I knew my life was about to change when I made the decision to leave everything behind. It was hard for my parents to accept my decision — of leaving the city, leaving my previous school, leaving literally my surname, oh no, not that.
I wanted to be recognized by the person I am 'Natalia' not the power behind the name after mine. Everything seemed so easy to get. People want to be in my shoes, wear expensive clothes, latest shoes and handbags, looking all dolled up.
I don't give a bloody fuck as to what people see or talk about me. I only wanted genuine friends and people around me. Not my friends from the previous school i attended, who were only friends with me because of social status. Yes, for people like me who grew up in a wealthy home, we only make friends because of what our family has? What's your family network? Not genuine people who like you.
When I told my dad that I want to move to a new city, no lavish lifestyle, moderate apartment for senior year, he refused at first but then agreed after much persuasion from me and the help from my older brother who promised to check up on me every now and then 'last child privileges'.
I have never really been a new girl in school, it's tough because people will want to hate on you for no reason, guys will want your attention by that offending their girlfriends, some people will want to bully you but this last part is most definitely not for me. My previous friends were bullies so i know how it works, i mean I've never bullied but you know friends of a bully is technically a bully so…
I followed the teacher into class, every one attention was obviously on me, I was the new student, new face and pretty, beautiful whatever term they use to describe me
"Good day everyone " the teacher greeted. What was that his name again 'Mr Gilbert' he continued "We have a new scholarship student joining us this year" his gaze fell on me and i knew it was a gesture for me to introduce myself
"I'm Natalia Cole, it's a pleasure to join you'll. I hope we get along well and also work together towards achieving our goals" with a bright smile "Friends call me Talia, you're free to do the same. Thank you"
"Tatalia" a guy smirked and literally everyone began to laugh
"You can have that seat, Miss Cole" Seriously? Mr Gilbert had nothing else to say?Anyways this isn't worth my anger. I moved and sat on the seat he showed me
"Hi,I'm Iris, nice to meet you, Talia" she paused "I can call you Talia, right?"
"Yes, yes, sure you can. Nice to meet you too, Iris"
"He could be such a jerk sometimes" her attention was on her book "Just ignore him and you'll be good to go "
"What?" I wasn't really paying much attention to what she was saying because honestly I didn't know she was talking to me until she looked at me
"Carl, the guy earlier" she reminded
" Oh! Him"
" He could be such a jerk, just ignore and stay far away from him" She repeated
"He's cute" I said turning to look at him only to meet his icy blue eyes. I'm not one to back away from eye contacts and most definitely not this one with beautiful eyes but i did. Iris was right stay away from trouble and noise. I couldn't tell what Iris was thinking when I tore my gaze away from Carl to face her "You're probably right" her face softened returning to its usual calm.
The bell rings 'Finally' It was time for lunch. Iris and I had the same class in the first 2 periods, we're getting along faster than i imagined and now we're heading to the cafeteria together. I had never imagined that she would also be a scholarship student like myself sponsored by a scholarship program like my dad's.
"Who do we have here?" It was from someone who was auditioning for a clown show, apparently. No insults. Not to be mean, she just had too many makeup. "Tatalia" She mimicked Carl. It's the way she dressed plus the makeup and the girls with her, i can tell she was a mean girl. A bully? I think
"Natalia, May I correct" I said with a bright smile, the last thing I wanted was trouble and noise and here infront of me is both "Let's go Iris" I tried to walk away, but before I could take two steps she stepped infront of me
"Not so fast, Tatalia" the Tatalia thing is getting on my nerves, 'Is this bitch deaf or just playing deaf' i thought to myself
"What do you want?" I'm not used to playing with words, i was taught to always be direct when talking.
"Tata…"
"Natalia" I cut in "If you do not know the pronunciation don't bite your tongue" this is me not being mean to her.
"Whatever" she lowered her eyebrows 'disgust' was written all over her face "Anyway, just wanted to see the 'pretty' bitch everyone was talking about but it seems you're not all that, just overhyped" she concluded "let's go girls" she walked pass me bumping shoulders
"What the fuck" i raised my eyebrows with my mouth open in disbelief "This school won't be boring at all. Characters" I laughed
"Let's just stay away from her" Iris said "She's trouble, emphasis on the trouble, Talia"
"I can see that" We collected our trays from the cafeteria line then we scanned the room for an empty spot before heading there to sit.