THE NEW GIRL

My name is Tessy. At least that's what I would have loved to be called if my father had not insisted my name on the school register should be AMAKA IKEMEFUNA.

"You are a Nigerian", he'd said, "An Igbo! Be proud of it."

Who said I wasn't proud? I am not denying my heritage but really, what is wrong with being called Tessy Francis? It's a name. A fine one.

It's even annoying that of all names TuFace, a popular Nigerian musician decides to sing with, he chose mine. Amaka disappoint me.....

I might have been a bit popular if I didn't answer most of the questions in class, especially during Maths class. It was fun for my friends and I. We played the game of who would be the first to answer. That only got me lower and lower the social circle.

And so, my fate was sealed. I was officially in the nerd zone. My dream of being a popular girl in high school, shattered.

I am fourteen years old but you may actually think I'm older than that because of how tall I am. My face is somewhat oval in shape but I feel my forehead is too big, my nose slightly crooked, a perfect dentition I am very proud of, fair-complexioned and slim. I am in class one in my senior year.

Yet, my chest remains flat except for two small protruding things staring back at me in mockery. Girls my age already wear full padded bras. Me? Nothing. Not even hips to boast of. So embarrassing. God hates me, He does!

"Amaka, breakfast is ready", my mum calls downstairs. I roll my eyes and dash off to the bathroom.

I get to school thirty minutes before the assembly bell rings. I always do. I watch as Anna and her friends, Imelda and Ruth strolled into the class just after the first period began. They were perpetual latecomers, but people still loved them. Not me, anyway. I didn't like them. Relax, the feeling is mutual.

Mr Jato, our Biology teacher was almost done with his class when another teacher walked in with the most beautiful girl I'd ever seen. I was sure taller than her, with about two inches. Her small mouth, slender nose and brown eyes which could make anyone melt, sat well on her oval face. Her black hair was packed up in a tight bun, revealing more of her soft features. Her ebony skin shone brightly. Her hips and busts made her uniform look somewhat regal.

God, how can you make one person this beautiful? It's not fair. Everything I'm begging you for, you gave this girl in multiples, I thought angrily.

"This is our new student. What's your name?"

"Tayo Olugbenga", the girl said softly. Some of the boys whistled behind. Even her voice sounded like royalty.

"Welcome, take your seat behind...."

"I'll love to seat here, sir", she said, pointing at my seat, "If that's okay. I prefer sitting in front."

"Excellent choice", Mr Jato said. "Amaka will help you learn the ropes faster."

"Hello, Amaka", she whispered, as the class went on. "I love your haircut."

I looked at her. Is she trying to mock me right now? I mean, I always get tired of spending hours in the salon making one hair when I could be studying. So, I stuck with a low-cut and she says she loves it?

It's break time and everyone rushes out. Some boys came to meet her to introduce themselves. Israel had even asked for her number. Like, how desperate can boys be? Anyway, it's not my business.

I'm still angry, so I bring out a book and read. "So, Amaka, aren't we going out for break?"

We? Since when? "I don't feel like", I replied.

"Okay. Where do I get something to buy? I'm really hungry."

"Just go outside. Ask anybody, they'll direct you."

She stands up. "Hey! Do you want anything?"

"No!" Yeah, I know it's harsh but I just wanted to be left alone. Is it that difficult to understand?

I feel pressed so I rush to the toilet. On my way, I see Anna talking to Tayo. That's to be expected, she'd be the newest addition to the group. Nerds like me don't get into their circles.

My nerd friends, Emmanuel and Tomisin call my name but I ignore them. I am not in the mood to talk to anyone. Not today.

The rest of the day went quickly and soon, it was time to go home. I picked my bag and headed for the door without a word to Tayo or my friends. I am supposed to take a bus home but I always walk so I can see things around me. This time, I'm not observant.

I hear someone call my name from behind me and I turned. Tayo! What does she want?

"Wait for me, please", she said as she hurried up to meet me.

"Did I do something wrong? You've been hard on me since I sat with you. You don't want to share your seat with me?"

"I don't care about where anyone sits", I replied looking at the cars passing by.

"Then what's wrong?", she asked.

"Nothing. What do you want?"

"To walk home with you. Where are you going? I stay very close to the Catholic Church in Airport junction."

It was the same route I was taking but I didn't tell her. "What do you want from me?"

"To be your friend."

I laughed. "Friends? People like you and I don't become friends."

"I don't understand."

"I can't explain further", I said and went on walking. She continued beside me in silence. She got to her street and waved at me. I didn't wave back.

This continued for weeks till I finally warmed up to her. I found out she loved Maths like I did. How cool is that?

Anna still thinks I had used charms on Tayo. She told everyone. Like I care!

"Hey, I've been looking for you everywhere", Tayo said as she entered the empty class. "What are you writing? Let's go home."

I put my diary inside my bad and walked side by side out of the classroom with my friend.