Lost Smiles.

Chapter 1: Mark or Black.

Its 7:00 am, but I am least worried about getting late for school. Back in my home country, Nigeria, by now I will be trying hard to catch the bus but here in California, some students are still in bed.

I did my chores which was washing the dishes and making breakfast. I went upstairs to call mom for breakfast and then ate mine. I went to my room to take my bath, which was quite a long one.

I decided to wear something nice since it was going to be my first day at my new school. I wore
a nice blue pant and a cool black and white strips button top.

I had braided hair and made it in to a pony tail and wore a navy blue head-warmer and I applied some make up which was just black eye-shadow, mascara and pink lip gloss. I also wore a silver bracelet. I toped it up with black sneakers and a black bag. Stylish right!

I went downstairs to see mum done with her breakfast.

"Wow Clarie you look great" mom cooed at me.

"Thanks mom" I said quietly.

" What's wrong dear? Are you getting a little nervous about going to your new school." mom asked feeling concerned.

"Yes mom I feel like i don't look right, because back in Nigeria i wear a uniform which everyone also wears. But here they do competition in dressing, what if i don't fit in?" I asked feeling scared.

Mum looked at me with pitiful eyes "don't worry dear am sure you'll fit in right away and make lots of friends."

"I hope so" I mumbled before dashing out of the house

The name of my new school was 'Center score high'. It was one of the best schools in the whole of California (according to my mom). I was in my sophomore year (ss2) and I had to leave my former school because my mom wanted me to school aboard and of all places she chose California. It was a little far from my home but, i decided to walk all the way to school because i knew that i would still be early.

Now here i was standing face to face with the gates of Center score high knowing that today would change my life forever.

My name is Claire Mark, I am 15 years old and I'm an African, Nigeria to be precise. I live with my single mom who is an accountant. She was working at a bank back in Nigeria but now she works as the Chief Accountant at Lance foundation so I can say we are a little well to do. You can say I am a smart girl but don't call me a nerd cause am not. Back in Nigeria I had alot of friends who now would miss me as much as i miss them. Anyway am ready for my new life, so here I go.

Wow! This school is quite bigger when you're inside. Every one seems to be in groups and all catching up after that long summer break. I would just squeeze in and get to the administrator's office. Well here goes nothing.

"Good morning ma, my name is Claire Mark and i am a new student" I said politely as I reached the administration office.

The aged woman with big glasses raised her eyes from the paper work she was busy on and looked at me thoroughly before replying quietly, "Oh you're Claire, welcome to Center score high"

"Thank you ma" I simply said.

"Here's your schedule and the combination to your locker, hope you enjoy your time with us" she said with a friendly smile

I left her office to go and look for my locker and get ready for my first class. Fortunately for me the halls were empty and no one saw me. I found my locker, put my bag into it and carried my Ap chemistry text book because it was the first subject on my schedule and off to the chemistry lab I went.

When i entered no one even noticed me as they were all busy charting with each other. I quietly went to the back and sat on an empty seat and rested my head on the desk waiting for the class to commence.