails.
"Toriah, there's a vacant place here." A voice from the other side of the class says.
Finally, someone's at my rescue. Without a second thought, I walk over the girls.
"How dare you?!" Natalie screams; her eyes filled with anger and rage.
"Just ignore them." This cute, medium complexion girl in glasses comments as she turns to me upon getting to the desk.
"This is not over." Bianca says glancing over at me.
The two walk away.
"They're just saying. You're such a smasher, who wouldn't want to be friends with you. I'm Lauren." The cute girl next to me says, giving out a warm smile.
I had a lot of questions. All in all, I just smiled.
"You're so cute. I like your smile." Lauren comments. Alright, this is getting a bit awkward.
Looking over at her, I notice a badge; it seems like it's for basketball. Time to change the topic.
"Do you play basketball?" I ask, looking at her badge on the blazer.
"Yes. Am a captain."
"That's great." I admit.
"You're welcome to join."
"I have never really thought of it so maybe I have to think it through." I say, taking a second thought.
"You're always welcome."
So, classes end at 2:30pm and I have no clue of where to go at this point. Not to mention, the classes were average. They're a bit behind than Purity high.
"So, you having business right now?" Lauren asks as she packs up her notebooks.
Natalie and Bianca show up. I don't know why but I feel relieved upon seeing the two.
"Hey Toriah" Bianca says coming over at us.
"So, are you coming?" Natalie asks with a warm smile.
"Yeah. My friends are calling me." I say looking over at Natalie and Bianca.
"Your friends?" Lauren asks wide eyed.
I was just as surprised as Lauren but I felt more comfortable with the Natalies. They persuaded me to join cheerleading and I accepted. We reach the basketball court which was inhabited by the guys.
"So, this is where the cutest guys are." Natalie says excitedly.
I believe Natalie. Looking at the court, I can notice some cute faces. Fast-forward, we change into cheerleading uniforms and the guys start their game.
"Girls, let's start. He's in." Natalie says, proudly looking at someone.
I couldn't grasp whom Natalie was talking about though I remember most of the girls mentioning the name Ian. Who was he? While I was so busy trying to figure out whom Ian is, I realize am down. The guys stop the game and help me out.
"Are you okay?"
One of the guys ask.
"Yeah."
I honestly felt like crying cause the ball hit me so bad but I hold myself back. The next day. I decide to give cheerleading a chance.
"That's Ian right there." Bianca says.
"Go and speak to him." Natalie commands.
For the first time I get a vague grasp of the Ian guy; a splash of black clothes and vampire like skin color. Natalie and Bianca are always talking about him.
"What will I be saying?" I ask; not knowing what to say to him.
"Just go."
Before I know it, Natalie pushes me to Ian and I end up on the grass, again.
"You know that's bullshit." Ian says to me; looking over at Natalie and Bianca for some help; they move away giggling and laughing at me.
"It wasn't on purpose." I say, trying so hard to defend myself.
"Yes. It was an accident." Natalie starts with the pretense and Bianca joins her.
At this point I've had enough of the two. I finally get a chance to look at this Ian guy and oh boy was he cute! He's everything the girls said he is. He's lighter than me, and yes, he's mixed. He stretches his hand out for me to hold and then he walks away. Now my business with the girls.
"You guys, why did you push me?" I ask angrily; filled with self-pity.
"It was an accident."
Bianca keeps defending Natalie and it's now getting on my nerves.
"No. It wasn't."
"Even you don't trust us, Toriah?" Natalie asks putting her hand to her chest.
Duh, who would trust them now. Nat and Bianca are the fakest people I've met so far.
"We are your friends." Bianca says.
Bianca with the puppy eyes again. They know am not falling for it so Natalie jumps in.
"I wonder why am even still hanging out with you right now." I yell.
There goes nothing. I can no longer handle the two.
"Toriah, we're sorry!" Natalie says.
There's desperation in Natalie's voice but it's time to move on now so I drop the shakers and walk off. It is only the second day and life has already started to show its true colors. I head to my room to freshen up. One thing I've learnt about boarding schools is prep. We have a compulsory study time from 6pm to 8pm. I decide to rest before this big prep. Getting to prep, I notice the Ian guy. I really want him to be my friend. Anyways, study time. So, I concentrate on my studies until I get to solving math. I get stuck somewhere and then Ian comes to my mind. He was the one explaining the equation this morning. I wait for the buzzer to speak with him.
"Hey."
Am at Ian's desk all excited and he hardly looks at me. He's packing up his stuff.
"I didn't get the problem you were explaining earlier on, may you please explain it to me?" I say holding out my exercise book with the problem on it.
"Not now. Find me tomorrow." He says carrying his bag and leaving me on his desk.
"Am Toriah. Byeee!" I scream.
Okay that's kinda embarrassing. It's as though he doesn't even care.
The way he walks down on me while am talking. At least he's accepted to help. With everyone leaving for their hostels, I also leave for mine. So, I rush to gist my roommates. I break it to Samya first.
"You guys know Ian? He'll be helping me with Math tomorrow." I excitedly bring up the topic while throwing my bag at the desk.
"Ian Deo?" Samya stops whatever she was doing to attend to me.
"I don't know the surname but he plays basketball and he's in West."
I now sit on my bed and start to take off my school shoes. I didn't feel like removing my entire uniform today so I just took off the blazer, shirt and tie, then replaced them with a T-shirt.
"Yep, that's him. What happened?" Samya asks while closely paying attention.
"I found him real cute."
"Oh. Now you're talking."
"So, I asked him to help me out with the equations."
"He agreed?" Samya excitedly asks.
"He agreed."
Lisa walks in. She's just coming in from class.
"Hey Lisa." I say.
"Hi."
She looks tired.
"Have you heard it; Ian will be helping Toriah with Math tomorrow." Samya breaks the news.
"Unbelievable. Ian Deo agreed to help you with Math? You're very lucky. He used to help no one." Lisa comments while taking out her pajamas from the locker.
"That's what I was just telling her. You're a sex symbol darling." Samya remarks.
The energy from my roommates is always crazy. I love the fact that we kind of get along.