C3 Awkward

I stared at my reflection for a long while. My eyes danced around my figure---The new hairstyle, new uniform, new shoes.

My box braids was styled in a ponytail with two dropping in the front like I liked it, and silver and purple hair accessories decorating it (Rings, butterflies and beads). The stylist did an amazing job really.

My new uniform was better than I imagined. Unlike my old school that wore the most ugly looking wrapper skirt and shirt, DLC's uniform was more fitting. I had been to the school earlier to collect my uniform and do some final paper work for my registration. I took notice of the people that passed by, staring fascinated. Their uniforms caught my attention.

The boys in the school wore finely striped, Dacron trousers that reach down to just above their ankles and revealed their triple strap shoes, all of which were colored vanilla. They were paired with short, checkered socks and a simple belt colored vermilion.

A white fairly short sleeved shirt was loosely hanging over their trousers and covered with a tight jacket. A light tie divided the middle of their mostly buttoned up jacket and was thinly checkered in vanilla and vermilion.

The girls wore skirts in vanilla and they dangled down to just below their knees. They were paired with dotted socks and wedge shoes colored in vermilion and vanilla respectively.

Like the boys the girls wore fairly short sleeved shirts, which were usually playfully hanging over their skirts and were covered with a basic jacket. They too wore a tie that hung neatly in the middle of their often mostly buttoned up jackets and was dotted in the same colors.

All jackets had the school symbol on the breast pockets and, although non-compulsory, many students wore varied accessories, many did it to add a personal touch to the otherwise identical uniform.

I adjusted my tie, checking if it was knotted neatly. I picked up my spray and sprayed it in the air,then twirled around the cologne cloud. I put on my pin earrings and my oriamo wrist watch. I released a breath then picked up my purple school bag, leaving the room shortly after. My father was waiting for me in the downstairs living room. Mother was standing in front of him, helping him with his tie. He noticed me and smiled,kissed my mother then summoned me.

I walked up to them, greeting them both with a weary smile. Dad enveloped me in one of his bear hugs and kissed my forehead. Mother suggested we had a short prayer so my first day would be successful.

I knew deep down she was just worried something like what happened last time would happen again.

I'd end up doing something stupid and they school's principal would have me publicly humiliated and suspended.

I'm not going to let that happen again.

Not this time.

"Have a good day at school baby," Mom kissed me on the cheek. " I'll come pick you up by 4."

I groaned. "No, please Mom.I'll walk home." I told her and she frowned confusedly at me.

"Why on earth would you choose trekking under the hot sun to getting a ride in an AC car?" Dad laughed.

"I think our princess is embarrassed." He provided. Mom still looked puzzled.

"Yes. I'm seventeen mom. Imagine how it would look getting a ride from my mother at my age."

"What are you talking about. You're basically going to a rich kid's school. They're picked up from school everyday!"

Yeah but they're picked up by chauffeurs,in black suits and ties,not their mothers.

"I'm picking you up wether you like it or not. Now follow your Dad. You don't want to be late on your first day." I grumbled under my breath as I followed my father out of the house and into his Jeep. I sat in the front with him and began fiddling with his car radio, switching channels every ten seconds as he drove us to my new school. Dad would look at me in annoyance but wouldn't say anything. I settled for Max fm , increased the volume and let Oxlade's Kolo play loudly in the car.

The ride to DLC was short. He pulled up right outside the school's gate,wished me goodluck and handed me some money for lunch. I got down from the car and headed straight into the school. My heart was beating erratically in my chest and I would lie if I said I wasn't nervous. I was already given a tour the last time I came by a girl named Ashantay so I knew my way around and to my new classroom. I could hear voices from inside, chatting away in animated manners and I stood outside for a while taking deep breaths.

Remember,Nifemi. I told myself. No drama. No trouble,no drama,no boys,no fighting.

With those words I nodded to myself and stepped in. The room turned momentarily silent and I felt all eyes on me. Well fuck,they were more than I imagined.

About twenty something people were in the room,some sitting on their desks, some backwards on their chairs,others standing in little corners and in circles.

I stood there like a fool in a daze, then I made a daring move and waved. I waved whilst mumbling an hi and I felt extremely awkward afterwards.

Thank gawd someone responded back.

"Hii." I looked up and smiled. It was the girl who gave me a tour. Ashantay.

"Hi Asha," I responded. She pulled me into a hug taking me by surprise. My eyes widened, my arms laying awkwardly on both my sides. I could only recover after she pulled back.

"Welcome officially to DLC! Ouuu, the uniform looks so good on you!" I suddenly noticed how chirpy the girl was. She always had that big smile on her face and her volume was loud.

She was kinda like Riri. Loud and cheery.

"Come come, you're sitting next to me." She tugged me by the arm and basically dragged me with her. Her seat was at the corner of the room, third row. I placed my bag on my desk and tucked a braid behind my ears.