October 2011

The Day
Thalia:
"You do know spreading rumours is a form of bullying, which means you could both be expelled." The principal concluded, her face set with her lips pursed. Heavy red curtains draped behind us. She was dead serious with cold brown eyes. Her hands rested on the mahogany table." In which way we need to find the people which everyone points to you two." The principal paused her speech, eyes narrowed and pointed at Diana and I. Diana sat on the chair with legs crossed, cold silver eyes narrowed and arms crossed. Her narrowed eyes swivelled to both of us as she grabbed a fountain pen and scribbled fast on a yellow sheet. "You two will be investigated. We do not tolerate bullying in any forms. Serve this as a warning. The one who indeed spreads it will be expelled point blank. Now ladies, do you understand."
We both nodded at the principal as she leaned back with a sigh and rubbed her temples. "Now, be off." She screamed and slammed her palm on the desk." Be back in five minutes."
We got up slowly and left as Diana rolled her eyes, obviously not bothered by the insult.She slipped her hands into the slips of her pocket and flipped open her pink gem encrusted cell and typed like being excused from the principal office was simply a regular Monday.
I raised my brow and looked at her confused."How are you so nonchalant about this we could be expelled ?"
She looked over her shoulder and shrugged,"Are you sure about that?"She asked as a sneer of a smile spilt her face.Then she spun on her heels and flipped her raven locks."Well then, honey ,this is not my first rodeo."she placed her hand on her waist."My parents are great sponsors of this school."She raised her thick black brows."And who says I'm getting expelled as far as I know.You are the one who spread the rumour, not me."She threw her head back as her laughter echoed in the sleepy hallway.
My shoulders fell as realisation dawned to me.All I did was stare at my feet.
"Why ?Why did you spread it ?"I demanded as I clenched my fist.She blinked at me as if I was dense.
"So people can know what kind of person you are ,duh."she answered as she stared at her manicured nails.
"Really,"I asked with a cocked head.Her eyes widened as she stared at me in disgust.

She crossed her arms and then flicked her locks."Fine."She released a groan."I was bored.The school had been boring.I wanted drama."She replied."Plus ,I needed content.Owning a fan base is hard, and I needed to blog."Each word which slipped from her lips made me disgusted.Every word that slipped out of her lips was concerning and callous.
My fault.I needed to apologise, or my friendship with Hayely is ruined.It already was.My brain answered.
Somebody behind cleared their throat from behind as Diana spun on her heels and then typed on her cell.It was Miss Lim and she was not happy.Her brown eyes were swimming with disappointment as she stared at me.Her flower skirt flowed behind her as I peeked then stared at my shoes instead.The door slammed shut.Four minutes later,the door opened as Diana and I entered.
Miss Lim stood beside the principal with her gaze hard but softened when it landed on me.Then hardened again.The principal stared at both of us, then asked ,her voice firm."At two thirty, where were you miss, Ohinwaa?"

I leaned back and responded ,"At two thirty I was at the consular office."Miss Lim nodded ,her lips curled into a smile.She turned her body to the principal and dropped my file.The principal nodded and flipped through.Then with a deep breath ,she intertwined her thin,long fingers eyes as sharp as glass.

Diana grinned ,puffed her hair and brightened,"I went to use the bathroom miss?"She nodded ,turned to the desktop on the desk as her quick fingers clicked on the mouse.

She pursed her lips then landed her gaze on her."It is true according to the camera you did but over here it takes a picture.She reeled back caught off guard.The principal lifted her chin and smiled. "What is your relationship with Miss Ohiniwaa?"I felt dumbstruck.Why was she dodging her reply ?My gaze went to Dianas ,face bright and youthful and filled with that confidence radiating off her.

Did she already pull the strings ?

A shock gasp escaped my lips as I sat back deep in thought as the realisation dawned on me.She did it ?Hadn't she ?I stared at the principals hardened face it pierced into me and I dropped my gaze to my shoes,I couldn't believe it as Diana smirked ,her silvery blue eyes full with light,

Money spareaks I guess.The voices drowned as I thought deeply about Hayley and her whereabouts.My heart contorted at the tight like a hummingbird stuck in a cage.

"We are friends."Diana started with an award winning smile.Bitch.She raised her shoulders,her smile turned into a sneer and her eyes turned metal with hatred and I spotted a tick on her jaw.She was an actor and this was her stage.I stared at her with shocked ,widened eyes.The answer was as clear as mercury.There was photographic evidence of her pressing her ear and eavesdropping.But she chose to ignore it."we used to meet each other after school?"

Miss Lim straightened her back and raised her brown brows.She stepped forward with a slight gasp.I gaped at her.Then I defied it. "No,"I blurted ,breathing heavy. "Miss Haroway ,Miss Wilburn and I are not friends.On the first day of school she asked me if I was lost.We never communicate with one another and we never sat by each other at lunch."The principal narrowed her eyes into slits and looked at me with disapproval.The confidence I had initially dissolved as heat climbed on my cheeks and neck.Miss Lim stared at me with wide eyes and stifle a gasp.

"Ahem,"The principal hissed ,her voice raised as she glared at me ,her eyes steel.Diana smiled ,her eyes glittered. "Do not interrupt or face consequences."Then she stared at both of us ,hard as Diana dropped her hands to her sides and misty expression.I glared at her as the principal continued,"Thank you for your input but next time raise your hands."She intertwined her fingers."according to other external sources ,other rumours circulated that Diana slipped into the counsellors office at four but the rumours spread at exactly three thirty."She finished as her thick ,brown brows raised.

There goes the theory she slipped and went through my folder.

A gasp escaped my lips as it was my turn to raise my brow.Um,maybe Diana texted it to a group chat or something.I could actually picture and believe that.

Miss Lim raised her hand and cleared her throat."Actually ,later that day I had a review on Diana."

The principal nodded,"Affirmative,but that leads me to one of the last questions.Miss Lim I would hold your accountable for this mishap.If you did indeed left your door unlocked with very valuable and personal information that leads to a demerit because student confidentiality is essential since you handle one of many students with different disabilities and backgrounds.That is not welcomed at this institution that my Great Great Grandfather Jericho had in mind.If so ,further demerits and further deductions of your pay, do you understand?"The principal ,Miss Rebecca lutured ,her finger raised and voice stern.

Diana whistled as we oddly exchanged glances at one another.Did we just watch Miss Lim get roasted by the Principal?Miss Rebecca Harrway, snapped her gaze and glared at Diana as she gulped and sat back freightened.The air was tight and cold now.This woman was fierce and colder than ice cream in the middle of a winter storm storm."Do you understand ,Miss Lim or do I need to explain myself ?"She ended, her voice thick with a British accent.

"Yes,"Miss Lim croaked ,"I understand."she answered ,her eyes welled with tears as her eyes landed on the floor.But Miss Heston was right ,this school was built on helping kids and teens with rebellious mentality and fragile mental health and no one needed to be exposed,It was the schools very foundation.And we were a threat.

"Where were you Miss Ohinwaa on the day the rumours spread ?It was exactly three thirty on that friday ?"The principal inquired.

I leaned back and replied , "On Friday ,I served my first detention —because I was late and in an unprescribed uniform after I met the consular."

She nodded tightly.

"But,"I added on, "I didn't hear of this till the next day ,when I heard people staring at Hayley and Hayley changed attitude.Thats when I heard of it."

Miss Harrwoway raised a brow ,twisted her body towards Miss Lim,"Um ,I'm quite confused.How didn't you not hear of it ?Dont today's youth use social media ?"

"Actually ,"I shook my head ,"I don't use any Social media apart from Emails and Messages.I'm also not added into any school forums ,personal or not."

"Here's my verdict,"Miss Harroway began,"you are both in trouble ,I'm sure you both know that but Miss Willburn sent it externally ,outside of school grounds with both blogs.She would be put on probation and both blogs would be blocked."Her eyes was stern ,cold and hard as her gaze swung to both of us. "On Tuesday , your parents would be called,both of you."You both shall serve detention."Then her gaze landed on Diana ,face hardened."But you would be given a behavioural slip or a bond .Then expulsion."

"Expulsion."She echoed ,her voice hoarse and eyes saucers."B–But my father."

"We do not tolerate this .I dont give a flip about your father or your background.Listen here ,Miss Wilbur the wheels of Justice turn slowly but they would surely come to a halt.Do you understand ?"Her voice rose to a loud shrill.I recoiled by her tone.

"Yes,"we chroused, "we understand ''A bitter taste formed on the back of my throat and tongue as the air around us charred with tension which pressed on us like smoke.She turned her face towards her monitor as her fingers flew on the keys.She cleared her throat and showed us her screen.She clicked as it showed the previous video of her eavesdropping ,a video of her flipping through a file and all the leaks of her chats on the day the rumour spread."we wanted to be sure about you Miss Ohinwaa ."

She nodded again."You may now leave for now but you are still in detention."She turned her gaze to a pale,frightened Diana who gaped a t the screen ,shook her head and words of denial slipped off her lips. "Silence."She snapped."As for you I would not repeat myself.Probation ,parents called and bound."

"B–But my father.''Her eyes turned glossy with potential tears.

"Thank you Miss Ohinwaa ,you are dismissed but don't forget ?"The principal reminded me.

_________

The detention room was loud and rowdy.As it had always been.The day blurred so fast and ended abruptly as warm golden light flooded into the room and lit it up.It was four pm actually way past four.I should really be at home and yet I was still here among a another world of academia.It was tight and alive with energy as kids of every age bolted around the room or list in a conversation or lost in the maze of their thoughts.It was familiar.Laughter ,shrill voices ,screams and shouts echoed in the large room.The student ranged from petty offences like me :Unprescribed uniforms ,tardiness ,prolonged absences to big ones like drugs,bullying ,dyed hair and disrespect of authorities.Yeah,familiar.

Yeah ,it was Sasha's.Her domain ,her second home and seen as a hangout not an offenceSasaha walked passed the tables like a model ,with confidence and familiarity.She knew everyone and they knew her.A regular,I supposed.My chest swelled when I saw her as her blonde hair blew behind her and her flying crimson fringe and her melodious laughter.Among the fallen strode the angel.Music ,loud and electronic boomed from all round.Others bopped their head and some danced.Bright blue and kids with black hair and elaborate makeup.

I placed my head on my arms ,eyes closed on the desk closet to the stack of old ,ruined tables and chairs.In the crowd of bright and rebellious thick with cigarette smoke and the chill of the room dotted with students like me who served.They slept ,did their homework ,chat with neighbours or used their laptops.

Diana ,sat on the table opposite with me tapped aggressively on her cell with a scowl ,red faced and insults hurled at her.She sent me numerous venomous glares my way as I pretended to sleep on my desk.She scrunched her wrinkled nose in disgust at Sasha who flipped her off.

A sense of warmness rolled over me and wrapped me around like a caoon.This place was getting familar.Too familar.A digusted feeling replaved that odd feeling.I closed my eyes ,deep in thought as recalled todays events.

After the meeting :I closed the door ,took a deep breathe ,pressed my back against the wall and took a deep breathe then reelasesed a sigh.

"Thank God."I repiled ,exhausted."Thank you Lord.''I repeated and clutched my rosary tight and stared upwards.I never truly prayed and thanked Him but today and right now seemed appropriate.

"Thalia."A familiar voice dragged me out of my reverie .Then I slowly turned on my heels.

"Yes,"I responded and stared at Miss Lim. She stood tall and a bundle of nerves then took a step forward.Her pale face softened ,her chocolate tender eyes swirled with something I couldn't place as she played with her fingers.

The insults shook her to the core. "I apologise."I raised my eyes to her and frowned.

"I knew you never have those intentions."She sighed and let go of her dress."I never should have doubted you so I have come to apologise."I was stunned and rendered speechless and yet all I could do was gape.

She pursed her pale lips into a thin line." Diana over here is a peculiar case.She doesn't feel certain emotions or emotions the way we do.She's apathetic and careless.Plus,it does not help her background and her parents."She took a sigh then went on,"She's has a higher chance of expulsion for what's she's done and the schools reputation is at stake.Since James over here was an exceptional player and captain.It can't be as controlled we want.Well,not anymore."

I shook my head and smiled,"I understand."

At the hallway:I was reminded of what I caused.People paused,pointed at me and whispered so low but stopped when I passsed by.They looked at me with cold,hard gazes,At some point ,a younger student and said,"Youre a shitty peson."

It was a fact. One I didn't deny at all. I was a shitty person indeed. It stung as I passed by Hayleys desk,cold and empty seat.My fault.

At lunch :I was at our table or what was ours.An odd feeling washed me as I felt my shoulders sagged.Now,I sat with Nate and Sasha and weirdly Ali who had his head on hs laptop ,busy.Nate who was a balloon ,a deflated one not active but not dead either.The tension pressed on our table was tangible and yet we chose to ignore it —-not sasha though.Sasha sat ,eyes set.Her gaze steel and cold with arms rested on it but she avoided my gaze.Depressed.

"So you talked about us.Your friends.How dare you."She yelled ,her voice thick with anger and flat.I nodded,winced by her severe tone and stared at the tiles or my shoes instead.

Nate rolled his eyes and sighed.He took a deep breath and sated at us."Do you really believe that Thalia out of all people would ruin someone's life ?"

Sasha scoffed ,eyes hard."Nate ,how could you be this dense."She went a glare my way."The thing is do we really know her and to be honest this showed her true colours.This side of Thalia is a different shade of her.God knows if diana and her are secretly girlfriends or somethng.You never really know a person."Each word felt like a bullet or a dagger dug nt my chest and yet I couldn't say anything,

"You sure about that?"Sasha nodded ,arms crossed and she was as restant as a boulder in a storm.And yet ,I squirmed ,made myself feel small and insignificant as Nate stared at me with sad ,concerned eyes.I averted my gaze.

Nste shook his head."Everyone knows that Diana is a raging hater and bitch.''He scoffed and raised his hands in evident frustration."C'mon this girl literally tortures people for fun.She's metal."Sasha chided and narrowed her eyes into slits."Nathaniel."She chided ,mad at his choice of words.

"What.it is true.Shes a bitch.Evertyone knows that."

I couldn't believe it though.That how easily she believed that Diana and I were buddies.that we talked or exchanged words or behind her back.A girl who disliked me for no absolute reason.My heart cracked a little.