Rats, Roses And Paper Bones

chapter 1: From 'grace' to 'grass'

In a world of roses and rats, paper bones dont last long

   
 My mum smiled at me from the front seat of our car as Dad drove through a wine-coloured gate that led into a huge expanse of land.

My new school.

I had been anxious about this place all summer.

Written boldly across the gate were the words:

LONGFORD HIGH SCHOOL

“We're here, Doyin,” Mum said calmly.

My heart immediately began pounding against my chest.

Suddenly, a million questions flooded my mind.

Had changing schools been a mistake?

Would I fit in?

How would people treat me?

Would I be able to make friends?

How was I even supposed to start over in a completely new environment?

Unfortunately, I wouldn't get any answers until I actually stepped into the school.

“Doyin, get your luggage from the car,” Mum said as Dad's old Honda Pilot pulled up in front of the hall where my sister and I were supposed to check in.

“Okay, Mum.”

I got out of the car.

My three siblings—Dotun, my older brother; Dara, my younger sister, who would also be attending Longford; and Divine, my five-year-old baby brother—jumped out after me in a rush.

“So this is your new school?” Dotun asked, looking around at the vast compound.

“Yeah. What do you think?”

He rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

“Hmm. Interesting.”

He had never particularly liked the idea of me leaving my previous school.

According to him, I was moving from “grace to grass.”

But honestly, it was for the best.

“It doesn't matter whether you like it or not. I've already been admitted,” I said with a sigh.

“Dotun, don't just stand there making stupid comments. Help your sister, for God's sake,” Mum said, already sounding tired.

The goat finally dragged himself towards me.

“Mum, I'm really tired. Church service was long, you know,” he whined.

Mum gave him a look.

Not an angry look.

Worse.

A don't-joke-with-me look.

“Okay, okay. I'll help her,” he quickly said.