The Price Of Betrayal

CHAPTER ONE: A morning like no other

The sound of a kettle whistling filled the serene Monday morning air at Mr. Hassan's residence. Alina, a spirited sixteen-year-old, sat at the dining table, half-heartedly nibbling on toast while scrolling through her phone. Her mother, Khadija, moved around the kitchen with the precision of a seasoned chef, dishing out Alina's favorite breakfast of plantains and eggs. "Alina, focus on eating!" Khadija's voice was a blend of affection and exasperation. "Yes, Mama," Alina muttered, putting down her phone reluctantly. Mr. Hassan entered the room, dressed sharply in his tailored suit. He kissed Khadija on the cheek, a small gesture that momentarily eased the tension from the argument they had the night before. The couple adored their daughter but often disagreed, usually over trivial matters, with Alina caught in the crossfire. "Your car is ready, young lady. Try not to be late on the first day of the term," Hassan teased. "I'm always on time, Baba," Alina shot back, her eyes rolling with practiced precision. As Alina left for school, Khadija lingered, her thoughts clouded by the lingering tension between her and Hassan. What had started as a discussion about finances had escalated into yet another argument. Still, she pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the day ahead.

At Al-Jazeera College, the atmosphere buzzed with the energy of a new term. Students exchanged stories of their holiday adventures as teachers prepared for the long haul ahead. Alina arrived just before assembly, her reserved demeanor a stark contrast to the lively chatter around her. Assembly began with a prayer, followed by the national anthem. The principal's booming voice echoed across the courtyard as he welcomed students back. "This term, as always, requires your focus and determination!" he announced, eliciting murmurs from the crowd. In SS3 Science, Alina sat quietly, flipping through her notes as the head girl, Aisha, tried to strike up a conversation. "How was your holiday, Alina?" "Uneventful," Alina replied curtly, eliciting chuckles from the class. Before long, the class was abuzz with excitement as the principal introduced a new student, AbdRahman Amir. His confident stride and easy smile caught everyone's attention, including Alina's, though she pretended not to notice. The lesson began, and it didn't take long for Amir to make his mark. When the teacher posed a tricky question, both Amir and Alina answered in unison, their precise responses earning a round of applause. As the class erupted in speculation about the budding rivalry, Alina shot Amir a look that was equal parts intrigue and annoyance.

Did this chapter tug at your heart? Don’t worry, Alina’s journey has just begun. Stay tuned for the next twist in her story. Thank you for reading, and remember, your thoughts matter to me!" 💕