**CHAPTER 23: HADIZAH'S POV**
I trudged home wearily, my shoes in hand, though the distance from school felt like mere steps. As I entered the house, I approached my mum, collapsing against her thighs before she could finish asking why I was home at this hour.
"Mummy, I'm getting suspended," I cried.
"What do you mean, Oko Mi (my dear)?" Her voice trembled with concern.
I recounted the whole ordeal between sobs, and she gently patted my head, promising to accompany me to school the next day.
"Don't worry, Adunni, you will get through this," she assured me.
"Mummy," I lifted my head, wiping tears away, "I want to change schools after whatever punishment they give me."
"But Adunni, you know I can't afford prestigious schools like this," she sighed.
"No problem, mummy. I'll go to a public school, I don't mind," I said, drying my tears.
"Are you sure?" She searched my eyes for resolve.
"Yes, ma. I'm sure. I'll go upstairs to freshen up," I said, heading off.
After cleaning up, I lay on my bed, reflecting on everything that had happened. I'd never been someone who could boast about her life. I was fed up with this madhouse of a school and everything in it. But I'd miss Ava, Daniel, Chase, Ethan, Julianna, and especially Julian. They were the bright spots in my school days, but perhaps things were destined to change forever.
The next morning, my mum and I drove to school in silence. At the receptionist's office, we were called in to meet with the board.
Despite facing expulsion, I was still struck by the grandeur of the meeting room. Thirteen seats surrounded the main chair, presumably for the principal and board members. My mum sat quietly in the back, while I nervously took my place in front of the microphone.
I glanced back at my mum; her reassuring smile helped calm my nerves. Soon, the board members entered, followed by the principal, and I stood up out of respect.
The session began, and anxiety clenched at my chest; my eyes stung with sweat, pupils dilated with fear.
"On the 3rd of December, Miss Damilare was accused of cheating during an exam. Due to damage to the CCTV, we lack evidence, so we are open to any evidence you may provide to prove your innocence," the principal explained.
I stood and spoke into the microphone, "No, ma'am, I don't have any," my voice quivered as I fought back tears, then sat back down.
"We anticipated this. Do you have anything further to add before we proceed with your punishment?" she inquired.
"Yes, ma'am," I stood again, adjusting my hijab nervously, "I want you to know I've always been a diligent student. If the lack of evidence is enough to tarnish my record, then perhaps we all need to reconsider our approach. I've never even received detention, let alone disturbed a teacher's class. I know I did not cheat; I wonder how a small piece of paper can determine my future. I only hope the school will administer a just punishment. That's all," I concluded.
"In two hours, we will make our decision. Until then, you may wait outside with your mother," the principal announced.
My mum and I stepped outside, where I recited prayers silently, hoping for divine intervention.
⏲️ Two hours later ⏲️
We returned to the hall and took our seats. My mum squeezed my hand tightly, providing some comfort amidst the tension.
YOU ARE READING
𝔉𝔏𝔄𝔐𝔈𝔖.
Spiritual"When a Muslimah with golden eyes and a rebellious eyepatch arrives in London, the city will never be the same - secrets will be shattered, hearts will be broken, and the truth will be revealed."
