Rats, Roses And Paper Bones

chapter 15:Test fever

"We are glad to tell you that your two daughters passed the enterance examination." The registrar said to me and my Mom on the day I came in for my entrance exam into Longford High School.

I had written exams for three other schools, just to weigh my options. But i still hadn't seen one school I was interested in. It was probably because I could still see a picture of my previous school in them, and that haunted me.

And just like at the other schools, I was asked why I transferred to their school. My mom, as usual, quickly butt in and talked about the proximity of the school from my house.

"Any bad records?". He asked, adjusting his glasses and staring at me, then staring back at my mom.
"None sir." My mum replied with a reassuring smile.
I looked at her, worried at how much she had always had to concede.
The registrar turned to me.
"Your records state here that your grades were quite average at your previous school. So you would have to work hard to boost your grades and make sure they aren't affected by your sudden transfer, you hear?". He said.

"Yes sir." I replied.

Then I was given my admission letter, right after I was given a look that said that they could see through me.

My Mom let out a huge sigh of relief as we left the office. Then she grabbed my face.
"Listen to me, don't let what anyone says get to you, in this school, you will excel and you will be the best, do you hear?"

"Yes mum". I replied.

Later on that day, I found a reason to stay.

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"Nice to see you again, cinderella." Bolaji said as I walked up to the prep table the night before our continuous assessment tests. The nickname had already settled with me because he said this every single night i stepped into the prep hall. I guess it was because I ran away from him that day. I would admit, though,that as much as I hated that name "cinderella," I didn't feel a bit offended by him calling me that, but I still needed him to stop.

Apparently, the only time I ever had to set my eyes on him was during prep time. During school time, he was non-existent for some reasons, the separation of our classes being one of them.

"I've told you to stop calling me that, Bolaji." I shot back, feigning annoyance.

I didn't address him as 'senior' because he never particularly liked the term. He was one of those "cool" seniors that would tell their juniors to just call them by their name, but then the respect and honour they were supposed to give them would still be intact.
"Easy there, Margaret tacha, I mean no harm," he said.

Another nickname? I just got to this school less than two months ago, and I already have like seven nicknames. Really?

"Sit down," he said.
I pouted before sitting.
"Our tests are staring tomorrow," I stated.
"Yes, mine too. Do you need advice?" He asked.
"Of course I do," I replied.
He smiled.
"Hmmm.... a scholarly looking person like you might not need much advice. "
"Well, thanks for the compliment," I said, smiling gracefully.
He scoffed.
"See you, proud child. As I was saying jare, my advice might not work for you, but I would just say you should study yourself and know what kind of studying suits you, reading at night or reading in the day, reading with music or in a quiet place, as for me, I prefer reading at midnight, when everywhere is quiet and peaceful".

Hmmm.....know yourself. I pondered.
"You know, for a quite rebellious and chaotic looking guy, you are actually very gentle and peaceful." I said.

He stared at me blankly like I had unlocked a mystery.
"Uh, thanks? I get that a lot, and I really count it as a compliment. "