The Wahala Chronicles

6:00 a.m. “DANIELA! WAKE UP!” Daniela’s eyes flew open. For three whole seconds, she stared at the ceiling, completely confused about why someone was shouting her name at this ungodly hour. Then reality hit her. SCHOOL. “Ahhh!” she screamed, jumping out of bed. Today was the day. Her first day at Dansol High School. Daniela rushed around her room like someone who had suddenly remembered they had an exam in ten minutes. Her school uniform was hanging neatly beside her wardrobe, her shoes were waiting by the door, and her backpack was already packed. Well… mostly packed. She grabbed her toothbrush and ran to the bathroom. “Today will be peaceful,” she told herself while brushing her teeth. “No embarrassment. No trouble. No wahala.” She paused. “Especially no wahala.” That sounded convincing. At least, until she tripped over her school shoe. “OW!” From downstairs came her mother’s voice. “Daniela! Are you okay?” “Yes, Mummy!” A pause. “I’m fine!” Another pause. “Just fighting with my shoe!” Her mother sighed. “Just hurry up!” Daniela quickly finished getting ready and stared at herself in the mirror. Her new uniform looked strange. Not bad. Just… too serious. She adjusted her collar, picked up her backpack and took one last look around her room. “Dansol High School,” she whispered. A new school. New teachers. New classmates. New friends. And, hopefully, absolutely no drama. Daniela smiled. She had no idea that before the day was over, she would already have a story to tell. And trust her… It was going to be one serious wahala.