“It’s pretty easy if you stay positive.”Drake says.

“Well,I don’t-“I say but get interrupted by someone.

“Hey guys.Sorry I am late.”Nozipho says sitting next to Drake.

“Uhm..shouldn’t you be at home.”I ask.

“Well nop,I also came here to study.”Nozipho says.

Drake gives me the ‘Who Invited Her Look’.

I mouth ‘I don’t know’

“Okay,let’s get to work.”Drake says.

My phone vibrates.It’s Sphiwe my boyfriend.

Sphiwe:Hey babe can we please meet…now!

Milly:Hi,we can’t meet,I am studying with Nozipho and Drake.

Sphiwe:Okay love you!

Milly:Love you too.Thanks for understanding.

I switch off my phone.

“Okay can we continue.”I say.

“Sure.”Drake says.

****

Drake:Your twin is such an…(I don’t know what to call her)

Milly:I know,I know!

Drake:Actually I think she’s kinda…sorry for saying this but she’s annoying!

“Millicent,are you even listening?Mom asks.

“Mom what were you saying?”I ask.

Mom and dad both sigh at the same time.

“It’s that phone of yours.”Dad says trying to snatch it away.

“Dad please don’t take my phone.”I say.

“Bring it here!”Dad says.

“Please Dad,I will reduce screen time.”I beg.

“You heard your father.”Mom says and I know the word is final.

I lazily give my phone to my mom.

“Good girl.”Dad says.

****

I arrive at school later than usual.

“Millicent what’s wrong,what’s the reason behind you being late.”Mr Funani says.

“Sir..I woke up late.”I say embarrassed.

“Well seems like you are late with each and everything including your studies.”Mr Funani says.

The class laughs and Mr Funani joins them.

I feel my heart breaking and tears starting to form in my eyes.I swallow hard.I run out of the class crying non stop leaving the booing and laughing sounds behind.

I rush to the restroom and I cry silently.

I hear sounds approaching the bathroom.

“-She deserved that kind of treatment.I once told her to pick up her socks but it seems she didn’t listen.”

“She acts all holy and goody to shoes when she knows nothing.I bet she doesn’t know how to act but she’s attending drama sessions.”

“That’s true.”

“Nozipho let’s do what we came for and stop gossiping.”