Reaching For The Stars : Contest Book

The power of Self image.

I groan as the alarm wakes me up from my peaceful sleep. Stupidest device ever created by man kind.

Dragging myself out of bed, I make my way to the bathroom and glance at my reflection on the mirror.

I flinch at the sight of my disheveled hair spread all over my face.

Stupid hair.

I get in the shower quickly and minutes later, there I am with my hair playing tag of war. And it's winning.

Finally getting it sorted, I tie my curls up in a high ponytail.

I pull on my uniform and shoes and throw a glance of myself on the full length mirror. I look good enough. I think I lost a few pounds.

Grabbing my backpack lying on my bed, I sprint out my bedroom door.

I grab an apple on top of the counter on my way and quickly scribble down a goodbye note to my parents since they are still asleep.

Wish me luck on my first day back to school. Love you.

I arrive at school at 7:01 and the first thing I notice is that our school is under construction.

How many classes does a high school need?! I ask myself as I enter the school gates.

I walk up the stairs to the second floor straight to were my new class is.

Luckily for me, I had friends who were doing Matric last year, so I already know where my class is.

I pass some of my classmates embracing each other in tight hugs.

It's amazing how people can say so much without saying anything at all.

As I am about to open my classroom door, I feel someone wrap their arms around me and without even looking I know who it is.

I instantly turn around and my smile widens when I see that my guess is correct.

"Grizzly bear". I say as I hug him.

"Ginger Mary". Mihlali says as his smile widens too.

Mihlali's hugs are the best and I never realised how much I missed them until now.

"I didn't realise you missed me that much, Mihlali". I say but my words come out muffled because of his chest.

"Well... I actually missed hugging someone shorter... than me, so yeah, you can say that".

I give him a fake glare and push him a little.

"I find that very hard to believe". I say as I stroke my chin imitating an animated villain.

"I know that's not what you missed at all" I add.

"Then what is that I missed?? Mihlali asks lifting an eyebrow.

I motion for him to come closer and I  whisper something in his ear.

"Chicken nuggets" I simply say and l look at him as amusement fills his eyes.

Seconds later he laughs so hard a vein pops out of his neck.

He tries to catch his breath, but he fails miserably.