Some days later, on a Tuesday morning, my brother came to wake me up. I had to go back to school. I was lucky enough to get a place at my brother’s school as I got suspended from my previous school. Being with my brother at his school would be a good idea, because I wouldn’t feel alone now that Dario wasn’t here anymore.
I still missed him.
I got up and went to bath. When I got out my mom was sitting on the bed.
“Salaam,”
“Morning mom.”
“Zaahir told me all about Dario and how he treated you right, and the kind of person he was. He lost his family at a very young age.”
“Yes mom. I really loved him and he loved me also.”
“I know you did. I could see the way you felt that night. I could see my child,”
“Does mom understand now?”
“Yes I do. And I’m sorry for not telling your dad about Rushdiya’s passing. I was so lost and confused in everything, getting ready the funeral and cooperating on my own with all the sorrow and hurt I felt inside and with all that I forgot to tell your dad.”
“It’s okay mom. You can still tell dad why mom didn’t tell him. I fully understand.”
“Thank you Bishni.”
“My pleasure mom. Can I ask mom something?”
“Actually I wanted to ask you something…”
“Okay, ask.”
“I want to arrange Dario’s funeral. We can bury him on Saturday and he’ll have a Christian funeral in his dads church. I really want to help Bishni.”
I started to cry and hugged my mom.
“Thank you mom. It means so much to me. It’ll mean even more to him.”
“Oh my child.”
“I love you mom. I take back everything I said that night,”
“I know you do and I love you more. Love you always. Go on to school now. We’ll talk again when you get back sweetheart.”
“Yea’ moms probably right. See mom later. Salaam.”
“Salaam,”
I took my new blazer and went to school with Zaahir. Zaahir still had Dario’s car so we went to school with the car.
While arriving at school, I felt a bit uncomfortable. New school meant new friends and I already missed Sydney and Santana. I got out of the car and walked with Zaahir. Guys started whistling at me but as soon as Zaahir looked at them, they looked away and I laughed. I didn’t know people were scared of Zaahir.
Zaahir and I went to the principal’s office. I got accepted into the school because Zaahir didn’t pay school fees at all. He put the school’s name high because he played Rugby and he swam for the school. He was also in the photography class and he gave advice to teens about things they’d want to know. I’m almost as smart as him but I still need studying, I thought to myself.
“Good morning to the Savahls.”
“Morning, Sir, this is my sister, Bishni Savahl,” Zaahir said.
“I can see that because she looks as smart as you,”
“Morning, Sir, pleased to meet you and thank you again for accepting me. I really appreciate it.” I said
“I’m honored Bishni. You can set into your class at room 34 in Miss Malinchak’s class. Please show her to her class, Zaahir,”
“Will do, Sir. Have a splendid day.”
“Same goes for both of you.”
Zaahir took me to room 34 and I was so shy to go in. The class was filled with leaners I didn’t even know. I went in at last.
“Morning, ma’am. This is Bishni and she’s your new student.”
“Morning, Zaahir and good morning, Bishni.”
“Morning, ma’am.”
“Have a good day nuh sis. I’m on top if you need me. Love you.”
“Thank you again and love you.”
Zaahir then left the class. Miss Malinchak introduced herself to me and she introduced me to the class as well.
“I’m Ms. Malinchak. Your new teacher. Could you tell me your name and surname please?”
“I’m Bishni Savahl ma’am.”
She winked at me and turned to the class.
‘Listen up! We have a new student here. Straight A’s.” Ms. Malinchak said.
“Kan so sien ma’am. Sy is kak mooi,” a guy yelled out at the back.
“Pharrel what did I say about using that kind of language in school?”
“Unacceptable, ma’am. Sorry,”
“Yes so, this is Bishni Savahl. She’s new here so, please be kind.”
“Welcome Bishni.” The whole class welcomed me. I felt really at ease.
“Have a seat anywhere you want to my dear.” Miss. Malinchak said. “When the bell goes now, you go with Ariana to your classes okay. She’ll direct you.”
“Thanks, ma’am.”
“Ariana…” Miss. Malinchak called.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Come here please,”
Ariana came to the front. She looked so aggressive.
“Bishni must go with you to your next class. Don’t forget to take her with okay.”
“Okay, ma’am.”
I then went to go sit with Ariana and her friends. Biggest mistake, they all understood and spoke Afrikaans.
“Bishni, this is Lisa, Kendrick, Tyler, Wayne, Sevyn, Tuneesah and Luke.”
“I’m Bishni, great to meet you all.”
“Lat eke hulle describe vjo. Tuneesah is Muslim, but she’s the best friend you’ll ever have because she’s just crazy like that!” Ariana said and everyone laughed.
“Muti lieg nie, Ari!” Tuneesah said.
“Ag, I’m not kidding. You are crazy.” Ariana said.
The bell rang and we went to our first class, which was Afrikaans.
“Goeie more julle.” The Afrikaans teacher said.
“More juffrou.” The class said.
“Ma’am, we have a new student in class. Haar naam is Bishni.” Tuneesah said.
I felt shy because I was not use to being introduced in every class. I started to think that Tuneesah was really crazy like that.
“Goeie more Bishni. Dus goed om jou hier by ons te he.” The teacher said.
“I don’t actually understand Afrikaans, ma’am.”
“Okay, well it is the first day, so we’ll start off easy. Good to have you here Bishni, you may have a seat anywhere.” The teacher said kindly.
“Thank you, ma’am. I’m sure I’ll learn to speak and understand Afrikaans better here at this school. My alma mater only advised me to take English classes. I’m really glad I’m here, it’s a new beginning and I want to start fresh.” I said.
“That’s good child. I love the way you speak. You have such a bright mind and open soul. I can’t wait to work with you and get to know you better.” The teacher said and then showed me to my seat and started the class.
When class was over, it was time for break. I sat with Ariana and them.
“What are we going to do for the weekend niggaz?” Sevyn asked.
“We could block at my house. Order movies and pop popcorn. What do ya’ll say?” Wayne asked.
“Sounds like a great idea Wayne. I’ll be there.” Tuneesah said.
“Same here. We’ll all be there.” Ariana said.
“Will you come, Bishni?” Luke asked.
“I’ll be there. Thanks for the invite you guys.” I said.
“You’re part of the group, how can we forget you!” Lisa said, pumping fist with Luke and Tuneesah.
***
Tell us what you think: How easy is it to make friends at a new school?