Between Us

A Dangerous Victory

At the front of our new home.

“Wow, Mum. This is so beautiful,” I said as I shut the car door.

“Do you like it?”

“Yes, Mum. I love this.”

“Let's go inside so you can take a proper look.”

She helped me with my school bag while I carried her handbag. We walked to the door and she unlocked it.

“Mum, this interior is so……fine.” I dropped my bag on the sofa.

“Yeah, I know,” she replied with a smile. “I'm done with the arrangement, but there are still some of our things at the old house. I will be going there tomorrow to pack the rest.”

“Okay, Mum. But don't you need a helping hand? I can skip school tomorrow.”

“No, my love. I'm okay all by myself.”

She noticed the instant change in my mood.

“What's wrong? Why are you frowning? Are you upset about something?” She asked as she moved closer to me and offered me a seat.

“Mum, it's nothing. I'm just worried about my new school.” I leaned my back, folded my arms and crossed my legs.

She adjusted the way she sat. Moving a little bit forward so that she can see my face very well.

“My daughter, talk to me. What's it? What happened?

“There are just these girls that have been on my neck. But don't worry, Mum, it's nothing. I will take care of it,” I smiled at her quickly to stop her from worrying.

“Are you sure?” She placed her hand on my shoulder.

“Yes, ma. I am.” I blew her a kiss as I stood up. “I'm off to my room. I need to freshen up.”

“Okay. I will prepare your lunch now.”

“Thanks, mum.”

*****

The next day at school.

I was hoping everything would go fine. I'm not in for any trouble. I got to school really early and was the second student to enter our class. I brought out a novel and started reading.

After a few minutes, students started entering the class one after another.

“Good morning, Ree.” This same voice that sounded like mockery.

“Hi, Mara. How are you doing today?” I replied to her without lifting my head up and continued reading my novel.

“Are you not happy to see me?” She sat down on the seat beside me.

“Why not? I am.”

“So, what are you reading?” She collected the novel from my hand.

“Something interesting.” I looked at her. “Yesterday, after school, I saw you with Kayla and the rest. You never told me you guys were closed.”

“Emm…. No…. We are not that close. They just called me to ask about my literature note. That's all. Nothing much, she replied, scratching her hand nervously.

“Are you fine?”

“Yeah, sure. I just have rashes on my hand. I will see you later. I need to get to the restroom.

“Okay.” I collected back my novel and continued reading.

******

Later that morning in the restroom

“OMG, she saw us. I hope that she did not notice anything. I just have to be careful from now on,” Mara kept talking to herself.

“Did you guys hear what happened in the cafeteria yesterday?” a student asked while washing her hands at the basin.

“About Kayla and the new girl?” Another student asked.

“Yeah, I heard her boyfriend scold her after all her bragging.” They all laughed.

“I was embarrassed by her behav…..”

“Hmm hmmm.” Someone was coughing from inside one of the toilets. It was Mara.

“So, this is how you all gossip about everyone's matters here?” She moved closer to them, standing in their midst.

One student replied to her. “And, how is that any of your business? Or are you her PA?”

They burst into laughter.

“Do you think we don't know you? Are you not trying so hard to be like her?” The other girl folded her ams while eyeing her.

“It's not your fault. I am to be blamed for stooping so low to you guys level and talking to you people.”

“Girls, please let's leave here. This girl is out of her mind,” one of them pulled the other girls away.

They hissed and then walked out.

Mara stirred at them as they walked out of the restroom. She clapped her hands, adjusted her uniform and walked out.

Later, quiz time

The activity of the day went as usual. Assembly. Classes. Lunch period.

Now it's time for the school quiz which is held every Thursday.

All students were gathered inside the school hall. They started with the national anthem and the school anthem.

The principal came forward to address the student.

“Good afternoon student.”

“Good afternoon sir.”

“As you all know, today is our quiz day, and today's quiz is between SS2B. Do well to listen, concentrate and learn from it. Have a nice day.”

Everyone clapped as he left the podium.

“If you hear your name, please, come to the front seat. Kayla, Rita, and a few other students were called to the front.

“This Rita girl…. Who does she think she is? She's just barging into everything,” Kene whispered to Kiana.

“Let's wait and see.” She replied. And they both kept quiet.

The quiz started and after the end of each category, a student was eliminated. For the final category, Kayla and I remained.

“Kayla, pick a number,” Ms Jasmine said.

“Number 25.”

She was asked, but she got it wrong. It was my turn and I got the answer right.

“We've got to the end of the quiz. And the winner of today's quiz is…. Rita.” Ms Jasmine announced.

For a moment the hall went silent. Then the students burst into applause. Kayla's face turned pale as she stared at me. She couldn’t understand what was going on. She looked at me, then at Ms Jasmine, then at her friends.

After the celebration, everyone was dismissed.

After the quiz ended, on my way back to class. I saw the 3K's at the entrance of the class.

“What is this again?” I don't have time for this. Please, leave my way.”

“Who do you think you are?” Kayla took a few steps forward, using her finger to push me back.

They formed a circle around me.

“Let this be your last time you will ever participate in whatever I participate in.”

“I'm not ready for you guys today. Let me go,” I said, trying to find my way out, but they kept on resisting.

“Let her go, now.”

We all looked in the direction we heard the voice from, and it was Archie.

He walked toward us calmly and pulled me out of their midst. He looked at me thoroughly from up to down.

“Are you okay? Hope they didn't do anything to you? He held my hand, still looking to see if I was hurt somewhere or not.

“I'm fine. Thank you.” I replied calmly.

Archie turned to Kayla.

“Kayla, you're just jealous because she won. Stop this childish behaviour.”

“Archie, it's not what you think. I…..”

“Rita, let's go,” he said, cutting her off as he led me into the classroom.

My heart was still racing from everything that had just happened.

“Are you sure you are fine?” he asked again, but this time softer.

I nodded yes.

I could still notice eyes on me. I stylishly looked back, and I saw Kayla beside Kene and Kiana still starring at us.

The look in her face scared the hell out of me.

That wasn't anger anymore. It was something way far beyond that.

And somehow, I knew something was wrong.

This is the beginning of another nightmare.