Growing up

Me

I've decided to start with the birds chirping outside my window. It's a Sunday afternoon and like other Sundays in the house everywhere is quiet. Mom should be taking her siesta with dad typing away on his laptop whilst sipping coffee from the heavy yellow mug with black spirally curls the same cup that got me into trouble because it fell from my hands and got the edge chipped.

Tomorrow I'll be joining a new school. I've already started missing my friends especially Ekom.......

"Ouch! that hurt" I yelled springing up from my bed whilst gripping my ribs in the process. I turned to see my brother Ubong laughing wickedly.

“Like I've been here for about three minutes" he said raising three fingers “and you didn't notice me. what were you thinking about".

“Nothing” I mumbled rubbing my ribs. “But have it in mind that I'll pay you back.”

************************

“Hope you've prepared your things for school tomorrow”

“Yes Mom.” I replied chewing my food slowly.

“Darling you know I and your father mean the best for you....... the only way to have solved the problem for you is transferring you to another school.If we didn't have you in mind we would have ordered you to board but NO! we had to transfer everyone here so you could have family around” mom explained with agitation laced in her voice.

“Mom I'm not being ungrateful it's just that I'm trying to adjust to my environment.”

The silence stretched but it wasn't uncomfortable although Ubong was chewing rather disgustingly and I .......

“ will you stop chewing like a goat‽” mom snapped.

I smiled as the situation made me remember a scene in Chimamanda Adichie's Purple Hibiscus.

“Which of them? Ruminating or Masticating?” Ubong replied turning to me with a knowing smile on his face.

I laughed “Should I term that plagiarism?" I asked.

“Iyoooo" he laughed.

“Table Manners kids" Dad said raising his eyes from the food.

“When did that one start?" Ubong whispered to me.

“Some minutes ago.” I replied.

**********************

I wore my uniform for the umpteenth time today, turning and twisting before the mirror trying to catch myself at different angles. I had to look one of the best dressed if not the best dressed female student tomorrow.

My skirt stopped a little above my knees with a tight waist band.

Come tomorrow, will I like the school? Will the students be friendly? Will I top the class? Will there be a b***h with minions? Will the boys be cute? Will they find me attractive? Will my uniform fit their trend? Will I crush..... aaah!!

“what I'm I even thinking?” I say out loud holding my head.

“Etiene you aren't going there to have a crush or date Once beaten twice shy. Remember I reprimand myself.

I stood up and turned off my light and snuggled under my covers. I turned to check my wall clock it read 9 O'clock.

I drifted off to sleep with a yawn.