New beginnings

7 years before

It had to be a dream! I was finally in my new school with my boyfriend, my first boyfriend!!! Our relationship began before the school year started after we were introduced by mutual friends and all I could think about was him.

I felt amazingly shy, excited and scared. For the first time in my life, I was popular for some reason other than being a nerd. I was the "IT" girl everyone wanted to see.

As I walked through the corridors of my new environment, the whispers and stares spoke volumes. I was the new girl dating the old student and being chased by the senior guys. Every girls dream! I had been courted severally at my old school, but I wasn't interested and buried my head in books of all genres. Finally I was opening up to the world, to the ways of adults.

But could I live up to the task? Could I handle the attention and still focus? I felt beautiful and wanted for the first time in my life.

We kissed twice already and It was all I could think of; my first beautiful kiss, or was it just a kiss? How was I going to face him after that? Why did I have to face him? The butterflies in my belly, the giddiness on my toes, the straining of my neck anytime i heard male voices.

I was a gone girl!!

I was woken out of my reverie by his voice.... that voice! The voice that sent shivers down my spine, which was also my cue to get mysterious. 

Mr Rawlings as they called him, was Cheryl's nightmare. He looked so young I always wondered about his age, but he was also strict and closed mouthed so I couldn't ask.The look on his face wasn't one I loved to see and for some reason, I became invested in making him miserable.

Cheryl was the closest friend I had and I had always been her protector, given her trusting and calm nature. She wasn't one to make enemies but her dislike for Mr Rawlings was palpable from the look she had everytime they crossed paths. I was however surprised she had never mentioned him, given we switched schools together and had been friends for 4 years.

But how was I going to cope with everything happening around me? Everything was happening so fast i could barely catch my breathe. My new school was proving to be everything I expected and even more!

"Oops! Good morning Sir", I murmured as intentionally bumped into him, stepping on his loafers in the process. Nice shoes, I muttered to myself as I raised my eyes to meet his gaze.

"Could you at least watch where you are headed next time?" His baritone voice barked furiously, his clear blue eyes piercing into mine, pulling me into his depths. Uh uh! Someone's mad, I mused silently. 

"I didn't expect to find you on campus after hours, I mean the day was long over" I replied, with a consequent rapid burst of the bubble gum in my mouth. It had left my entire mouth blue which clearly riled up Mr Rawlings who was my Science teacher. Everytime his period approached, I prepared my chewing gum since he despised it. He conducted a sweep of my locker everytime he walked into class, but I always had a backup plan. He made me his personal business which irritated me immensely. At least two could play the game.

"For starters, you are supposed to be for dinner. Secondly you are not properly dressed. I don't think you fully comprehend the rules and regulations of this institution " He said, giving me a once over.

" I wasn't interested in the meal and I forgot my keys in class so I rushed to get them. As for my attire, the school promised to make the uniforms available ASAP, so I am not at fault " I retorted.

"Well you are supposed to follow the school itinerary regardless of your preferences, so you should head back to the refrectory" he stated dismissively and headed out the side gate of the block. Was it just me or he was uncomfortable in my presence?

"Good evening to you sir" I said indignantly as I stomped off, furious for no reason in particular. Why was he so nosy and always on my case? Cheryl hated talking about him, and I wondered what that was about? All she said was he was proud but who wasn't? Anyways, she was my friend and her enemy became my enemy. Lame I know, but sisterhood came first.

It was going to be a long year!!!.