First day surprises

New bag, new shoes, new uniform, new books, new class, and a brand-new semester—I’m finally in high school! I can’t wait to meet my new classmates and make friends. I’m sure Joice will show up with fresh braids, and Zola will definitely have new stories to tell.

“Sisi, hurry! You don’t want to be late for school!” Mom shouted from the kitchen.

“I’m coming, Mom!” I called back, not wanting to be late on my very first day.

The smell of breakfast greeted me as I sat down.

“Eat slowly, darling,” Mom said with a smile.

“Good morning, Daddy,” I greeted.

“Good morning, darling. Are you ready?” Daddy asked with his usual big smile.

“Yes, sir!” I answered quickly.

He chuckled. “No, no—you’re not ready yet. You haven’t even touched your breakfast! Finish up first, then we’ll head to school.”

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“Bye, Mom! Bye, Anna! See you later!” I waved as I hopped into Dad’s car. I couldn’t wait to show Joice and Zola my new things.

“Sisi,” Daddy said as he started the engine. I turned to look at him.

“I’m so proud of you,” he continued. “High school is a new chapter of your life. In a few years, you’ll be a young lady. Keep your grades high and don’t let anything distract you.”

I smiled. Daddy always had the best advice.

When we arrived at the school gate, he asked, “Do you want me to walk you inside?”

I almost laughed. “No, Daddy. I’ll be fine. I’m not a little girl anymore.”

“Alright then,” he said warmly.

“Please, Dad, you can go now. Bye!” I waved and walked towards my class with as much confidence as I could—almost like a model on a runway.

---

“Sisi! Sisi!” A familiar voice called out. I looked up and there she was—Joice.

“Girl!” I shouted, running to hug her.

“Oh, Sisi! I’m so happy you’re back.”

“Me too! But wait—what about Zola?” I asked, scanning the crowd.

Joice’s smile faded. “Zola and her family moved to Egypt. I found out last week.”

I felt a sting of sadness, but Joice quickly pulled me into another hug.

“You look so pretty in your new uniform. High school really suits you,” she said with a grin.

“Thank you, Joice. You look beautiful too—and your braids are gorgeous!”

She leaned closer, lowering her voice. “Sisi, we’ve got two new students in class. One is a girl… but the other is a boy—and he’s so handsome, all the girls can’t stop staring.”

I blinked in surprise. Joice never calls a guy handsome.

We opened the classroom door, and the moment my eyes landed on him, I froze.

“Sisi,” he said, standing right in front of me.

I couldn’t believe it. I never thought I’d end up in the same class as Ben. Oh no way.

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