REALITY

REALITY

SAHEBA

I motivated myself to do this.

No one else but me.

I’ve always wanted to do it.

 Took me nearly 3 months to type it.

(26th July – 17 October 2020)

And I am proud of myself.

Even with my terrible writing skills.

Saheba.

Chapter 1

Students of Martin Luther King Jr. High School were having a graduation, they finished their high school, some are excited, some are emotional and some are exhausted. There was a wide variety of diversity, no students were the same. They had different skin tones, to the fairest to the darkest and, in all shapes and sizes, with unique personalities, aspirations, abilities and skills. All of them have dreams and they are ready, they’re very anxious for the future, no one can predict what’s going to happen after high school.

They sat in the middle of the field in the sun while the principal and the teachers were on stage feeling a lot of joy and pride for the students for representing their school well for years. The principal gave a speech which touched some of the students and all the students cheered when the principal passed the microphone to everyone’s favourite teacher, Miss Tara Jones.

She was young, beautiful with blond hair with a lovely smile. She stood and she looked at all the students with pride and saw her daughter, Ty. She got her looks and her loving personalities from her mother. She was all glammed up with the brightest dress.

Tara was so proud, her daughter waved and beamed with joy. She glanced over to see her best friend, Ali sat next to her but she wasn’t paying attention, she was looking down on her phone, Tara noticed and wasn’t too happy about it but she expected that and laughed in her head. Ali had black unkempt ponytail, a slouchy posture and she had a grey suit on. She looked tired and bored. Ty nudged and whispered. Ali, look up, my mum is gonna give a speech. Be ready. Ty gave strong eye contact. Ali huffed.

Oh this is taking too long!                                                                            

Sshhh. Ty was a bit annoyed.

Tara said loudly and proudly. My lovely students, you will be missed so much by me, I’ll remember all you, so dearly. There were a lot of hard-working students and it was so hard to choose one for the ‘Best Student' but we can agree, there was one who made a mark in our school, she has very high dreams and wants to make a difference. She is a very bright girl who always thinks of others, especially my daughter, Ty. Without further ado, I’m proud to call Ali Khan.

Everyone clapped and cheered, especially Tara and Ty.      

Ty pushed Ali and hollered. Yeah, that’s my best friend! She looked behind to see her boyfriend Trey. Trey was tall, dark and handsome, he was athletic and most girls would find him dreamy, Ty considers herself lucky to find the most amazing man. She looked for Riley, he was two rows in front of Trey, she saw Riley, he was cheering so much for Ali. He had a friendly smile and welcoming eyes, he was not in any way intimidating. Ty waved and smiled ear to ear at both and they reciprocated, they were so happy for Ali.

Ali got up on the stage and accepted the certificate, uncomfortably. Tara hugged her so tightly and screamed with joy. I’m so proud of you! You worked so hard! Ali smirked uncomfortably and thanked her, she tried to leave as fast as she could, Tara grabbed her hand and took her to the microphone and commanded. "You have to give a speech, your friends want to hear from you. Ali moaned and resisted but Tara wouldn’t let go and she encouraged her. She was preparing herself, she looked at her family and friends, Ty, Trey, Riley and the other students, she tried to think. She rambled.

It’s been tough but glad we had great friends to get ourselves through and great teachers. She paused and looked at Ty. When I first moved, into this town six years ago, I was really scared, I didn’t know anyone, didn’t know what’s gonna happen or what to expect but then my neighbours, Ty's family, came into my lives and I stopped worrying and thought it was gonna be okay and today I realised I am right. And also my family, for supporting me and encouraging me, so thank you. She shared, calmly.

The students cheered and howled. She was walking off the stage and then Tara pulled her and hugged her again and she was in tears so was Ty. Ali walked, she looked down at her certificate and grinned secretly. Ty appeared in front, she sobbed.

That was beautiful!                                                                            

Yeah, it was nothing. Ali mumbled.

The ceremony was over. All the students, families and teachers gathered to take pictures, signing their yearbook and they threw their hats together. They were all excited, including Ty, Ali, Trey and Riley, they all got together and talked and their families.

Trey and Ty hugged and kissed. Trey looked around and he was nervous, Ty didn’t notice. Ty screeched Oh I’m so proud of us, Trey! Can you believe we finally finished!

I know babes, can’t wait for the summer and then... College! He said with less energy. She explained.

 You don’t understand, we’re practically grown up, we finished school that gives us an opportunity to do whatever and no one can stop us. Understand! He pointed out.                                

We can’t do everything. She thought about it.

Ali was at the food stand with her parents, Sal and Mira Khan, they were so pleased.  Ali grabbed the sandwiches and cake, her plate was so full, her parents looked at her with confusion and Mira expressed her joy. Ali, no matter what you do, I will always be proud of you. You may be the best student but you will always be my best daughter. Ali smirked and Sal agreed, she put her plate down as her parents were leaning in for a group hug.

Riley’s parents, Alex and Beth Williams were very excited they couldn’t stop taking pictures of Riley. He was feeling very embarrassed. Beth tried to get Ali, he was stopping her. Ali and her family were coming, they greeted. Beth wanted to take Riley and Ali together, he tried stopping her but failed. Beth mentioned Ali, you must be so happy about the ‘Best Student’ certificate must have been very difficult. She muttered.

I guess. Mira interrupts.

So happy with my daughter. She worked so hard and she would study days and nights. Sal bragged.

She wants to be a doctor, that’s all she thinks about.

The parents met up with Tara and talked about their children. Ty, Ali, Trey and Riley sat around a table. Riley talked about a party at his house and everyone’s invited, he looked over at Ali, she was eating the cake. Riley leaned over to Ali and asked. You will come, right?                                              

I live across you, do I have a reason not to come?! She affirmed. He was happy. Trey looked around while they were on their phone and eating, he spotted his parents, he didn’t say a word, got up and randomly left. They didn’t notice.

Trey’s parents, Chris and Jo Smith, stood at the back of the crowd, they did not talk to any of the other parents or teachers. They stood alone and waited. Trey stride towards them, they had no emotion in their face, they said nothing, and they left.

Chapter 2

Riley and some of his friends were already at the party. His friends were already there, partying, Riley was getting the food ready. The party was in Riley’s garden, it was huge, lots of colourful balloons and a banner with ‘Congratulations’ written on it. There was one long table with the food and a massive speaker.

Trey came, he shouted. Hey buddy! Can’t wait to dance! and he showed his best moves. They high fived, Trey looked at the food table and was overwhelmed with the choices. Riley worriedly said. Do you think it's enough? Trey sneered.                                                                            

I think we good.                                                                            

I’m a bit nervous, trying to make sure I have everything I need.                                                        

Nice variety of cakes. Oh look. He picked up the cakes and took a bite of the cake. You have Ali’s favourites. Trey teased. Riley awkwardly laughed.                                  

Ha, must be a coincidence. I’m just making sure there is enough food for everyone. A lot of people are coming, don’t want anyone starving. Trey snorted so hard. Riley sighed. And anyways. I’m certain she thinks of me only as a friend. So, not gonna ruin that!

Well okay, but have you tried telling her or asking her out?! She might surprise you! Trey sang, trying to encourage him.                                        

Trust me. She won’t surprise me. Riley mocked. I’ll just stick with trying to impress her, for now. And then when she gives me a sign or we have a moment. ‘Then,’ I’m gonna hit her with the question. It might take weeks, years but I’ll take that risk. Not taking my chances now! He stressed.                                                                            

To be honest, I don’t think you’ll ever have a chance, pal. He joked. Riley looked confused and interested. Trey howled.                   

Cos you white!

What?! Riley burst out. First thing first. Ali’s not racist. And she got you and Ty together so why would she have an issue with interracial relationships! Riley looked strongly in his eye. Trey laughed.                                         

Just kidding pal. But I still don’t think you have a chance ‘for now’. Just remembered, she’s not looking for anyone, Ty told me she desperately wants to be a doctor and doesn’t want anything to drag her down and I’m pretty sure having a ‘boyfriend’ will drag her down. Riley thought about it.

Ty and Ali came together, Ty was nervous. I hope I look good. If only ‘you’ were helpful, She blamed Ali, Ali did nothing about it. I just want to look good so when I dance with Trey, we both look amazing and perfect for each other. Like I think about our future all the time and I’m not rushing but I’m certain he’s the one for me, you know what I mean. Ali looked at her with a straight face and clarified.  

You’re asking the worst person. I know nothing about love and relationship, but also, you shouldn’t be asking me or anyone else with your love life. Ask yourself to make the right choice and how you feel. She tried to show that she cared.                                                                            

Erm, don’t you remember. you got me and Trey together, so you believe something. She tried to  convince her.                                     

The only thing I did. Told Trey you liked him and then you got lucky. Ali commanded.

Trey shouted. Hey babes! I’m over here! Ty screamed and came running. Riley looked at Ali and he was anxiously happy. She saw, she grinned back and finger gunned and went away to her other friends. He was a bit disappointed, he drank his drink and checked his phone. He decided to take a stroll around the party.

Ty and Trey sat around the table. Ty is very excited. So, how do I look? He teased.                        

Good but I think you have something in your teeth. She panicked.                                                  

What! I’m gonna kill Ali, she didn’t tell me anything! She rushed to go but Trey grabbed her.          

Babes, just kidding. You look amazing! He expressed. He leaned in for a kiss. Ty was screaming with joy, inside. She grabbed his hand and pulled him away from the table to dance, he was feeling it, she grabbed his neck, and they looked at each other’s eye with the biggest smile and butterfly in their stomach.

Tara entered, she rushed to see Riley’s parents. She saw Riley, he was alone, she wondered what he was thinking and noticed his eyes were toward Ali while he was drinking, she sneered. She goes towards him and clears her throat. What’s going on? Do I need to know something?! She strongly looks at his eye. He’s embarrassed.           

No idea what you’re implying, Tara? He gulped. She stared into his soul. He blasted.  "Okay, fine but don’t tell Ty, she won’t be able to keep a secret and Ali will hate that and probably feel awkward and wouldn’t know what to