> * 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
> * We don't always get what we want out of life. We have to fight for what we truly and really want. * ------ Mira. ------- Evelyn and I were having our lunch peacefully, until the red haired girl appeared in front of us all of a sudden. Her two friends were with her. I was confused, wondering why they were here. But then her next words confirmed my doubt. “ You are Mira, aren't you? The bitch who betrayed her best friend! ” Her words were filled with venom. I kept quiet, not letting myself get hurt by her words. After all, talking to a fool will only make me a greater fool, won't it? “ And you. ” She turned sharply to Evelyn who was looking as perplexed as I was. “ You must be happy, aren't you? You've finally found a bitch and now? You both are going to become a family of bitches. ” “ What do you want, Tiffany? ” Evelyn's words were sharp and serious. Must I say, this was the first time I'm seeing her being so serious. “ What do I want? ” Tiffany repeated sarcastic
> * There's no one else in creation like you, there's no one like you. Nobody can do it like you. * **** ------ Mira. ------ “ What are we going to do about your shirt, Miranda? Lunch break will be over soon. ” Evie's words broke the silence and for a moment there, I wondered if I was actually the one in need or her. Her worry and concern touched my heart. It definitely wasn't something I was used to. I've only experienced being cared for and loved by Joseph and Nanny. No one else. “ I really don't know, Evie. ” “ I don't know either. I'm currently out of options. ” “ What if we —- ” My words were caught short at the sight of Vera Lynn. What is she doing here? I wondered. Evielyn and I exchanged looks of confusion and perplexity. Vera had no business with us, or does she? “ Look who we've got here. ” She walked in proudly. “ Best friends forever, they say, don't they? ” We simply stared at her dumbly. “ But does that really exist? Especially now that it's becom