The next morning, Zaria woke up feeling slightly better than the previous day, but the lingering heaviness in her heart remained. She stretched, letting out a soft yawn before glancing at the small alarm clock on the wooden table beside her bed. It was almost time to get ready for school.
She turned her head slightly and saw Mila curled up beside her, breathing softly. A small smile tugged at Zaria's lips. No matter how hard life got, her little sister was her source of comfort.
Quietly, she got out of bed, making sure not to wake Mila. She tiptoed toward the tiny wardrobe in the corner of the room and picked out her neatly ironed uniform. She knew her mother must have prepared it for her the night before. Naomi always ensured that despite their financial struggles, her daughters never looked unkempt.
After a quick bath, Zaria dressed up and went to the small kitchen where her mother was already preparing breakfast. The smell of freshly brewed tea filled the air, instantly warming her heart.
"Good morning, Mom," Zaria greeted, walking over to help.
"Good morning, sweetheart. How did you sleep?" Naomi asked, giving her daughter a brief, knowing glance.
"I slept fine," Zaria answered, though the weight of yesterday's events still sat in her chest. She didn't want to worry her mother more than she already did.
Naomi eyed her for a moment before turning back to the pot. "I packed you some sandwiches for lunch. I don't want you skipping meals just because of those kids."
Zaria let out a soft chuckle. "Thanks, Mom."
Just as they were setting the table, little Mila came running in, rubbing her sleepy eyes. "Zaria, are you going to school again today?" she asked, pouting.
Zaria crouched to Mila's height and ruffled her hair. "Of course, baby girl. I have to. But I'll be back before you know it."
Mila frowned slightly but then grinned. "Okay, bring me a chocolate, okay?"
Zaria laughed and pulled her into a hug. "I'll see what I can do."
After eating a small breakfast, she grabbed her bag and hurried off to school. Unlike the rich kids who had drivers waiting at their doorsteps, Zaria had to rely on her feet. She had no other choice.
By the time she arrived at school, her feet ached, but she ignored it. She walked past the long line of expensive cars dropping off her classmates, keeping her head high despite the judgmental stares she received.
She was used to it by now.
As soon as she stepped into the hallway, whispers filled the air.
"Look, it's the charity case."
"I heard her shoes got ruined yesterday. Did she get them from a dumpster?"
"She should just quit already. She doesn't belong here."
Zaria clenched her jaw, keeping her gaze straight ahead. Their words stung, but she refused to let them see her break. She moved past them, gripping the strap of her bag tightly. The mocking laughter and sneers followed her, but she pretended not to hear.
When she finally reached her locker, she exhaled sharply, trying to shake off the negativity, but just as she was about to open it, a familiar sneer reached her ears.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't the scholarship girl."
Zaria sighed internally before turning around. In front of her stood Ashley, one of the rich, popular girls. Her uniform was immaculate, her perfectly styled hair and flawless complexion making her look like she belonged on a magazine cover. But the smug smirk on her lips only fueled Zaria's irritation.
Zaria crossed her arms. "What do you want?"
Ashley let out a mocking laugh. "Relax, I'm just curious. Did you manage to replace those pathetic sneakers of yours after yesterday's little… accident?"
Zaria clenched her fists. She had promised herself she wouldn't let them get to her, but it was hard when they made it their mission to belittle her every chance they got.
Before she could respond, another voice cut in. "Still picking on people early in the morning?"
Zaria turned to see Xavier, the Golden Boy of Harrington Academy, leaning casually against the lockers with an amused expression.
Ashley scoffed, flipping her hair. "Oh, please, Xavier. I'm just making conversation."
"Right." Xavier chuckled, clearly not convinced. His gaze flickered to Zaria's uniform before meeting her eyes. "You're tougher than you look, aren't you?"
Zaria raised an eyebrow at him. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Xavier shrugged. "Just saying, most people would have cried after what happened yesterday. But here you are, still standing."
Zaria bit the inside of her cheek, unsure of what to make of his words. Was he mocking her? Or was this his twisted way of giving a compliment?
Ashley, however, didn't seem pleased with his attention on Zaria. "Come on, Xavier, don't waste your time. Let's go."
Xavier gave Zaria one last glance before pushing off the lockers and walking away with Ashley trailing behind him.
Zaria exhaled sharply, shaking off the encounter. The gossiping students continued to whisper as she retrieved her books from her locker.
"Why is Xavier even talking to her?"
"She's probably trying to get his sympathy. Typical poor girl move."
"She should know her place."
Zaria gritted her teeth but didn't react. She had more important things to focus on like surviving another day in this school where money ruled everything.
Squaring her shoulders, she turned and walked toward her classroom, determined not to let them see her falter.
One day, she would prove them all wrong.