UNPLEASANT MEETING

CLARA'S POV :

I kept on running with no destination, I turned back to check if I was still being chased by a man who was clearly armed. It seemed like he has accelerated his pace,  so I ran as fast as my leg could carry me. 

The more I ran,  the more it seemed like he was catching up with me, feeling like I wasn't running at all. The fact that I was lost in these dense forests, unsure of where I was going, terrified me more than the prospect of him meeting up with me soon.

The concept of me getting killed, kidnapped or even raped frightens me.  As I ran, uncontrollable tears were streaming down my cheeks. Suddenly, a hand grasp my hoodie and pulled me backward firmly.

I stumbled and collapsed on the ground, yelling as loud as I could for assistance. 

*******************************************************

Jumping out of my bed, I was still screaming until it occurred to me that, it was only a nightmare. A sigh relief breathe through my lips, as I retired back to my bed, but my eyes remained fixated on the wall, since I was unable to fall back asleep.

"Oh shit!" I exclaimed on remembering that, today was my first day at Royal Height School. I nearly forgot, due to this horrible dream.

Mum was pleased with my scholarship to the prestigious institution, although I would graduating following year.  She boasted about my admission to her friends, neighbours and anyone who cared to listen. 

 I doubted my ability to adjust to this new school, while packing my books into my bag. I pondered on whether I was ever going to make friends easily, and if the students would be willing to hang out with a girl like me, who was on a scholarship. 

"Would I be able to cope?" I kept on asking myself. Anyways, I promised myself not to mind, nor care about their attitude towards me.  

I stood in front of the mirror, admiring my new uniform which looked really good on me. I was all dressed up and ready to leave.  As usual, Mum was awake and breakfast was ready.

My brunch was also well packed in a small flask which had been placed on the table.  After I was done with breakfast, mum gave me a tight hug and began giving me tons of advice.

 I had to remind her of my lateness, before she finally let me go. I turned to bid her one last good bye, when I saw Jenny coming out from the room; she was just waking up.

She must have had a very hectic day at work yesterday. I saw her respond to my grin, with a wave and I immediately dashed out. 

I entered a public bus and stood throughout the drive because, the seats were occupied with various passengers. Majority were in awe on seeing my uniform, they were probably wondering what a Royal Height student was doing in a public bus, as It never happens.

It was either their parent, or driver take them to school. The others made use of the school bus or drive their personal car, which I clearly can't afford any. 

I was so excited on my  arrival in Royal Height School, the magnificent structure was an amazing sight to behold.  Most of the students were beginning to look at me because,  I had just gotten off from a public bus. 

For a few seconds, I felt inferior. To think that I hadn't even entered , yet they already took notice of me.

Maybe, it was a mistake to apply for the scholarship in the first place, but on remembering mum's advice, and the choice I had made for myself, It gave me a lot of courage.

I put on my backpack and walked towards the school gate without minding everyone's constant stares on me, my bag,  shoe and lastly my hair. It was vert easy for them to know I wasn't from a rich family. 

While I kept on walking towards the school building, it occurred to me that I didn't even know where my class was located. 

"Gosh! What was I going to do? Ask a student?" I can't possibly do that; they wouldn't respond. Getting snubbed, was the last thing I needed from any of them on my first day. I entered the building, in search for my classroom.

I did it in a way that, no one would notice. I kept on looking down as I walked through the hall way. Whenever I get to a particular class, I would quickly take a glance to see if it was my class and immediately look down again.

Now, I was on the second floor and still couldn't find the classroom. I was at the verge of crying, when a teacher walked towards me. 

"Good morning sir,"

"Yeah,  morning. Are you new?" He asked smiling. 

I gave him a stunning look, surprised on how he knew I was a new student, was it that noticeable?

"Relax, I just knew you were new because, student in this school, never actually  greet their teachers; only the few good ones. Moreover, I haven't seen you around before so I just assumed you were new. I am Mr. Mark by the way" He said with a warm smile, resting on his cheek.

His explanation was quite alleviating, I thought he noticed because of my non- expensive looks.  

"What if other student were also staring at me because they haven't seen me around? I thought inwardly.

"Sir, do you mind directing me to my class please?" I asked him looking around, only to notice that there were barely any student still around. I assumed they have all gone to their various classes.

After telling him the class located, he accompanied me.  He opened the door when we got to my class, urging me to step in. There was a teacher already in,  but immediately he opened the door, all eyes were fixed on me.

They all paused and there was a minute of silent. I kept on looking at  floor as I was too shy,  and was probably looking  like garbage before them.

"Good morning Mrs. Bella,  she is a new student," I was thankful to Mr.Mark because he didn't only bring me to my class, but also told the teacher I was new.

Within a splint second, he turned to leave.

I looked back and saw him wave me at me still smiling. At that point,  I felt like going with him, but it was impossible.

"What are you still doing? Go and have your seat,  you came late to my class, interrupted my lecture and now you want to delay me? "She said nearly shouting. 

"Sorry ma" I said looking sober, but the whole class laughed at me. I heard a girl say,  it was pathetic of me to  apologized to the teacher. While another said, she thinks I was the scholarship student and this was how we low class people behave, we were losers.

No doubt, I felt so bad that I was already going through all this on my first day.

The chairs were big and wide enough for two to sit together comfortably.  I walked towards a girl to sit with her, since she was  alone, but when she saw I was coming she placed her bag on the other side of the seat, openly  telling me that she doesn't want me to be her seat mate.  

I was hurt and wondered if the teacher didn't see what she did. Another seat at the back was empty, it was close to the wall and I liked it.  There was no sign that someone was sitting on it so, I went and sat on the chair comfortably. 

Some people laughing, while others just stared. I didn't understand  why they gave me those kind of looks.

For all I care, I have gotten a chair to sit and  would be sitting there alone, it was relieving. I  brought out my book and started jotting down what the teacher was saying, after some minutes the bell rang and Mrs. Bella left the class.