chapter 20 : Lines drawn

The announcement came during the morning assembly.

Mrs. Adeyemi, the Vice Principal, stepped up to the podium, her glasses perched on the edge of her nose. "We have been invited to participate in the National Schools Debate Championship next month. Representing our school will be Christiana, our Assistant Head Girl, and Anne, our Head Girl ."

A ripple of applause spread through the hall, but Rita's hands remained still. Her heart sank.

Anne? she thought. Why not me?

As the Social Prefect, Rita had always been involved in events and competitions. She had assumed she would be part of the debate team, especially given her recent academic achievements.

Throughout the day, whispers filled the corridors.

"Did you hear? Anne's going for the debate competition."

"Isn't Rita the Social Prefect? Shouldn't she be the one going?"

Rita tried to ignore the comments, but each one felt like a sting. During lunch, she found Anne in the library, poring over debate materials with Christiana.

Taking a deep breath, Rita approached their table. "Anne, can we talk?"

Anne looked up, her expression unreadable. "I'm a bit busy right now."

"It'll just take a minute," Rita insisted.

Christiana glanced between them. "I'll give you two a moment," she said, standing up and moving to another table.

Once they were alone, Rita spoke, her voice trembling slightly. "I thought I would be part of the debate team. As Social Prefect, it's part of my role to represent the school in such events."

Anne sighed, closing her book. "Rita, not everything revolves around you. The decision was made by the staff. Maybe they thought I was more suitable."

"More suitable?" Rita echoed, her frustration bubbling up. "Or did you influence their decision?"

Anne's eyes flashed with anger. "Watch what you're implying. Just because you came first last term doesn't mean you get everything handed to you."

Rita took a step back, hurt evident on her face. "This isn't about my grades, Anne. It's about fairness."

"Fairness?" Anne scoffed. "Life isn't fair, Rita. Grow up."

Without another word, Anne gathered her things and left the library, leaving Rita standing there, a mix of anger and sadness swirling within her.