~Alisa~

_ I'll be your sunshine in the night, and yet I'm still the rain that pours down _
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Mr. Tunde, our designated tour guide, led the way through the school's large buildings. The pathway, which led to the school block, was decorated by a lot of flowers and the grounds were equally covered in short, carpeted grasses.

Students perched at various corners of the school block - some, with their books in hand; reading - while others, busy discussing animatedly. Most of the junior students were found running around the classes, and from various classes - I could hear a lot of noise.

Mr. Tunde showed us to the various laboratories which the school owned, and he further enlightened us - in a professional tone - of their excellence and the citadel of their progress. While he continued to explain, my eyes wondered through the cream colored three-storey buildings - which happened to be the school block.

The school block had two three-storey buildings, which were opposite each other. The first one - we were told by Mr. Tunde - was the Junior Secondary School Block, while the last was the Senior Secondary School Block.

As we further toured through the school buildings, my eyes roamed each classroom - well-equipped with adequate teaching facilities, and well-provided with the utmost comfort for all students. Truly, Mrs. Ekwegh wasn't lying when she praised the school for their good standards.

Even their school uniform seemed to appeal to my sense of fashion. It wasn't as pompous and sophisticated as that of Jade Imperial High, but it was way more comfortable for me and much more admirable.

The uniform comprised of a cream colored long-sleeved dress shirt, which had the school's badge sewn to its breast pocket - for the senior students - whilst the cream colored short-sleeved dress shirts were for the junior students. For the senior girls, they wore a black knee-length pleated skirt - with their dress shirts well-tucked into their skirts. While the junior girls wore black pinafores - over their cream colored dress shirts. The senior boys, each wore penciled, black trousers - whilst the junior boys wore black shorts. They also wore black ankle-length socks and a pair of black dress shoes.

Each student had a black neck tie tied to their necks - well, most of them did. Whereas the rascals amongst them chose to hang their ties, loosely, on their necks. Some even had their ties in their hands.

"You there! Hey! Iroko!" Mr. Tunde yelled, beckoning on a really tall, dark skinned boy.

The boy was undoubtedly attractive, and had his tie in his hand. He surprisingly had wine red lips and carved brows. He had a firm jawline, and well sculpted features that could make one admire him for far too long. He even had his school trouser, sagged. His hair was done in a punk hairstyle and he had a bubble gum in his mouth as he chewed noisily, with a nonchalant look on his face.

"Sir?" He replied, nonchalantly. His voice was really deep, but admirable. He hurriedly approached us and sent a cheeky smile to Mr. Tunde.

"Oga boss! I hail oh! Well-done, sir!" He hailed, lifting his hands up in fists, and Mr. Tunde eyed him in reply. With the boy's reply, I could tell he was a huge noisemaker.

"My friend, will you put on that tie of yours?! Why must you always go against school rules and regulations?!" Mr. Tunde yelled. To Mrs. Ekwegh, he said: "Please pardon me, ma. I'll be done with him soon" he said, and Mrs. Ekwegh nodded in understanding.

"Thank you, ma" he replied.

Now returning his gaze to the nonchalant boy, he said. "I do not want to meet you dressed like this when I'm done. And make sure you spit that gum out of your mouth. Is that clear?" He said to him, and he shrugged.

"Yes, sir. Can I go now?" He said, a playful smile on his face. He seemed very cheerful and playful. He was talking to his teacher like they were best buds.

"You can vanish from my sight now. Evaporate!" Mr. Tunde said, earning a small chuckle from the boy. And with that, he left... But not before eyeing me, in a manner I couldn't comprehend, with a small smile stretching across his face.

"I guess that'll be all for now, ma'am. I hope you both enjoyed the tour" he said, and we both nodded affirmatively.

"We certainly did. Thank you" Mrs. Ekwegh said.

"It's my pleasure, ma" he replied, prostrating a little forward, and grinning like a lost fish.

Oh wow! And I thought the principal was a desperado.

Mrs. Ekwegh smiled at him, and he led the way to the principal's office. The principal and Mrs. Ekwegh, both discussed my admission into the school, of which we ended up buying the admission form. She handed it over to me, and I filled it.
When it got to my name, instead of filling the words: 'Alisa Chimezie', I filled the words: 'Alisa Ekwegh' instead.

That was the torture of moving from foster home to foster home. My biological mother had given me away at the age of eight; when they'd told me we were simply going to pay the orphan kids a visit - like we always did, once in a year. To my utter disbelief, she had given me up for adoption and left me stranded there. My name still remained Alisa Chimezie, but each time I was adopted - it'd change. And it kept changing.

"We'll be on our way now. By tomorrow, she'll be here to write the Entrance Exam" Mrs. Ekwegh informed, and the principal nodded in understanding.

We both walked to the car, and got in, and she ordered the designated driver to take us home. While she was busy on her phone, I was lost in my thoughts. I wondered what schooling at Prestige High would be like. I knew the school had great competition, and I worried over the possibility of me being able to cope with their teaching standards. I only hoped I'd be able to keep up, I couldn't afford to toy with my education. With everything going on in my life, my education seemed to be my only saving grace... To secure a firm and full proof future. And I just couldn't lose that opportunity.

* * *

It was already evening time, when Kambili and Kamsi returned from school. The time displayed on my wristwatch read, 4:30pm. Kambili was first to come into the house, and she hurriedly came to meet me. I was in my room, still reading a book when she came in.

"Hey yo! Did you miss me?" She squealed, and plopped beside me on my bed.

With a small smile, I nodded my head in confirmation.
"Aww. Don't worry, very soon you'll be going to school and that way you won't feel so lonely anymore. I'm pretty sure you got bored. Anyways, what have you been up to?" She replied.

"Nothing much. I went with your mom - I mean, mom - to pick a school. I chose Prestige High" I beamed and she nodded her head in understanding.

It'd take a while to get used to referring to Mrs. Ekwegh as 'mom'.

"Prestige High is a really good school. Their students are very competitive. They've been rivals with my school for years. For five straight years, they've been amongst the top five schools for the Olympiad Competition" she informed and I nodded in understanding, digesting the new information given to me.

The thought of how competitive they were, scared me. How was I to keep up with such a school? I just had to act fast, and study twice as hard.

"By the way, what school do you attend?" I asked, and she grinned.

"Eagles Prep" she smiled in reply, and I nodded in understanding.

I wasn't familiar with the school, but the name sure did sound like a high-class school.

"Oh! And my friends are coming over today. I told them a lot about you, and they decided to come over to meet you" she said and my eyes grew as big as saucers.

You what?!
And they're what?!

"You - you're joking... Right?" Came my stuttery voice. I didn't want to meet with any of them. What if they turn out rude? Or perhaps they find me outdated or something of the sort? I can't handle rich kids being all snobbish and stuck-up towards me. I'm afraid I might say something ear-deafening towards them. Or worse! I could embarrass myself and my entire generation!

Nope. Nah-uh. Not happening.

"You're not happy about it?" She asked, a surprised look on her face.

"Not exactly. In fact, I'm honestly not excited about it. I'm not sure I ca-"

"Nonsense!" She chuckled, cutting me off. "I'm sure you'll like them when you meet them. They're my friends, and I'm sure they'll like you. You're a really likeable person. You've got this. Trust me, you'll be happy to meet them" she informed, and I gulped down my distaste.

Kambili, I didn't ask for this.

I knew I wouldn't have a blissful life, but I never knew my death would come this soon. Meeting them? Is as good me being dead! That means, I'm a G.O.N.E.R! Goner!

I know, I know... I'm exaggerating. But it could happen!

"Cheer up, sis. You'll love them, trust me" she got up from my bed, and stretched a little. "Well, I gats get out of here. I have a lot of notes to copy and homeworks to finish up. Say, you mind helping me with some of them? You're in SS3, right?" She said, and I nodded my head in affirmation.

"Good. Thank you so much, sis! Ciao!" And with that being said, she left my room. Leaving me sulk on the news.

* * *

Kambili made sure I dressed in the clothes she wanted me to wear. I still didn't want to meet her friends and I also didn't want to let her down, so basically I had no option than to do what she says. Letting her down won't be fair on my part.

"Absolutely lovely! Don't you think?" She said to me, and I stiffened the urge to cough in disagreement, and nodded my head affirmatively instead.

I mean, the outfit is not bad... But it's also not so good either. I guess it's in between. It's basically a black off-the-shoulder shirt and green combat shorts. And the shorts were really short. They stopped right above knees - a little to my thigh.

"You don't seem to like it though. Should I get another one?" She asked and I shook my head, no, and then shook my head, yes - confused as to which answer to give.

"I'm guessing that's a Yes. See, I don't want you feeling like you have to do anything to please me. If there's anything you're not comfortable with, then just let me know. Okay?" She smiled.

I don't want to meet with your friends.

"Sure. No worries, I'm cool with everything" I replied, mentally slapping myself afterwards.

Dear God! Please give me sense, Lord. I need it! Cool with what?!

"Cool!" She chirped and I groaned inwardly.

Please don't make me go there. Now would be a really good time for that ceiling fan to fall on me.

The sound of a notification rang in the air, and Kambili hurriedly reached for her phone, which was on my bed, and stared at it with a smile.

"They're here!" She beamed, and without warning, she grabbed my hand and led the way downstairs.

I tried to keep up, in my black slippery flip-flops, yet she ran way too fast and I tripped. I fell loudly on my butt, with a thud, and I groaned, muttering cusses under my breath.

"My bad! I'm so so sorry. Here, I'll help you up" and she grabbed my hand, and helped me off the cold, hard floor. "I'm just so excited, I can't help it. Sorry" she added, apologetically.

"Nah, it's okay" I smiled.

Why can't I stop my mouth from talking? It's not okay! I'm gonna embarrass myself with my own hands!

"I'm used to falling on butt anyways" I added, stupidly grinning at her.

I said something stupid, didn't I?

"Oh" Kambili gave an awkward smile... And laughed.

"Let's go" I said, mentally punching myself repeatedly.

Let's go where? I'm a stupid person! I'm literally leading myself to my own doom! God! When will I learn?!

"Yeah. Let's" and we both walked downstairs, with me dragging my feet on the floor, like a pregnant rat.

Now will be the best time for thunder to strike me. Please, thunder, strike the hell out of me! I'm begging you! Thunder, please strike me!

"Hi guys! I'm so glad y'all could make it" she beamed and hurried over to meet them. They were three in number.

A loud voice in my head kept yelling at me to make a run for it. If I got out now, she'd probably not notice. While another - much calmer voice - beckoned that I stayed. I didn't want to embarrass her by leaving, and I also didn't want to embarrass myself by staying. Either way, I'd be embarrassing someone.

Oh crud!

"Alisa! Al, come over here!" Kambili beckoned and I gave a nervous grin and sluggishly dragged my feet to where they were.

I hope an air plane crashes on my head right now.

"Whoa! Nice shorts, bae!" One of the guys there, said. He ran his eyes down my exposed legs and I instantly felt like throwing up on his face. I felt a lot self-conscious now, and I made sure to try standing firm and not look petrified.

Curse these shorts!

"Christian! That's my sister, you bozo!" Kambili yelled at him, smacking him on the head, lightly.

"Ouch! I was just saying. They are really nice shorts. I possibly - ouch! What did you do that for?!" He said, as Kambili stepped on his foot abruptly.

"Pardon my pervert of a friend. This is Christian. He's the dumb head I call my best friend" she said and I offered a half-smile.

Christian was light skinned and had a really impressive height. He had really bushy brows and had THE most pinkish, pouty lips I'd ever seen. His cupid's bow wasn't pronounced, but they were noticeable. His hair was trimmed to an afro, and he had cat eyes - well outlined and alluring - and he also had curly lashes. His nose was small, pert and button-like and his eyes were woody brown. I observed he had a few zits on his face, and I smiled. Glad he wasn't all perfect with his looks.

I looked over to his face once again, noticing he had a piercing on his nose. I was amazed by it, but chose not to show it.

"Hey" I said, weakly.

"Why hello, bae! I hope you didn't mind what I said earlier. I was simply admiring your legs - I mean, shorts" he said and I raised an accusing brow at him. Kambili definitely wasn't wrong when she tagged him as a pervert. He sorta is.

"Ignore him. He's a fool, naturally" Kambili said, with a smile on her face.

"You see me standing here, don't you?" He said and she glared at him.

"Shut up, arse clown!" She yelled through gritted teeth, and I laughed.

He shrugged and grinned.

"Alisa, do you think I should 'shut up'?" He said, putting air quotes at 'shut up'. I grinned, and nodded my head affirmatively.

"Yes please!" and everyone laughed at my reply. Including him.

"I already like this chic" came another guy's deep, alluring voice. I turned to him, and smiled.

"This is Dubem. He prefers to be called Dub - for reasons we all can't comprehend" Kambili smiled, introducing the guy whom had earlier given me a compliment. That was a compliment, right? I think it was.

"Dub sounds way cooler!" He protested.

Did it? Did it really sound way cooler?

I grinned at him.

Dubem - A.K.A, Dub - was average in height, with chocolaty skin. He had a sharp jawline and a heart shaped face. His hair was trimmed into a punk and had a line done beside it. His eyes were a very light shade of brown - like that of honey. His brows were a bit scanty, but they were also well arched - shaped to utmost attraction. His lashes were equally a bit scanty, and his nose was really pointed. I was shocked at how pointed they were. His lips, on the other hand, weren't all that pink. They were slightly pink and were thin and pouty. Unlike Christian's, Dub's cupid's bow was very pronounced and made me wish mine was like that too.

Sadly, unlike Christian, Dub had a really smooth face. His face was so smooth, and I found myself wishing mine was too. He was undoubtedly handsome, and I couldn't help but admire that fact.

"Hola! And let me just say, you are one pretty piece of somethin'. You've gat some really nice legs, chica. You look... Mwah!" He licked his bottom lip and grinned, and I tried covering up my slightly flustered look.

Excuse you?
Were all her male friends pervs? Or was this a clique thing?

For Pete's sake! What's with them and my legs?!

Although, I was low-key excited that they were complimenting me. And were actually nice. I mean, where's all the sass, and snobbish behavior?I thought all rich kids were like that. Now? I guessed I was wrong.

And besides, I didn't think my legs were that long. In fact, they weren't long at. He was basically exaggerating and trying so hard to get me flattered. He only used that as an excuse to stare at my exposed legs. A hardcore ladies man - I presume.

"Thank you?" I said, trying so hard to mask the uncertainty in my voice - but failed miserably.

"He's also another fool I call my friend. Ignore him. He's wise on some days, but foolish on most days" Kambili explained and I laughed.

"Ouch! That hit straight to my heart, you know? Right here" he said, pointing to his chest.

Kambili rolled her eyes and moved to her other friend. A girl.

Thank you Jesus! I'm literally going to pull my hair if I meet another one of her jerk arse male friends.

"Yo!" The girl smiled at me and I smiled back.

"This is Queen. She also acts like a queen, and she's the real reason I haven't killed these boys with my bare hands. Those two knuckleheads can be real pests sometimes" she said, and they both gave her a playful glare and gasped, feigning hurt.

These guys are actually dope.

"We're right here, Bili. Right here" Christian said, and Kambili rolled her eyes.

Queen, was a really pretty girl. Her parents did pick the right name for her, cause not only did she act like a queen, she looked like one and nailed every single look. Queen was what you'd call 'thick and gorgeous'. She was light skinned and had a plump body. Her skin was a trophy, it was well nourished and intimidating. Unlike my sun burnt, brown skin, hers shone and looked well moisturized.

She had an oval face, which was a bit slender. She had doe eyes which were hazel shaped, and her lashes were really long. She had muddy brown eyes - which were enclosed behind a pair of red, cat eye-rimmed glasses - and she also had bushy, well arched brows. Her smile was very beautiful and each time she did smile, her eyes seemed to light up.

Her lips were plump and really pink. She had a button-like nose and a birthmark right next to upper lip, and she also had one right beside her left eye. Her hair was done in black box braids which were packed into two sided buns and two braids let loose in front. Her edges were jelled in baby curls and a few pink, floral hair clips adorned her hair.

"Nice to meet you, Alisa. Bili here, has told us lots about you. She's pretty excited to have you here" she said and I smiled.

"Thank you. And by the way, I love your hair. And your glasses. And your outfit. And your everything" I blabbed.

Shut up, mouth!

"Oh my gosh! Thank you! See guys? Y'all need to learn from her. A little compliment never kills" she grinned and I found myself chuckling.

"Yo, Alisa!" Dub yelled, walking towards me. I choked on my own spit.

"How about we head out to Razor Blade and go grab some chow? Alisa's bills are on me. Y'all can pay your own bills" he said and I stuttered.

What's the proper thing to say at situations like this? I guess say No... But actually mean Yes?

So it's low-key Yes then.

"No? I mean... Yes? Perhaps? Okay"

It's official! I'm a huge fool!

Everyone laughed at my reply - everyone, except me. Why would I laugh at myself? That'd only make me an even bigger fool.

"So... Razor Blade? You guys on board with this?" He asked, the minute their laughter died down, locking eyes with me for only a split second.

"Yeah" I replied, with a small smile on my face.

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Phew! And I thought she'd embarrass herself a little more. That went... Slightly well.
Ooh! So far, whose your favorite of Kambili's friends? Mine is Christian. Ha! Don't look at me... I like the guy, duh💁🏾 I'm guessing you guys like Dub more, huh?🙃
And who's your favorite character? Mine is Alisa. Tee-hee! She gets me... Kinda👀

I couldn't wait for any longer. So here's the chapter. Hope it wasn't boring🤗❤️

Ooh! And who's feeling the new cover? No one? Or do I put the old back?🤔
Please reply, I really need to know.

Please don't forget to leave a comment. And please vote if you like this chapter. Pwetty Pweaseee🐼 Please make my day by flooding my notification board with all your comments. Pleaseeee❤

Next update: Thursday.

Love you guys!💕
Bye!❤