Between Us

The Boy Who Stood Out

A tall man with a broad shoulder stepped forward, dressed in black pants, a blue shirt and a blazer. His shoes were so well polished they shone like glass.

“Good day, students.

“Good morning sir.” All the students chorused.

“For the new newcomers amidst us. My name is Dave Martins. I'm the principal of this prestigious school. There is a quick announcement that I have to pass across. Listen and listen well. A competition is coming up for the senior class students and I want you all to study hard.”

A teacher walked close to the principal and whispered something in his ears.

“Okay, everyone. A mini-competition will be done in two weeks' time and the best three will represent the school in the competition. Have I made myself clear?”

“Yes, sir………”

A teacher came forward to address us and led us all into their different classes.

“Settle down everyone. You all heard the principal at the assembly concerning the competition. If you are interested, drop your name down to the class rep. Daniel?”

“Yes, ma.” He replied and stood up from his seat.

“By lunch period, bring the names of those that are interested to my office.” She nodded, walking around the students desks.

“Okay Ms Jasmine,” he replied with a smirk on his face.

“Good. You guys should behave well this week. That will be all for today. Have a nice day.

“Hi, Daniel.” I moved closer to his seat.

“Hi…… sorry, what's your name?" He looked unsure, trying to remember if he had heard my name somewhere or if he didn't just know it.

“I'm Rita.”

“Okay. Do you need anything?” He leaned backward on his chair, raised his shoulders up and stretched his feet more forward. His chin is up. Gaze fixed at me.

What does this supposed to mean? Does everyone in this school have one character to another? Many questions keep coming to my head but no one answers them.

“Anyway, I'm here to ask for your notes and what you've done. If you don't mind,” I removed one strand of my hair and played with it.

He looked at me so quickly, as if he just saw something he couldn't imagine.

“You know what. I like you already. You're giving me the sweet vibes of a bad girl. No problem. I will lend you my notes, even though I'm not the type to lend out.”

He brought out some notes and gave them to me.

“Thanks. I will make sure to return them as fast as possible.”

“Take your time, angel.” He smiled.

I went back to my seat and boom ....guess what? The three little devils are here.

“Hi,” I said, waving my hand at them.

“Rita, we are not here to cause trouble, just here to welcome you to our school,” Kiana replied with a quick smile.

“Kiana, can you even hear yourself? Are we here to make friends or to give her our rules? Kene faced at her, squeezing her face as if she had just stepped on a poo.

“Alright girls. Calm down. You can't be exchanging words in front of a newbie,” Kayla stepped in.

“Rita, or what are you called? We are just here to let you know that this school is in our palms, and you are not allowed to do anything without our permission. If you really want to stay in this school, you have to abide by our rules.” She eyed me, chewing gum so loudly.

Gosh, that sound was so irritating. It makes me sick.

“And why should I? I replied, then stood up from my seat. My hands were folded on my chest.

They all bursted into laughter. I couldn't understand why these ladies were after me on just the first day of resumption.

I inhaled gently. “What now?”

“Girl, you dear not disobey. Remember my name, Rita. I'm Kayla. If you cross me,I promise you I will make your life miserable.” She picked up a book from my desk and slammed it hard back. Then walked away, followed by her two little fishes.

I called them little fishes because they're indeed little compared to her. The thought of that made me laugh. I sat down and got ready for the day.

The lecture of the day started. It was first mathematics, followed by literature and a free period.

The bell rang for lunchtime.

“Hey, angel.”

“Not again, Daniel, what do you want?” I said, raising my eyes up, looking like someone who will pass out any minute from now.

“What did I want? Anyway, are you not coming for lunch? It's time already.”

“I know.”

“Okay, see you there.”

“Wait, Daniel, I want to participate in the competition. Add my name.”

“Really, are you that brilliant? The competition is not an easy task.”

“Will you add my name, or should I go and meet our class teacher myself?”

“Fine, I will. See you at the cafeteria. I need to submit the names to her now.”

He walked away.

“Ree, on your way to the cafeteria?”

“Mara, I'm Rita not Ree. I would appreciate it if you could call me by my name.” I picked up my water bottle and made my way out of class.

“I love Ree, it's just a nickname, nothing more,” she said, putting her hand on my shoulder.

“Suit yourself. I need you to tell me about these K girls.”

“Oh, you want to know about them?” she positioned herself well, removed her hands from me and straightened her uniform.

“Yes, you heard me right.”

“Okay. They are the most feared students. More envious and popular and their parents are so rich. They are bullies also. So, be careful around them.”

“Oh, I see. Are your parents not rich?”

“They are but not as much as theirs.”

“Mara, do you fear them?”

“Hmmm….. not really. I just don't want to have any problem with them.”

“Enough of them. I'm starving.”

“We are here already,” she said, pointing at the cafeteria.

We walked down to the counter and took some food to eat.

“Kiana and Kene, let's show her who we are. Or what do you think?” Kayla suggested, slightly closing her eyes, l*****g her lips and making gestures at me.

“Yes, let's do that.”

I noticed Kayla coming my way with a soda in her hand. I did not really pay attention because I thought she was just passing by.

Suddenly, I felt something cold splash across my uniform. I gasped and looked down. Soda dripped from my uniform to the floor.

“OMG!! Rita, I'm really sorry. My legs slipped,” she said with an innocent face.

A tall guy walked up to me and handed me a face towel. The cafeteria suddenly went quiet before girls started screaming his name.

“Sorry, you can use this to dry yourself,” he said, pointing the towel to me.

“Thanks.”

“Kayla. That wasn't a mistake. Behave yourself,” he warned without looking at her. His gaze was fixed on me.

He then walked away with his other two friends.

Who is this guy? And why was everyone on their toes as he came in? What is special about him that makes everyone stop what they were doing?

Whoever that guy was…

Everyone in this school seemed afraid of him.