EPISODE TWENTY-FIVE: CHARGES CLEARED

**Hadizah's POV**

Four days into my suspension, I found myself sulking on my bed. Though chatting with Ava would have been comforting, guilt over my actions prevented me from calling her. The only thing I missed about school was the decorating. Helping with decorations could have boosted my grades and allowed me to auction some of my drawings. But I feared people might think I was doing it out of desperation. I just wanted recognition for my hard work.

"Mummy, do you need help with anything?" I asked as my mum entered my room quietly.

"Actually, no. I was wondering if you'd like to come with me to get my car fixed," she said.

Though I'm not usually fond of going out due to past challenges and some incidents with my dad, today I felt it might help clear my mind.

"Yes, I'd love to go. I don't have anything else to do anyway," I replied.

"Get dressed. We'll leave in fifteen minutes," she said.

A few minutes later, I was dressed in a blue-green Ankara that I had worn on the last Eid, paired with a red rose hijab and a long black coat. I chose to dress warmly because of the cold.

Let me share a secret: everyone knows me as a shy girl, and I'm very insecure about my body. I avoid wearing fitting clothes because of my curvy figure and don't want to attract unwanted attention. My mum always taught me to be modest. I inherited my body shape from her-she's partly South African, known for their distinctive body types. I prefer to stay within my limits.

When I got downstairs, I saw my mum.

"Are you sure you want to wear that?" she asked.

"Yes, Mum. If I'm going to be living here, they might as well start learning about my traditions," I said.

"Hmmm, okay. Let's go," she said.

We got into the car, and the snow hit my face, sending a shiver down my spine. It felt refreshing, but one person lingered on my mind-the black-eyed guy who had managed to worm his way into my heart.

Even if I liked him, how could I admit it? Am I allowed to, given my religion? I hoped everything would work out. At least I have the decency to fall for a Muslim, though he isn't the best example. But he's willing to learn, isn't he?

Minutes later, we arrived at the mechanic's shop. It was painted blue with red stripes, looking both cool and hot.

"Get down," Mum said.

I hopped out, sighing as I entered the warm shop.

"Mum, isn't this place quite expensive? Everyone leaving their cars here are drivers, not owners," I asked.

"My company is covering it. It's not a big deal," she said.

"Okay," I replied.

"I need to use the washroom," Mum said.

"Alright," I said.

As I wandered through the shop, I discovered an ice cream shop behind it. I went deeper into the hallways and found a room filled with exotic cars. This was no ordinary mechanic's shop.

"Marcus, drop that spanner," I heard a familiar voice say.

"It's so cool, I think I could pluck my baby teeth out with it and grow stronger ones," a babyish voice replied.

"Marco, put my phone away from the engine oil," the voice said again.

I pushed open the door to see Michael in an undershirt and shorts stained with engine oil. His muscles flexed as he moved, and I couldn't help but admire his physique. Despite being seventeen, he looked older, with his hair all messy.

He was trying to take his phone from his brother, who was about to drink engine oil.

"Hey," I said, dragging the phone from him.

They looked no older than three.

"Thanks," Michael said, but didn't fully recognize me.

"Twinkle?" he said, looking at me in shock.

"Who's that?" I asked.

"I'm sorry," he said, regaining his composure. "Hadizah, what are you doing here?"

"It's none of your business," I said, ready to walk out.

As I was about to leave, I spotted a puppy. I bent down to pet it. Though dogs aren't allowed in Islam, I couldn't resist their cuteness.

"You're so cute. What's your name, little doggy?" I asked in a babyish tone.

"I thought you weren't allowed to touch dogs," Michael said.

"I'm not allowed to keep them in my house and thy are not supposed to touch my clothes but I can manage a little interaction," I said, smiling. Michael seemed at a loss for words.

"Whose is this?" I asked.

"My brother's," he answered shortly, still a man of few words.

"Okay, and are these your brothers?" I inquired.

"Yes, I'm babysitting them," he said.

"Anyways, what are you doing in a mechanic shop? I know that you are better off than to be taking extra jobs," I said.

"My dad makes sure that we learn one handiwork or the other, he grooms us for our own future," he said.

"Your dad sure is very smart and considerate," I said.

"He's awesome," he said.

"Who owns this place, your dad,"I asked.

"No it's for my uncle, he created a special place just for me," he said.

"Yeah right,"I said.

"I want to introduce myself to your brothers. They're adorable," I said, approaching them.

"Hey, cuties," I said, gesturing for them to come forward. One approached, while the other hesitated, pulling at the other's shirt.

"Mama said not to talk to strangers," he whispered.

"Guys, she's not a stranger. She's my friend," Michael said. When did I become his friend?

The twins moved closer.

"What are your names?" I asked, tousling their hair. They had dreadlocks only at the front, making them look even cuter-almost like a style I'd seen on Nikki Minaj's son. Their green eyes shone bright, just like Michael's.

"I'm Marco," the slightly taller one said.

"I'm Marcus," the other said.

They looked as handsome as their older brother. Did I just call Michael handsome? Pfftt, no.

"You're both so cute," I said, complimenting them.

"They're not so cute. They drain the life out of me," Michael said.

"That's what you'd say as their brother. Obviously," I said, taking their side.

The twins giggled mischievously.

I felt sorry for Michael. I didn't know what he went through babysitting twins. I decided to help out since I have a way with kids.

"Kids, do you know if you stay gentle and don't make your elders worry, a mysterious creature leaves big chocolate bars under your pillow?" I said.

"Really? I want one!" they chorused.

"Then will you both promise to be good boys and sit still?" I asked with a smirk.

They looked up at Michael before answering. "Fine, we'll be good," they said.

"High-five," I said, high-fiving them.

"You know what to do," I said to Michael, and he nodded.

"Now, what's your dog's name?" I asked.

"Cat," they chorused.

"You named your dog Cat?" I asked, confused.

"He's fast, just like Catboy from PJ Masks," Marco-or maybe Marcus-said.

"Oh, right," I said.

"But you can just call him CB, his initials," Marcus-or Marco-added. Even my face showed confusion.

"Okay," I said.

"Marco has blue-green eyes, and Marcus has yellow-green eyes," Michael said.

I mouthed a thank you to him.

"You can have these," I said, handing them some sweets.

"Thank you," they both said. They had impeccable manners.

"And you, Mr.," I said, pointing at Michael as I stood up. "When did we become friends? Ava said you didn't think I was your friend."

"I'm just trying to get better," he said.

"I'm not your rehabilitation center," I snapped.

"I know. I just want you to know I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. I was so focused on my own exam that I wasn't sure if you had cheated," he said.

"But if you thought that, you should have at least trusted me. You should have known I could never cheat. I'm a fellow classmate and human being," I said, wiping a tear from the corner of my eye.

"Anyway, we're done here. Take care of your brothers," I said.

I walked toward the door, petting the dog one last time.

"Hadizah," he called out.

"What?" I asked.

"I have a surprise for you," he said.

"Why would you have a surprise for me? I'm not your friend, remember?" I said.

"It doesn't matter. Don't worry; you'll see," he said.

"Whatever," I said, walking out.

My mind told me not to care about the surprise, but my heart said otherwise. Why was I so conflicted?

I looked back and saw his brothers behaving perfectly. Good boys.

"Adunni, where have you been?" my mum asked with a worried expression.

"I'm sorry, Mum. I was just walking around," I said, hugging her.

"You'll be the death of me," she said.

"Authubillahi minashaytanir Rajeem (I seek refuge from the devil). Mummy, how can you say that? You know I love you," I said.

"I know, but you make me worry too much," she said.

I felt she was referring to my suspension. I wished I could turn back time.

We got back into the car and drove home.

Later that night, after dinner, I settled down for some Netflix, watching episodes of *The Proud family : Louder and Prouder. Before I knew it, I was off to sleep.

The next morning, I woke up to the faint sound of my TV. This meant that my mum had also gone to bed early because she usually turns off the TV for me.

After my Fajr prayer and asking for forgiveness from Allah, I knew He would vindicate me sooner or later.

I got ready to prepare breakfast for my mum since she was off work today and I wanted her to relax.

I made some French toast and hot cocoa. That should do it, I thought.

When she came downstairs, her shock was palpable.

"You don't need to thank me, I'm your daughter," I said smugly.

"I know you're my favorite daughter," she replied.

"I'm your only daughter," I pointed out.

"Let's have breakfast," she said. I took off my apron and joined her at the table.

We ate in silence, my mum absorbed in her phone.

"Let me guess, work?" I said.

"No, actually, it's your school. They asked me to come with you by 11:30 AM today," she said.

"Why would they want me to come to school? I'm on suspension," I thought.

"I don't feel like going," I said.

"You don't know, Adunni. It may be for the best," she said.

"Fine, I've lost my appetite," I said, dropping my fork angrily.

"Adunni, don't start with me," she warned. My mum can be very scary when she wants to be.

"Eat quickly so you can rest before we leave," she said.

"I've heard," I replied tersely.

I went upstairs to have a short nap before going to school.

*****

The school's large iron-wrought gate opened as our car gently sped in.

Soon, we were in the principal's office, ready for whatever they had called us here for.

"We got a tip, Mrs. Damilare, and your daughter didn't cheat in the examination," the principal said, smiling broadly.

She must be joking. What is happening? Was I dreaming? I pinched myself, but trust me, I am alive and well.

"I don't understand," my mum said.

"A student came in and cleared your daughter's charges. She was framed by a senior," the principal explained.

"Who is it?" I asked, curiosity burning through me.

"It was Dahlia Roberts and her two friends, Sandra Carter and Violet Reynolds. We assure you they will be given appropriate punishments," she said.

I knew they hated me, but not this much.

"Mummy, those are my bullies," I said, tears streaming down my face. God has finally vindicated me at last.

"We are so sorry, and we hope you accept the school's sincere apology," the principal said.

"We accept wholeheartedly," my mum said.

"You can resume school tomorrow, and your scholarship is nowhere near being revoked," she said.

"Thank you so much, Principal Mavis," I said.

"I've always known you were different. You were just a unique character among your peers," she said.

"You have a very bright daughter," she complimented.

"Thank you," my mum replied.

"If I may ask, who was the student that cleared my name?" I asked.

"I'm sorry, the student asked to remain anonymous," she said.

"Okay. I really wish I could thank that person," I said softly.

"Can we leave now?" my mum asked.

"Yes, you may leave, but we expect you at 8:00 AM sharp tomorrow," the principal said.

"No problem," I said, standing up to leave. Once we were out, I was so happy I could hardly contain my joy.

"Ma, I told you I didn't cheat," I said.

"I know. I have a unique daughter," my mum said, squeezing my side. I smiled into her clothes.

I remembered those words:

"I have a surprise for you."

"It doesn't matter."

"Don't worry, you'll see."

"Mummy, I need to find someone," I said, running through the hallways looking for him.

"Have you seen Michael?" I asked a random kid.

"No," he replied.

I asked and asked until I reached his private locker room.

"How many times do I have to tell you to stop bugging me, Chase?" Michael said, turning back when he noticed it was me. He fell silent, at a loss for words.

I saw his tattoo, the four-legged spider tattoo. Looking at it now, it looked freakishly good on him. Hadizah, snap out of it.

"Hadizah," he called out to me.

"Michael," I replied.

"You came back to school?" he asked.

"Don't act like you don't know. You pulled me out of this, didn't you?" I asked, tears of joy trickling down my cheeks.

"What are you talking about?" he asked again.

"You reported those girls, didn't you? You found evidence and cleared my name," I said, my voice breaking.

"I'm sorry, it wasn't me. I really wish it could have been," he said.

Who was I kidding? I knew Michael would never do anything like that for me, I thought.

I wiped my tears. "Just so you know, I'm no longer on suspension. I'm back at school," I said, walking out without waiting for him to reply.

"Why do I always get my hopes up because of him, only to have them crushed?" I wondered. "Maybe I'm just being naive or stupid, everyone's plaything. Forget him; he's not worth it."

Then, I thought of someone else: Julian.

I raced off to the hockey bleachers, pushing past everybody. There I was, standing in front of him. Before he could react, I took his helmet off for him.

I immediately took his hand, interlocking it with mine, and placed my other hand on his chest. I could feel how strong he was from just my touch. He was usually the first to do this, but this time, I was.

"Julian, you're the best, and I'm sorry I pushed you away," I said.

He smiled, and I couldn't help but notice how much his eyes sparkled.

"You don't need to apologize. I couldn't just stand by and watch you get framed," he said.

"I know you wouldn't, Jay," I said, feeling like he was the best thing that had ever happened to me.

"Why didn't you let the principal tell me it was you?" I asked.

"I didn't want the school doing things like giving me 'Student of the Week' or some silly stuff like that. I didn't want strange rumors built up against you. I know you don't date," he said.

"Thank you so much, Julian," I said again.

"I'm your prince charming," he said, letting our hands go.

"And you've saved me from being locked in my tower forever," I said, giggling.

"Call me anytime, and I'll be there for you. I'll never leave you," he said.

"I know, I can always count on you," I said.

"Don't hesitate," he said with a smirk.

"Julian, I really wish I could stay, but I need to go now. My mum is probably already waiting," I said.

"Yeah, you should go," he said, smiling at me.

"Bye," I said, wiping a tear from my eye and smiling.

*****

We got home, and I was as happy as a tick on a dog.

I ironed my uniform and got ready for school. I am going to rock tomorrow.

I also needed to apologize to Ava. She had always been my pillar since I joined this school, and I had just pushed her away. Some friend I was.

I lay on my bed, thinking about Julian.

My Prince Charming.

WRITER'S NOTE : I'm a good writer I know, but I feel bad for Michael, but don't worry he has a juicy past.

QOTD :They hate me because it's easier than beating me.