ALONE

CHAPTER 6

I stood by the corner watching, I was really tired and needed to sleep, if I walk up to her, I know it wouldn't end well and I didn't have the strength for anything.

I let her watch TV and while I sat in the corner. 

It was past 2am and she was still awake, laughing at a meme on the internet or something else.

I checked the table where she kept the plates, the snacks were still there.

I sighed in frustration and sank back into the corner I was seated.

I looked at the time again, it was 3:30am, I checked on Megan, she was already fast asleep, I quickly cleared the table and took the plates to the kitchen. 

I ran up to my bedroom and within few seconds I was in a dreamland.

I was woken up by a heavy knock on my door, before I could turn and be awake, I saw a figure standing by my side, it was Maria.

"Hey you, get up and fix breakfast for everyone and also get ready for school, the school bus would be here very soon", she said and slammed the door on her way out.

I turned to my alarm clock, it was 5:52am.

'Wait, school What school is she talking about?' I filled my head with questions.

I stretched and yawned.

I wasn't satisfied with sleep yet, I needed to sleep some more but I know I would get into trouble if I waste a minute up here.

I stood up with haste and ran downstairs.

I went into the kitchen and was welcomed with a slap from Megan. 'How is she up early?' was the question I asked myself. 

"You fool! did I ask you to put away my night snacks?", she asked and gave me another slap on the same cheek.

I held my cheek so tight and I could taste blood, I shook my head, "no", I managed to say.

I received another slap on the same cheek again, "then why did you throw away all her snacks?", Maria asked.

"I didn't throw them away, I kept everything in the fridge", I said trying to control my trembling voice.

Megan went to check for her snacks in the fridge.

"She kept it close to the beef, who is this dumb little kid, why did you and dad agree to bring her here? didn't her dumb parents teach her food hygiene? Oh! Wait, they are dead", she shouted and her mom bursted into laughter.

I stood there glued to the ground.

"I'm sorry", I said.

"You have no choice than to be", Megan said and walked past me.

"Breakfast should be ready in ten minutes or else.." Maria said and also left me.

I was alone in the kitchen, I didn't know what to even do. I was constantly reminded that my family was gone.

I went ahead and prepared breakfast.

After I was done serving it on the dinning table, I ran back to my bedroom to shower and prepare for school I have no idea about.

I dried my hair, applied my lotion and wore my clothes. I looked at the time, it was 8:15am. 

"Good morning everyone", I greeted but they all ignored me.

"You missed the school bus already, you'd have to walk." Maria said nonchalantly.

"But I don't know the school", I said.

"East Mabel junior high, 13 Avenue street", uncle Dew said.

I waited to see if I'd be given money for a cab or something but no one paid attention to me .

I sighed and walked out.

To get to East Mabel would take fifteen minutes and to 13 avenue street would take ten minutes, without food, that seemed like days to me. 

After a long sweaty walk, I arrived at school.

I rushed quickly to the principal's office to complete my enrollment.

I stopped in front of her office and knocked, "come in", the principal said.

I peeked my head in with fear.

"Goo.. Good morning principal Kate" I stammered and walked in shivering, I thought it was the air conditioner but no, it was my fear of getting a bad remark on my first day in a new school.

Principal Kate raised her head to see who stood before her.

She was a young principal, maybe in her late 20's or early 30's. She was a real beauty.

I smiled as she looked at me with a raised eyebrow.

"And why are you here miss?", she asked.

"I'm a new student", I replied.

Her expression turned into one of disgust, "oh", was her short reply.

"So why are late on your first day in a new environment?" She asked, looking directly into my eyes like she could see through me.

I felt so small under her scrutiny.

I looked down at my hands because I didn't know how to answer her question.

If I tell her how I am treated back at home, she'll call my uncle or Maria and I should know better.

"I woke up late", I managed to say.

"Sit", she ordered.

I sat down and she brought a file and began to ask me questions.

I tried my best to answer each question correctly and every time I gave an answer, I saw a hint of smile on her beautiful face.

"You're a smart kid, I'm impressed", she said.

My cheeks flushed red.

"Go to English, your teacher for the semester is there.She would access you every morning", principal Kate said with a sweet smile.

I stood up and left.