Chapter 8 First day

It was a sunny day, Daina had rounded up her first two classes, she was seen in the hallway arranging her locker, she was dressed in the school uniform, it was a black blazer, a white shirt, a short skirt, a long white socks and black shoes for the girls, the boys were dressed in black suits with most of them refusing to wear their jackets, Daina wasn't really comfortable with everyone having matching outfits, she felt a little out of place because she wasn't used to it at her old school everyone had the freedom to choose their fashion but here it was limited except on Friday, she placed a boo

k inside her locker and a picture was left hanging in the middle of the pages, she drags the picture out, it was a picture of Daina and her parents, it was taken two years back almost two weeks before her father's death, the picture was taken at an art gallery, Daina's painting was showcase that day and her father was on the moon, his laughter was still stuck in Daina's head and when voice saying "I'm proud of you" his voiced still echoed in her head, Daina placed the picture in her pocket and closinf locker and saw someone standing right next to her, Daina had never seen the girl from anywhere, she was not on uniform like other students.

"Hi," Daina said. "Can I help you with something?" She asked.

"I know girls like you, boyfriend thieves acting innocent and all ..." The girl said.

"That's weird cause I don't even know who you are," Daina said.

"Girl, you don't know who I am?" The girl asked.

"Never seen you in my life," Daina said.

"My name doesn't matter," The girl said.

"I think it kind of does if you want to continue this conversation," Daina said.

"Now listen up Daina," The girl said.

"How the hell do you know my name?" Daina asked.

"I see you around my boyfriend and I'm here to tell you he's mine and I ain't sharing him not with you or anybody," the girl said angrily.

"Who is your boyfriend?" Daina asked in confusion.

"Lucian and he's all mine," The girl said and Daina chuckled.

"Good for you," Daina said.

"Now listen to me if you want to stay in this school avoid him at all costs" The girl threatened.

"I don't want your stupid boyfriend, trust me, sis, he's the one who has an issue maybe you'll go talk to him, shoo he's all yours" Daina said, she spotted Sheila walking into the hall.

"Don't you ..." Daina interrupted the girl's speech.

"Nice talk, let's do this some other time," Daina said walking towards Sheila with the girl looking at her awkwardly.

"How were classes?" Sheila asked.

"The teachers here are good but the students suck," Daina said.

"Welcome to Wolvestien, What were you doing with Sha Sha?" Sheila asked.

"Oh, that's her name," Daina said laughing "She was just talking crazy"

"What did she say?" Sheila asked.

"Something about Lucian, said I need to stay away from him because he was her territory, like who even wants her man," Daina said laughing.

"Technically speaking, they are not dating, they broke up," Sheila said.

"That's their problem, I don't care," Daina said.

"I thought she was suspended but well money pulls strings, Sha Sha is trouble and I will advise you to avoid her, her parents own a big share in the school and they are not exactly good people," Sheila said.

"You don't need to tell me twice, let's go grab something to eat," Diana said.

"About that I won't be coming to lunch 'cause I have a robotics group project and we couldn't agree on a time other than lunchtime," Sheila said. "I'm sorry"

"It's fine," Daina said.

"You remember where the cafeteria is right?" Sheila asked, and she had given Daina a tour of the school.

"Yeah, I do, have fun," Daina said.

"See you after school," Sheila said.

"Alright," Daina said.

****************

Daina was in the cafeteria eating, the food here is not too bad, she thought to herself, back at her old school nobody ate the cafeteria food not even the kitchen staff but here everyone was enjoying their meal, she took a bite of tater tots and she was in heaven.

"The uniform looks good on you" Daina raised her eyes to see Damian sitting right next to her. "Or maybe you make it look good," Damian said flattering Daina.

She drank her smoothie and wiped her face with her napkin.

"That won't still get you off the hook," Daina said.

"I know, I'm here to apologize for the other day," Damian said removing a paper from his pocket.

"You still have to read it to the public," Daina said.

"I know I thought you should hear it first," Damian said clearing his throat.

"Dear Daina,

I am writing to express my deepest apologies for my rude attitude and the misogynistic comment I made during our last encounter. It took me a while to realize my words were hurtful and discriminatory, I have no excuse for my words as it was insensitive and unreasonable of me.

I understand the lasting impact my behavior had on my impression and reputation, a lesson on what hurtful remarks can have, however, it was never my intention to belittle anyone based on gender. My comment was thoughtless and did not reflect my true values.

I acknowledge the importance of women in our society, My mother, a renowned feminist, trained me to respect women and treat them equally and my words ridicule her teaching, so I guess I am sorry mom, I was blinded by the anger you didn't cause and I put it on you and every woman as a whole, my mother and sisters not exempted I'm sorry for that I am willing to learn from this experience to become aware of the impact of my words. If I am forgiven I promise to be more mindful and considerate in my future interactions.

Once again, I apologize for any distress or discomfort my words may have caused. I value every female from the young to the old and hope that we can move past this incident with understanding and forgiveness.

Thank you for giving me your attention.

Sincerely, Damian" Damian read out.

"Woah, that was nice, apology accepted," Daina said.

"Okay, if you like it then they will," Damian said.

"No, you don't have to read it to everyone" Daina protested.

"I feel like I have to," Damian said standing on the table.

"Damian no," Daina said. "You don't need to embarrass yourself"

"Everyone can I have your attention" Damian shouted and Daina covered her face with her hand "I want to apologize for my recent misogynistic comment, so can I have your attention"

"Go on big D" A boy yelled and everyone laughed.

"Dear Daina, my fellow students and friends ..." Damian continued to read his apology letter and Daina found herself blushing, when he was done everyone applauded him and he took a seat beside Daina.

"Well that was embarrassing," Damian said and Daina giggled.

"Sure you learnt your lesson," Daina said.

"Yeah I did, and I'm sorry for a rocky start, let me make it up to someday maybe we could be friends, maybe we could hang out sometimes" Damian suggested.

"I don't know, you're my friend's ex it's up to Sheila," Daina said.

"What did she say about me?" Damian asked.

"She loved you and you broke her," Daina revealed.

"You are not an easy person to find," Victoria said walking to Daina. "You guys have met?" She asked.

"Good morning Ma" Daina greeted.

"Morning Miss. Victoria" Damian greeted.

"Dr. Robertson is here and he requested both of you" Victoria informed.

"Alright," Daina said standing up.

"Victoria I think you will have to get me off the hook this time," Damian said "Tell him I was no way to be seen" He added.

"He wants to ..." Victoria wasn't allowed to complete her words.

"You owe me this one," Damian reminded.

"Fine," Victoria finally gave in "Let's go, Daina," Victoria said as she ushered the way and Daina followed obediently, she was nervous but wouldn't let it show, so she wore a brave smile.

After what felt like hours of walking, they arrived at a door where Victoria paused and opened it for her.

"Go on you will see another door after this one all you need to do is knock," Victoria said.

"You're not coming in with me?" Daina asked and Victoria shook her head.

"Tell him I'm looking for Damian," Victoria said.

Daina went through the door and immediately Victoria closed it, weird right? Daina thought she walked up to the next door she saw, and knocked on it.

"Come in," A voice said, Daina immediately pushed the door, She saw an old man with glasses, his chair was facing the door and opposite him a boy was seated, the boy turned his face around and it was ...

"Speak of the devil," Lucian said with a smirk.