> * Your existence is not by accident, it has so much meaning. * ****------ Joseph. ------ Monday, I stumbled on the silver necklace with a heart shaped pendant that I had purchased along with Miranda's months ago, on our fifth year friendship anniversary. We'd sat by the beach holding hands and had exchanged promises and vows. I could still recall Mira's words that very day. “ You are my light in darkness, Jose. I was an orphan who had no sense of purpose and direction. The Lord had brought you into my life and you'd completely changed the narration. ” “ You'd shaped me into this confident girl I am today. Oftentimes, Jose. I wonder what I'd have done to deserve a best friend like you in my life. Despite we not being blood related, you and Nanny are the only family I have and need. ” “ I'd never keep blessing the day I met you, my priceless gem. The Creator's best gift to me. He'd known I needed a friend, but not only did he give me that, he also added more by givin
> * If you want to succeed as badly as you want to breathe. Then you'll be successful. * ***** ----- Mira. ------ I received a call from Nanny before I left for school that morning. She'd been worried about me as always and had reminded me to focus solely on my studies. The hidden meaning behind her words had been very clear and I couldn't help but sigh when the call ended. How could I not care about him? I've tried a lot of times to get thoughts of him out my mind, but failed. How could I really? Especially when I'd spent over five years of my life with him? How could I? I sometimes wish, forgetting about him was as easy as blowing catarrh, but how could I forget about someone who means so much to me? Sighing, I turned off my phone and put it back in the drawer. Unlike most students in my school, I tend to refrain from taking my phone to class as I see it as a form of distraction. I strapped my backpack as I headed out of my room. I branched at Mother's office to inform her
> * It's better to have a short life doing what you love, than a long life spent in a miserable way. — Author_Queenebunoluwa15* **** ---- Joseph. ----- I arrived at school, just in time to see Vera alighting from her car. I picked up my backpack and alighted from the car after which I bade my driver goodbye. He nodded, wished me a great day ahead and made a u-turn. “ Hey, Vee. ” I waved at her, I didn't miss the smile that bloomed on her face as she walked bristly towards me. “ Hi, Joe. ” She replied, embracing me. “ You are looking more beautiful today. ” I added, tucking a loose strand of her hair behind her ears. “ Really? Thanks. ” She giggled. “ You look better than usual too. ” “ Thanks. ” I smiled, feeling super glad she'd noticed. “ Let's head in, shall we? ” I held my hands towards her. “ Sure. ” she took my hand as we walked ahead. We were about to enter the school gate when the sound of a car parking made us pause. We stared back to see a black
> * Never stop asking why. * **** ----- Joseph. ----- The announcement came both as a shock and a surprise to me, as I wasn't expecting it. It'd never happened before. I wasn't being prejudiced, I just kind of felt uncomfortable with this agreement. “ I hate that we always have to crash with those two. It's annoying! ” Vera whined as we headed to the arts department which was at the far end of the hallway. “ There's nothing we can do about it. Can we? ” “ You are right. ” She sighed, helplessly. Our appearance at the class caused a stir as always. I looked over at Mira's table and saw her seated with Evelyn. They were having a conversation, mostly with their gazes. She raised up her head at the moment and our eyes met. But as always, she was quick to look away. My eyes scrolled through the class and landed on an empty seat behind Miranda. Therefore, we decided to sit there. I noticed that Miranda shifted uncomfortably in her seat as soon as we got settled and
> * Success doesn't mean competing against other people, it simply means winning against your past self. * **** ------ Mira. ------ My heart thumped, the moment I heard my name. How's that possible? How? Why would I be nominated to represent my department when my classmates don't even like me? Why? I found myself wondering. Was it intentional? Did they do that to mock me or what? And for what reason, exactly? What? “ Miranda Edison. ” I stood up at the sound of my name. “ Miss. ” “ Please step out now, the competition will be commencing in a minute. ” “ Alright, Miss. ” I turned to Evielyn for some encouragement and as always she didn't disappoint. “ You can do it, Miranda. ” “ Thanks. ” I replied with a small smile, as I made my way to the front of the class and faced them. My palms became sweaty all of a sudden, public speaking was something I wasn't a big fan of and always strove to avoid at all costs. But now? I stared at my classmates and saw the mockin
> * You can't wait until life isn't hard anymore before you choose to be happy. You can choose to be happy despite all the challenges you are facing. * **** * Happy 30 chapters! * ------- Joseph. ------ I'd never thought a day would come where I'd watch an open competition between my ex best friend and my girlfriend. I was quite impressed at their performances in the first two rounds, but when it got to the last one, Vera left me a bit disappointed. Apparently, she didn't know the answer to the question she was asked, which was surprising as the question was a bit easier than the previous ones. At that point, I'd thought Mira would use the chance to strike back at her, but she did. Rather her lips were pursed as understanding filled her eyes. I'd always known Miranda to be understanding and empathetic, but never would I have thought she’ll feel that towards Vera too. At that point, I realized that though I'd always claimed to know, Miranda. I still don't know her w
> * Luck : When one's preparation meets with an unexpected opportunity. * **** ------- Mira. ------ Though I was pretty good at economics, I'd never expected to win the competition. Firstly, because I wasn't a fan of competitions and secondly, my competitors were supposedly more brilliant than me. So I hadn't been expecting to turn out the best. Vera not being able to answer her final question was surprising yet not so surprising. The former because she was one of the school's best students and the latter because she was a science student and economics isn't one of her major subjects. “Aw, Congratulations, Mira! ” Evie wrapped me up in a tight embrace as soon as I returned back to my seat. I had admired her enthusiasm, her accommodative nature and optimism. Though it's only been three days since we've known each other, I know that she's filled with those three qualities that I greatly desire. Either way, I figured I could actually have those if I really wanted. After
> * Pain is temporary, greatness lasts forever. * *** ------ Joseph. ------- Vera and I strode towards the school canteen, hand in hand as we've always done. Being among the first arrivers, we were able to seat at our favorite spot by the window. We sat down at our designated spot after ordering. All the while, I noticed that Vera wasn't happy and I couldn't help but wonder why. Was it about the competition? But Vera wouldn't be so petty, or would she? “ Are you okay? ” I held her hands, forcing her to make eye contact with me. “ I am. ” she said, though her eyes said the exact opposite. “ You are not. ” I removed her fringe from her eye. “ Tell me what's wrong. “ “ I feel lost. ” she turned her eyes away from me, but I held her chin and brought her gaze towards me. “ I feel like I've disappointed you and everyone by my performance earlier. ” Her words came out slowly. “ But you didn't. ” “ Really? ” “ You didn't get all the questions right, but you still got two