Chapter 13

Laila POV

The midterm break is over and we've resume back to school. The school felt so different now that Florence is gone. I sat alone with no one to talk to. I keep staring at her seat hoping she will come tomorrow. I really miss her today. Although I have make friend with Mathias and we study maths together, it still felt different. He is different from Florence and lacks humor like Florence and sometimes he love to be alone but he is a nice guy

I reluctantly went to the cafeteria during lunch. I sat quietly with my food. My lunch partner and friend is gone and I'm all alone with my food.

I was eating quietly when Sandra came to my table.

"Look like your only friend has abandoned you." She said smirking.

"I'm not in the mood Sandra." I told her.

She scoff. "Not in the mood. You are...." She stopped when someone called her name. I look up to see Mary and her friend approaching my table.

"Mary. Hi." Sandra said with a fake smile.

"Hi." Mary said with an equal fake smile.

"Do you need something?" Sandra asked.

"Yes." Mary replied. "I want you to stop causing a scene in the cafeteria."

Sandra look shocked.

"What?"

"You heard me clearly." Her voice was stern. "Don't you get tired of embarrassing her? But I don't care anyway just stop all the bullshit. Do I make myself clear?"

"Ye.... Yess." Sandra replied. She might be the daughter of a deputy governor but Mary remains the queen of the school.

Mary smile broadly. "Good." And Sandra walk away muttering something.

"Thank you." I told her.

"You are welcome." Mary said and she nod at her friend. They both walk away without saying another word.

I don't know why she helped me but I'm truly grateful to her.

Sandra seize making trouble with me since Mary approached her at the cafeteria but she still glare at me anytime we meet in the hall, cafeteria or at the corridor.

The termly dinner was approaching and everyone looks forward to the day. I don't know much about it but Mathias tried to give me little details about it. It is an opportunity to blend with others, showcase your talent and also remind the students about their cultural heritage.

Mathias had told me there will be dance, food, drinks, game, singing, competitions among others. It was also an uniform free day which most of the girls are looking forward to.

It's a whole day for the students to have fun.

The preparation for the dinner begins. School Clubs begin to have their practice so they could all present something at the dinner. Christain and his music band were composing songs together with the school music club. Some junior students in the Art club made some beautiful art drawings and paintings for the dinner that leave every one mouth wide open.

I don't have much talent in singing and dancing so I volunteer to join the organizing team. I had little experience from visiting Mrs Anthony since she is an event planner.

I join in organizing and decorating the hall. At first it felt awkward as everyone give me a strange look but when I contribute my idea to the group, they warm up to me. And together we did a great job.

On Friday of the dinner, I thought about what to wear for the party. I don't want to be a mocking stuff for my class mate. I don't have expensive clothes and shoes like them.

I decided to put on my favorite dress. It's a white short flare gown with a one off shoulder hand. It has a gold band at the waist that form a big bow at the back. Mrs Anthony had gave it to me as a gift for my birthday last year. I had wear it only once. For Last year Christmas.

I wear an high heel sandal that Florence gave me on it. I am not a fan of makeup so I just add pink lip gloss to my lips and shave my brows.

I took my little black bag that I take to church on Sundays. I put some necessary stuff in it together with the IPhone Florence had gave me.

I felt proud of myself even if I know that my dressing won't stand a chance with my wealthy school mates.

Mrs Anthony had order their driver to drive me to school. So after I lock the door of our apartment, I went out to meet the driver that was waiting for me in the car.

When I get to school, the school was already booming with music. Different cars drove into the school and the students walk in all direction in their nice dresses.

I envied some of their dresses but I am not ashamed of what I wear either.

The dinner was so much fun than I had expected. There was speech, music, debate, cultural dance and stories and other interesting things. When it was time to dance, I didn't get up. Most students move to the dance floor with their partners and those without partners wait for someone to ask them for a dance.

Mathias didn't want to dance. He said he enjoy watching. Ansa, Florence ex-boyfriend came over to ask me for a dance but I politely rejected and he nod in understanding before walking away.

"Why do you refuse to dance with him?" Mathias asked me.

"He was Florence boyfriend." I replied.

"It's doesn't matter. It just a dance and Florence is gone."

"I know but it will feel like I am betraying my friend. So I can't."

He nodded in agreement and we continue to watch the different students dancing with each other. The teachers were at the different corner of the hall watching us discreetly.

"Excuse me Mathias. I'll be right back." I said to Mathias and he nods. I stood up to leave.

I was trying to get past the crowded student when someone bump into me.

It was the waiter carrying the tray of drinks.

"I'm so sorry. I'm sorry. Someone push  me." He apologized continously.

My white dress is stain with orange, red, black and yellow liquid as the content of the glasses pour on my dress.

It hurt so much. I love this dress and I hope the stain get off it. I look up and told the waiter i was fine. Then I saw Jason sitting on a chair close to the waiter. He was smirking.

And I knew immediately that he had pushed the waiter.

He look at me and dare me to do anything. His friends came to sit beside him and they laugh at my stained dress. Few students were already staring my way.

"Sorry." Some junior students muttered walking past me.

"Looks like you wear a foam bra Sofela." Jason said smiling wickedly. I put my hand on my chest and quickly ran out of the hall.

I went to the rest room. I don't have time to think about what Jason had done and said. I am trying to get the stain of my dress. It look so horrible. I'm afraid I won't be able to wear this dress again. And it brought tears to my eyes.

I sat down defeatedly. My cloth is a mess and I don't have a jacket. I have a tracksuit in my locker but I didn't bring the key. I never knew something like this is going to happen.

I was still sitting on a chair close to the swimming area when Isabella came over. The most quiet girl in the class. She wear a fitted blue gown with pearls that hug her thin body perfectly.

"What happened to your cloth?" She asked in a thin voice. Her voice is calm and filled with concern. I am astonished to hear her talk to me. She never talks to people. She stay in solitary. I only heard her talk twice and that was when she answered Mrs Bolarin question in chemistry class.

"Someone bumped into me." I answered with a shy smile.

"Oh! Your dress is ruined. What are you going to do now?" She asked sincerely.

I shrug.

"I have a cardigan in my locker, will you mind wearing it?" She asked.

"No. I will love to." I said gladly. That will really help a lot to cover the mess on my dress.

She nods with a smile and she ask me to come with her.

I follow her up the stairs to her locker. She open the locker and she brought out a blue cardigan. And gave it to me.

She must really love blue.

She direct me into an empty classroom and I wear the cardigan. It was a little too tight at the burst but it will help me get home without embarassment.

"Thanks a lot Isabella."

"It's no problem. I'm glad to help." She said sincerely smiling. She really is beautiful.

The rest of the term went by so quickly.

The library and the swimming pool also become my second friend. I learn to swim after school from a female senior student. She is the captain of the swim team for the senior class.

Jason friends keep bullying me. They do some stupid and weird stuff to me either in class or on the assembly ground.

During the first term examination, they had manage to open my locker and pour paint on some of my notes. I had to go to the library to read and borrow a few of Mathias note.

I felt so relieved when the term end.