New School New Surprise

Some changes cannot be stopped in your life. They are inevitable and much needed even if you fail to realize it. You will see something good in it only later though you try to rebel against it, trying to hold on to the past.

Taaliyah joined the biggest higher secondary school in their town. It had classes from kindergarten to 12th grade. She had finished lower and upper primary school days and entered 8th grade.

She had stitched her new uniform. Black and White checked box fleeted short skirt and white shirt with a black and white striped tie and black jacket over the top and black sock and cut shoes. The school had strictly given instructions on three things for girls.

• Always keep a pair of extra uniform in school cupboards for safety.

• Never forget to wear shorts or tights under the skirts.

• Always tie up your hair, preferably ponytails on two sides of the head.

And this has been followed by everyone.

Zahir, Taaliyah's father dropped her in front of the school gates and she saw someone walking in.

"She is you little sister say hi to her," a male voice said. Zahir and Taaliyah turned to look at who it is.

It was none other than her uncle, father's cousin and his daughter who is three years older than her. But the girl spoke nothing to Taaliyah.

Taaliyah pasted a smile on her face. Seeing this, Zahir got down his scooter and held his daughter's hand and walked into the huge gate where they were welcomed by security guards.

"Which section?" he asked to assist the child and parent.

"8th grade," Taaliyah said.

"Go straight, turn right in the end, take the stairs, The class room is on the second floor," he instructed them.

"Thank you," Zahir said and walked away.

Father and daughter walked into the compound, the green garden on either side of the way they took. The small pond with goldfish on the left side, the fountain on the right side, a large bronze statue of child reading a book on the right side looked mesmerising.

"Wow pa," Taaliyah said smiling. She got excited for a moment. The school looked a little luxurious. But she had no idea about the fees her father had paid. Higher than the previous school but had extra facilities and amenities one cannot get anywhere.

As she walked, towards the left the side, the parking lot was filled with all sorts if vehicles, from bikes, scooters to cars. And after that came the lavishly arranged basketball court and its gallery. Neat and beautiful. Taaliyah's heart pounded as she saw them all.

"This is so cool Uppa," she said.

"Is that why you kept crying even today morning?" he asked back, mocking her.

"No....." she said. But she still felt sad for not having Derek around her.

They passed the office room, common staff room and room the stairs as instructed.

They took the path towards 8th grade and reached the class. In front of the class stood three kids she had written and passed the entrance exam with. They had become friends that day itself. They rushed towards Taaliyah and hugged her. Zahir walked towards their parents and they spent time talking to each other. The were many boys in the class but only few girls. A girl suddenly walked out seeing Taaliyah.

"Oh my god Taaliyah!" she said smiling.

"Ester," Taaliyah was glad to see someone she knows, her lower primary school friend who shifted school earlier. "Hi, I did not know that you came here," she said.

"So glad, let's be friends,' Ester said and then another boy walked out. "Fred is also here," Fred smiled and welcomed her.

"Ok am leaving," Zahir said. The other parents also left along and the four girl stood there outside the door with Ester and Fred.

"Who are these?" Ester asked Taaliyah looking at the other three girls.

"This is Hera," Taaliyah introduced showing the short chubby girl with black eyes and bobbed hair. "This is Bhoomi," Taaliyah said showing another short lean girl with thick long brown hair and black eyes. She had braces on her teeth and a tiny black mole on her nose tip. "And this is Emily," Taaliyah Introduced the last tall one with a curly hair and hazel eyes. "Everyone this is my friend Ester, we know each other since kindergarten days," Taaliyah said to the girls.

"Hey everyone," Ester greeted them. Fred left by then. The five walked inside the class. They all took the right foot and stepped inside together. It was funny the whole class of 60 students were watching them. The bell rang and a teacher walked in.

"Good morning Ma'am, god bless you," everyone said together.

"Good morning everyone," teacher greeted them all back. A short and slim, beautiful lady smiled standing in front of the blackboard. The classroom was pretty large. Arrange with benches and desks for two to sit one. There were also shelves on the right side of the classroom to keep the book. And on the left side a small bulletin board for students to present and showcase their talents.

"Everyone, put the bags down and get ready to go to the auditorium for our first assembly of this academic year. Remember.." but someone interrupted.

"May I come in Ma'am," a boy asked.

"Yes please," teacher let him in. Taaliyah's eyes grew wide, listening to this familiar voice. Her heart pounded loud. She smiled unknowingly. "Oh my god," her inside screamed out loud.

The boy who stood on the door walked in. Everybody looked at him in awe. So handsome and perfect. He looked like a boy from the TV shows, looking neat and crisp. His uniform, the black trousers and white shirt with the tie fitting him perfectly. He was not wearing the jacket yet. His hairstyle and his bright eyes. Everything attracted everyone. Taaliyah was so proud of her best friend. "Wait till you guys see his academic performance too," she thought.

"Sorry ma'am, am late," Derek apologised.

"It's alright come early tomorrow onwards," she said. Derek searched for Taaliyah inside the class and spotted her in the middle row in the back. She was sitting with a girl. He found the desk on the left of her empty. He walked towards her and took the seat next to her desk.

She grinned at him and he smiled back.

"I told you I will make it here," He whispered.

"Yesss..." she said back. She was excited to see him.

"You know each other?" Emily asked her.

"He is my best friend," Taaliyah told her. "My parents changed my school, I told him, we were sad, it appears that he forced his parents to change schools too," she said.

Everyone began to leave the class. the 61 students including Derek stood in the height order and Derek was in the back of the line. The 12 girls also stood the same. They walked to the auditorium and took their respective place. There were total of three division for each grade. Taaliyah and Derek got into Division A. There were also Divisions B and C. The whole of 8th grade, A, B, and C stood together in the auditorium. The prayer team, the previous year's leaders all assembled on top of the stage and waited for the principal. Taaliyah turned to look at Derek who was interacting with some other boys. He was getting along well.

"Taaliyah," Hera called her. "Look," he said pointing at the stage. "Isn't that..."