Ellen was beside herself with blissfulness when the assistant girls' prefect showed her around the school. The school had many facilities like ten girls' houses with various dormitories, eight boys' houses with various dormitories as well, there is a swimming pool, football-hockey-cricket pitches, tennis–basketball courts, an oval for athletics, and many more. Ellen was taken to KINGSLEY HOUSE, the most prestigious house in the school. She was taken to a protocol house because she was on a scholarship, and the heads of the school took a special liking to her because of her achievements and qualities. Ellen was prepared to give her all to her academics, especially now that she was in school after the orientation for form ones. ''Hi, I'm Kelly." A girl introduced herself, extending her hand, which Ellen took with a coy smile. ''And I'm Abigail." Another girl extended her hand with a bright smile. Ellen recognized her from the presidential awards and said so. "Hey, I know you. You were the second best in Ghana, right?" "Yeah. We are also in the same house. Kelly and I have been friends since childhood at Achimota Basic School. She's also brilliant, but she couldn't make it to the president's list. Anyway, we came to extend our hand of friendship to you. I'm sure we are going to be of good influence on each other, especially on the learning part, hahaha." Abigail said, and they laughed. "Sure, why not-if not," Ellen said, remembering what her mother said and thinking about what Abigail just said about influence. "Great, but point of correction, not just studies, but fun as well. Going forward, Ellen, we shall call you Elle. Abigail, you will be called Abby, and I will be called Kell." Kelly said, and they all hugged to a new friendship. Ellen was precisely joyous because they were her first friends, and she loved them already.
***
"Hey, have you seen this new freshman?" Bright said to the crew after basketball practice, freshening up in the boys' gym. "Bright, there are many freshmen in the school. Be specific, bro." Eric, the boys' prefect, said. "Ellen. Bro, she's one of a kind." Bright responded. "Oh, her. I've heard of her but not seen her. I was told she's never been second in her life. She reminds me of a certain guy," Eric said while smiling. "What, don't tell me you like her?" Paul asked. "Of course, but she's not an easy prey," Bright said, which got them roaring with laughter. "Dude, just tell the truth. You can't get the girl because you don't know how to do so. She's just a freshman. Tell you what, you all are going to try your luck, and whoever gets her will get a prize." Eric threw a challenge, exempting himself deliberately… (Months later) The first term was almost over, and Ellen had rejected about half the male population, including the teachers. Her friends were proud of her as they realized she was focused on her books, not boys, but they still pulled her legs. "Hahaha, Elle, if you keep on rejecting everyone, how will you get married, huh? You chase everyone away with your words, even the handsome ones. But hey, have you two heard of the sports prefect?" Kelly said and asked. "Yeah, but I heard he hasn't come to school yet. They say he's extremely handsome and irresistible." Abby responded, leaving Ellen dumbfounded. "Who is he? What are you two saying?" Ellen said, but didn't get a response because Esther, the house prefect, interrupted them… "Don't you three have something better to do than talk about my boyfriend?" "He's your boyfriend?" All three girls said in unison as they were shocked. Kelly had heard the prefect's name in her house (ARYEE HOUSE). The seniors were talking about him, and from what she heard, he was Amanda's boyfriend instead. He also had a lot of exes and admirers, whom Kelly became one of after she was shown the prefect's picture. Now what was she hearing? He's Esther's boyfriend instead. This was surprising. Was he dating both of them? "Umm, we were learning when his name popped up." Ellen defended her friends. "Oh, is that so? I've been listening to you three converse for a long time. You (she pointed to Ellen) have been rejecting everyone in the school, and you think you're so great and holy. Ha, you're even more of a hyped teen than my boyfriend…Kelly, leave for your house. And don't make me hear in your voice, admiration for my boyfriend, is that clear?" Esther rebutted and warned Kelly before she left. The girls heaved a sigh of relief, and Kelly bid them farewell. ...…. Vacation was finally here. Ellen was overjoyed since she would be seeing her mother again. "Mooooom!!!" Ellen screamed when she finally met her mom. "Oh, my dear! Welcome back." Esinam hugged her daughter tightly. She fed her, and they sat down to talk.