Chapter 1 The Dawn Of A New Beginning

**ERIC'S POV**

The morning dew tapped rhythmically on the roof, while the birds chirped a melodious tune as I peered through the window of my room, admiring the beauty of our new surroundings.

For a brief moment, I felt happy, but then reality hit me: this was an unfamiliar environment where I would have to adapt.

My father had secured a new job in Alabama, and we had just relocated from Mississippi. I was anxious about making new friends, especially since my parents intended to enroll me in a school where the tuition and fees were much higher than their income could comfortably support.

As I stood there lost in thought, I was jolted back to reality by a loud "Gbim Gbim!!"-a knock on the door. My little sister was beckoning me to join the family for morning prayers. I checked my phone; it was already 6:45 AM, and my parents were strict about morning devotions; they were devoted Christians.

I pushed aside my swirling thoughts and made my way to the living room, where my dad, mom, and little sister were already gathered.

"I have always told you to keep to time, Eric," my father said firmly. I walked over to my sister and sat down beside her. A few minutes later, we finished our devotion, but my father insisted on speaking with us before he left for work.

"This is a new environment, and you all have to adapt to it. I have been inquiring about the best school for you, Eric; as for your sister, she will be enrolling in your mother's new school."

Oh yes, my mother is a teacher, albeit with a modest income, and she has been transferred to this new public school in Alabama while my dad works as a chauffeur.

After a brief meeting, I made my way back to my room. Sitting on my bed with my hands on my hips, I glanced around the room; the thought of starting anew sent a shiver down my spine.

"Eric!! Eric!!!" My mother called. I hurried back to the living room. "I saw a few admission slots available at Elite Private High School, and I think you should apply for one. You might get in," she said.

Without wasting time, I took my phone, searched for the school's website, and applied for a slot.

Days passed, and I repeatedly checked to see if my name had appeared on the list of accepted students, but sadly, it was not there. As time went on, I began to lose hope.

One sunny Sunday afternoon, after church, my mom and little sister were in the kitchen making lunch, while my dad was preparing to leave for work, as his job kept him busy throughout the week.

I sat on the couch in the living room, my chin resting in my hand, feeling tired and helpless. Suddenly, my phone beeped. I grabbed it eagerly and saw that it was an email. I opened it immediately, and to my delight, it was an acceptance message from Elite High School. I jumped up with a shout of joy, and my parents rushed in, alarmed by my voice. I showed them the email, and we were all ecstatic.

Now I had to prepare for the admission examination in five days. My parents believed in my intelligence, but self-doubt crept in at times. If I could pass the exam, I would be admitted to the school with all expenses covered by a scholarship. I immediately began searching for the recommended textbooks needed for the exam, and my dad gave me some money to buy the necessary materials.

Two days before the exam, I felt unprepared but kept studying, even late into the night. When the exam day arrived, I found my way to the exam center. Upon arrival, I noticed many other candidates were accompanied by their parents, which made me feel lonely since mine had little time for me. I entered the exam hall and saw several carefully dressed candidates already seated. Checking my exam seat number, I found it was "0050." As I settled in, a voice called from behind, "Hey, what's your seat number?"

Startled, I responded, "Seat number 50." The tall, light-skinned man instructed, "Follow me," and I did until I reached my seat. I sat quietly, glancing around nervously at the other candidates. "How can they select only 15 out of 55 aspirants sitting for this exam?" I wondered, overwhelmed with questions, yet knowing I had to concentrate. This opportunity was rare, especially for a prestigious school frequented by the wealthy.

A few minutes later, an instructor named Mrs. Tamara came in to give us instructions, and soon after, the exam began. After about an hour and a half, we finished writing, and the candidates started leaving the hall. I lingered for a moment, absorbing the beauty of the surroundings and taking in the sights of everyone around me. Eventually, I headed home, praying fervently to be among the lucky ones who would be accepted.

A week later, I was in the living room watching a movie when my mom called to say that the school had started awarding scholarships to the best candidates. A friend of hers had already informed her that her child had been awarded a scholarship.

I immediately grabbed my phone and started glancing through each message and surfing the internet non-stop, but I couldn't find my name.

I started to feel scared, and tears nearly rushed down my cheeks, but I reassured myself that it wasn't too late.

Being one of the students at Elite High School would truly be an honor because the standard and quality of their teaching are exceptional compared to other schools in town.

I kept staring at my phone screen, my mind unsettled as I paced back and forth in the living room.

My mom encouraged me to exercise some patience, explaining that the other chosen candidates would be announced a few hours later.

I prayed and hoped that I would be among the selected ones because my father had already said that if I didn't get admission, I would have to enroll in a public school. That thought alone filled me with fear.

About two hours later, while I was in the kitchen washing dishes, my phone beeped. I carried it with me, glancing at it every chance I got.

When I finally checked my phone, I was overjoyed to see that I was one of the 15 candidates selected for the scholarship.

I jumped up immediately, and a ceramic plate I was holding fell and shattered into pieces, but I didn't care as I rushed to find my mom and sister in the living room.

I was filled with happiness and joy, dancing for the rest of the day. "Here is the dawn of a new beginning," I said to myself as I took a deep breath.