A new beginning

chapter 1: A new beginning

As I stepped off the plane at Philadelphia Airport, a wave of sadness washed over me. The divorce had left its mark, and my mom's distant behavior only made things harder. She was cold, indirect, and seemed like a completely different person. The woman who used to smile warmly, laugh with me, and hug me tight was now a stranger.

I remembered the countless times I'd tried to reach out to her, to connect with her on some level, only to be met with a wall of indifference. It hurt, knowing that the mom I once knew was slipping further and further away. The pain of the divorce was still raw, and her behavior only made it harder for me to cope.

But as I walked through the airport, I knew I had to be strong. I had to face the challenges that lay ahead, no matter how daunting they seemed. I took a deep breath, squared my shoulders, and reminded myself that I was resilient. I could get through this.

One of the challenges I'd face was attending a new school. I'd be one of the few black kids in a predominantly white school, and I knew it wouldn't be easy. There would be cultural differences, social barriers, and maybe even racism. But I was determined to succeed, to prove to myself and others that I was capable of overcoming any obstacle.

And amidst all the uncertainty, I found a small reason to smile - at least I'd get to go to prom. It might seem like a small thing, but it was something to look forward to, a chance to dress up, dance, and feel like a normal teenager.

As we made our way to our new home, I couldn't help but wonder what the future held. Would I make friends? Would I excel in school? Would I find happiness in this new chapter of my life?

Things were falling into place surprisingly fast. My mom had already landed a new job at a financial institution in the city, and I'd been registered online at a new school in Villanova, Philadelphia. It was all happening so quickly, but I was determined to adapt and make the best of it.

Villanova was a beautiful suburb, with tree-lined streets, historic homes, and a strong sense of community. I'd researched the town online, and it seemed like the perfect place to start anew. The school I'd be attending was highly rated, with excellent teachers, facilities, and extracurricular programs.

As we pulled up to our new home, a cozy townhouse in a quiet neighborhood, I felt a sense of trepidation. This was it. This was our new life. I took a deep breath, grabbed my bag, and stepped out of the car, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Sorry for not introducing myself, I am Pearl Oyekanmi, and I am fifteen years old and I will be starting nine grade. I guess I got caught up in the chaos of my new life.

I trudged behind my mom, carrying my suitcase and trying to keep up with her quick pace. She didn't seem to notice or care that I was struggling.

As we reached our new townhouse, my mom unlocked the door and pushed it open. "Welcome home, Pearl," she said, her voice flat and emotionless.

I felt a pang of sadness and frustration. Didn't she care that I was feeling lost and scared? Didn't she want to comfort me or make me feel better?

But I knew better than to expect that from her. She had been distant and cold for months now, ever since the divorce.

I sighed and followed her into the house, wondering what the future held for us,

My mom turned to me, her expression still detached. "Remember, Pearl, you're starting school tomorrow. I've already registered you, and the school has sent over all the necessary paperwork."

I nodded, feeling a mix of nerves and anxiety. Starting a new school in a new country was daunting enough, but doing it without my mom's support made it even harder.

"What time do I need to wake up?" I asked, trying to sound calm.

"Your first bell rings at 8:30 am," she replied, handing me a schedule. "You should aim to be at school by 8:00 am."

I took the schedule, feeling overwhelmed. Tomorrow was going to be a big day.

"Goodnight, Pearl," my mom said, turning to head to her bedroom.

"Goodnight," I replied, feeling a pang of loneliness.

I looked around my room felling like a stranger in a strange land. Tomorrow, I will start a new life as an high school student in America .

I woke up to the sound of my alarm blaring in ear, its shrill tone jolting me out of a restless sleep. As I sat up in bed, I felt a knot of anxiety twist in my stomach. Today was my first day at a new school.

My mom had already left for work, but the aroma of jollof rice and plantains wafted from the kitchen, reminding me of the warm, comforting breakfasts she used to make for me. I missed those lazy mornings, just the two of us chatting and laughing together.

I got out of bed and headed downstairs, my heart heavy with emotion. Everything about this new place felt wrong. The house, the neighborhood, the school – it was all so different from what I was used to.

As I ate my breakfast, I stared blankly at the note my mom had left for me. She'd written a few encouraging words, reminding me that I was strong and capable, and that I would make new friends in no time.

But as I read her words, I couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty that had been plaguing me for weeks. What if I didn't fit in? What if I struggled in my classes? What if I never found my place in this new school?

I pushed the thoughts aside and headed back upstairs to get ready. As I stood in front of the mirror, I stared at my reflection, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. My exceptionally long and curly hair cascaded down my back like a wild tangle of black springs. It was even longer and curlier than average for a West African girl, and I had learned to love it.

I slipped into an oversized outfit that swallowed my frame, feeling a bit self-conscious about my appearance. But I pushed the thoughts aside and focused on getting ready.

As I zipped up my backpack, I felt a surge of anxiety wash over me. This was it – my first day at a new school. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart.

I grabbed my schedule and map of the school, feeling a sense of determination wash over me. I was going to make it through this day, no matter what.

I headed out the door and caught the bus, my heart pounding in my chest. As I rode to school, I stared out the window, watching the unfamiliar streets and buildings blur by.

Before I knew it, the bus pulled up to the school. I took a deep breath, gathered my belongings, and stepped off the bus.

The school loomed before me, its imposing buildings and bustling hallways a daunting prospect. I felt a wave of fear wash over me, but I steeled myself and stepped forward.

I was ready to face whatever the day had in store for me.

As I made my way through the crowded hallway, I was too busy scanning the room numbers and trying to get my bearings to watch where I was going. Before I knew it, I had collided with a girl who was walking in the opposite direction.

My books and papers went flying out of my hands, and I stumbled backwards, apologizing profusely. The girl I had hit looked up at me, her eyes flashing with annoyance.

"Watch where you're going!" she snapped, rubbing her elbow.

I felt a surge of embarrassment and quickly bent down to gather my scattered books and papers.

"I'm so sorry," I repeated, looking up at the girl. "I'm really clumsy sometimes."

The girl's expression softened slightly, and she helped me gather my things.

"It's okay," she said. "I'm just a little bruised, that's all."

As we stood up, I couldn't help but notice how petite and blonde the girl was. She had piercing blue eyes and a confident air about her that made me feel a little intimidated.

"Thanks for helping me," I said, feeling a little awkward.

The girl smiled and nodded. "No problem. I'm Nicole, by the way."

"I'm... nice to meet you," I replied, feeling a little flustered.

Nicole's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Are you new here?" she asked.

I nodded, feeling a little self-conscious. "Yeah, I just transferred. I'm still trying to figure out the layout of the school."

Nicole's expression turned sympathetic. "What grade are you in?" she asked.

"I'm a junior," I replied, feeling a little more at ease.

Nicole nodded thoughtfully. "Cool. I'm a junior too. Maybe I can show you around and help you get settled in."

As we walked through the hallway, Nicole suddenly stopped and turned to me. "Hey, I want you to meet my friends," she said, smiling.

Before I could respond, she grabbed my arm and pulled me over to a group of students standing by their lockers.

"Hey, you didn't tell me your name," she said, smiling

"Hey, you didn't tell me your name," Nicole said, smiling.

"Am Pearl Oyekanmi," I replied.

"Oye what?" she said, dumbfounded.

I laughed a little. "Just call me Pearl."

Nicole's face lit up with excitement. "Fine!" she said, very enthusiastically. "Morning guys, meet Pearl!" she introduced me like she was showing off an object at an auction.

Nicole's friends turned to me with interest, and Nicole began to make introductions.

"This is Archer," she said, nodding towards a boy with piercing blue eyes and messy brown hair. Archer smiled and nodded at me, looking friendly.

"And this is Caroline," Nicole continued, gesturing towards a tall, statuesque girl with long, curly brown hair and a supermodel's physique. Caroline smiled and waved at me, looking confident and poised.

"Josephine, say hi," Nicole said, nudging a blonde girl who was busy texting on her phone. Josephine looked up, startled, and then smiled at me, her blue eyes sparkling with friendliness.

"Hi," she said, tucking her phone into her pocket.

I smiled and said hello, feeling a little overwhelmed by the sudden introduction to so many new people.

Nicole smiled warmly at me, her eyes sparkling with friendliness. "I have to say, Pearl, I think you're absolutely beautiful," she said, her voice sincere.

I felt a blush rise to my cheeks as I looked away, feeling a little self-conscious.

"Thanks, Nicole," I muttered, trying to play it cool.

Nicole nodded thoughtfully. "You know, I think you could really rock a different look. You need a do-over, girl!" she exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement.

I laughed, feeling a little uncomfortable. "I don't know, Nicole. I'm good with how I look," I said, trying to decline her offer politely.

Nicole raised an eyebrow, looking surprised. "Really? You don't want a makeover?" she asked, her voice incredulous.

I shook my head, feeling a little firm. "No, really, I'm good. Thanks for offering, though," I said, trying to smile politely.

Nicole shrugged, looking unfazed. "Suit yourself, Pearl. But if you change your mind, just let me know," she said, winking at me.

The bell rang, signaling the start of the school day.

"Alright guys, let's head to homeroom!" Nicole exclaimed.

"Yeah, I'm ready to get this day started," Archer said, grinning.

Ugh, I'm so not ready for this," Caroline complained.

"Come on, Caroline, it's not that bad," Josephine teased.

"I'm a little nervous, to be honest," I admitted.

Don't be nervous, Pearl!" Nicole reassured me. "We're all in the same homeroom. We'll stick together.

on getting to the home room we all head to their seats

As we took our seats, the teacher, Mrs. Johnson, greeted us warmly. "Good morning, class. I trust you all had a great summer?"

The class murmured in response, and Mrs. Johnson smiled. "Excellent. Now, I believe we have a new student joining us today. Pearl, would you like to introduce yourself to the class?"

I felt a surge of nervousness, but Nicole gave me an encouraging smile. I stood up, trying to composed myself. "Hi, everyone. My name is Pearl Oyekanmi,am Nigerian and I'm a junior. I just transferred here from... um... a different school

"what sort of surname is that" a boy said

and the whole class burst out laughing .

" well it definitely not as common as your ignorance" Nicki said in my defense.

The classroom fell silent, with all eyes on Nicole and the boy who had made the comment. The air was thick with tension, and you could almost hear a pin drop. The boy's face turned bright red, and he looked like he was about to shrink into his seat. Mrs. Johnson, the teacher, raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile on her face, seeming to say, "Well played, Nicole."Let's keep going..

I sat back down, feeling a mix of emotions. I was grateful to Nicole for standing up for me, but I was also embarrassed that my surname had been the subject of ridicule.

Nicole gave me a reassuring smile and whispered, "Don't mind him, Pearl. He's just a jerk."

I nodded, feeling a little better.

The rest of the day was a blur of new classes, new teachers, and new classmates. I struggled to keep up, feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information being thrown at me.

At lunchtime, Nicole and her friends invited me to sit with them in the cafeteria. I hesitated at first, feeling like an outsider, but Nicole reassured me that it was fine and am one of them now

As we sat together during lunch, Nicole turned to me with a excited grin. "Hey, Pearl, have you heard about the party tonight?"

I shook my head, curious. "What party?"

Nicole's eyes sparkled. "The one hosted by the Queen Bees – Tiffany, Brittany, McKenzie, and Morgan. It's the biggest party of the year, and everyone's going to be there."

I frowned, feeling a sense of unease. "I don't think I can go," I said.

Nicole raised an eyebrow. "Why not?"

I hesitated, feeling a surge of guilt. "My mom would kill me if she found out. She's really strict about me going to parties."

Nicole leaned in, a mischievous glint in her eye. "You should sneak out, Pearl! It'll be fun, I promise."

Caroline, Archer, and Josephine, who were sitting with us, started to chime in.

"Yeah, come on, Pearl! Don't be a party pooper!" Caroline said.

"It'll be a blast!" Archer added.

Josephine leaned in, a sly smile spreading across her face. "I sneak out all the time, Pearl. It's no big deal."

I hesitated, feeling my resolve weaken. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to sneak out just this once...