INTRIGUE

2019...

Living in a big state entailed going to either a big secondary school or a small secondary school. Going to a big secondary school implied that not everyone was concerned about your lifestyle. Most students don't get to communicate with each other. Which meant, majority of the students minded their business. In secondary school, most of the students were defined not by their current achievements, but by their past embarrassment.

Theresa Moffat in jss2 was never able to break out of the smart, preppy shell. She won the cowbell spelling bee competition. School was her life. She'd rather study than be with friends. She just needed to survive three more years. However, that was easier said than done.

Escaping the hot, early September wind in 2019. Holiday was over. Theresa walked into school, through the main entrance heading for the long hall. Teachers were attending to the newly enrolled students in other classes. The moment she walked into the lobby, she knew things were different. Instead of a lousy atmosphere, the students gisting about the latest music or movies and the teachers trying to chase the students in. The hall was as quiet as a graveyard, as other Jss3 students spoke in hushed tones.

As she passed the cluster of students, she tried catching tidbits of the most recent gossips which weren't about Nigerian musicians, movies or celebrities. The whispers continued all the way to class. As she took her front seat in French class, a group of students huddled at the back, conversing in low voices. Fighting the desire to eavesdrop, she pulled out her notebook and began her French translation.

"Omor, there is a new juvenile dexterous student for jss3 oh," exclaimed one of the students, Selene, as she smacked her school bag down next to o Theresa's in excitement. "Apparently, he even studied outside the country sef."

"That's absurd. Our school doesn't admit in Jss3 and ss3,"

"I know, right?"

Once the second bell rang, everyone put their rumor agenda on halt. Mr. Inyang showed up with a student, about their age, fourteen. He was light skinned, tall, had lean body, could be mistaken as an outsider, but a Nigerian. He wore the school uniform. Surprisingly, he was timid.

"Christopher Williams," Mr. Inyang's voice was shrill. "This will be your class. You can introduce yourself to them in French."

Christopher didn't hesitate. "J'mapelle Monsieur Christophe Williams. J'ai quatorze ans. Mon père est politicien et ma mère est docteur. Merci." He smiled widely. It was the first time Greenland high school had a student from outside the country. He had their accent.

"Christopher, since you're new endeavour to adjust and If you have any issues. Don't be reluctant to get help from Theresa." Other students grumbled as Mr. Inyang gestured to her.

"him no Sabi come to me make I teach am?" One of the students said in Nigerian pidgin.

Theresa's eyes widened, she was good at pushing people away from her. "Moi?"