The Girl who Preferred Silence
CHAPTER 1
Honestly, I’d really enjoyed the holiday. But now, being the last weekend, all I had to do was prep for school and try not to dread Monday too much. Making new friends? Ugh, the thought alone was killing me. I’m that girl who could stay in her room all day as long as I’ve got snacks, Wi-Fi, and a series to binge.
Speaking of which, I was deep into About Fate: “Norah Papa Is Calling You.”
“That was my brother,” I muttered as he barged in without knocking.
“Ever heard of knocking? Especially before entering a girl’s room?” I snapped.
“You were too busy with your movie to hear me, obviously. And I bet you didn’t even notice it’s dinner time,” Noel said, smirking as he sauntered out.
I rolled my eyes but followed him anyway, the smell of Mum’s cooking making it slightly more bearable. Dinner together is non-negotiable in our family—Mum insists it’s bonding time.
As usual, Mum was there, gliding around the table, making sure everything was perfect.
“Mama,” I said, flashing my open-mouth smile that always brought out my dimples.
“Norah, my dear, help me carry these to the table,” she said, handing me the plates.
Noel and Dad were already chilling, whispering to each other like co-conspirators. Noel was the genius of the family—which basically guarantees favorite-child status in our house.
After dinner, I retreated to my room. Before I knew it, Monday morning had rolled around. Late? Not on my watch. I wolfed down breakfast while Noel impatiently waited, tapping his fingers on the table.
Thirty minutes later, we were on campus.
“See you around, little pumpkin,” Noel teased, ruffling my hair in a way that made me roll my eyes… and maybe feel a little flutter I wasn’t ready to admit.
“Stop before I actually punch you, Mr. Perfect Head Prefect. Wait—is that Chloe with that… ugh, never mind,” I muttered, squinting at the Form Four corner.
“Where?” he asked.
I lied. Chloe was his crush, but Noel? Too much of a nerd to ever make a move.
“Relax, I was just messing with you,” I said, smirking.
“Anyway, behave. Don’t start trouble just because your brother is the head prefect. I won’t bail you out,” he warned.
“Tuck in your shirt, Norah Thomson.”
“Sure, Mr. Head Boy. Don’t worry—I’ll be an angel,” I said, tucking in my uniform as I strutted toward class.
A few steps later, someone called my name. My stomach dropped—I didn’t have friends in junior years. I turned.
“HELL NO,” I muttered under my breath.
Grace was walking toward me with that fake-perfect smile. I forced one back, thinking cheese, because apparently, we were supposed to be friends.
“Grace,” I said, keeping the awkward smile plastered on.
“Norah! How was the holiday? I tried calling, but you didn’t pick,” she chirped, linking arms as we walked.
“Well, I went to my grandma’s. Bad reception, but great time,” I lied, sliding into my seat. The truth? I’d been home the entire holiday.
Everything looked the same at Golden Dreams Secondary School, except we were now Form Three candidates—big leagues.
Our class had a ton going on: prefect elections, quiz competitions, and, of course, the Miss and Mr. Golden Dreams contest.
“Welcome, students. I’m Miss Banda, your new English teacher—language and literature,” she announced, strolling confidently into class.
Old habits die hard. The room was noisy, buzzing with junior-day energy. Miss Banda didn’t flinch.
She stopped at my desk.
“Norah Thomson will be your new class prefect,” she declared.
I froze. How did she even know my name? My heart skipped. Was this really happening?
The class erupted.
“Madam, she can’t handle it,” Michael complained.
“She can’t even talk properly. Lisa’s a better fit,” Wisdom added.
They weren’t wrong. My grades were mediocre. Confidence? Barely existed.
“Madam, she can speak for herself. If she refuses, I’ll gladly take it,” Lisa said, all sugar-and-poison smiles.
“I’ve decided. Norah is the class prefect—and that’s final,” Miss Banda said.
“Follow me to the staffroom,” she instructed, and I obeyed. Teachers raised eyebrows, clearly surprised I existed.
After break, I returned to class. The stares were sharp, mocking—but I played it cool. My stomach still flipped thinking about what everyone was whispering… and I couldn’t stop glancing at Grace, wondering if she’d actually be a friend or trouble in disguise.
School ended quickly, and I was the first out.
“Norah! Wait!” Grace called.
She explained she’d moved near me and wanted us to hang out.
“Sure,” I said, surprising myself.
At home, lunch, a nap… and Grace completely slipped my mind.
That night, guilt crept in. But more than guilt, there was curiosity—and maybe a spark of excitement. Something told me this year wasn’t going to be ordinary.
#To be continued
Norah’s life at Golden Dreams is about to get messy…
