Hearing footsteps, making its way to my room, I wrapped myself in my blanket furthermore and snuggled my teddy bear, hoping whoever it was would pass my room.
The door opened and my blanket was suddenly dragged from my body. The curtains opened and sunlight rays flooded through the windows.
"Wake up sleepy head, I know you can hear Me.," my best friend, Chiara screamed, jumping on my bed.
Peeking through my fingers, "ugh I hate you Chi, I just need 2 more minutes." I rolled on my back, huffing.
"You love me so cut the crap. We cannot get to school late again. You have to get out of bed the hard way of the easy one. You choose."
"Go away, skipping classes won't hurt," I mumbled.
"Well you asked for it"
She dragged me out of the bed and I hit the floor with a hard thud.
"What the hell?" Rubbing my arm, I winced at the slight pain I felt there.
"Language miss," she wagged her fingers at me.
"Sorry mom," I said, rolling my eyes
"Get ready in ten minutes. That's all you have for being a slob"
"Yes mum. Speaking of mums, did you meet her downstairs? Quite unusual she didn't wake me up."
"No she left a note for you on the fridge that she has an emergency report to cover. She made breakfast which I would help myself to since I cannot resist blueberry pancakes" She winked and skipped, literally skipped out of my room.
"Weirdo." I muttered.
Heading into the bathroom, I suddenly remembered a song used to play on her vinyl cd, an old but gold song, as she called it.
"I'm loving, I'm living, I'm picking it up…"
I continued humming the song, the artist was popular during the 2010s according to mum. She used to play old songs from her cd collection when I was younger and some of the songs stuck in my head. I think her name had a resemblance to a name of a coffee.
Once I had finished dressing up, I took one more time to appreciate my style. Flowery off shoulder crop top, wrap skirt and thigh high boots did not look so bad. I let my pink hair down, being Asian American, my natural hair was black but I dyed it almost every two months to any colour I felt like.
I applied eyeliner as quick as I could because I could hear Chiara's footsteps edging closer to my room.
"I swear on grandma's grave if you are not ready- whoa you look so good babe. Wow Kemi is going to be so jealous you're gonna take her place as our junior year queen with this look you've got going on."
"I told you Chi, I am not interested in creating a beef with Kemi, I wish she would understand." Sighing, I unplugged my phone from the charger and took my bag.
Kemi and I were childhood friends, ever since we discovered how much we loved ice cream we just hit it off until we got into high school and she started acting weird towards me.
During first year, I did not think much about her behaviour until we got into sophomore year and she started humiliating me publicly and apologizing to me in private. It got worse when she joined the cheerleading team and she refused to sit or be associated with me. Then the bullying started until one day Chiara came in like a knight and helped me through it. Since then we became best of friends and I would not trade her for anything else in this superficial world.
Shaking such melancholy thoughts from my mind, I locked the door,
"Anyway, we have to make a good impression this year. We do not want to be classified as nerds or losers." Walking down the stairs, she continued rambling and I tuned her off.
"Oh sorry I ate all the pancakes, they were irresistible and you cannot blame me when your mom makes the best blueberry pancakes. I would get you some Ben and Jerry's later I promise," She continued rambling
"Its fine Chi, just do not forget your promise." I kept walking towards the garage, unlocking the door through my phone connectivity; we hopped into my car, a Mercedes Benz GT-678, 2065 model. Mum loved buying expensive stuff, this included, I guess when you are a reporter for the best TV channel on earth, and you are paid a lot.
Switching to auto drive, we continued talking about everything and nothing, trivial issues just to kill time.
We got to school and everyone stared as usual. It was uncomfortable at first but I got used to it soon enough. Being a rich kid had its advantages but also brought unwarranted attention to me.
Heading over to the front office, we collected our schedules and compared them first.
"What classes don't we have together now?" I scoffed, already dreading the day.
"Err, it's just one and that's Chemistry and Literature." She was surprisingly calm.
Last year, she threw a fit when we did not have the same classes and I had to call Zenyt, her boyfriend to calm her down. I love her but she is a handful most of the times, a literal spitfire.
"Looking beautiful as usual Agatha," rolling my eyes but smiling at the jock who complimented me at the hallway in school.
"Thanks jack, you really shouldn't have."
"Such beauty should not be hidden you know?" he wiggled his brows suggestively and I waved it off, dragging Chiara to our lockers before the bell.
"Jack totally likes you, he's all over you." She laughed, taking her book out of her locker.
"Does not."
"Does too. Zenyt promised me not to tell you but Jack told him he likes you and wants to ask you to lunch soon." She squealed
I did not match her level of excitement because my eyes were not on Jack at all. I preferred Jet but I knew better than telling Chiara. Jack was tall, beach blonde, blue eyes, the typical American next-door boy but he was air headed, I wondered how he played on the school team. Jet on the other hand was not as tall as Jack, he was smart, had an amazing smile which accentuated his dimples, jet black hair with few loose strays around his forehead. I itched to touch his hair but he never looked at my side for once.
"Tell Zenyt to tell Jack I am not interested in a relationship, thank you very much."
"Sure, whatever you say big guy."
The bell rang and we all dispersed to start the day.
We had Maths first and I completely zoned out. This was my weak point and I dreaded facing it every time. Who needed algebra or simultaneous equation after education? I dint see adults making use of formulas in their daily life. Miss Robyn knew how much I hated the subject and tried her best to make me like it but nothing worked. Hence, she gave me a tutor, Martin, a total nerd with thick glasses. He always wore sweaters and picked his nose, which made me shudder throughout the lessons.
Time rolled fast and soon it was lunch break. Skipping the queue because of our status, Chiara and I took our food and scanned the area for a suitable area. Nerds were on one side, the grunge kids on another, the cool kids, basketball players and golden kids were on another corner.
"Come on lets go Agatha, Zenyt is signalling to us." Zenyt was Chiara's boyfriend. He was the schools right back, typical high school sweetheart, dark skin, an afro he cherished more than any other thing. He was vain as Narcissus but he was not all in his head at least. We spoke few times; and he was cool.
We walked over and sat at one of the tables, which was occupied by Zenyt, Jack, Jet, Kemi, Trista, Sabrina and the other cheerleaders who acted as if they owned the school. There were other football players at the table and they all exchanged pleasantries with us. Chiara went over to Zenyt and they hugged and began talking about their day, ignoring the rest of us.
Their supposed leader, Jetrho, Greenwood Highs golden boys, highest goal scorer in the local championships among high schools in the state, stared at me quizzically.
"Welcome to the populars table Agatha. You finally fit the criteria and I must say your ride out there is pretty sick." he winked at me.
I glanced up in shock, not believing my ears. Jet was talking to me. Throughout our years together, he never uttered a word to me and now he knew my name? We exactly did not fit in the same clique so it was understandable. I did the happy dance mentally, I am sure everyone would have been ecstatic to see me break out in a dance in public because Jet talked to me while recording every second of my embarrassing self.
"Yeah thanks," I mumbled, tucking a stray hair behind my ear. This was getting embarrassing and I just wanted to eat outside. Remembering how bad sophomore year was before Chiara came and in a way helped me out from the bottom of the ladder, something I would forever be grateful for. It was obvious I did not belong in their clique but it was not that much of a bother since we had nothing in common. They chatted animatedly about parties, booze, and the usual things teenagers dwelled on.
Kemi and I ignored each other as usual and I was fine with that. I was in no mood for drama but the look on her face each time we locked eyes had an evil glint filled with different ways to make me look stupid while she triumphs as she always does.
"So what do you have to say about it Agatha?" Kemi asked me, smirking.
I had no idea what she was talking about, man I was screwed.
"Uh?"
"Ag come on, the party at Dary's house next week. Are you coming?" Chiara quickly cut in.
"Don't answer for her. She is too much of a mama's pet to leave the house especially at night." She smirked, edging me on.
"Don't push it Kemi, don't."
Everyone at the table had gone silent, watching the drama unfold in front of their eyes. No one expected this to take a wrong turn even though they knew Kemi and I were natural enemies but did not know the reason behind it. Kemi, seeing this as an opportunity, took the game into her hands, a bid to win once again, this time in front of her clique.
"Or what? Are you going to report to mummy again? I do not blame your dad for leaving. Your nagging probably made him snap." She chuckled darkly, high fiving her cheerleader friends who found it hilarious as well.
"THAT IS ENOUGH! Stop this Kemi." Jet said, seething. Everyone looked at Jet in shocked, I did as well because he was the last person I expected to defend me, the same thought was probably going through their minds as well.
" Wow, Jetrho, the schools golden boy defending a lowlife loser like her, pretty surprising I must say. What is so special in her? Just because mummy bought her a ride and she got new clothes does not make her special. She doesn't belong here." She finished, baring her teeth at me. By now, everyone was quiet in the hall, waiting for my response. Some had brought their phones and were recording already.
Chiara stood up, ready to fight for me but I had enough of everyone trying to protect me while I folded my hands. Taking advantage of the now quiet hall,
"Kemi, we have known each other since we were young and I kept asking myself why you hated me all of a sudden and I realized one thing, you have inferiority complex and I wonder why. You are beautiful, have a good life, why make hate be an ugly trait in you? Being jealous of me will not make you better than me. It just shows how nasty you are. Get a life. The difference between us is that I am graceful and you are no different from as a swine. Jealousy is a disease, get well soon." I stood up, staring at Kemi who was wide eyed, she was not expecting my response and it showed.
Jet looked at me with such admiration and i nodded at him. It began with a single clap and soon everyone started clapping, shocked that I ended the queen bee herself and left her speechless. It was not my intention to humiliate her but I had to make a statement.
"And for you girls, I hope you realize there is more to life outside high school. Running this school does not make you the world leader. There is a completely new life outside these walls and the sooner you register that in your heads, the better for everyone. A small crowd had formed at our table and parted ways as soon as I headed to the door. Chiara ran after me.
"I am so sorry Ag; I did not expect what happened. On god she's such a jealous swine." I kept walking forward.
"It is ok Chi; I just need a little time to myself. I'd be skipping school and would pick you up at closing" hugging her tight, she was my family as well as mum. I loved her and she knew.
"Okay bye I love you"
"Love you too".
With autopilot on, I began to think of my life. I was just 16 and my parents separated because dad cheated and mum caught him red-handed so there were no excuses. It was a difficult time for both of us but we had to move on. Mum became engrossed with her job, just to heal her from the pain.
He did not bother reaching out to me and last I heard, he was in Jamaica, having the time of his life with the women. He did not have a stable job while he was married to mum and was always coming home drunk. Mum tried making him get help to stop the drinking but it became worse and I knew the cheating act was the final straw.
Chiara texted me that she was on her way to my house and that she was bringing ice cream. Finally, something I could look forward to.
"Oh baby, I am so sorry for what happened and I feel so guilty about it. I did not know Kemi would try and drag you in front of everyone" She attacked me with hugs and apologies as soon as i opened the door.
"It's fine really. At least I had my last laugh this round. I just wonder how far she would go to put me down" I sighed, taking the tubs of ice cream from her.
"Jet and Zenyt scolded her and she was more embarrassed than you can ever imagine. Imagine the group chats right now, `The golden boys scolding Kemi because of Agatha' Oh my. The rumours that would be piling afterwards, tomorrow is going to be fun I can't wait" she squealed.
"This is what I have been trying to avoid. The drama, I just want a quiet life please."
" mmhm this tastes amazing as usual, thank you baby." I dug my face into the mint chocolate flavour, enjoying the amazing taste.
"Let's watch some classics, since your mother basically has a closet for all things early 21st century." Chiara laughed.
Going into her closet, she had a section dedicated to the movies and songs that were popular when she was younger. Scanning through, I took Magic Mike and La La Land.
"I found something. I think they have to do with dance and all."
"Perfect. Just what we need" She winked.
We watched La La Land first and we found it interesting, Magic Mike was certainly my favourite.
"Look at the main guy Chi, he certainly looks good."
"Yes back then he was attractive, he is over 90 now so I do not think we should talk about it. He's probably old and wrinkled" she crinkled her nose in disgust.
"Let's appreciate his youth for once Chi. Everyone grows eventually."
"Yeah, yeah you're right," she conceded defeat and I mentally hi fived myself.
Her phone blared through its speakers and even though it was in the kitchen, it was too loud, something I had told her repeatedly to change but she would not listen.
"Go and pick up your phone before it makes my ears bleed."
"I keep forgetting shut up." She tumbled from the chair, collapsed on the floor and struggled to run towards the kitchen.
"You look like you need to do more sports Chi. Lazy pig." I teased.
"Hate you."
"Love you too."
Panting hard, she got to her phone before it was cut off.
"Hello, mum, yeah I am with …Okay…I am coming over now…oh please mum, don't start… I love you too." Chiara mumbled the last part and I laughed at how cute it was.
"That is my mum; I need to head home now. She is freaking out about the robot dad brought home and she has no idea how to use it, complaining about how things were simple during her days ugh". She grunted, making me chuckle.
"Go help your mum before she has a heart attack. You are coming over tomorrow right? It's a public holiday you know"
"Sure i am. I have to leave babe. I would text you." She skidded across the room, out of the house.
Packing everything, I felt content in this moment. Mum texted that she was probably going to get home late.
Getting to my bed, I replayed the events that happened today and realized how much i needed to get out of my comfort zone.
My phone went off, signalling a text message. I opened it, curious as to who was sending a text since Chiara had just left and mum had gotten in contact with me.
"I am sorry that happened to you today," The message read. It was from an unknown number and I had to know who it was.
"Thank you. Who is this?"
"Jetrho."
I had to pretend not to be excited,
"Thank you for standing up for me."
"You did all that yourself. It felt good seeing someone knock her off a peg or two."
Chuckling, it was nice to know he had a sense of humour.
"Nice to see not everyone is team Kemi and her musketeers. It relieves me a bit lol."
"No one really likes them. We are more on Team Agatha you see?"
"That's nice to hear. Thank you."
"Thank you, see you tomorrow at lunch. Don't worry about Kemi; she doesn't have a place at my table anymore."
I read his message and smiled at how my luck had changed in a day. Kemi and her team were not going to take this fall from grace easy. I would have to watch my back in case they devised scheming plans.
Rolling on my side, Father was a lost cause, Mother was always working and I had enemies in school to watch out for. Sighing, I turned off the bedside lamp and drifted off to sleep.