What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. What a joke. What a lie. What a poetic scam.

What doesn't kill you will continue trying till it does. It will break you, crush you till you do it yourself.

You leaving me didn't make me stronger. Hell no. It destroyed me. And I destroyed myself.

Funny something that was supposed to make me whole broke me. They say love makes it all better, I say love fails later.

I know. But that's the worse part. Even if I knew what our fate would be before it started, even if I was told what would happen before it did. I would still go on. Changing nothing. Loving you.

Yes love makes you blind. But it also makes you stupid. But I wouldn't mind. Being stupid for you.

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The next few weeks passed in a blur. I went back to my aunt's house and a week later my family came. I didn't want to leave but I had to and God, it was torture. I avoided them like a plague. Amanda was still as unpleasant as ever but didn't pass the opportunity to tell me how disgusting I have become behaving like the poor people. I ignored her. It wasn't like I was mentally prepared for a cat fight. Hell no, even imagining it was very tiresome.

My dad was the most excited to see me. He hugged me the first time we saw each other and even got me a new iPhone. It was strange. I didn't even know what to say to him so I just smiled and told him I loved it. Him showing me anything but indifference made me feel so awkward. But I guess the saying was true- absence does make the heart grow fonder.

Only if that worked for my mother. Of anything she became more irritable. She hated everything I did which wasn't really a new thing. My hair, how my accent now sounded funny and how happy I was - she didn't add the last part but she could have as well as. She even scolded my aunt for letting me use a locally produced cream, claiming that my skin looked very rough. I didn't let it bother my and Nene was the very best person suited for her. She brushed of all her comments with a subtle indifference making her more agitated than ever.

Junior was how he was. Being Junior. He got a hair cut- thank God- and he even bought new clothes but it just made me more worried. The slogans on his tees were more depressing and darker than Juice Wrld. He tried his best to reduces his smoking because he knew grandma hated it but it just made him more disagreeable than ever. It didn't bother me much though. I tried as much as possible to be at least ten feet apart from him immediately it was noon.

It was a great relive when they were leaving. Dad bought tickets to Cuba and my mother wouldn't miss it for the world. I was very happy to be excluded. I remembered he called few weeks before to ask me if I would like to come. I didn't think much before I gave my answer.

Christmas was spent with my cousins. We went to a carnival and spent the rest of the day at home. I wasn't completely sold but I liked the country a lot better than when I first arrived. Imo State was a beauty. The old architecture gave me this feeling of nostalgia and the city itself was very lively. The structures, the feeling and how everything was everybody's business gave it its own spirit.

Soon the celebrations were over and the dreadful time began. I counted the days my school was resuming and everyday made the next feel like hell. It was like I was on the death roll waiting for my execution day. Two days before school began my aunt called me to have a talk. I was petrified. I hated talks. Nothing good comes out of it, ever.

"Nwa m, how are you feeling?" She asked smiling, making her tiny eyes reduce a little.

"I'm fine."

"Good because I have something to discuss with you."

I tapped my hand on the edge of the bed that we both sat on. I didn't need a soothsayer to show how nervous I was. "Okay."

"Your father and I had a long discussion when he came and we made a decision together. I want you to know we had you in mind when we made this decision." She stopped to look at me to watch my reaction. I had none. I only wished she would hit the nail on the head a little bit faster before I lost my mind. "You are going to your cousin's school, you knew that athink?"

I nodded.

"And you know her school is a boarding school right?"

It was like a bucket of ice water was poured on my body in the middle of winter. I was stuck and frost bitten.

"Nene, you want me to go to a boarding school?" Surprise dripped from my question. I was always one to go straight to the point and I wasn't about to change it soon.

She nodded slowly. "I'm not sending you away my dear, but by next term I'll hardly be around. Chinelo's school is near so she would be taking care of the house but I think you would be very lonely here. Kamsi would soon join you on campus and I will not feel okay if I know I let you in the house by yourself."

"Where are you going?" I asked quietly.

"Oh I haven't told you yet! I'm going for a pilgrimage for three months. I'm a member of a society and it's mandatory since I'm the Vice President. It's a hard decision for me but it's a sacrifice I am willing to make."

I was silent. Thinking. Who was this woman? Pilgrimage? I didn't even know if that was still a thing. That she was ready to leave her family for such a thing made me totally confused.

"Promise me Nwa m, that you will think about it. Please, I need you to know I am not burdened by you but only thinking of your well being. Boarding school would be fun. I went to one, FGGC Owerri. Your mother even went to a boarding school."

That made me look up immediately. "My mother went to a boarding school?" That I was shocked was an understatement.

Somethings flicked in her eyes. Recognition. Sadness. I didn't understand it.

"Yes she did. See, it's not that bad. I promised you'll not want to come back at the end of the session."

I doubted that but kept it to my self anyway.

"So you will think about it, o?"

I nodded. I really had no choice.

"Just know that whatever you choose I'll stand by you, okay?"

I was right before. I hated talks. Nothing good comes out from it. Ever.

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"You know it's not a death sentence right?" Kamsi smiled at me as  I stood and stared at the school gate wishing one of us could disappear.

"How would you know that?" I tried to bring my breathing to rest.

I can do this.

"Come on Chrisè. It's just Sec school not a prison yard. And believe me, you'll love the campus. The only reason I'm not a boarder is because it's way beyond our budget."

I breathed in with a sigh of resignation. "Okay, okay. Let's do this."

I can't do this.

She gave me a cheeky smile. "Now that's the spirit!" Tugging my hands as she walked through the gate. "Welcome to Santa Maria."

It was beautiful just like how I imagined it but history has taught me not to be deceived by the beauty of the structures because they can still contain horrible monsters. I wasn't prepared nor did I have a strategy because no matter how any other person said it. It was war to me and I just had to win this time. I rolled my suitcases which was pretty easy with the interlocked roads and my four wheeler suitcase.

"Portia!!" Kamsi suddenly screamed beside me, throwing my bags which she held and running towards a girl who mirrored her actions.

"Oh my God!!" They both screamed and hugged each other.

"Posh see how you are shining." Kamsi grinned at her friend as she commented.

"See who is talking. You are here looking like Agbani." The girl who I guessed was Portia was a beauty I noticed. Her caramel skin and slender figure rivaled that of an average model and her face was oval with petite and delicate features-like her catlike eyes and her pointed nose.

Kamsi laughed. "This girl you have not changed o. Be hyping me eh!"

I coughed. I knew it was rude but watching them while I awkwardly stood with my bags littered and my mind racing was the other alternative. I chose my side.

"Oh I'm sorry Chrisè." She suddenly remembered me making me almost roll my eyes. "I was a little bit carried away." I arched my brows and then looked at my bags which she sent to their own demise. That was enough to send the message as she blushed and then picked them up.

"Kamsi who is this your fine friend na?"

"Chrisè this is Portia, my worstie," She grinned making me know she was only jesting while her friend rolled her eyes and muttered you wish. "And Posh this is Chrisè, my Americana cousin."

"Can you stop it Kamsi? You know how much I hate that title."

Suddenly someone shrieked. "Oh my God! Her accent is the main thing." It took me a moment to realize I was the one she was referring to.

Is this girl for real?!

Kamsi sighed and shook her head. "Village girl. See how you are embarrassing your village people."

"Abeg allow me. Can she talk again? I want to hear her talk again."

"You guys know I'm still standing here right?"

"OMG! It's really like those black American movies."

Kamsi face palmed herself. "Ode! Where did I pick you from? Abeg Chrisè don't mind this girl lets go so we can check you in."

"Get away jire. Chrisè please forgive my village life. It's nice to meet you and I'm sorry if I freaked you out but if we are going to be seeing each other very often then I advise you to get used to it."

I couldn't stop the grin on my face. Somehow right on that spot I made a decision. I liked Portia. "Don't worry. I'm used to it already."

"I'm sorry but I'm still not used to you talking." Than suddenly her eyes widened and she looked at Kamsi. "Please don't tell me she's our senior and I have been mumuing myself since." She tried to whisper which she failed totally.

"That's not a word."

"Kamsi!" She whispered.

"Well I was about to tell you-" Kamsi teased.

"Oh my God! This girl has killed me." She looked at me who was trying everything to control myself from laughing. "I'm sorry if I offended you. I'm usually a-"

"For god sake just shut up Posh and stop giving out your résumé."

"Hi," I said deciding to put her out of her misery. "I'm Chrisè and starting today I'll be in SS2B."

Kamsi finally gave in to the laughter making me join her. "You're very evil. Now I know why you guys are cousins."

"Can we go now?" Kamsi said after getting herself. "If we stay here we will never reach the teachers quarter's."

"Let me help with the bags." Portia offered. "Kamsi have you heard Miss Davis has given birth."

"But she is not married na! Was she even pregnant?"

"Like that will stop her. I even heard Sara's brother is the father."

"Who told you that one?"

"Winnie na."

Kamsi sighed. "That gossip monger. I can never believe anything she says."

I followed them as they chattered about things I didn't understand. Surprisingly I wasn't feeling bad. If half of the people in this school were like those two. Maybe this wasn't such a bad idea at all.

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"So you are in St Theresa Hostel. I'm in St Maria Gorreti! Don't worry you can come and visit me in my room." Portia chattered excitedly. "What's your room number?"

"Number 9."

"Oh your roommates with Senior Isioma, Senior Onyinyechi and Petra. Don't worry Isioma is okay but it's Senior Onyinyechi that can be problematic but it's one of those things I guess."

"Can you shut up Posh?! You're not helping."

We were seated in the school canteen as it was break time. And yes, I successfully managed to get through with half of the day without murdering or being murdered by someone. I was just as surprised as everybody.

"So Chrisè I didn't introduce to my other friends before." Kamsi said drawing my attention to the four faces that were strange to me. "This is Chidimma but we call her Dina," a dark skinned girl with geeky glasses and a tight smile waved at me before facing her food immediately. "- and Dave, our prince charming." She pointed to the pretty dark skinned boy with a charming smile on his face that I was sure got many girls in a twist.

"At your service my lady." He fake bowed. He was charming alright.

"Don't mind him. He thinks he's fine." Portia fake whispered. "If you see Zuby you will know that this boy here is very ugly."

Dave chuckled. "Village people. Let jealousy kill you there."

"That's enough children." Kamsi joked. "So back to my introduction before you flies interrupted me." She shoot them both a deadly glare.

"Sorry ma." Dave apologized with a grin on his face.

"And this is Mimi, our drama queen."

"Oh please shut up." Mimi rolled her eyes. She was on the short side I noticed earlier but she had this face that could make you laugh because she looked like an anime character. I was pretty sure she was going to be interesting.

"Told you. And the last but not the least, Yvonne. If you have any problem at all, she's the girl to go to."

"You make it sound like I can help you hide dead bodies." Yvonne smiled making me notice her dimples. She looked like a darker and younger version of Bella Hadid.

"Oh especially that." Portia added.

Yvonne shook her head. "You two are idiots."

"Hi, I'm Chrisè."

"Yeah, an e." Yvonne said. "We heard you in class." She rolled her eyes. "And I thought that was very unnecessary by the way."

I nodded not knowing what to say in that situation. "Well, it's nice to meet you." I just decided that she was a bitch.

"Soooo..." Mimi chimed in saving is from a very awkward situation.

"Not this again." Portia muttered.

"Do you really live in the US?"

Dave dramatically dropped his fork on the table. "And she had to just say it."

"Umm, yes?" I wasn't sure what to make of the situation.

"Which part? New York? Atlanta? California? Or maybe Texas?"

"God Mimi, give us a break." Yvonne groaned.

"What?!" Mimi shrugged. "I'm just curious."

"No, don't worry it's fine. " It wasn't but I just had to play along. "I stayed in Florida for sometime before I moved to Maryland. I've been to some off those places but definitely not Atlanta. I'm allergic to cold." I gave a weak smile at the end to make me seem less nervous.

"I've been to Maryland too. Where do you-"

"Okay. Cut it out. Enough with the interrogations. Let's eat. I take God beg you." Yvonne interrupted. "She just lived in America. Nothing special."

Mimi rolled her eyes. "Whatever."

"Has anyone seen TJ and Zee?" Dina spoke for the first time since I have known her and her voice was stronger than what I anticipated.

"No. I didn't have classes with them so I haven't seen any of them since morning." Dave answered.

Portia shook her head in the negative. "Me neither. And you know he hates that silly nickname. It makes him feel like a girl."

Just then a light skinned girl walked to our table. "Senior Kamsi, please excuse me. Please do you know anyone called Christina? Miss Mary Njoku is looking for her in the staff room."

"And why should I know her?" Kamsi asked pointedly.

"Miss Mary said I should ask you."

"Okay thanks. Message transmitted."

The girl nodded then gave a glance to Dave and turned red before hurriedly leaving our table.

Portia grinned. "Now that was quick. Dave tell me how you do it abeg. All this girls, only you. You no dey tire?"

I noticed how immediately Dina buried her face in her food. Well not literally, but suddenly her plate was the most interesting thing in the room. Interesting indeed.

"Portia you no well." His voice made me think of dark chocolate. Don't ask me why, it just did.

"I'll be going." I got up while dusting imaginary particles from my pleated skirt.

"Let's go together."

"Don't worry. I'll be fine Kamsi. I've gone there twice today already. I will find my way."

"But-"

"Kamsi, stop being such a mother hen. She said she would be fine." Mimi butted in.

"Fine. Just remember to turn left when you reach our classroom and then-"

"Straight to the end then I'll see a door with staff room written at the top. Yeah I got it."

She sighed. "Fine."

"It's just Sec school Kamsi, not a prison yard." I used her words earlier against her. "Don't worry I'll be fine."

"Ha ha. Very funny." She scoffed.

I smiled. "See you guys."

What a social butterfly you have become. Making new friends.

Oh shut up.

I was walking towards the staff room before my shoe's buckle got loose.

I bent down to tighten it. "Stupid shoe." Muttering as I got the task done, I didn't even notice someone was coming towards me.

"Ouch!" I hit my head on someone's jaw as I tried to get up.

"Jesus!" The person shrieked while holding his jaw. "What's your head made of? Cement?"

I was highly irritated. "It was you that didn't watch-" My speech was seized immediately I looked up.

It wasn't a one time thing. The effect it had on me. At first I thought it was because it was just strange that's why I was captivated but it wasn't. My eyes widened, my mouth shut and my heart did an erratic dance making me think I was crazy.

Those eyes.

"Y-you?" I managed to say. "What are you doing here?"

A gleam of recognition passed through his eyes. Those eyes. "You're the new girl." It wasn't a question.

"Glad to know I'm popular." I rubbed my head that still hurt from the hit.

"Yes it is." He smiled at me. "I'm also glad we've met again, sooner than we both expected." Then his gentle smile turned into an annoying smirk. "Stranger."

And oh boy, wasn't I in trouble.