The next morning, I walked into school feeling like a brand-new person. Tope's words echoed in my head: "Face the problem head-on. Clear your mind and focus." I was determined to change — to stay calm, stay focused, and prove that I wasn't the person everyone thought I was.
But as soon as I entered the classroom, I realized it wouldn't be that easy.
Whispers buzzed like flies in my ears.
"That's the guy who made the teacher walk out."
"He's always causing problems."
"Tope's even talking to him now? She can do better."
I clenched my fists but took a deep breath. Not today. I reminded myself, Stay calm.
When the physics teacher returned, she walked straight to the board and ignored me completely. No eye contact, no greeting. The cold shoulder hit harder than any punishment. She started teaching, but halfway through, she suddenly turned around.
"You," she said again — the same way she did the day before, but colder this time. "What did we just learn?"
My classmates turned to stare. Some smirked, waiting for another meltdown.
I stood slowly, heart pounding. My mouth was dry, but I remembered last night. I had gone over my notes. I actually knew the answer.
"It's about Newton's third law — for every action, there's an equal and opposite reaction," I said.
She stared at me for a long second, then turned back to the board without a word.
Was that a good thing?
After class, Tope caught up with me near the hallway. "You did well," she said with a smile.
"Thanks," I replied, my voice quiet. "But it's hard… they all still see me as the troublemaker."
She shrugged. "Change isn't about them. It's about you. Keep proving yourself — and eventually, they'll see it too."
I looked at her and smiled. Maybe I was still the scapegoat… but at least now, I had someone who believed in me.