SHATTERED

CHAPTER ONE I stretched, arching my back in a languid curve. It was one of those days when getting out of bed felt like climbing a mountain. But I knew I couldn't afford to be lazy. I had a long to-do list, and my household chores wouldn't magically disappear. Just as I was mustering the energy to throw off the covers, my mom's voice echoed through the room, Hikima! Hikima! Rise and shine! You've got a big day ahead, and those chores won't do themselves!" I grinned, feeling a surge of motivation. My mom always knew how to get me moving. She was my rock, my biggest support system. I owed my productivity skills to her - Mama Hikma, as I fondly called her. She had taught me the secrets of tackling household chores with ease, and I was grateful for her guidance. I tossed off the covers and swung my legs over the side of the bed, feeling a bit more energized. Mama Hikma's words still lingered in my mind: "You've got a big day ahead, and those chores won't do themselves!" I chuckled to myself, remembering how she'd always say that whenever I felt sluggish. As I began my morning routine, I thought about the tasks ahead. Laundry, cleaning, cooking, and of course, I don’t want to be late for school. Ohhh I forgot to say that I am still in senior secondary school 2. But I was ready to tackle them head-on. With Mama Hikma's guidance, I'd developed a system that made household chores manageable. After a quick shower and dressing in a comfortable school uniform, I headed to the kitchen to start my day with a warm breakfast. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling pancakes filled the air, and my stomach growled in anticipation. Just as I was about to sit down to eat, my phone buzzed with an incoming message from my best friend, Amina. "Hey big head, meet me at the junction now coz I don’t want to be late for school. I hurried out with a slice of pancake, grateful for friends like Amina who always knew how to help me get to school early. As I rushed out the door, I called out, "I'll see you later, Mum! Don't worry, I'll be back home right after school." She smiled and waved, saying, "Have a great day, Hikima! Focus on your studies and don't forget to grab your lunch from the cafeteria." I met Amina at the junction, and we walked to school together, chatting about our plans for the day. I was bubbling with excitement about an upcoming quiz competition, and Amina on the other hand offering words of encouragement. As we approached the school gate, the bell rang, signaling the start of our first class. We quickened our pace, not wanting to be late for our lessons. The day had begun, and I was ready to take on whatever challenges came my way. Just as the first lesson was about to begin. Ohhhh my…. Denzel…so handsome with a great smile, walked in to get something from his friend. He is in SSS 3. My heart skipped a beat as Denzel's eyes met mine, and he flashed that charming smile. I felt my cheeks flush, and I quickly looked away, trying to play it cool. Amina noticed my reaction and nudged me playfully, whispering, "What's going on? You look like you've seen a ghost!" I whispered back, "It's Denzel. He's so... distracting." Amina giggled and mouthed, "You've got a crush!" I blushed even more, hoping the teacher wouldn't notice. As Denzel left the classroom, our teacher began the lesson. I tried to focus, but my mind kept wandering back to Denzel's smile and those piercing eyes. Amina passed me a note that read, "Ask him out!" I shook my head, laughing silently. The lesson flew by, and before I knew it, the bell rang, signaling the end of the period. As we changed classrooms, I couldn't help but wonder if I'd see Denzel again. As we walked to our next class, Amina nudged me again, "So, are you going to take my advice?" I rolled my eyes, "Aminaaa, I'm not that bold." And I shouldn’t be the one asking a guy out, and you know I have a lot to achieve, we are still in secondary school, you know? She grinned mischievously, "Well, maybe I should talk to him for you." I quickly grabbed her arm, "No way! Don't even think about it." The rest of the morning flew by in a blur of lessons and notes. At lunchtime, Amina and I grabbed our food from the cafeteria and sat down at our usual table. As we ate, we chatted about our favorite books, TV shows and university. Denzel walked in with his friends and sat at a few tables away. I tried to focus on my conversation, but my eyes kept drifting toward him. Suddenly, Denzel caught my eye and smiled. This time, I managed a weak smile back. Amina noticed and whispered, "Girl, he's interested!" I blushed, feeling my heart flutter. I became uncomfortable as my hands began shaking. Amina please can we go somewhere else, this place is hot, as a hurried out of the cafeteria dragging Amina with me. As we stepped out of the cafeteria, I took a deep breath, feeling a bit more composed. Amina chuckled, "Girl, you're smitten, aren't you?" I blushed, looking away, "Amina, stop teasing me." She giggled, "I'm just stating the obvious." We walked to a quiet spot near the school garden, enjoying the fresh air. I tried to calm my nerves, focusing on the trees and flowers. Amina leaned against a wall, watching me with a knowing glint in her eye. "So, what's the plan?" she asked, a sly smile spreading across her face. I shook my head, "No plan. I'm just going to focus on my studies and ignore these feelings." Amina raised an eyebrow, "Good luck with that." Just then, the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch. We reluctantly headed back to class, our minds preoccupied with thoughts of Denzel and the rest of the school day. It was a Friday, so we won’t be coming to school the next day since it is the weekend. As we walked back to class, Amina nudged me, "Hey, want to come over to my place this weekend? We can study for our quiz competition and maybe brainstorm ways to... you know, get to know Denzel better." I playfully rolled my eyes, "Amina, focus on the studies." and please promise me we won’t be distracted with Denzel discussion? She grinned, "Okay, okay, but just think about it." The rest of the school day flew by quickly. When the final bell rang, Amina and I said our goodbyes, and I headed home, feeling excited for the weekend ahead. As I walked through the door, Mama Hikma greeted me with a warm smile, "How was your day, dear?" I smiled back, trying to play it cool, "It was fine, Mum. Just school stuff." She nodded knowingly, "Okay, well, you've got the weekend to relax. Why don't you go get some rest?" I nodded, heading to my room, my mind still wandering back to Denzel. The weekend couldn't come soon enough.