Litton High School was a sprawling institution situated at the heart of the city, its imposing structure a testament to its reputation as a bastion of luxury and exclusivity. Established solely for the crème de la crème of society, the school's hefty tuition fees ensured that only those with deep pockets could afford to attend. The campus was vast, with manicured lawns, state-of-the-art facilities, and modern buildings that seemed to gleam in the sunlight.
However, for those who couldn't afford the exorbitant fees, there was a glimmer of hope. Every year, a select few would be given the opportunity to compete for a scholarship by taking an exam. The catch was that they had to score an impressive 90 percent or higher to secure a spot. But even if they succeeded, they would still have to contend with the scorn and bullying of their wealthier peers, who seemed to delight in making their lives miserable. Some students had even lost their lives due to the relentless bullying, and the school administration seemed all too eager to sweep these incidents under the rug.
In the school's designated smoking areas, students could indulge in their habit to their heart's content, further adding to the air of rebellion and exclusivity that permeated the institution.
"You'd better not even think about applying to that school, Sonia," Emilee warned her friend, her voice laced with concern.
"Why? Mum and Dad can't afford the fees, and at this rate, I might not even make it to high school," Sonia replied, her eyes flashing with determination.
"That school is a hotbed of bullies," Emilee cautioned. "And how sure are you that you'll manage to score the required 90 percent?" Sonia's response was immediate.
"Emilee, no one can bully me. You know that. And as for the exam, I'll work hard and make sure I ace it." Emilee looked at her friend and shrugged, knowing that she couldn't change Sonia's mind. After all, Sonia was old enough to make her own decisions.
The two friends were 17, and their physical maturity often led people to mistake them for twins. Born on the same day, month, and year, but to different parents, they had been inseparable since childhood. As they parted ways that evening, they agreed to meet at the cafeteria the next day, where they both worked part-time jobs.
The rain poured down in sheets as Sonia made her way home, drenching her to the bone. Emilee, whose home was closer, had offered to give her some money for the bus, which she had collected but Sonia had decided to trekked instead. Now, she was paying the price for her decision. As she entered her house, the pungent smell of alcohol hit her like a slap in the face. Her father lay sprawled on the floor, a pool of vomit surrounding him like a halo. Her mother, Victoria, was busy cleaning up the mess, her face etched with worry and exhaustion.
Victoria, who looked more like 60 than 50, forced a weak smile onto her face as she greeted Sonia. Life experiences had made made a craft on her as a whole.
"Welcome, my daughter."
But Sonia's anger boiled over at the sight of her father's condition. "Mum, what the hell are you doing?" she snapped, her voice trembling with rage. Victoria's eyes dropped to the floor, and she stood there, frozen in shame.Sonia had warned her numerous times to stop being her father pauper . He had been like that shortly after she gave birth to Sonia and had lost his job. He would go out early in the morning and come back a wretched breadwinner. While, Victoria would carry all the responsibilities of bread winner on her wavering head.
Sonia stormed into her room, slamming the door behind her. But a minute later, she emerged, her expression softened.
"Mum, let me do it," she said, her voice gentle. Victoria looked up, her eyes filled with tears.
"No, go read your books. You have your exam to worry about."
Sonia persisted, "Mum, let me take care of this. You go rest."
Victoria's gaze lingered on her daughter's face before she nodded reluctantly.
"Alright, go cook dinner."
As Sonia worked in the kitchen, the smell of food wafted through the house, mingling with the scent of alcohol. When she finally announced that dinner was ready, Victoria woke up from her impromptu nap. They ate together, deliberately leaving Sonia's father out of the meal because no one dare wake up a lion. After dinner, Sonia retreated to her room, her books spread out on her reading table. Her mother came in with a tray of fruits, placing it beside her. Sonia's eyes widened in surprise.
"Mum, didn't you buy this with your hard-earned money?" Victoria's smile was all the answer Sonia needed.
"You're my daughter, and I'll do anything for you."
As Sonia read on, tears pricked at the corners of her eyes. She thought about her mother's sacrifices and how much she wanted to make her proud. The only way she could repay her mother's love and dedication was by succeeding in her studies and making a better life for herself. She had vowed to make it to Litton high school at all cost. She continued reading. She could stand, then the next minute, sit down again. However, no one could cheat nature.