Half Step At A Time

chapter 32:'Are we good?'

"Ring!"The wake up bell echoed in our ears, signalling that it was time to wake up.

I had gotten so used to the bell that I didn't need it again. My sixth sense would kick in a minute or two before the bell was rung.

These days, I just needed to hear the slapping sound of the house mistress's Dunlop slippers against the ground as she was walks towards the bell to wake up.

Everyone rushed to the bathroom as usual, for fear that it would be filled up soon and there won't be any bathing space left. Thanks to the fact that over one hundred girls shared just two big bathrooms.

Everyone joined in the race to the bathroom. Everyone except me.
Today was a special day, of course I took my bath way before Everyone woke up.

I had never actually gone on a school trip before. This was a first for me, so it was very special. I was going for the OFE seminar with the others in my team and students from other classes. We were going to be representing our beloved school in the midst of many other schools across the country.

It was a tradition to fold your uniform neatly and place it under your pillow a day before a special occasion like this. This gave the uniform a neat and ironed look in absence of a much needed pressing iron. And that was exactly what I did.

I did so because we were told to dress as neat as possible. Apparently, it was likely our school would be part of the few that would be selected to receive sponsorship from the organisation. (This was also one of OFE's trademark). So, we had to look convincing.

Honestly, it was starting to look like politics, but I couldn't care less. I was just happy that at least I felt accomplished for once in my life. Anything to prove to myself that I wasn't a dissapointment like my father loved to emphasise.

But, was I trying too hard to prove my dad wrong? I thought, my excitement falling short drastically.

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"Alright, let's go". I said to Victoria, adjusting my tie one last time.

"Looking very sharp". She said to me as we headed out of the hostel.

"All in a days work, thanks".

"So you'll be leaving for a whole day?"

"Well, I'm not sure, but most likely"

We walked into my sister's hostel and into her dorm room. She was already in her uniform and thankfully in a sweater.

I had to drop her drugs and am extra inhaler with her as I wouldn't be with her throughout the day.

"Hey, Dara". Victoria said to her, patting her head.
But she gave her a dead stare, causing her to slowly withdraw her hand.

"How do you feel?". I said, feeling her forehead for high temperature. She seemed just slightly warm, perfectly fine.

"You're such a mommy". She said to me.

"I know".

She stuck out her tongue mockingly at me.

I ignored her.

"Here, these are your drugs, make sure you eat your meals and take all your drugs, you hear?".

"Got it, mom". She said, rolling her eyes.

"Good".
"And Victoria here will watch over you till I am back, don't be rude to her!". I said, pointing at Victoria.

"Fine". She said.

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It seemed like I was too early because the others bad not yet arrived at the place the school bus was parked.