#Chapter 4# The other side of me

Wow! 

"Oh my God. Isn't that Tara? " One of my classmates inquired. 

As I walked through the corridors of my school, my presence got the attention of everyone. All eyes were on me. I actually thought that it was because they thought I was dead or probably still in a coma. Asher grabbed my hand and asked me, "Why are you causing havoc?" Did you look at yourself in the mirror before coming to school? Who dressed you up?"

"What happened to my dress? Is there anything wrong with my face? " I asked, trying to look around for a mirror.

"Calm down! Calm down! Nothing is wrong with your dress or face. It's just that...

You look more beautiful than before. "Your steps are like those of a princess." 

I felt flattered by his words, and I blushed. 

We stared at each other for a long time. This attracted the attention of other students, and some of them took pictures of us. We got to know that all eyes were on us. At that point, I felt embarrassed. I hid my face to avoid being captured by those taking pictures. Asher grabbed me by the waist and we left for our class together. 

As we approached the classroom, right in front of the door, Asher whispered into my ear, saying: "Just be yourself and be free to relate with everyone."

I smiled as I entered the classroom. I planned to address my classmates before the teacher came in. I went to the front of the class and started:

Good morning, guys. I am so delighted to be here again, though I was in the hospital for the past few days. I want to say thank you to those who supported me during my stay at the hospital, most especially Asher and Dennis (Asher's friend). I have something very important to say here today. I am happy to announce that I have stripped off the old personality and put on the new one. I lived a miserable and painful life. I once thought my life was a waste and just came out of misconception. My ailment made me who I was. I once had the idea of committing suicide. I felt: 'How will I live a painful life if the end result is death?' I became an enemy of myself. " At this point, tears started to roll down my cheeks. 

"I have been living a boring life. I do not keep friends. It was during my stay in the hospital that I discovered the benefits of having a friend—a true one at that. Asher, my friend, or should I say, boyfriend, made me understand the meaning of friendship.

My mention of Asher as my boyfriend caused an uproar in the class. Everyone turned their attention to Asher. He looked away from them and blew a kiss from afar. I smiled and continued:

"He told me to always smile whenever I am under stress." Though the situation may be tough, I have learnt from him to fight to live. I learnt that... " I couldn't continue speaking. I gave way to tears. Asher came forward and patted me. 

"I am happy to announce to you all that I am available for friendship." I want to spend quality time with you guys and build memories. Thank you. " 

Everyone stood up and applauded me, while Asher hugged and pecked me on the lips. I felt happy and satisfied. I noticed someone leaving the class angry, but I did not ponder it. I left for my seat. Bella, a girl I snubbed when she asked to be my friend when she first arrived, jumped into my seat and announced herself as my new sitting partner, since I never had one. I welcome her. I love her personality. She is a jovial person. She is also intelligent and smart. 

"Bella! Please treat my GF well. " Asher said. 

"Pay money for the service." Bella replied.

"Why should I pay money? It was a voluntary contribution made by you. You weren't forced. Were you? " Asher contributed. 

For the first time, I felt among them. Bella helped me open all the social media accounts. I never had any. I collected so many contacts and usernames. " 

"Hey girlfriend, did you notice Anna left the class angry?" Bella asked me. 

"Who is Anna?" I asked. 

Okay, let me refresh your memory. Anna is the girl who always calls you "sadist, pig, beautiful dirt, and other derogatory terms." Bella explained. 

"Oh, I get it now. So why did she leave the class? " I asked, anxiously. 

She left because you announced Asher as your boyfriend. She still has feelings for Asher, which she told him. But Asher never liked her because she is proud, rude, and saucy." Bella explained. 

"Do you know what that means?" She inquired. 

"What?" I asked. 

"You have a rival." She responded. 

Sonner, Anna entered the class with anger written on her face. I tried to avoid my eyes and hers meeting each other. I never looked in her direction. 

"Anna! How do you feel? I hope you are not feeling heartbroken. You know, I understand that kind of feeling when your crush is in love with your enemy. " Jacker said. 

"And they are not only in love but also dating." Ashley contributed. 

"That kind of feeling is painful." Anna, take heart. Things happen. Okay? " Jacker said, jokingly. 

Everyone in the class started laughing. 

" You know, that beautiful dirt you so much hate has now become beautiful-pretty. Imagine her stirring emotions and causing chaos as she entered the school, majestically. Have you ever stirred emotions before? Are you well-liked throughout the school?" Dennis said.

"Proud-dirt." Ashley said.

Everyone burst into laughter except for me. Anna felt embarrassed. I am sure she will hate me even more. 

The biology teacher entered the class. 

We treated "Metamorphosis" last week. From the lesson of last week, what do you understand by metamorphosis? 

Hands were up. 

"Ashley!"

"This can be defined as the change that organisms undergo from one state to another," Ashley explained.

"Thanks Ashley. How many types of metamorphosis do we have and mention them? 

Hands were up. 

"Tara?" Do you have an idea? "You were in class that day." Mrs. Brown asked.

"Yes, I was in class." But I can't answer that question. I replied honestly. 

Anna and her friends began to laugh.

"See who's beautiful—pretty with no brain." Anna said, mockingly. 

"Complete methamorphosis and incomplete methamorphosis." I replied out of anger.

Everyone clapped for me. Anna looked at me scornfully, and I eyed her. 

Anna, please calm down. Did she not get it? Proud-dirt. " Asher said. 

"Anna, "Explain the complete metamorphosis." Mrs. Brown said. 

Anna couldn't answer the question, and she was being laughed at. Asher volunteered to answer the question, which he got right.