Chapter 2 A new school

Cerina quickly took her shower and dressed up for school. She was gonna be a new student yet again in a new school. She picked up her new uniform neatly folded. A sparkling white shirt, blue stripped pleated skirt that sat well above her knee and a matching tie. She tied her long hair into a messy bun, and smiled at her reflection in the mirror. It was more of a motivational smile. She had promised her mum, herself as well as her late dad that this time, it was gonna be different. She would try her best not to mess this one up, and she'd be the good student like always.

She just had to make it up to her dad.

With this she grabbed her bag,and made her way downstairs to have breakfast. She slowly descended the stairs, taking her time, but had to stop abruptly in her tracks, because she seemed to be hearing voices. It was coming from the dining room, undoubtedly her mothers' and another, a male voice. They seemed to be having a discussion with Cece being the center of the discussion. Her gaze darkened upon the sight and she exuded a chilling aura. That voice was oddly familiar and all her senses were wary of it. She went into the dining room to find her mother and the guest having breakfast already. Cece could only frown as she looked at them. The guest having noticed her presence smiled warmly at her, which only irritated her the more. He was Mr. Francis, her late dad's bossom friend, but Cece had never liked him from the onset. He had this negative aura surrounding him it seemed only Cece could feel, she just never liked him. Mr. Francis had reduced his frequent visits and barely ever showed up when her dad was alive because he knew she wasn't comfortable with his presence, although they still remained friends. But since the death of her father, he had been showing up like this was his house, which has been annoying Cece.

"Mum? What is he doing here? And what are you both discussing about me?" Cece asked still wearing a frown on her face without bothering to greet.

"Oh! Cece, you're here already! Come join us for breakfast! "Her mother said ignoring her question "Cece you look really good in that uniform, I hope this one lasts with you", she added knowingly.

Cece let out a heavy sigh and chose not to say anything further and instead took her seat to take her breakfast. "Yeah, I really hope this lasts. I really had to pull some strings before the school considered granting you admission to study there. I really hope you stay out of trouble while in school, I heard the principal is a very strict disciplinarian, having retired from the Army just few years ago."Mr. Francis said.

Cece squinted her eyes hearing what he said but chose to remain silent, as she ate. The rest of their breakfast ended in silence, Cece barely ate, having lost her appetite for some unknown reason. She wiped her mouth and went to get her luggage. The school was far from her residence, and her mum had preinformed her that she would be staying in the boarding house. Cece initially had objected to it because one thing she hated was compromising her privacy, but her mother made it clear that she would be staying in a private cabin,she only had to get used to staying without her mother. That didn't seem to bother Cece though because even while at home, her mother barely made time for them and maybe it would help her get used to her father's absence.

After grabbing her luggage, she came to the living room to inform her mother that she was ready.

"Alright, go put your luggage in the car, Mr. Francis will drive us to the school" her mother informed.

Cece's face turned sour immediately after hearing that, "Why does he have to drive me to school?" Cece asked with a frown.

"He is more familiar with the principal, and I need his help with your admission requirements", her mother tried to explain

"I'm not going to school in the same car with him", Cece said almost at the top of her voice

"Cece, don't be stubborn", her mother tried to persuade her

"Mom!?" Cece shouted. " I said, I won't be going to school in the same car as him", Cece exclaimed angrily, and left the room immediately.

Mr. Francis had been standing there, as Cece's mum threw a pitiful glance at him. She didn't understand why Cece had a strong aversion towards him when he only held her best interest at heart.

"Don't be too harsh on her, she's just a child" Francis spoke gently. "I'll drive in my car and you both can use your car", he said and walked out. Andrea could see that he was hurt but he tried not to show it.

About an hour later, a black Toyota and a red Corolla arrived at the gate of Blackthorn High. Cece and her mother in her Corolla and Mr. Francis in his black vehicle. After parking, they headed to the administrative block and after concluding her admission processes, she was assigned to a class immediately because classes had long resumed and was given her cabin. It was the final session of Senior class Two, just before her final year.

Cece stood before the class, and the English language teacher Miss.Ruby asked her to introduce herself to the class.

"Hi everyone, I'm Cerina Ceril, hope I'm welcome ", Cerina said rather boldly, and walked to the seat allocated to her. Just as she was settling down, her supposed seatmate stretched out her hand for a handshake, " Hi Cerina, I'm Helena Perkins, she said, a bright gentle smile shone on her lips.

"You can call me Cece for short ", Cece replied accepting the handshake

"In that case, I'll call you Cece", she said still smiling

The English class went on rather well, and Cece enjoyed the class, next was Biology and she participated actively, she loved the teaching.

Soon, it was time for lunch break, and Cece stepped out to get lunch at the cafeteria. She came across Helena on her way there, who was also with a friend from the next class.

"Cece, this is Patricia ", from Art Class. " Patricia, this is Cece, a new student in our class ", Helena said with a wide grin, she seemed to be a very jovial type

"Hi Patricia", Cece said with an acknowledging smile.

"You can call me Patty", she replied with a smile

"Seems you're heading to the cafe, we were on our way there, let's head together" Helena cut in, and the three girls chatted away.

Meanwhile in the shadows;

"She's the one, right?"

"Yes! Make sure you do what you have to do. Do not fail me!"

"Hehe, no worries, I just need the perfect moment to strike", he said with a malicious smirk