Between Us

Gossip, Jealousy and Threats

I excused myself and went to the toilet. Mara followed me.

“Ree, I don't think water can wash this shirt. You have to use soap also, which means you can't wear it back immediately.”

“I know, so what will I do? I moved closer to the washing basin, rested my hands on it, buried my face down to the ground.

We heard a knock on the door.

“Who is there?” we shouted.

“I figured out that you would need an extra shirt.

Mara and I looked at each other. Then the door and again at each other. We then went out to check who the person was.

“Oh, it's you.” I scratched my hand.

“Thank you for the other time.”

“It's fine. No need to thank me. I'm Archie,” he said, stretching the shirt toward me.”

“Thanks for this. I owe you a favour. I will make sure I return it.” I collected it from him.

“Don't bother. See you around.” He waved. Took some steps backward, then turned around and walked off.

“Rita, it's your first day in school, and you're already talking to one of the most popular boys.”

“What do you mean? I took off my shirt and wore the new shirt. Then I washed it under running water.

“That’s Romeo. It's his nickname. He is known to be a play boy,” she said, assisting me with the washing.

“OK and so what? I lifted my head up.

“That's Kayla's crush, but he doesn't like her at all, not even a bit.”

“Nice.”

“Nice. Just Nice?”

“What do you expect me to say? Should I start shouting hallelujah or what? Or should I be crawling on the ground?”

“Kayla already had eyes on you. Just be extra careful.”

“And why should I? It is not like I was the one that approached him first; it is the other way round."

“Okay. I've said mine.”

“Just please leave me alone.”

We are done with the washing. There is a space at the back of the toilet for drying clothes. We hung our clothes. Then we went back to class. Our lunch break was over.

“Class greet…..”

“Good afternoon, ma.”

“Good afternoon. Be seated.” She waved her hands down for us to sit.

“Here with me are the names of those who are interested in the competition. If you hear your name, stand on your feet.”

She brought a list of names from her portfolio.

“Kayla, Daniel, Amie, Eli, Abigail and Rita. You'll be representing this class, and please make us proud. You can have your seat.”

I raised my hand.

“You can speak up.” She pointed at me.

“What's wrong with her? What does she have to say?” Kayla said, whispering to Kiana and Kene.

“My question is, will there be a lesson or class before the mini-competition or are we just preparing on our own?”

“I love that question. You can have your seat. Every free period, there will be a class for the six of you to prepare you ahead. Any other questions?

Everywhere was silent.

“Since there are no questions, I will take my leave now.” She packed her notes and all she brought along, and then left.

Kayla stood up from her seat, walked to the front of the class, raised her hands for everyone to keep quiet.

“Rita, who do you think you are?” She frowned as she moved closer to me and bent over my desk.

I gave no response.

“Are you deaf? Can't you hear me? She yelled.

“What is the problem, again?” I looked straight into her eyes, making her know that I was not scared of her.

“You are a new student. This is your first day, and you are already signing up for a competition. That's so rude.”

“And why is that your concern? Or are you afraid that I might be the one to win?”

She scoffed.

“Your wish. You can't. Everyone knows that I'm the most brilliant in this class. Even in this school.”

“Okay. Fine. It's team work, so why are you here yelling? I'm not here to take anybody's place.” I brought out a novel from my bag.

“You said you are not here to take anybody's place. But on your first day, you're already going after another person's boyfriend,” Kene said, sitting on her desk with her hands folded.

“Don't mind her. I'm very sure that all she knows is boys.” Kiana shifted her gaze towards me.

They all laughed.

“Enough. This is a class. Please, let us keep it low.” Daniel walked towards us, pointing his fingers to Kayla to go back to her seat.

She leaned closer to me and whispered to my ear.

“That boy is mine. Don't cross the line,” she said, rolled her eyes at me, hissed and went back to her seat.

Too much drama on the first day. Will I survive this school? Do I even fit in here? I keep on thinking. I leaned back, my head on my chair, my eyes closed. I was lost in my thoughts.

The rest of the day went so fast. And finally, the day was over.

On my way out. I saw Kayla, Kiana and Kene together with Mara. I was confused. I was so tired to even wait to check what was happening to them. I went out the school gate to wait for my mum.

“Mara, what is it? What do you want to tell us? I thought you'd be friends with the new girl.” Kayla leaned at the walll.

“I just have some things to let you guys know.”

“For what reason do you expect us to stay here and have a chat with you?” Kiana answered, moving closer to her.

“It's about Archie.” She quickly voiced it out, pressing her fingers together.

“What is it?” Kayla stood well. “Speak, now!!”

“I….I…”

“You what?”

“I heard Archie and Rita speaking in the toilet.”

“What were they saying? Talk fast and stop acting like a turtle, you this sluggish thing.” Kene pushed her slightly.

“I think Rita likes Archie. Archie even gave her his shirt to change in.” She moved a little bit backward, shaking as if she had just seen a ghost.

“Are you sure about this?” Kayla asked. Breathing so fast, she clenched her fists and threw a punch into Mara's bag.

“Is that all?” Kiana patted Kayla to make her calm down.

“She also said that you guys can't do anything to her, that you're just jealous of her.”

“We jealous of her?” Kayla let off of Kiana hand. They all looked at each other and gave a quick but dangerous smile.

“Thank you. You can go.” Kiana made a way and signalled Mara to pass.

“ Girls, we need to have a good plan on how to treat this girl. She is passing her boundary. Kayla bit her finger, clapping her hands together. She was pacing up and down, thinking of possible ways to get back at her.

“Yes, but for now, let's go home and come back with a plan tomorrow,” Kene said.

They all walked to their respective cars with their drivers and zoomed off.

“Rita.”

I heard my mum's voice. I was so happy. I jumped at her and gave her a hug.

“You seem so happy?”

“No mum, I'm just tired. Can we go now?”

“Did anything happen in school?” She asked while taking off my back bag.

“Mum… a lot happened today,” My eyes were cold. But something told me that tomorrow would be even worse.