BELONGING - BOOK 1

09. Dunk

HADIZA

Today was a nightmare. My anxiety levels were skyrocketing, worse than any other day in this school. Maybe it was because Souraiya was still giving me the cold shoulder, and our test results were about to be shared. The thought of seeing those dreaded zeros made my stomach twist into knots. But, as I always say, staying optimistic is key, right?

I tried to focus on my novel, hiding behind its pages as I sat in class. But, the rock-paper-scissors game behind me was too distracting. The loud laughter and cheers grated on my nerves.

"Hadiza," Bernita's voice cut through the chaos, standing before my table. "What's going on between you and Souraiya?"

I shrugged, downplaying the tension. "Just a little beef, it'll blow over in a few days." Lie. It's been a week since our Chemistry test fallout.

Bernita's invitation to her house was a welcome distraction. "My mom wants to meet you. Come over soon." But, my attention was hijacked by Souraiya's entrance.

No hijab today; instead, a stylish white scarf wrapped around her head, knotted into a chic bow, with a sleek handbag and shimmering silver hoop earrings. She looked stunning, yet rebellious, breaking school rules with ease.

As she walked into the classroom, Jerome swooped in, wrapping his arms around her shoulders from behind. But before he could even register a grin, Souraiya swiftly swung his arms off her, twisting them behind his back with a fluid motion. She pinned him against the wall, her eyes flashing with a mix of warning and amusement.

"Personal space, Jerome," Souraiya said, her voice firm but playful. "Don't touch someone without their permission. You know better."

Jerome, startled, nodded sheepishly, his arms immobilized against the wall. "Sorry, Sou. My bad."

Souraiya released him with a stern look. "It's not about sorrys. It's about respect. Remember that."

The class applauded, impressed by Souraiya's assertiveness and self-defense skills. "A man in a woman's body!" someone joked, echoing through the room.

Mrs. Kambili's arrival brought a hush. Her polished pantsuit, blazer, and styled bob exuded professionalism, but the papers in her hand sent shivers down my spine. Our biology scripts.

"Good morning, class," she greeted, smiling. "SS1 Gold, you've done well. Everyone scored above D in biology." Side conversations buzzed as she began calling names, handing out scripts.

Souraiya's name earned applause. "Souraiya Jaylani, Hazel Javed, Bernita Samuel and Yusuf Sanusi, A-grade winners!" Her smile lit up the room.

My heart sank as Mrs. Kambili announced my grade. "Hadiza, you're the only one with D." The class's collective booing stung. I felt like I'd been punched in the gut.

I studied hard, despite Senior Hassan's absence. If I hadn't, I'd be staring at an F. Getting into this school was a miracle; now, I had to prove myself. The pressure was suffocating.

"You should come see me for a make-up test," Mrs. Kambili suggested, her words dripping with concern.

The rest of the biology class blurred together as I zoned out, lost in self-doubt. If I couldn't keep up, would I be dropped from the scholarship program? The thought of returning to community school haunted me.

During break, a heavy feeling settled in the pit of my stomach. I couldn't quite pinpoint why - was it the looming disappointment on Aunt Maya's face when she saw my grades, or the grades themselves? The thought of Mama, Baba, and Aunt Halima's disapproval weighed me down.

As I opened my locker, a surprise awaited. A Snickers bar nestled between my books, a familiar treat that brought a smile to my face. Anty Halima's favorite, and now, I knew exactly who left it. But before I could process, I saw Souraiya leaning against the adjacent locker, Senior Hassan's usual spot.