Chapter 7 Resumption

Hazel gazed at her reflection, beaming with pride. Her new Royal High School uniform fit perfectly. The black flared skirt fell just above her knees, paired with a crisp white short-sleeved shirt and black tie. White socks and black loafers completed the outfit, courtesy of RHS.

Memories flooded her mind as she smiled. She recalled struggling to fill out the lengthy application form with her mom.

"This form wants to know everything about me!" Hazel had exclaimed, frowning.

Her mom patiently helped, "It's to make the selection process easier, Hazel."

Hazel chuckled, "Or to kidnap me!" Her mom's warm laughter echoed in her memory.

"Ah, Hazel!" her mom's encouraging tone echoed in her memory.

Hazel's gaze drifted to the crowd of teenagers and parents gathered for the exam. "Mommy, do you really think I can do this?" she had asked.

Her mom's response was unwavering. "Hazel, what do I always tell you about positivity?"

"I believe and I have faith in God," Hazel replied, smiling.

"Good girl! Never belittle yourself," her mom advised.

Now, standing by the window, Hazel gazed at her mom's grave, a mix of sadness and nostalgia on her face. She held back tears, choosing to smile instead.

Hannah's voice broke the silence. "You're dressed!" She checked the time.

"It's already 6:45." Hazel giggled. "I need to be ready before my driver arrives." She couldn't believe her new reality.

"Feeling like a rich kid already?" Hannah teased.

"Yes, please!" Hazel squealed, before quickly lowering her voice.

"Sorry." Hannah smiled, picking up a small comb.

"You are lucky" Hazel sat still, Hannah gently combing her hair. "

Hazel, I know you're thrilled about this new school, but remember to use this chance to grow and become an even better version of yourself," Hannah said, her voice filled with sincerity. "Make good friends, but stay true to who you are. Don't get caught up in pretending to be someone you're not."

Hannah's expression turned serious. "Avoid fights and quarrels at all costs. The kids at Royal High School come from wealthy families, and their parents have significant influence. You don't want to get into trouble."

Hazel sighed, understanding the weight of Hannah's words. "I'll try my best."

Hannah smiled, reassuringly. "I know you can. And, by the way, it's time to start taking care of your hair, too. You're now a private school student, after all."

"Unbelievable!" Hazel exclaimed, beaming. The sound of a horn outside interrupted their moment.

They rushed to the window, and their eyes widened in unison. The Royal High School bus was parked outside, its sleek design and bold logo a symbol of Hazel's new adventure.

Their neighbors were similarly intrigued, peeking out from their windows. Iya Bisi and Bisi even stepped outside for a better view. Hazel turned to Hannah, her voice filled with excitement.

"I have to go now."

Hannah's expression turned protective. "Shouldn't I come with you?"

Hazel reassured her. "I'll be fine, really." Hannah's eyes softened.

"Let me at least see you off to the bus." Together, they walked out of the house, savoring the moment.

"Congratulations!" some neighbors chimed, as Mama Nkechi beamed with pride. "Hazel, be a good girl, okay?" Mama Nkechi called out.

"Be of good behavior!" Iya Bisi added, her daughter's envious gaze lingering on Hazel.

Hannah and Hazel politely greeted the driver, ignoring Iya Bisi's remark. "Good morning, sir."

"Hi, I'm Mr. Alvin, Hazel's driver," he replied with a warm smile. His dark skin and well-groomed appearance belied the typical driver's attire.

Hazel stepped into the bus, taking in the sleek, air-conditioned interior. "ROYAL HIGH" emblazoned the side.

"Guess I'm the only one you're picking?" Hazel observed.

Mr. Alvin chuckled. "You're the only student living in this area. We should get going to avoid being late." With a final wave at her sister and neighbors, Hazel settled into the bus.

Mr. Alvin started the engine, and they drove away. Hannah's confident smile lingered, trusting her little sister to thrive.

*****

The new term at Royal High School had begun, and the car park was abuzz with sleek, new vehicles. Students proudly alighted from their cars, eager to showcase their latest rides and holiday stories.

Meanwhile, Kelvin and Melvin were just five minutes away from school. Melvin pulled out his perfume for a quick touch-up.

"Any response yet?" Melvin asked Kelvin, who was engrossed in his phone.

"He's typing," Kelvin replied, eyes fixed on the screen.

Suddenly, Kelvin's face lit up. "He said his aunt came over, and now they're coming to school together." Kelvin and Melvin burst into laughter, their excitement palpable.

"Shit! That's not supposed to be funny," Melvin said, still chuckling.

"I know, right? But I can already picture the frown on MG's face," Kelvin laughed, holding his stomach.

Their driver pulled into the school grounds, interrupting their amusement.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Ireti Daniels parked her car in the lot, her gaze fixed on her nephew, MG. His expression was characteristically stern, eyes locked on his phone.

"Junior," she called out. MG rolled his eyes, turning to face her.

"Yes, Aunty?" His tone was polite, but laced with subtle annoyance. Mrs. Daniels' voice was laced with concern, her eyes narrowing.

"This isn't the MG I know. What's going on with you?"

MG raised an eyebrow, feigning nonchalance.

"Really?"

Mrs. Daniels' expression turned stern. "I'm not in the mood for jokes right now, Junior. We need to talk."

MG sighed, mirroring her seriousness. "Me too." Mrs. Daniels' gaze intensified. "I know you took my credit card from my drawer. That's how you funded your trip, isn't it?"

MG's eyes locked onto hers, a hint of defiance. "I had to."

Mrs. Daniels' voice rose. "Junior! You know better than to take things without permission."

MG shot back, his tone matching hers. "Aunt!"

The tension between them was palpable. Mrs. Daniels demanded, "What exactly is your problem? You're not happy at home?"

MG's frustration boiled over. "I just want to finish this school and get out of this country – anywhere far from home." Mrs. Daniels' expression softened, confusion etched on her face.

"You're not being mistreated at home, I know that. If you're uncomfortable, I've offered you a place to stay with me before. Why didn't you come to the family dinner last month? Your cousins, aunties, and uncles flew in from all over, and you chose not to show up.

"I see it held,"

MG said dryly, referencing the family dinner. "I'm not of any importance, anyway. Aunt, if you'll excuse me, I should go. It's my first day of final year, and I don't want it ruined. Thanks for the ride."

MG stepped out of the car, shutting the door behind him.

"MG!!!!" Kelvin yelled, spotting his friend.

The trios exchanged bright smiles as they approached each other.

"You good?" MG asked, shaking hands.

"Sureee," Melvin replied, grinning. "Let's grab breakfast first, I'm starving," Melvin suggested.

"Dude, have you seen our timetable already?" Kelvin asked as they walked toward the cafeteria.

"I did," MG replied, shaking his head. "This isn't the final year I signed up for."

"For now, let's just eat," Melvin said, laughing. MG chuckled, placing a hand on Melvin's shoulder.

As they walked, girls around them couldn't help but stare.

"Thank you, Mr. Alvin," Hazel said with a smile, stepping off the school bus. As she gazed up at the imposing school building, a mix of emotions swirled within her. Reality suddenly hit her like a wave.

"I'm truly now a student here," she whispered, her voice barely audible, as a sense of wonder and awe washed over her.

Hazel's eyes widened, drinking in the sight of her new school. The sleek architecture, the bustling courtyard, and the sounds of laughter and chatter all blended together, solidifying her new reality.