Episode: The Rivers Family's Transition

Title: New Beginnings in Benin City

Episode: The Rivers Family's Transition

After the dramatic and overwhelming experiences at Starlight High, Lila and her five sisters are about to embark on a new chapter of their lives. Due to the way things unfolded at their previous school and the attention that came with being the daughter of a famous businessman, their father, Maxwell Rivers, decided to move his family to Benin City, Nigeria. A fresh start was what they needed, away from the drama and teasing of their old school.

Arrival in Nigeria

The Rivers family lands in Nigeria, and Lila feels a mix of excitement and nervousness. The entire family steps off the plane, greeted by the warmth of the African sun and the hustle and bustle of Benin City. Maxwell, ever the businessman, has already arranged for a house in a posh area of the city. The house is large, luxurious, and perfect for his growing family.

“I’m glad we’re here,” Lila says to her sister Vanessa, who is already excited about what the new school year will bring.

Vanessa, at 16 years old, is the oldest among the sisters, and her confident and bold personality has always been a bit of a shield for the family. "It’s going to be fun, Lila. Don’t stress. We’ll make new friends."

The father drives them to their new home and arranges to drop them off at their new school the next day. It’s a renowned private school called Benin City International School (BCIS), a rival of schools like Charryville Academy and Cradle A, known for its academic excellence and well-heeled students.

First Day at BCIS

The first day at BCIS is both thrilling and intimidating. The girls, dressed in their crisp new uniforms, stand at the school gates, taking in the grandiose school buildings and manicured grounds. Maxwell Rivers drops them off in his sleek black SUV, giving them a quick wave before heading out to look for some women at the local clubs.

“Alright girls, I’ll be back in a few hours,” Maxwell says. “Behave yourselves and get settled. I’ll handle the rest later.”

Lila and her sisters head into the school grounds, where they are greeted by an assembly in the massive hall. The principal, a tall, no-nonsense woman with a stern face, welcomes them to the school.

Introduction at the Assembly

As the Rivers sisters take to the stage in the assembly hall, they feel the eyes of the entire school on them. The boys and girls start whispering, and Lila can feel the tension in the air. The principal gives a brief introduction before letting each of the girls introduce themselves.

Lila steps up first. "Hello, everyone! My name is Lila Rivers. I’m 12 years old, and I’ll be in Year 8."

The boys exchange glances, already noticing her height and appearance, whispering to each other in Nigerian Pidgin. “See that girl? She fine o, her body big like that! Wetin she dey eat?” one of them says.

Vanessa follows, her confident smile lighting up the room. “I’m Vanessa Rivers, 16 years old, Year 12.” She notices the attention she’s getting from the boys, their eyes glued to her. One of them mutters, “See how her chest big. This one go turn heads today.”

Olivia, the 14-year-old Year 9 student, Jasmine, 15 and in Year 11, Sara, 13 and in Year 7, and Kimberly, 10 and in Year 5, all step up and introduce themselves, each receiving their own share of attention for their beautiful appearances and youthful figures.

The Slap Incident

After the introductions, the girls head to their respective classrooms. However, as Lila and her sisters walk down the hall, they are greeted by some of the older girls from Year 8. These girls, noticing Lila and her sister’s striking features, immediately make their move.

One of them, a girl named Zainab, steps forward, sizing Lila up. “You dey shake my school o, see as you big. Na you wey go spoil things here?” She slaps Lila on the back playfully, laughing with her friends.

Lila’s eyes widen for a moment, taken aback by the boldness, but then she laughs. "That was random," she says, rubbing her back. It’s playful, but the whole exchange catches her off guard.

Vanessa, noticing Lila being slapped, walks over to defend her, but as she gets close, one of the other Year 8 girls, named Tiara, slaps Vanessa on the shoulder. “You no go feel bad na, we just dey play.” She grins mischievously.

Vanessa rolls her eyes but laughs. “You all play too much. But keep it in check, okay?”

The slaps aren’t meant to be mean-spirited, but rather a way of the local girls sizing up the newcomers, feeling them out. They all laugh, and soon enough, the girls are chatting, getting to know each other.

The Girls Settle In

Lila and her sisters settle into their respective classes. The girls meet new friends who are eager to show them around the school, including a sweet girl named Amina in Year 8 who quickly befriends Lila.

The Year 12 girls, like Vanessa, immediately notice the different vibe at BCIS compared to their previous school. The students here are more direct and outspoken, and while many of them are intrigued by their looks, the Rivers sisters quickly learn to navigate the school’s social dynamics.

The boys continue to talk about the girls’ appearances during breaks. They whisper in groups, often in Pidgin, saying things like, “See that Vanessa girl? She get body, she go turn heads all around the school.” And, “Lila fine, no doubt, but I hear she just 12. She be small girl.”

Drama with the Boys

During lunch, some boys from Year 10—Chijioke, Emeka, and Olumide—sit together, discussing the Rivers sisters.

Emeka, noticing Lila across the cafeteria, says, “That Lila, she fine o. But I hear she too small. She no go fit follow with us. Her age too young.”

Chijioke, who has a bit of a crush on Vanessa, replies, “Vanessa, though, she dey burst my brain. She get body, but the way she carry herself… she no dey show off, I like that.”

Olumide shakes his head. “You guys better get in line, because I’m the one who’s gonna win her heart.”

The teasing, compliments, and gossip continue throughout the day, but Lila and her sisters focus on what matters most: settling into their new school.

The Final Revelation

After a long day, the girls return home to their new house, where their father is waiting for them. He had spent the day going out to clubs and meeting with people.

Later that evening, Maxwell sits down with the girls for a serious talk. “Girls,” he begins, his tone unexpectedly somber, “I know this has been a lot to take in. But I want you to understand that your mother’s death in the plane crash… it wasn’t easy for me either. But life goes on. I hope this new chapter will help you all heal and grow.”

Lila and Vanessa exchange a look, understanding the gravity of their father’s words. It’s been a tough road for them, but they’re ready to face this new journey together, making friends and leaving behind the drama of their old life.

End of Episode

In this episode, we see the Rivers sisters beginning their new life in Benin City. They meet new classmates and navigate the school’s social dynamics, learning to handle attention, teasing, and playful slaps. They also get a glimpse into their father’s complicated life, as Maxwell reveals the truth about their mother’s death. The story touches on the cultural differences, the playful yet sharp nature of Nigerian students, and the challenges of starting fresh in a new country. The girls adjust to their new environment while preparing for the challenges ahead.

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