BELONGING - BOOK 1

13. Bending the Rules

HADIZA

Economic class was a total snooze fest, and today was the worst. Mrs. Etomi was going on and on about scarcity and opportunity cost, writing a gazillion equations on the board. I exchanged a "help me" glance with Souraiya.

"Who cares about production possibility curves?" Brittany whispered to Fatima.

"I don't know, but I care about my sleep," Fatima replied, stifling a yawn.

The AC was busted, and the classroom felt like a sauna. Everyone was fanning themselves with notebooks, sweat dripping down our faces.

Mrs. Etomi's voice became background noise, and my mind started to wander:

_What's for lunch?_

_Did I finish my math homework?_

_Why's Mrs. Etomi wearing that awful wig?_

_Nobody give a shit Mama_

Then, the bell rang, and pandemonium broke out.

"Thank God!" someone shouted.

"Finally!" another person chimed in.

We grabbed our bags and bolted out of the classroom before Mrs. Etomi could even dismiss us.

I still can't believe how different life is here compared to my old school. I mean, who would've dared walk out of class before the teacher gave the nod? Unthinkable! Our teachers back then commanded respect, and we gave it willingly. That one day when our class rep stood up to Mrs. Azizah still gives me goosebumps – the tension, the silence, the weight of authority.

But here? It's like a whole different planet. These kids are...uncontrollable. Brats, really. They stroll in late, chatting loudly, and saunter out whenever they please. No fear, no reverence.

My old school was strict, no-nonsense. We stood up when teachers entered, greeted them with respect, and addressed them with titles. Here, it's first names, casual banter, and a blur between student and teacher boundaries.

I miss the structure, the discipline. Here, it's like they're trying to be friends instead of educators. Don't get me wrong, I love the freedom, but sometimes I wish for the familiar rigidity of my old school.

"Next period, Geography!" someone yelled, already halfway down the corridor.

As I walked out, Hazel called out, "See you guys at break!"

Yusuf grinned. "Survived another one."

I slumped against the wall, feeling drained. Been a tough week. Hassan's unrequited love still stung. I'd been skipping school, avoiding him at the gym, hallways, everywhere.

What kind of infatuation was this? My first love, and it had to be my sister's secret lover.

Bernita tapped my shoulder. "Hadiza, you've been MIA. What's up?"

"Just stressed," I lied, forcing a smile.

"My mom wants to meet you today at our place," Bernita said.

I nodded, still lost in thought.

"Souraiya caught up with me as we filed out of the classroom. "Hey, we're checking out our new house today, and we'll be moving in by next week. Want to come over and help pack some stuff?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.