New down. I said new down, but I’m not late. New down now. I’m not late. New down. From the moment Taha stepped through the gates of Asha Memorial Secondary School, the laughter started. Why were they laughing? because to them was the ugliest girl alive. Jesus, did you see her nose? One boy billowed, slapping his friend’s arm.

 I can pack my bicycle inside. If President Tinu was a girl, I swear this is exactly how he would look, another girl added. Loud enough for Tula to hear and loud enough to make the others bust into fresh laughter. Tula just walked faster. SS2 allies. That was her assigned class. As she stepped in, every single head turned to gape at her.

Miss Adi, the English teacher, glanced up from a pile of math scripts and gave her a warm smile. You must be taller, she said. Yes, ma’am. Ta replied, her voice calm and crips. Welcome to SS2 Allies. We are happy to have you. Take the empty seat by the window. Solah nodded across the room. She felt every pair of eyes drilled into her, especially one pair. Precious.

Precious had her lips coiled in disgust. She whispered something to the girl beside her who giggled into her palm. Ta ignored them. She took out her pen and notebook, trying to hide a tremble in her hands and keep a tough face. But by the end of that first day, she was drained. When her father, a wealthy businessman and politician, got home that night, she had already locked herself in her room.

 “Allah,” he called, knocking gently after the house staff fell to get her to come down for dinner. “Are you okay?” “Yes, daddy.” “Welcome home,” she answered from his side. “I’m just really tired.” How was the new school? He asked, still confined. You know, we can always go back to the old one. That school is beneath our standard anyway.

I’m not leaving, Dad. I’m fine. She paused, then added. I just I just miss mom. He sighed. Soda stared at the ceiling trying not to cry but unable to. Her dad was right. He could afford any school in Nigeria. International schools, British curriculum, air conditioned classrooms. So why Asha Memorial? Because that was her mom’s arm.

Before she died, her mom always told her stories. Stories of mischievous students. Lady Koi Koi haunting the halls, macroman stealing sandals, silly pranks with her friends, and all the silly scary form of her teenage years. It wasn’t a fancy school by her standards, but it held memories. Now that her mom was gone suddenly painfully and her grieving father wanted to move to the US for a fresh start to needed something that will connect her to her mom.

 That’s why she begged her father to let her finish her final year there before they moved to the US. And even though today felt like a disaster, Ta still believed her mom wouldn’t have spoken so fondly of Asher memorial. If there wasn’t something special about it, something worth finding, she would survive this.

 She was confident that in time she would make her own friends there and have special memories, too. Because what Tula lacked in looks, she made up for with brains and character. In class, she listened always, never raised her hand. But whenever she was called upon, her answers were sharp and accurate. One particular day, Mr. Eene, the math teacher, decided to flex.

 He scribbled a ridiculously long equation on the board and turned to the class with a green. No calculators. first to solve it wins a chilled Pepsi from my fridge. Everyone groomed, unwilling to disturb their brains. “Anyone,” he challenged. No one say the world. Then he decided to pick a student.

 “Tola,” the class twisted around. Tola blinked, standing up, then calmly ran the calculation in her head and gave the answer. The teacher stared at her, then turned to check the board. When he turned back, he was smiling. Correct. Clap for her. Apple was following hotter than reluctant. A few impressed, most surprised. Precious seated at the back, rolled her eyes so hard they almost fell out of her skull.

She knows mass and so what? Nothing new, she muttered, her face tight with jealousy. But it wasn’t just math. It happened again in literature, then in government, then biology. By the third week, everyone knew Tula’s name, and that made Precious furious because Precious Aande was Asha Memorial royalty. Her mother, after all, was the vice principal of the senior section.

 And every teacher knew that disappointing Precious could mean an unpleasant staff room conversation the next day. If Precious wanted a seat, someone stood up. If she wanted your meat pie, you handed it over. No ways exchanged. If her grade hover dangerously close to an F, all it took was a soft knock on a certain office door and the teacher would quickly give her the desired grace.

 She carried herself with grace and confidence and was popular with students and teachers. But for some reason, the very sight of Tola meant something inside her twist and sour. It started when that day her longtime crush actually begged to join Ta’s group for a class project, smiling with her, laughing with her, acting like Ta was the most interesting girl alive.

 Then it was Mrs. Adialei, the head of English, who asked Tola, not Precious, to lead the school debate team. She didn’t even pretend to consider anyone else. Precious had had enough. She didn’t care how smart the girl was or how polite. She swore that she was going to break whatever was making Tula keep her head high.

 That night at home, Precious sat talking on the kitchen stove, poking to those she had no appetite for. Her mother stayed still at the gas burner, half listening to her rant. She’s not even fine. Precious Nat, bitterness dripping from her voice is annoying. Like, if you’re going to be proud, at least be beautiful. This one walks around like the earth owes her gratitude.

Gloria Aande side. You’re taking it too personal. I’m not. Everywhere I go is taller this, taller that. I need to teach her who runs the school. Her mother sideighed. Once a proud bully herself. She didn’t see any wrong in her daughter’s plight and violence tendencies. She didn’t know how to teach her patience and kindness.

 After all, you can’t give what you don’t have. Have your fun, she finally said with a shrug. Just don’t overdo it. I don’t have strength to defend you if you beat someone black and blue. Be subtle. Precious grinned, her appetite restored. That warning was as good as permission for her. But Precious had no intention on being subtle.

 She was going all out because in her world, no one, especially not some strange girl with no name and no beauty, got to walk in her territory like she owned it. It started on a Tuesday beneath the Melina trees by the science block. So was leaning against the tree, revising quietly before their chemistry text soon to be written. Precious walked up to her with two girls behind her, Esther and Jimmy, her ever faithful shadows.

 “Look at her,” Precious said, loud enough for anyone to hear, acting like she’s in some private school scholarship at frat. Esther and Jenny laughed as if she had said the funniest joke ever. Tola turned the page calm as though she hadn’t heard. But that s only made Precious press harder. Is it true you live with your grandmother? Precious asked voice sugary.

 Is she a witch or just old and useless? Tola raised her eyes slowly. No, Tola said cool as ice. But if you are dying to know, you can ask her. She lives at 14 Heaven Street. Just knock. The angels will append to you. The small crowd nearby exploded with laughter. Even Jenny ped me chew of her gum. Tears filling her eyes. Heaven straight.

 She whispered dramatically, eyes wide. That means she’s dead. Precious blinked. She wasn’t expecting Tola to answer so sharply. She stepped forward all up in Ta’s space now. Listen, Powerpuff knows. Just because you speak Queen’s English and work like you’re too important for us doesn’t mean people can’t see that your face looks like a failed art project.

 Sola’s response was faster than an arrow. Well, I thank God for giving me brains over beauty. But you, it seems the reverse is your case. What did you just say? Precious her anger rising. I said if you had any sense in that perfectly contoured score, you would know we have chemistry in 45 minutes. Instead of flapping your lips, try revising your nose.

 Unless you plan on using insults to solve equations, precious opened her mouth, then closed it, then opened it again, and closed it again. You have ruled precious part more to regain footing than anything else. No, Tola replied. I’m honest. There’s a difference. Tola walks past her. Just like that. A clean, confident visit. The onlooker said nothing.

 Everyone staring at Precious to know what she would do next. Precious turned sharply, snapping at Jill. Stop chewing gum in my ear. Do you want to die already? Jenny blinked. Huh? But you’re chewing gum, too. I said, “Stop it.” Then she turned to Esther. And you stop staring at me like I’m a ghost. Do I look like a ghost? Esther shook her head violently.

 No, no, no, you don’t. But you look like a beautiful vampire. Precious stormed off like a mini tornado. Anger and frustration radiating off waves. useless people. All of you. Straight into her mother’s empty office. She went, slammed the door and flopped onto the chair like a Hollywood witch recharging her wickedness. That taller girl.

 She had embarrassed her in public with word play. Unforgivable. Unacceptable. The next morning, Sola opened her locker and found a note taped to it in angry childish handwriting. I’ll break you. So stared at it for two seconds, then peeled it off without a word. She folded it, tucked it into her notebook, and walked to assembly.

Later that week, someone poured powder chalk into her backpack. Her books came out stained white, her pens clogged. The chemistry worksheet she had worked on all night was unreadable. Students laughed when she shook it out on her desk, the dust cloud rising like smoke. Follow the ring flinch. She calmly zipped the bag shut and handed it to Rita, a quiet girl from a very poor home whose own bag was full of patches.

You can have it if you like it, Tola said. Just dust it. It’s still good. That day, Ta became a goddess in Rita’s eyes. The next day, she showed up with a sleek new designer backpack like nothing ever happened. By Thursday, a new rumor was circled that Toa was the janitor’s sneeze, that her father was an armed robber, that she begged her way into the school with fake papers.

Toa heard it all, but she didn’t bother to defend herself. The best way to kill silly rumors like that was not to speak for or against it. Let them wonder till they get headaches. She could have ended it all by telling her father. But the moment she did, she knew he would withdraw her from the school and that would be the end of her time at her mother’s alma matter.

 So she endured, but precious kept pushing her to her breaking point. One day at lunch, Tula had barely settled down to eat when Jenny sed past her holding a half empty spoiled yogurt pack. With a flick of her wrist, she dropped it squarely on Tula’s lap. They spoiled Yog’s B open, soaking Ta’s clothes. The smell of s milk hits the air like a bomb. Oops.

 Jenny cheicked, fudging surprise. My barled, I didn’t see you. Laughter broke out. Some students gasped, others pointed. To stared at the mess. her expression unreadable. Fighting back tears, she just gave Jenny a slow chilling stare, then calmly stood up to clean the mess. But before she could even reach for her back, Dandy was there with his tray abandoned.

 He peeled off his jacket to one swift motion. Here, he said, wrapping it around her wrist without waiting for permission. Come on, let’s get you cleaned up. Then Rita, her chucked doll’s backpack friend, jumped off from the next table. Ta, wait, she cried already reaching under the table to pull out her own waistband. Come and take my skates.

Seriously, let’s just go to the restroom and swap. I’ll manage yours. I I will tie my sweat or something. Please. The class was silent now. All eyes were on them. Precious clenched her fork so tightly she nearly bent it. Toa blinked over warm for just a second. Then she smiled softly. Thank you both.

 She said voice came but strong. Her heart feeling like it would melt from the unexpected show of kindness. This was what she was looking for. Beautiful friends like this were part of what her mom spoke about. I’m good. I’ll manage. Dandy didn’t argue. He just gently took her hand and walked her out of the class to help her clean up, Rita right in tow.

 And the moment the door shut behind them, Precious lost her mind. She slammed the fist on the table. Jenny, are you mad? Who asked you to drop anything on her lap? Jenny sh back. But but but you’re the one that said I should shut up. You’ve made her the victim, and now even Dand is falling for it. Esther mumbled. I think he likes her. Shut up.

 Precious backed. Precious pushed back her chair and stomed up to cry in her mother’s office. What else did she have to do to break taller? She needed to rise to a position where she could tear her apart. And soon her chance came. The head girl election arrived as soon as the SS3 students started preparing for their GSCA.

Posters plastered the walls. Names shouted for attention. Girls campaigned with jingles and free snacks in polit. Speeches were made. Promises about fixing the toilet. Cotton grass alone for one year ending in the sand dressing. Lies upon lies. Tola just submitted her form quietly. Sat on her interview with the vice principal and miss a day with quiet grace.

 When they asked her why she wasn’t campaigning noisy like others, she looked the panel in the eye and said, “Because leadership is not noise, it’s presence. And I don’t plan to beg anyone to see mine.” The room fell silent. The vice principal frown or scribble something on the phone. Tola, she said slowly, remembering what her daughter said about her. She couldn’t deny it.

 Tola was smart, composed, and respected. A top choice for head girl. But Mrs. Aande was not ready for the tantrum. Precious would throw if anyone but her got that position. You may go. We will get back to you. Outside the campaign noise for precious rich fever pitch. Esther and Jenny were shouting and singing with microphones.

Vote for peace. Vote for grace. Vote Precious the pretty face. Precious even hired some boys to threaten juniors into voting or else they would get beaten after school. Tola ignored it all. If the school wanted a head girl with brains and character, they would make the right choice. Some students were already voting for her.

 The ones who were beginning to like her skills, brains, politeness, and generosity. They saw a true leader in her. I will vote for you than the promise and my guys will do so too. Rita had turned herself into Tola’s personal campaign manager. She mashed through the school corridors with Tola’s poster. Tola is kind. Tola is humble.

 If she wins, this school will finally breathe fresh air again. Will burn in hell with precious wings, she added dramatically. Tola smiled each time she overheard Rita. It was hard not to. Rita was ridiculous, loud and loyal to a fault for her faith in her. Tola wanted to win, but especially because her late mother had once stood on the same stage as head girl.

 It was a legacy worth fighting for. But that dream shattered right then on a Friday morning when the principal came to make the announcement. The man should have retired 3 years ago, but rumor had it he used the fake birth certificate to extend his stable service. He climbed the assembly podium like a tire to the students waited and Mrs.

 Aandi handed him the result sleep with a sugary smile. He tapped the microphone then finally announced this year’s head girl is um precious aande. The applause that followed was thin and confused. A couple of loud claps here and there, but it was clear this wasn’t the winner many had hoped for. Ta forced back her disappointment and watched as precious pranced around the stage smiling like she had just been crowned queen of England. But Mrs.

 Sadday, one of the many teachers rooting for Ta had seen everything about Tula. Tola tutotoring juniors staying back after school to help in the library. Quietly correcting a teacher’s mistake without embarrassing them. A rare kind of student, she walked up to her and gently rested a hand on her shoulder. “They said you are too new to be the school’s near girl,” she whispered.

 “But between you and me, the vice principal just didn’t want her daughter to lose. Don’t worry there. You will shine when it matters most.” Ta gave the faintest note. That evening, just before last bell, Ta opened her locker to grab her English notebook, only to find a note glued in it that read, “I won. Look out.

 I’m coming for you.” Ta’s stomach twisted. For the first time since she got in this school, she felt real fear. Precious was in power now. And school was about to become war. Precious took her job seriously. Too seriously. Students were punished for gum chewing, missing bells on top sh. The gate was now a war front. She stood at the school gates like a demon on patrol, caring in one hand, clipboard in the other, eyes scanning for victims. Late come and cried.

Seniors got flawed. Juniors were meant to crawl like those. Nobody was safe. One day to arrived just before the bell and precious quickly called her aside. You are late. Precious said I am not. Tola replied. I make the rules now. Precious said. Tola smiled faintly. Then you should learn to read time as well.

Precious stepped forward. Are you arguing with me? I’m just telling you a fact. Brother shot back. Kneel down. Precious back. Tad remove I said kneel down. Precious raised her can her friends laughing in the background as the ken landed hard on’s ass. Ta let out a pen scream dropping to her knees and just like that chaos broke out.

 Teachers who had become fond of as well as some students rushed to the scene. Even the principal was drawn to the commotion. But before they could do anything, the sound of tires made everyone freeze. Three black SUVs pulled into the school compound from the second gate. Not the dusty kind, not the bold kind. Government plated cars, dark windows, cold metal.

 Everyone stared as a tall man in Abada stepped out holding a pink plum bag. Security men surrounded him in circles. Solaf froze her pen scream dying on her lip as her father walked through the crowd like a king born of silence. Good morning sir the principal tried to greet. Where is my daughter? The man said boy slow control.

 Your your daughter sir the principal of stamman. Toa still wincing with pen called quickly. Daddy I’m here. Everyone gave weight. Todd’s father was Tinibu Dakolo, a member of the House of Senate and one of the biggest businessmen in the states, a man who shared the same name with the president of Nigeria and looked much like him.

 People mistook them as twice. Precious went pale as the man’s eyes zeroed on her. Did you did you hit my daughter and ask her to kneel? She she she was late, sir. Ju ju just school protocol, precious Tamar. He held up a hand. You mean you have a protocol that allows public humilation and physical abuse? No, no, sir.

 Silence, he said, cutting her off. He turned to Tula, extending the freshly prepared food their private chip had made. Come take your lunch. She took it silently. He didn’t ask her to speak. He didn’t need to. He understood everything. But as he walked away, he paused. I’ll be back next week. We will meet with the board. That night, none of the staff slept.

The vice principal had it was. Everyone wondered what the fate of the school was. Miss Akande blamed herself for everything that happened. If only she had trained her daughter right, she wouldn’t have turned out to be a bully. Now look at what she had caused. When the following week came around, it came with shocking changes.

The vice principal of Mrs. Akandandy was fished out for aiding and supporting her daughter’s habits. She was transferred out of the school to another place and her vice principal rank stripped of her. Mrs. S replaced her as the new VP. Unable to take her daughter since the school she was sent to was an all boy school.

Precious remained in Asha Memorial. With her mother gone, Precious shrank, resigned from her headgirl post and withdrew from everyone, including her besties. No one heard her voice again. To walked the school, now respected, feared. Students flock to her side now. Many wanting to be her friend. teachers wanting to gain her favor.

But she didn’t let anyone in except those who liked her before knowing who she was. Rita and Dandy and Mrs. Ad and a few others. Lesson of this story. Never laugh at someone because they look a certain way. The quiet ones, the ones we ignore, might just own the role they are working on.