The Art Of Giving Up

The Art Of Taking a step

Many a time, you discover something that interests you. How about you cast all those negativity aside and take your very first step?

***
Sandra stood in front of the school's notice board along with other eager students. The results of their just concluded mock exams had just been pasted on the board but that wasn't what caught her interest. Her eyes were fixed on the the poster at the top right corner of the board.
The poster was about a fashion contest that would hold the coming year. Sandra had always been interested in fashion design and this was one of the reasons she begged her parents to let her learn the skill during the COVID break. She smiled to herself, taking pride in her achievement.

"Sandra has dropped from top three!"

Sandra's heart froze at the statement. Her eyes immediately drifted to the report sheet which she had earlier ignored. Her breathing hitched when she found her name on number five.

"She's still among the top ten," came a voice Sandra knew all too well. It was Bunmi, one of her 'family friends'. "And she's still number one in the humanities department," Bunmi added. Sandra confirmed quickly and gave Bunmi a light smile.

Other students started to make sarcastic and unwelcoming comments to which Sandra happily turned a deaf ear.

She freed herself from the crowd and walked back to her classroom.

On her way, she decided to make a stop at the commercial class to say hello to her best friend.

"Hi Vikki!" She said as she walked in. Vikki's seat was the first one by the entrance. She didn't look all that ecstatic to see her.

"What's wrong?" Sandra asked already noting the sulky mood of her friend.

Vikki folded her arms and pouted. "Yomi happened."

Sandra felt the hair on her body stand. "What did he do?" She asked.

"He pushed me to number ten!" She said in mock anger.

"Serves you right."

Sandra turned around to see the person who had joined them.

"Segun, don't start o!" Vikki frowned at her brother.

Segun grinned at her. "What's wrong with being number ten?"

She rolled her eyes at him. "What's the point in being the second best in my class and the tenth overall? School really needs to stop collating our results together. It's not like we're offering the same subject."

"You were the second?" Sandra asked.

"Yes," replied Vikki in a not-so-happy tone. "Yomi was first in the class and first overall."

"Well, technically, there were two firsts," Segun said flexing his arms behind his head. "I was also first in my class and first overall."

Vikki stuck her tongue at him. "Tell us something new," she chided.

"Sandra automatically came first because her rival isn't around," he said earning him a smack on the back from his sister.

"That wasn't very nice," Vikki said.

"It's true nah. If Firdaos was around, she'll probably be the first."

Sandra felt bile rise in her throat.
"I have a class," she said and excused herself.
From the back entrance, she noticed the biology teacher in her class.

"Good morning sir," she muttered as she went in.

"Yes? Are you offering Biology in your WAEC?" He asked.

"No sir."

"See yourself out. Don't disturb my class," he said dismissively and continued teaching.

Sandra sighed as she quickly retrieved her jotter and pen from her desk before heading out.

Sandra took slow steps as she paced the corridors. The only option she had was to go to the library and she didn't want to go because she knew it would be crowded as this was exam season. Other students were still writing their exams.

The sound of shoe heels knocking against the floor distracted Sandra. It was one of her junior school teachers walking towards her.

"Good morning ma!" Sandra wasn't sure her teacher recognised her but she greeted her nevertheless.

"Good morning dear, how are you doing?" She replied.

"I'm fine ma."

Sandra was beyond grateful she didn't stop to lecture her on her external exams as that was the norm recently.

As the woman walked past her, Sandra found herself analysing her dress. She was dressed in native wear, an ankara petlom blouse with a six pieces skirt. She tied a Fulani turban on her head and her iborun was draped around her shoulder.

Sandra caught herself smiling and suddenly she remembered the fashion contest.

She dashed to the art studio where registration was ongoing.

"Good morning sir," Sandra greeted as she stepped into the studio.

"Just the girl I wanted to see," her teacher responded cheerfully. "Good morning! I was just discussing with this young man how it would be if he partnered with someone like you in this contest."

Sandra cast a look in the far end of the studio. It was then she noticed there was someone else in the studio. 'Yomi?' she furrowed her eyebrows in surprise.

"Yomi came to me earlier showing his interest in helping a contestant with their business plan. I think both of you would make a great team. You should discuss your ideas with him."

"Sir, I haven't even shared my idea with you. I didn't mention I was going to join the contest sef."

"You have no other choice but to join. If my own student doesn't join, who will?"