TIARA POV:
The next day, I woke up early in high spirits, putting extra effort into my appearance. I headed to the kitchen to prepare sandwiches for myself and my aunt – my cousin brothers were away in their boarding school and my uncle was away on a business trip, as is typical for the men in our family.
During our drive to school, my aunt noted, "You look very bright this morning. I guess you're enjoying your new school. Made any friends yet?"
I replied, "Yes, Aunty Valerie, the school is Okay, and I've made friends," my thoughts drifting to Janet and Paula.
My aunt dropped me off at school and I strolled in casually.
I seemed to have arrived at school exceptionally early today, with fewer students around compared to yesterday. As I spotted Jason approaching from afar, I hastily attempted to avoid him, but in the process, I collided with someone carrying a stack of books – Paula.
"I'm so sorry, I didn't see you' Apologizing, I offered to help, realizing she had yet to submit our morning assignment.
"It's fine. Why were you running, though?" She asked
"I just remembered that I've not submitted the assignment we were given. I was running to submit before classes start. Thank God I ran into you." I answered.
"There's no need to rush. I was going to come to all the classes to collect them. Anyway, help me carry some of the books, please?" She explained.
"Sure." We carried the books and headed to class
"You look so beautiful this morning, by the way." She complimented
"Thanks, you too." I replied
During the subsequent classes, I excelled, particularly enjoying the mathematics session. Later, during the break, I needed to return Jason's shirt – dry cleaned and ironed the day before. The thought of giving it to Janet crossed my mind just as she entered my class, talk of the devil.
"Hey, new girl," she said with a smile.
"I have a name, you know." I smiled back.
"Janet, I was going to give you this." I presented the shirt packaged in a fancy nylon bag. "Here, can you give it to your brother for me?"
"Nah, you give it to him." She said.
"Let's go; I know where he is." Despite my reluctance, she dragged me along. We reached the football field, where Jason was playing. Surprisingly, many of my female classmates were there, cheering him on. Janet and I stayed until the game concluded.
After the game, Jason had a brief discussion with his teammates, and a girl rushed to give him water. To my surprise, he ignored her, drawing attention and mockery from onlookers.
"Come, let's go and return the cloth". I was happy she was coming with me,
Midway she told me that she had to submit an homework before the end of break and she left me with a bottle of water for Jason. I just stood there speechless.
I didn't know when Jason appeared in front of me.
"The bottle" He stretched his hand to me.
"What?" I realized he was asking for his bottle with me and I quickly handed it over.
"Why are you doing my sister's errand? You know she's your junior, right?" He handed me back the empty bottle after pouring it over his head.
"No, I wanted to give you back your jacket. Thank you very much for your help." I said
