The Alpha's Ghanaian Mat

The street is crowded and very noisy as everyone goes about their daily activities. The heat of the sun is at it's peak but they all seemed unbothered. "Yess pure water," a teenager who had a little basin filled with sachets of water on her head screamed in an attempt to call buyers. Many other vendors along the road were trying to attract the attention of passers by and drivers on the road by yelling the name of goods they were carrying.

Loud car horns could be heard from different local commercial buses, popularly known as trotro whiles their various assistants known as the mate were yelling the various destinations of the buses. "Madina, Circle, Mallam junction, Lapaz," were the places being called the most. A mother of two was having a hard time putting her kids under control. Both were crying and pointing to different things, indicating that they wanted their mother to buy it but she ignored them and kept pulling them along. "Hey hey hey!," a truck pusher yelled at a group of students who were coming his way. Sweat dripped down his forehead to his mouth making him pause to clean his face with his dirty shirt. "Abena," Abena felt a tap on her shoulder and she turned her attention to her mother. "Do you need something?" Her mother asked and Abena shook her head in response. "Ok let's pray," the mom said taking her daughter's hands in hers, she began to pray. Abena knew what prayers meant to her family as she was raised in a strong Christian home.Growing up, she had noticed how strong her parents faith in God was and she took after them as well. Every Sunday, they would wear their best dresses and go to church. Both mother and daughter were in the choir, whiles the father was one of the elders of the church board. "Nothing is beyond God's power, all you have to do is kneel and bow before him and pray your hearts out," her mother would tell her. "If it gets too hard just go on ur knees and pray," her father would often say. "Amen," Abena heard her mother say and she also whispered an "Amen." She didn't hear a word of her mother's prayer but she knew it was for traveling mercies. The drive returned to its normal silence after their prayers because their little blabber mouth had fallen asleep. Abena looked at her little sister with a smile, she knew she was going to miss her so bad. Just then, the little girl let out a loud yawn whiles rubbing her eyes. "Sister Abena, I thought you'd be gone by the time I woke up. "Hmmmm, I can see you want me to leave," Abena replied, faking a sad face. "No that not what I meant," the little girl replied. "I was just scared I wasn't going to see you one last time," she added making Abena laugh. The two sister kept chitchatting to pass time because Abena knew the drive to Kotoka international airport was a bit long, considering where they were coming from. Taking advantage of the heavy traffic, Abena bought two bottles of "burkina",a local drink made from fresh cow milk and millet. "You should have bought the one without millet," Serwaa complained when her sister handed her a bottle. "Thanks is what you're supposed to say not complain," her mother scolded her making her frown. "It's ok ma," Abena smiled, pulling her little sister. "Hey watch where you're going!" Mr. Boakye yelled following startling his family. Abena looked ahead and saw that it was on of the trotro drivers who had tried to overtake them. "These drivers will cause a serious accident with their careless driving. How can you drive in such a way knowing fully that you're carrying over fifteen passengers," he lamented before returning to his usually silence. "Daa," Abena called and he hummed in response. "I'm going to miss you so much," she said trying to create some kind of conversation. "I will too, but just focus on your studies and avoid bad friends ok," he replied with his eyes still on the road. "Yes daa," Abena replied before the place went to its usual silence. Soon they pulled at at the airport and Abena's family had to leave after a little chat between them because only the travelers were allowed inside the airport. Once inside, the first thing Abena did was to check in. At this stage, she was asked some important security questions about what she was carrying in her bag. After answering all those questions, she was asked to pass her luggage through an X-ray machine where it will checked for any dangerous good. After everything was done, she was handed a boarding pass and was directions to pass through the security gates to the departure hall. Once there, she found her boarding gate with the help of a security man. Minutes later she was on the flight ready for takeoff. On the plane she was welcomed warmly by an air hostess who showed her seat and made sure her luggage was. After everyone had settled down, a different person made an announcement where she explained all the safety rules to them and wished them a safe flight as well. Each passenger was handed a blanket, a pair of headphones and sleep mask. After ensuring everyone is comfort, a middle aged air hostess announced that everyone should put on their seat belt before takeoff. Abena felt a bit nervous since it was her first time flying and began to sweat slightly despite the air condition being on. "First time?" A white man sitting beside her ask and she nodded with a smile. "Been there, just take a in a deep breath, count to five and release it," he smiled and Abena did as she was told. "Thanks," she told him when she felt a bit calm and the man nodded with a smile. Throughout the flight, the two talked a lot and got to know each other. The man told her he was in Ghana for a vacation and she in turn told him she was going outside to study. After talking for a while, slumber took over their senses.

Hours later, an announcement was made that the plane was about to land. Abena quickly rub her eyes and took her phone from the window. She had promised to record the view from above and send them to Serwaa so she left her phone on the window before she fell asleep and thankfully she captured everything. She just couldn't believe she slept throughout the flight.Was it because she had zero sleep last night due to anxiety? The plane landed and she quickly took her luggage and got off the plane like the other passengers. "Bye," the white man from earlier waved at her as he entered a cab.

Abena waved back with a smile too. Taking a deep breath, she looked around for the cab that was supposed to take her straight to the school because that was what the man who called her back home told her after she got the scholarship.After waiting for about five minutes, a cab pulled out and a man in a white uniform with a blue cap alighted from the driver's side. He opened a rolled up white paper revealing Abena's name boldly written on it. Abena quickly rushed to him and told him she was the one he was picking up. The man eyed her suspiciously before shrugging and taking her bag. "Get in," he said tossing her bag into the back seat. He settled in the driver's seat and Abena settles in the back seat along with her bag. The drive to the school was in a comfortable silence with Abena taking pictures of tall buildings and other things she knew her little sister would be glad to see. Soon they pulled up in the school and the driver helped Abena take her things to a certain office. "Thanks," Abena smiled at him and he nodded before leaving. Abena turned to too a middle aged man dressed in a white long sleeve shirt, accompanied with a pair of black trousers with black shoes and black belt to match. He was busy scribbling something on paper making Abena wonder if he knew she was there. Just when she was about to speak, he raised his head and spoke first: "You're welcome Miss...." He paused mid sentence whiles holding eye contact with Abena. "Abena Agyapong," Abena said with a smile. "Good, take a seat," he said pointing to the seat in front of his desk. Abena left her bag at the door and proceeded to the chair. "The semester has already began and you've missed a lot so I'll advice you to take your studies seriously because you're on scholarship. Any least mistake from your side will produce a disastrous result," the man said and Abena nodded. "Great, here's your schedule for the semester," he said giving her a folder. "Thanks, I'll do my best in order not to disappoint you," Abena said with a smile. "You better not. This is a prestigious institution and we don't take such things lightly," the man said with a stern look. "Now I'll call for your roommate to come and take you away," he said dialing a number on his telephone. Abena sat in silence waiting for whoever was supposed to come because she really wanted to get out of this office. "But what if your roommate or mates don't like you? What if they make your life in the school a living hell?" A voice in her head asked making Abena more uncomfortable because that was right. She has watched a lot of high school movies and read a lot of books where the cool people from the rich backgrounds bully the nerds or poor people. What if same happens to here? Or what if no one likes her because she's black? A lot of thoughts flooded her brain as she waited for her roommate to appear. Just then the door flew open revealing a girl with red hair. She was wearing a pair of black short jeans and a white T-shirt. "You called for me?" She said walking in and closing the door behind her. "Yes. This is your roommate and you're responsible for showing her the ways of the school until she gets familiar with things around," the man instructed. "Let's go," The girl said breaking Abena's chain of thoughts. Abena quietly stood up and followed the girl who was already walking outside with Abena's bag. "So what's your name?" The girl asked when she head Abena's footsteps behind her. "I'm Abena," Abena responded feeling nervous. "Hey why do you sound so nervous? Relax, we're roommates," The girl smiled throwing an arm over Abena's shoulder in a reassuring manner. "Maybe I was overthinking," Abena thought with a smile plastered on her lips. "I know the change in environment is tough for you but you don't need to be afraid because you've got your roommate here, the girl told her and Abena nodded. "You didn't tell me your name," Abena said after finally deciding to open up. "I'm Irene," the girl said. "I've always wanted a roommate you know, being alone in the room is so boring. All I do is read, watch movies, do assignments and project works. It get so lonely sometimes but now that you're here, I'll finally get someone to talk you. " Irene squealed in excitement making Abena chuckle. "So tell me what do you want to try first?" Irene asked Abena. "I don't know maybe try some new foods," Abena said with a smile. "Ok, so I'll make my signature mac and cheese for you this evening,how about that?" Irene said stopping in front of a door which Abena quickly guessed was their room. "That would be great and I'll make a very simple food for you tomorrow," Abena laughed. "Yeah, it'll be a win win for both of us," Irene joined in the laughter as they walked inside the room. "Will other people be joining us?" Abena couldn't stop herself from asking. The room was too big for just the two of them. "No just us, the beds are just two as you can see," Irene said, sitting on one. "That's your bed," she pointed to the bed opposite the one she was sitting on. "That door over there is for the bathroom," she pointed to the left corner of the room. "That's our wardrobe. I'm occupying the left side, so take the right," Irene said pointing to the wardrobe that sat few meters away from Abena's bed. "The kitchen is over there it has everything you need, cups, plates, you know what I mean," Irene chuckled. "Ok but are you sure the whole room is for the two of us?" Abena asked unsure. "Yes," Irene rolled her eyes. "But it's big enough to contain eight more people," Abena said making Irene laugh. "So you want ten people to share this room? Tell me you're just kidding," Irene said still laughing. "It's not funny, that a normal thing where I come from. We were twenty girls in our dormitory back in Ghana," Abena shrugged. "Yeah but this is not high school," Irene rolled her eyes. " Now pack your clothes into the wardrobe and have some rest whiles I prepare supper. It's past four already," Irene said walking to the kitchen.

"Irene come on we'll be late for class,"Abena said for like the hundredth time making Irene groan. "Why are you making that sound and who even wears makeup to class?"'Abena asked, rolling her eyes. "This beauty does,"Irene replied zeroing her face with a finger. "Whatever just hurry?"Abena said walking to the door. "Relax, lemme just apply the finishing touches of my makeup," Irene said pulling out a lipgloss. "And.....done," she exclaimed in satisfaction whiles admiring herself in the mirror. "What's your first class for the day?"Irene asked as they walked out of the room.

"Biology,"Abena replied and Irene smiled brightly. "What?"Abena asked not knowing the reason behind that smile. "Nothing but there are a lot of handsome guys in biology class..." "So??"Abena cut her off. "Come on, don't ask so lost. I mean, you know what I'm talking about,"Irene scoffed. "No I don't,"Abena replied. "Don't worry you'll see," Irene winked with a naughty smile. Abena shook her head at how her friend was behaving. Soon they got to the biology laboratory where they parted way. "I'll meet you here when it's break, have a nice day," Irene waved before disappearing through the corner. Abena took in a deep breath before entering the lab. It was her first day and she was very nervous but she had to do it. Pushing the door open slowly, she let out a breath she didn't even know she was holding. There were only five students in the lab who didn't even notice her walk in and she was thankful for that. At least she didn't receive those awkward looks every new student gets when she walks into a class for the first time. She quietly walked to the back seat in the left corner of the class and settled down. Soon students filled the empty seats and the bell rang for the first lesson. The teacher who looked like he was in her mid thirties walked in with her handbag on her shoulders. "Hello students," she said with a serious tone. All attention turned to her and she cleared her throat before speaking. "We're halfway through the semester but sadly we have a new student in our midst," she paused looking at Abena, causing all heads to turn to her. Sadly? What did she mean by sadly? And why is she staring at her like that? Abena surely didn't have a good feeling about this woman. "Can you get up miss? As in stand up," the teacher said and Abena nodded slightly before rising. "What's your name?" She questioned with a raised brow. "Abena Agyapong," Abena replied nervously. "Pffff, What does that mean? Is it some kind of a pet's name or something?" The teacher scoffed making Abena tear up. Why is this woman being mean to her? "Well, I don't care about all that. Also, I can't mention that Aleba Agakong or whatever, so I'll just call Blackie, is that clear?" She said and Abena nodded because she couldn't find the right words to express how she was feeling at the moment. "Great, now sit and I've got my eyes on you," she said before turning to the board. She wrote the words "Nervous System" boldly on the board and Abena was glad she was familiar with the topic. That meant she could answer a few questions and probably erase her name from the teacher's bad books even though she didn't know how she got there. "So let's start off with knowing what the nervous system is. Who can help?" Abena's hand flew up as soon as the question left the teacher's mouth. The teacher's eyes scanned the class and they lingered around Abena for a while before she finally spoke: "Let's continue with the lesson since no one is willing to answer," she said before starting her long lecture. Abena raised a hand a couple more times whenever the teacher asked a question but she was never called. "Excuse me Miss Elena, I have a question," a boy from another row asked. "Go on Ace," the teacher who Abena learnt was called Elena said with a smile. "The new student has tried to answer questions several times but you wouldn't let her, why?" Ace asked making Abena smiled. "Yes, I also want to know the reason," another student spoke up. "Me too," more of them joined in, giving Abena a sense of belonging but before the teacher could react, the bell chimed for change lesson. "We'll continue this tomorrow," the teacher said furiously before storming out of the class. Abena checked her schedule and realized she had gym lessons next. "Gym lessons?" She wondered with a little frown on her face. She has never had gym lessons before and she was nervous.But from what she sees in movies, it's kinda like the Physical Education or P.E as they like to call it back at home.She had only one problem and that was; "What if the teacher is also like Miss. Elena?" "Hello." A voice pulled her back to the present. "Hi," Abena smiled at the boy before her. "I'm..." "Ace, the biology teacher mentioned your name," Abena said avoiding eye contact. "Ok, so what's your next class? Maybe I can help you if you want," Ace said with a shrug. "No.....I'm fine," Abena rejected his offer. She didn't want any more trouble. "If it's about Miss. Elena's behavior then I think you should forget about her. That's how she acts sometimes, ok?" He said but Abena remained silent. "Abena.." Ace called softly making her look up at him. "Y....you remembered my name?" Abena couldn't stop herself from asking. "Yeah." Ace smiled. "And I also wrote it behind my textbook so that I won't forget," he smiled whiles showing it to her. Abena chuckled at how he had spelt her name but her heart melted because someone genuinely cared about her. "Did I spell it right?" Ace asked and Abena laughed slightly whiles shaking her head. "So correct me," Ace said and handed his pen to her. "Ok so it's just an "e" after the "b" and not two "e's" for the Abena and it's A-g-y-a-p-o-n-g not Ajapon," Abena said whiles scribbling it down. "Ok thanks," Ace smiled before turning to leave. "Wait!" Abena said making him stop. "Actually I have gym lessons next and....." "Oh...I also have the same lesson so we could go to the hall together," Ace smiled and Abena nodded. She threw her bag over her shoulder and joined Ace who was already at the door. The two walked out whiles chatting but unknown to them, there was something in the class who was boiling with pure rage seeing the two of them together