Five Star Academy

 

 By Arikanki Esther 

Imagine a school where academic activities are just four hours a day. Yes, you heard that right—only four hours a day, with the rest of the day dedicated to class chatter. You’re probably wondering, what do they do for the rest of the day? Can this even be called a school? Your thoughts go wild, and you question which kind of school would allow such a schedule. Let me blow your mind; your speculations might be correct.

Welcome to the Five Star Academy.

This was part of the introductory message Jane read as she skimmed through the school bulletin. Her eyes drifted over the pages, but a face caught her attention. A familiar face. She paused, staring at it in disbelief. It was in the bulletin handed over to her days ago, but she hadn’t noticed until now.

Jane, a student at Our Good Grades Community Grammar School, had been awarded a scholarship for being among the top three students to excel in the community’s general examination. The scholarship allowed her to choose any high school outside her community, even outside the state. At first, Jane was hesitant. She barely knew schools beyond her hometown. Until she confided in her friend Lydia, they devised a plan. Before she knew it, Jane found herself choosing the most coveted school, the dream of every high-class student, Five Star Academy.

She flipped to the last page of the bulletin and felt a surge of curiosity. She dashed to retrieve the bag that came with it. Her heart raced. The instructions were clear: she wasn’t supposed to open the bag until she’d finished reading the bulletin. But her curiosity got the best of her.

Her hands trembled as she unzipped the bag. The first item she touched was… a phone. Her eyes widened. Why would they give high school students a phone? She thought. One by one, she pulled out the other items, a uniform, tags, and some writing materials.

The day of resumption arrived. Tension and excitement twisted in Jane’s chest as she walked onto the campus. Everywhere she turned, she saw girls her age stepping out of jeeps and motorcycles, their bright faces glowing with confidence. Able-bodied men carried their luggage while boys, tall, broad-shouldered and strong helped with smaller items.

It felt surreal.

The day began with students being assigned to their classes. Each student was required to exchange cards with their peers, a tradition meant to foster connections. Jane surveyed her classmates, her eyes darting from one unfamiliar face to another. Then she saw him.

Yes, him. The boy from the bulletin.

He was more handsome than she had imagined. Her heart raced as she approached him, stretching her hand for a handshake. But he turned away, his attention fixed on another girl, Ela. Ela exuded an undeniable aura of confidence and authority.

Jane, slightly flustered, tried again. This time, anger simmered beneath her composure as she stretched her hand once more. Finally, he turned and asked if she wanted to exchange cards. She nodded, her voice betraying her excitement.

But before Jane could savour the moment, chaos erupted.

A slap rang out, echoing across the room. Ela’s hand had struck Jane’s face.

The class froze. Ela’s fury was evident. She had been eyeing the boy for months, longing to connect with him. The departure of the previous class “queen” had given her hope, hope that she could now claim her place at his side and yet, here was Jane, this nobody, stealing her moment.

Both girls were promptly sent to the coordinator’s office. Their punishment? Exclusion from the first leisure activity of the day, a personal introduction exercise. Jane bit her lip in frustration. This was her chance to confirm her suspicion: was he the boy she thought he was?

Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months.

Jane struggled to adapt. Ela, now the class representative, made things harder. Neither of them was willing to yield to the other’s will.

Then, on a sunny afternoon, she arrived.

Aura, the former class queen.

And just like that, everything changed.