Sunny Side Up 🥹🫶

Chapter 18

Melo's POV:

Friday, March 17th

My alarm blared at 6:00 AM, jolting me awake. I stretched, yawned, and swung my legs over the side of the bed. The morning sunlight streaming through the window energized me.

I quickly showered, dressed in my school uniform, and headed downstairs.

uMa had prepared a hearty breakfast: scrambled eggs, whole-wheat toast, and a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.

"Ngiyabonga Ma," I thanked her, taking a sip of the juice.

"Welcome, Nana. You've worked hard. Today's the final push, Good luck" Ma encouraged, smiling.

I finished breakfast, grabbed my bag, and headed out the door with uMalome Muzi.

During the 15-minute drive to school, I revised my English notes, reciting poetry and practicing essay questions.

As we arrived at school, I spotted Amanhle and Liyanda waiting for me at the gate.

"Hey, girl!" Amanhle exclaimed, giving me a warm hug.

"Hey! You ready for this?" Liyanda asked, grinning.

"I was born ready," I replied confidently.

We joined the rest of the squad - Ntsika,Sipho, Bafana, Kagiso, and Thabo - near the school entrance.

Ntsika smiled at me from across the group. "Hey."

"Hi Ntsika," I smiled back

Mrs. Nene, our English teacher, reviewed last-minute tips before the exam.

As we filed into the exam hall, I felt focused. This was it. The final exam.

I found my desk, number 17, and took a deep breath. The exam paper lay before me, its blank pages intimidating.

The invigilator announced, "You may begin."

I scanned the questions, my mind racing. Essay questions on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, poetry analysis, and comprehension.

My pen moved swiftly as I answered each question with confidence.

Time ticked away. The exam hall silence was punctuated by scribbling pens and occasional coughs.

As I wrote, my thoughts drifted to Ntsika. Yohhh guys this boy will make me fail shrm I don't wanna lie.

The invigilator announced, "Thirty minutes left."

I reviewed my answers, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

Finally, the exam ended.

I exhaled, relieved, and joined my friends outside.

"We did it!" Liyanda exclaimed.

"Finally, freedom!" Sipho joked.

Ntsika wrapped his arm around me. "How was it ?"

"It was good,I guess," I replied, smiling.

Amanhle asked, "What's the plan now?"

"Lunch at the cafeteria," Kagiso suggested.

"Sounds good to me," Bafana agreed.

As we headed to the cafeteria, our chatter filled the air.

We settled into a corner table at the cafeteria, Liyanda asked, "So, what did you guys think of the exam?"

Sipho joked, "Easy peasy."

I zoned out, relieved the exam was over. Discussing answers always stressed me out.