MICHELLE

--- The night my world changed, the air was heavy with the late night dew and the sharp scent of burning herbs.My grandmother's wrinkled hands trembled as she pressed a golden pendant into my palm. "From this moment, child, no thought about you will ever be hidden. You will hear them all-the truth people dare not speak."Grandma what do you mean, I asked curiously,speak not child for you can't know more than this which I have spoken unto you,she replied.Grandma turned to look at mum who was sitted beside her death bed, I have handed over the gift to her make sure she uses it properly,she whispered softly as her voice faded slowly,silence echoed,grandma was gone,I could feel the tears drop down my cheeks slowly as mum and dad paid their last respect before she was covered in a white sheet to be taken to the mortuary . I am Michelle by name ,currently in my final year of high school,my parent were divorced and the only time i got to see mum again was during my grandmother's death.I am living with only my dad but it's fine cause dad gives me everything I Need And I never have to worry about my mum cause she always shows Up whenever she likes,still don't know the cause of their divorce And my mum is already engaged to someone else so I guess it's just me and dad against the world. "Grin,grin",rang my alarm bell as I dashed out of bed and ran Into the bathroom to have my bathe since i was going to school Grandma's last word to me kept on ringing in my ears as I Scrubbed my body,what could she have meant I thought but got No reasonable response to it. I stepped out of the bathroom, the warmth of the water still clinging to my skin, and inhaled the faint scent of my body cream. Carefully, I smoothed it over my arms and legs, then dabbed a little perfume behind my ears. Small rituals like these always grounded me, made me feel ready to face the world-ready to step into the day as myself. I brushed my hair until it fell just right, tugged gently at the hem of my skirt, and checked my reflection one last time. Time was slipping by, but I couldn't rush ,dad always told me about the dangers of rushing things and besides, moving deliberately made me feel in control. Still, I couldn't ignore the ever-present worry in the back of my mind: the new principal, Mr. Hills. He had arrived at the school just this term, and whispers about him had spread fast. Latecomers didn't just get a warning-they were sent to clean the janitor's closet, The thought made me straighten my shoulders and quicken my pace just a little,I grabbed my bag and slipped on my shoe Heading downstairs, I picked up the the toasted bread from the plate where it was served to me by dad,Mrs Nancy my nanny wasn't around so dad decided Prepare my breakfast. I gotta go dad ,good morning and bye i said Rushing ,easy baby he replied aren't you gonna take lunch to school he asked,no not today I gotta go, i would get something from the cafeteria I replied as I ran outside and entered into the Car as my driver drove me to School. --- I stepped out into the crisp morning air, my bag slung over my shoulder, trying to ignore the flutter of nerves in my stomach. The school gates loomed ahead, students already streaming in, chatting and laughing as if the world had no rules at all. I walked briskly, careful not to draw attention, my mind replaying the whispered warnings about the new principal. Mr. Hills. Just the name sent a shiver down my spine. Tall, sharp-eyed, and always impeccably dressed, he had an air of authority that made even the boldest students straighten up. I took a deep breath and entered the school building. The hallways buzzed with energy, lockers clanging, sneakers squeaking on the polished floors. I glanced at the clock-minutes to spare. Relief washed over me, fleeting but sweet. Maybe today, I wouldn't be on the receiving end of his infamous closet punishment. Just as I relaxed, a sharp voice cut through the laughter of the students as the whole place became quiet "Miss...? Stop right there!" My heart jumped. I turned slowly. Mr. Hills stood at the end of the hall, arms crossed, eyes scanning the students with precision that made my stomach twist. My feet felt glued to the floor. "Good morning, Principal Hills," I said, forcing my voice to sound calm. He raised an eyebrow. "Late?" His tone was not angry-yet-but it carried a weight that made everyone around us freeze. "No, sir," I replied, clutching my bag tightly. He studied me for a long, silent moment, as if weighing every word and movement. Then, surprisingly, he nodded. "Very well. But remember, punctuality is not optional here. You are dismissed." I exhaled, a mix of relief coursing through me. I had escaped the closet this time, but the warning was clear: Mr. Hills saw everything. Every second counted. Every step mattered. As I walked to class, I felt a newfound determination. Today, I would not just avoid punishment-I would thrive. And maybe, just maybe, I might try to get on the good sides of sia and her clique. "Michelle",wait up a familiar voice called out to me and I immediately knew it was Ardee my bestfriend.Ardee and i have been bestfriends since kindergarten,his parent were also divorced,we both had each other back,Ardee's grandparents were the founders of my school.He hugged me from behind and I smiled at him,howdy he asked with a smile ,am good I replied your dad told me about your grandmother hope you are not still thinking about it,he said as I smiled at him ,she was already old and we were all expecting it I guess that's why I am not really Sad I replied,just then the bell for classes rang as we both walked to class hand in hand.I got something to show you after classes he said as I smiled at him,throughout the first period I kept on thinking about what Ardee had to show me,as soon as the Class was over I rushed to his seat,relax mich he said as he dipped His hand into his backpack and brought out a silve necklace,OMG! I blurted out as he used his right hand to cover my mouth from Saying anything else ,are you okay he asked expecting response but I just nodded my head affirmatively.Who is it for I asked after removing his palm from covering my mouth,someone he replied as I smiled already knowing it was meant for me since I was the only female in his life asides his mum whom he now hated and there wasn't another I knew of,I didn't want him to feel like I knew who it was meant for so I just decided to wait for the day he was ready to give it to me.I fought so hard to control my feelings towards Ardee because i knew that if he found out that i liked him he might eventually start drifting from me so i promised my self never to make him find out.In class I was known for being a smart wierdo who never associated with anyone asides Ardee.The English teacher wasn't in school so there wasn't any other class till break, I sat on my desk with my head fixed on the Chemistry notebook I was reading.It was time for break Ardee had fencing classes which means he wouldn't be able to join me for break so I went to the cafeteria alone got my food and sat down down alone to eat. After school I waited for Ardee but he texted saying he was having A class with our homeroom teacher and i should go alone this time ."Lets go" I said to my driver as he drove me back home ,it was a boring ride back home I just wished I had another person to keep me company.When I got home dad wasn't around ,the whole house felt empty,I went into my room undressed and laid On my bed,I had always wanted a female friend but each one I tried approaching rejected saying I was a wierdo so I decided to stick to Ardee as my only friend, it was though at times, most especially times to go back home but it wasn't anyone's fault,after going through my phone I slept off.