Ordinary Human Beings

39: Prefects of 2026

"I'd like to thank the headmaster and the deputy headmaster for giving me the opportunity to lead these children into the light," Harley said into the microphone as we watched her give the farewell speech.

Sofia and I spent the night planning our next move. After many disagreements and arguments about how to do this, we decided to expose Audrey after the prefects have been announced. It wouldn't make any sense if we exposed her right before because for all we know, she could be the future head girl while we're just regular grade 12s. With the plan set in motion and everything ready, Sofia and I decided to solidify our alliance by sticking by each other the whole day. This may not mean much for our shattered friendship, but to me, it feels like we're picking up the pieces again.

The clapping resumed as the head girl finished her speech, and my sister went out to speak next. Kait briefly looked at me before nodding, clearing her throat. "This year has been nothing but amazing. I have had the honor to serve you all as deputy, to learn and to grow here at Salem Riveria boarding school. This place will always remain in my heart, along with the memories and friends I've collected over the 6 years. I've learned how to love, to be patient and learnt how to care for others."

She paused, then glanced at Harley briefly.

"I am grateful for all the opportunities that have passed my way, as well as the opportunities that I have managed to hold with my bare hands. Without this school, I don't think I'd be where I am today. Now that everything is said and done, I just want to make to give some advice to the class of 2026; be yourself. Everything happens at it's own time, all you need to do is to trust the process. Progress is progress, even if it seems so small." Her voice broke at the end, and I could see a tear leave her eye. "I want you to focus on your studies and to stand on what you believe in, even if you're the only one standing. Thank you for allowing me to guide you this year, and with this I say…Adios."

I stood up, clapping for her as everyone else stood as well. If there's anyone I look up to, it's Kait. She's been my biggest inspiration, and hopefully, if not for me, I'll make her proud. She grinned at me, then went back to her seat after handing in her blazer. Her eyes were so watery you could tell that everything she said was sincere. Kait has always been somebody that would look out for me, and now that she's signed out of the school officially, there will be nobody to protect certain students like she used to. By the look on the juniors' faces, we knew that Kait and Harley will be missed. The class of 2025 is arguably one of the best classes to date; they listened, they helped, and most of all  they loved us.

And I hope my class lives up to that standard.

Our headmaster stepped on to the stage, a paper in hand; the list. As the Grade 11s stood up to greet him, I couldn't help but hold Sofia's hand, waiting anxiously to hear who the next leaders were going to be. Everything has led us up to this moment, and now that it was finally here, I couldn't help but shed a few tears. Why? I don't know; maybe I'm just an emotional girl.

I hissed as pain shot up my abdomen. I knew it; there's no way I'm this emotional, I'm just on my period.

"Here in my hand I have the list of prefects of 2026." He started, shaking the paper once again. "This race was very close, with each one of our students stepping before us with the best of their abilities and preparing to lead. With this, we have a list of phenomenal students in Grade 11, that we are sure are going to lead you into victory and lead you with pride. From the gentleman's side, the boys that will lead you next year are Tyrell Maximilian, Christian Matthews, Javius Dion, Zion Rayner, Nick Baynes and Darius Green. Our deputy headboy of 2026 will be Jamison Reed, while our headboy of 2026 is…Harry Smith!"

The boys stood on the stage as they were handed their colorful scarf as the students clapped for them. Each year as the prefects step down from their duty, the instated prefects receive a scarf before they receive their cream blazers and striped ties.