HER WET PILLOW

BROKEN AND MENDED

CHAPTER 12
BROKEN AND MENDED
Exams had been going as I expected; none of the gigantic harsh questions in the past questions appeared. I didn't have to read much or read overnight because of the various reading sessions I had before the exam period. There were two days remaining to complete the final examination for the end year session. The school would organize an end-of-year program where different activities would be displayed, parents would be invited and awards would be issued including the 'Class of the year' award but before then, the school would be attending a state Olympiad competition. Throughout the history of Bright Brain, they never left without taking first place. Various competitions such as Spelling Bee, Impromptu speech, Essay writing, Quiz competition and others. I had always wished to attend the competition because that was where 'Bigger Brains' are met as the principal always mentioned in her motivational speeches . I wanted to attend even if it was to be among the audience for a start, before becoming a participant; Oh Allah! The principal would soon announce the names of students who would be eligible to attend the competition after the day's examination. I was so anxious to know if I got lucky.
After everyday's examination, we usually return to our class for our teacher to ensure all students were present. She usually marks the register and advises us on how to behave and things we need to know as students of knowledge.
I was actually tired, dragging my lazy feet to class after the Basic science examination. I looked pale and tired; the exam stress had drained the water and flesh in me. "Stress drags a person to an early grave. Don't kill us soon." A cautioning thought flowed through my mind. I continued moving myself toward the class when I saw Fatima from a far.
"Take it easy, my friend." Fatima uttered simpering.
"Aren't you supposed to back your darling friend?" I asked as I staggered into the class. Fatima then cackled and held my hand.
"Where on earth did you get the idea of calling yourself darling? Darling my foot!" she yakked.
"Whatever!" I said looking at her disgustingly.
I then lurched to my seat and sat on my fanny, waiting for the teacher to get in. Natasha and her minions walked past me giving me a disgusting glower and hissing as the moved to their bench. It had been long I and Natasha had grudges against each other, which made me thought she had stop giving people a taste of her nettle; but I was wrong. "People rarely change." I said to myself. The noisy environment was silenced by the presence of principal. She appeared elegantly as always, her aura shut all quirky noise and nasty arrangements. If there was one enchanting quality I admire about her, it would be her coherent nature.
"Good day ma." We displayed a howdy gesture.
"Good day students." She replied in a monotonic voice.
"I would have love to see you all preparing more as to make history proud, but I guess no. I just hope all the advice I gave to you in effort to make you reason on the honor in making a record will not finally be equal to nada." She said glaring at our disappointing faces which were looking down.
"Anyways, I am here to invite some certain students who would accompany us to the Olympiad next week. I will pick three students from this class." As she stopped to take a deep breath, my heart skipped a bit; my anxiety arouse. "The moment has come. I hope I stand a chance." I said to myself. I was feeling queasy and my stomach ached. My eyes dimed and my ears stretched to hear the news.
"Hmm..Hmm." she cleared her throat. My heart was palpitating and every beat longed for hope.
"Miss. Saeed." She said looking at Farida as she stood up.
"Mr. Andrews"
"And lastly..." my anxiety was at its peak, I lost control over my breathing and anticipated to hear the last name.
"Mr. James." She ended and they all followed her as she walked through the exit.
My face was dolorous, the atmosphere was glum, my heart was stabbed with a dagger sharpened with disappointment and I had to swallow the lump in my throat. Tears almost ran out of my eyes but I tried as much as possible to hold them back. I was so heartbroken, my hope had been mutilated and my longing heart desire had been crush.
I then felt a soft grip and looked sideways. Fatima clutched my hand and snuggled me into her arms whispering " It shall be well ....darling." The tears then escaped after I felt the warmth. I then chuckled on hearing her say 'darling'.
"I thought you said you won't call me darling." I gave her a clumsy look.
"Well! I can change my mind anytime." She said pushing her lips forward and we both bursted into laughter. She then relinquished my hand and grinned at me. I then clasped her hand and kissed it.
"Ewww... your saliva is on my hand." She snatched her hand out of my grip rubbing her hand on her suit with an irritating look on her face. I then bursted into laughter seeing her teased. I enjoyed making jest of her. The hurtful thought of not getting a chance to go then flowed through my mind.
"I really wanted to go" I growled.
"You can go another time. I never wanted to go anyways so it was relieving when I didn't hear my name." she uttered shifting her upper lip off the lower lip. I and Fatima contrasted in a lot of things which made our friendship an interesting one.
"Oh really! You wanted to go." An annoying voice creased my ear; it was Natasha's. I would recognize that voice even in my deepest sleep.
"I beg of you Natasha, I am not ready for a tiff." I tried to entreat "The bully queen'.
"Ayyyyyeeerrrh.....Are you scared that other people might hear of your...?"
"Natasha!"
"Do you think you have the attributes of an ambassador? Stop dreaming."
"Do you?" I asked.
"Whatever! But I don't sit down daydreaming that I will be chosen to go with the ambassadors."
"What I think or do is none of your business so stay out of it."
"So this trash has a mouth to speak?" after hearing that statement, I lost my balance.
"See who is talking; should a nasty spoilt brat like you speak when reasonable people are talking?"
"At least, my father isn't a drunkard." Heavy harsh words came out of her.
When I heard that statement, I felt a pang in my heart and I suddenly broke down. I never knew that the stigma of my dad's bad attitude would follow me to school. I and my family had gotten enough of it in the neighborhood; not here too.
Hot heavy tears cascaded down my eyes; I was filled with shame and disgust. Her harsh words buffeted me unexpectedly. That dystopian situation enveloped me and a strong sense of rue filled the air. Everybody's attention was driven towards me; I felt like a nicked peacock.
"How dare you speak to her like..." Fatima said on hearing the huffing statement but was cut short by August as he entered.
"What is wrong with you guys? What is this dissonance about? The principal just left showing her disappointment to our rashness when she came in. We have few days to show we really deserve the position we might never get to due to our nonchalant attitude. Don't you understand the importance of this position, don't you want to be a story in history, don't you want to be honored and dignified? How long will it take you to understand that this is a one in a life time opportunity? How long? We illustrated a nasty behavior early and this now? I am sure we have jeopardized our chances. What were you thinking? It's high time we all wake up from our slumbers that we are never going to win the 'Class of the year' award. Actions have consequences and this is the consequence of our action. We shall not blame anyone but ourselves.
And you, Natasha, when will you stop being a goth? Your ill-mannered attitude and uncouthness will get you into trouble one day. If you don't learn to respect others, you will never be respected. We only say words but we never know how many times it would ring in the ears of others. Be careful." He concluded making a sigh and relaxing his fierce face. His words hush all the noise in the atmosphere. We all tilted our heads in shame because he was right. Natasha was equally speechless and looked dim.
I didn't know much about August Andrews but that speech was mind-buzzing and impressive. His words sank into my ears that I forgot I was ashamed and guilt embraced me. I wouldn't want to be the reason why we won't get the award but I guess the deed was done already.
I raised my voice wiping off the tears on my face and facing August; "I am sorry."
"Me too." Fatima said. I turned to hear Natasha looking at him saying the same. And before I knew it, the whole class was filled with "Me too."
August then beamed in joy and uttered: "Me too. Mistakes are made every day, but the best thing is to correct them and learn from them. We are here for each other, aren't we?"
"We are." The whole class roared.
"Hmm..Hmm.." Tutor Maimuna cleared her throat.
"I am proud of you my Precious little darlings. I don't mind you receiving the 'Class of the year' award, you have received a greater award; togetherness."
"We are sorry for letting you down ma." We chattered in unison.
"You haven't let me down, you've made me proud." She concluded with a glooming smile on her face.
August then turned to me and said: "The principal demands your presence in her office."
"Me?" I asked looking dumbfounded.
"Yes Amina. Let's go." He said waiting for me to stand.
"Did I do anything wrong?" I asked him as I was filled with curiosity.
"Not really, but you will find out when we get there." He said with a grin on his face.
I stood up to follow him when different thoughts flowed through my mind "What in the Jahannam is going on?" I asked myself. "Could it be?". We left the class and made our way to the principal office.
"Here you go, you wouldn't want the principal to see you like this." He said handing me a handkerchief.
"Thanks." I took it and wiped the dried tears on my face.
"And... I am sorry for what Natasha said, she could be so mean sometimes but she isn't that bad. She has been like that since we were young."
"As much as it hurts, there is no problem because what she said is actually true. It's high time I get used to it so that it won't hurt much. You mentioned since you were young, are you siblings?
"No we are not. I am August Andrews and she is Natasha James."
"Are you cousins then?" my curiosity filed the air.
He chuckled and said: "No, we are childhood friends."
"What??" I exclaimed.
"I know right? We have been friends since we were little."
"Nice. Being friends with Natasha for me is the worst nightmare I can ever have." He then chuckled and soon we were at the principal's office. That was the longest period of time I spent talking to the opposite gender so it felt weird as I hid my nervousness behind my straight face. There were other students from different classes standing and waiting for the principal's address.
"Mr Andrews, it took you hours to get Miss Muhammad here." The principal cautioned with a deadly glare at August.
"I am sorry ma." He pleaded.
"Now that you are all here, you will be given letters to give your parent as you leave the school premises next week Thursday for the Olympiad. You need to put on your great conduct and behaviour as you are the ambassadors of the school. To whom much is given, much is expected. If you are not interested in going for the competition, just step out. We need responsible students to represent us which is why we have chosen you. We chose you not because you are better than others but you've earned it and to some extent, you are lucky. So make us proud and do your best." She concluded as she gave each of us letters. "Alhamdulillah**meaning Thanks be to Allah" I whispered as I was filled with joy. I already took my mind off the thought of going to the competition and besides, Natasha's harsh words were enough. I knew buried in me was joy that I was finally chosen to be among the people that will represent the school which was what I wanted. But, the thoughts of Natasha's words and August's speech drove my head crazy. At least, my sadness was melted by the news of joy but the pain still lies there; in my heart.
"Amina, don't punish yourself over other's doings. Don't place yourself in a horrible situation over past events. Don't make sadness your potion because you think things are not happening exactly the way you want them to occur. Don't deprive your heart peace and serenity. Don't blacken your heart with the thoughts of sorrow and pain. What has Allah not done for you? You need to be more greatful and think less about the situation. Remember, things happen for the right reasons and it is not for you to decide the things that will happen in your life. Just have Faith and Trust Allah. Everything will be fine. " A voice inside me spoke relieving all the pain in my heart. "Try to enjoy the moment, Amina." I said to myself. My heart was tumbling in joy and happiness but I hid the feeling not to look awkward. I was standing next to August and staring at Farida who was on the other side. She smiled at me and I reciprocated. Something wasn't right about the look on her face but I decided to ignore.
When it was my turn to receive mine, I went forward and for the first time, Principal Asiya smiled at me and handed the paper to me. I was puzzled and happy at the same time, so I widened my chin and beamed. It was so strange but only Allah knows why she smiled at me. "I guess it's a lucky day after all" I said to myself and made my way out of the office.
I returned to the class to meet Fatima anticipating.
"Guess what?" I asked her.
"I am going." I Screamed. Fatima jumped up and gave me a tight hug almost crushing my bones.
"I am dying" I squeaked. She then relinquished me.
"I am so happy." She managed to say after taking a deep breath.
"Me too. Thank you for always being there for me. May be be reunited in Jannah." I said as my face gloomed. "Ameen." She plastered a beautiful smile on her face.
The rest of the day in school was filled with joy that I forgot I and Natasha's argument and her harsh words.
"Assalamu Alaikum**meaning Peace be unto you" I said opening the door of the house.
"Waalaikumus salaam**meaning peace be unto you too" Mom answered.
"Mom guess what?"
"What?" she asked and I handed her the letter.
"Alhamdulillah**meaning thanks be to Allah, Allahuma barik**meaning May Allah bless it." She said and snuggled me into her arms. I enjoyed the warmth for a while before jealous fatty arrived.
Examinations ended and rehearsals for the 'End of year program' started. Most students wanted to participate in drama and cultural display while I lacked interest in participating completely; my interest was more on the competition I wanted to attend. I then understood why my mom called me 'Anxiety queen' As for the competition, those who would participate were trained. All I waited for was the day; the competition day. I wanted to see with my eyes all that I have been told. I had no worries of being lonely because Farida would be going too.
The day was finally here, I woke up as early as possible. I pressed my uniform two days before, in fear of power outage. I prayed Fajr, recited the Quran and did my supplications. I then took my bath and brushed my teeth. I took almost an hour in the bathroom preparing myself just because I wanted to look good. I then took my time and moved to the sitting room. I gulped my Kunu** pap and ate my kosai** beans cake. I ensured everything was intact. I then bid mom farewell, she prayed for me and asked me to pray. I walked to the junction to board a motorbike when I checked my bag for the transport fare and I realized I needed to go back home for my Student Identity Card. I then went back home and my mom was shocked to see me. I told her why I needed to come back and she asked me to cross check if there were other necessary things I needed to go with which I did. As I was leaving the house once again, I whispered: "Ya Allah! Please don't let today go wrong".....