Chapter 54 : The Exchange Programme

Playlist: A lot by 21 Savage

Finally the day we have all been waiting for. I packed all the things that I needed and by I,I mean favour cause I scored a zero on my packing abilities and we're allowed with our phones (1) for security reasons and (2) cause in West End High they are allowed with gadgets...well on special days so I heard.

After rolling my large box to the line of buses near the gate, I sat down waiting next to Caleb for the rest of the students.

"Ok students gather around time to take roll call" Miss king announced.

"Finally" Caleb rolled his eyes

"I know right, too bad Naomi isn't coming"  I said as we strolled to the bus.

"Don't look now but here comes your narcissistic boyfriend" Caleb scoffed  and I turned and saw Elliot and Asher walking towards the bus with their eyes glued to their phones as juniors rolled their bags behind them...lazy

"Oh how nice of you to join us so early" miss king said sarcastically but they just shot her a smug look.

"I'm not even sure you guys are up to 50...it's 11:30 I'm giving the late comers just 10 more minutes and we're off" she said walking away.

"Hey cupcake" ash said kissing my cheek.

"Hey li....what the fuck"

"What?"

"You seem taller" I said eyeing him, nothing seems to be wrong with his shoes.

"How?"

"Well I normally reach you chest, now I'm slightly below it"

"And is that a bad thing" he arched a brow at me.

"It makes it harder to kiss you" I whined tip toeing while he chuckled

" whatever let's find a good seat, well you rather, I can always find a good seat"

"Sorry I'm sitting with Caleb" I informed.

"Damn you didn't even consider me" he faked hurt.

"Sorry seat with James or whatever"

"James isn't coming" ash deadpanned.

"How come"

"He said that he had gone every year so he wanted a break. Plus he could go for his baseball shit earlier" he explained.

"Bummer he cou-"

"Ok shut up listen to your names" miss King announced.

One by one we filed into our respective buses and got seated. Junior took one bus while seniors took the other. Caleb and I sat on seats for two, as we watched the rest get seated. Ash entered the bus sending me a wink and Caleb a displeased look before going to the back.

"Ok does everyone have a seat...are we complete" miss king yelled peeking through the bus.

"No this bus has only 29 students instead of 30" the driver said.

"Well who the fu-"

"I'm sorry...I'm sorry I'm late" Austin yelled panting and she just shook her head letting him pass.

Once he passed my seat and went behind to seat with Ash I couldn't keep myself from laughing listening to their conversation.

"Are you stupid why didn't you wake me up" Austin whispered yelled.

"I thought James would" he said feeling no remorse.

"How would someone that was dozing with me possibly wake me up" he said but he just shrugged.

After saying a prayer we were ready to hit the road and we waved off our principal whom will meet us soon.

10 minutes had passed, I called my mum informing her of my movements and I'm currently watching stranger things with Caleb on his phone. I turned around to check on Nat but she seems peaceful cuddling with Elliot. Turned to my left to see Rylie dozing off of Favour's shoulder and too the far back to see liam, I guess texting someone as he chews the rope of his hoodie. Maybe I should say hi, I thought taking a picture and went to my Snapchat.

Me: muah😘

I captioned on the pic peaking behind and found him smiling.

Mission accomplished.

Before her rose his head. Duck before my cover is blown.

King: sup babe

Me: just wanted to let you know I'm thinking about you.

King: I miss you

Me: me too baby. But don't worry I'll talk to you when we reach WEH

King: sounds like a plan. Hey you wanna see something cool.

Me: sure

I waited and he sent me a picture. It was the most iconic thing I've ever seen, little Ash looking so sophisticated with a smug look on his face and his hands in his pockets while his dad made a fuck you sign to the camera sticking his tongue out and looking so care free.

King: I was 6 and my dad was 28

Me: its so cool, you were a really cute boy.

King: so I'm not cute now?

Me: nah...your fucking hot, sha ttyl.

And I peeked back again  seeing him stare at his phone before he tucked it into his pocket.

"Hey are you cold" Caleb asked taking my hand. Now that I think about it I really am.

"How did you know" I asked. "Are you reading my mind, are you a wizard" I narrowed my eyes at him

"No you've been rubbing your thighs a lot"

"Oh" ...well what a bad day to where my flowery short off shoulder dress with sneakers

"Here take" he proceeded on taking off his hoodie over his head revealing little of his toned abdomen making my cheeks heat a little.

Why does my bestie have to be hot

"Thanks" I said snuggling closer to him and resting my head on his shoulder while he puts his arm around me. I took out my phone and held it up to take a picture.

"Hey look up" I said distracting him from his movie and we took a dozen pics before a message came in.

King: y'all better behave if you want him to have a normal face the rest of the week.

Yeah I'm just gonna put it back into my pocket, he won't hurt him...right?

★★★★★★

I swear I haven't slept for more than 30minutes before one mumu decided to wake me up.

"Wake up we're here" caleb shock me and I stood up following him behind.

We came out of the bus and I rubbed my eyes and blinked a few times...yep its real

The place was beautiful. Everywhere was clean and classy. Like my school is fancy but my gosh I think I can see horses from the distance.

"Stop gawking geez" Ash said standing directly behind me.

"I understand Anna, its too good to be true" Nat said gawking with me.

"Their school fees must be off the charts" Fay said on the other side of me.

"Oh it is... Good day students" Mr Kennedy, the principal greeted looking dashing as ever with his hair gelled back and his prominent dimples deepened. And we greeted back.

"Yes I would love to stay and chat giving you a tour myself but I have many things to do so I'll leave you in the hands of Emily" he said motioning to a girl along side a group of other people.

"She's the head of the welcome committee and she'll tell you all you need to know and show you around. Make yourselves at home" he said and walked off and she stepped forward in glee.

"Oh my God this is gonna be so annoying" Ash said against my ear.

"What she's just excited" I whispered.

"Yes but about who?...wait for it" he said and straightened up.

What's he talking about?

"Hey I'm Emily Sanders. I'm a junior(SS2) and I'll be your host or guide or Whatever" she smiled and motioned to the younger ones behind her to take our bags to the dorms I presume.

She walked forward towards me and waved and I gave her my best smile in return.

"Hi I'm Ann... sophomore" I greeted.

"Yeah I don't care" she deadpanned silently so only I can hear pushing me a side making me hit favour

Bitch what?

"Liam Noles. Head boy a pleasure meeting you" she smiled taking his arm.

"Now if you'll all follow me let's get this tour started" she said walking ahead with Liam exchanging small talk while I grumble behind them.

Keep calm...she's just a bitch

We walked for about an hour, showing us everything, i basically snapchatted the whole tour and our last destination was the hostel.

"You mean to tell me boys and girls stay together" Nat emphasized in disbelief.

"I know right I thought the same thing when I entered the school... But anyway yes plus the rooming system is like that of your school so from 2-12 can stay in a room and the two schools can mix so if you have friends from this school, you can stay with them" Emily explained.

"Dope" Henry commented

"Here are your programmes and hand book" she shared across the board.

"What! You guys prep 3 times a day" I exclaimed

"Yep how else are we meant to keep our standards high" Emily said in a duhh tone.

"One being by 6am in the morning before breakfast" I said in horror

"Yep deal with it" she deadpanned

"There's still time to freshen up, dinner is by 7pm and hope y'all have a wonderful stay" she smiled giving ash a last look before retreating.

I went to take my bag before going to the rest of the gang. Ash approached me and I unconsciously roll my eyes.

"See" he teased.

"She was so thirsty"

"Ah ah no...excited" he teases and I scoffed. "Anyway wanna share a room" he wiggled his brows.

"Nah I'm gonna avoid the chance of you always trying to sexually harass me and stay with Nat,Fay and our sweet child Jordan in a room for four"

"Hmm ok I'll stay with Austin,Elliot and Scott in a room for four too"

"Who's Scott" I asked.

"Scott obi...he's one of the main guys, headboy actually" he informed.

"Hmm maybe I'll meet him later...see you during dinner" I tiptoed and kissed him before going to a dorm.

★★★★★

We walked into the huge cafeteria and I swr I didn't know what to do after.

Ash already went to the populars table with his people sitting next to Queen Bitch Lexi and Elliot on the other side. I swear their like 20 on the table, and favour and henry left us earlier on to meet some people they knew.

"Hey ladies" someone said making Nat and I to squeal.

I was ready to slap the ekpa but I turned around to see Brian and another guy

"Bree!!!" We squealed and hugged him

"Hey I've missed you so much" he hugged us back.

"Hey I'm eguonor" the guy with the glasses waved and I hugged him too.

"Nice to meet you"

"Anyway your seating with us, just came to pick you and we could keep each other up to date" he said and took us to the line to get some food and showed us his table. Which was like 3 tables always from the populars

"Hey guys meet two of my favourite girls" he said to the table of like 12 people and we waved at them.

"Hi I'm Ann and she's Natalie we're  sophomores" I introduced as Brian took a seat.

"Me too" 3 girls and a guy said and I sat next to Brian with Nat on his other side. well I guess the rest are juniors like him.

"Sorry I'm late, I was...Ann"

"Sarah" I squealed and hugged her.

"Nice to see you again" she said and she took a seat in front of Brian, next to eguonor. And we chatted away for the rest of the night.

After dinner I submitted my phone, changed into my PJs and sat on my cozy pink bed. The room is just full of pink and white and guess what... Each room has a glass door leading to a balcony so you can stay outside and watch the stars.

"Is this place awesome or what"Nat said coming out of the bathroom.

"  its cool I guess, well goodnight we have school tomorrow " Jordan said and  stood up to tuck her in.

"I'm surprised she's comfortable staying with us instead of her peers" fay said and I just shrugged.

"Hey I'm gonna go out somewhere I'll be right back" I said opening the door.

"Say hi to Elliot for me" nat said before jumping onto her bed.

"How did you know I was going to their room" I turned around....too many wizards.

"Girl its written all over you. Bye" she waved and I was out the door.

I walked to their dorm room which is down the hallway and knocked on the door. After a while a fine piece of dark chocolate snack with nice hair opened the door only wearing umm....boxers.

"My eyes are up here" he said with a chuckle wearing a soft smile.

"Oh yeah sorry. Hi I'm Ann, I'm here to see Asher" I said.

"Who are you"

"Scott let her in" ash yelled from inside and he stepped aside letting me in.

"Are y'all decent" i covered my eyes entering the room "

"Yeah open your eyes" Austin said and I opened my eyes.

"Hey babe"Ash said kissing my forehead.

"oohhh Ann... The girlfriend " Scott said in realisation. "Nice finally meeting you" he said widening his arms and I turned around to hug him.

"You know if he ever disappoints you papa Scott is always here to make you feel better" he smirked still holding my hand.

"Would you get your filthy hands off my girl" ash swatted his hands away making him laugh.

"Ummm ok nice meeting you too, I'll keep that in mind"

"Anyway I came to tell you a quick goodnight and y'all can get back to what you were doing" I said motioning to well the room.

"Ok let's go to the balcony" ash said leading me there.

"But why...I wanna see y'all kiss. It makes me feel like I'm watching a romantic movie" Austin said and we all gave him a weird look.

"What! its frustrating not being boo'd up sometimes" he shrugged.

"I feel you my brother" Scott high fived him.

"Oh and yeah Natalie said goodnight and she loves you "

"Kiss her for me" Elliot replied as ash and I stepped outside to the cool breeze.

"Omg you can see me from here if I came outside too"

"Yeah maybe we'll do  all those romantic scenes where the boy and girl both step outside and see each other and maybe sing or something" ash smiled.

"High school musical" I arched a brow.

"Yep" he said popping the p and I laughed.

"Anyway" I said wrapping my arms around his torso. "goodnight, have a great day tomorrow"

"You too honey" he said pecking my hand then my  lips nibbling on it for a few seconds before releasing them.

I walked out of the balcony passing the guys. Eyaa it would be sad just leaving them.

"Night Austin" I pecked his cheek. "Night Ellie" I pecked him. "Goodnight Scott" I pecked him and left

★★★★★

Jordan was the first to take a bath and woke all of us up. We prepared and looked glamorous for our first day and headed for class, we took our school uniforms yesterday and receive the rest of the uniforms today and Jordan found her way to her class while I was trying to find my locker.

"Ok 36P " I said still looking for it, I swear I went through this hallway like twice already. Nat found hers some time ago cause her's was nearer 74G. Uggh I only have 12mins till my first class begins which is English. I start pacing faster then I start jogging then as I swerved through a corner I hit some guy falling both out things down.

"I'm so sorry I was just looking-" I started picking my bag and some papers.

"Are you blind" he scolded not even trying to pick his bag, he looks angry.

I picked up his bag for him. "I said I'm sorry" I spat out slightly annoyed by his arrogant behavior and a crowed started to form

"Yeah sorry for being stupid" he scoffed taking his things from my hand.

"Is that right? And what exactly have you accomplished that makes you Einstein" I said making him turn and I arched a brow at him.

"Your even dumber than you look little girl. Do you know who your talking to" he said walking closer over taking me with his height but I try to stay strong.

"Clearly nothing more than a douche" I smiled and I could see the flame in his eyes.

What I'm I doing

"Your-"

"Shut up and leave her alone" someone said behind him.

"What" he turned facing asher.

"What? You want to fight a girl...gather the rest of the dignity you have and get out before I make you" he ordered. Yeah that's by Knight in shining armor.

"Bitch" he muttered walking away. But who he referring to tho.

"Thank you" I mouthed passing him and just went straight to my classroom

As I entered the class I didn't think but scream "I'm sorry I'm late" and the full class looked at me.

"Hi I'm Ann, from RKC" I greeted .

"Ok get seated we just started" the teacher said with a smile and I found and empty seat next to a girl at the middle rows while favour it at the back

"Hey may I seat next to you"

"Sure" she said taking her things of the chair and I sat down taking out my notes.

"Why do you have so many books with you" she asked. "I'm Liliane by the way. Nice meeting you"

"My pleasure and well to take notes with them" I answered in a duhh tone.

"We use laptops and folders most of the time" she informed.... Well I feel stupid now.

"Hmm I didn't know" I said honestly.

"No problem I have and extra laptop with me" she said searching through her bags and gave me a small pink one.

"Thanks" I appreciated and focused on the class.

★★★★★

Well my first day of school was a seven out of ten, apart from getting lost most of the time and my little encounter the rest of the day is going OK. Its lunch time and I just took my food with the rest of the group behind me.

"Dude since when do you take salads" eguonor asked eyeing Brian warily.

"Since we passed a bunch of people and they said hi to you first" he answered sassily challenging him to make a comeback and the full table laughed...except them sha.

"Got you. Joke abeg I'm not just hungry" he smiled.

"Guy Ann that nigga was ready to insult your destiny" nat suddenly remember.

"I swear I was thinking of the flowers you would like me to bring for your funeral" eguonor laughted hard making his glasses fall into his food...good for him.

"Mtcheew abeg don't mind them, that guy is just a mumu" Sarah said eating her fries.

"Who is he anyway" I asked.

"Kyle, he's one of the guys, but to me he's just a very big bully" she informed and turned around to look at the populars table, he indeed is on it and seems like his engulfing them in one serious gist. And Ash looks normal but Lexi seems to close for my liking.

"Sha thank God Ash came to the rescue" Brian teased making me blush. "You know I would have done the same"

"Yeah I wish" I rolled my eyes.

"What? you don't believe me...huh? Huh?" He said poking my sides then tickling me a little.

* Asher's POV*

I think the next time I come to eat I'll eat on the other side of the table. Although I'll be near a Melissa sitting on Joey's lap sucking their faces out,Austin flirting with Nicole or with the athletes talking shit but its better than staying next to Lexi that's always trying to escalate the conversation.

"Hey are you ok" Sophia held my hand and I looked at her.

"No she's been talking for a very long time" I said maintaining my resting bitch face.

"Just bare with her, she's sweet a times...rarely" she said and I turned back to my food.

"Hey so what are you doing after lunch, I'm having cheer leading... Maybe you could come watch" she said with a big seductive smile.

"Yeah I'll have to pass sorry, maybe next time" I maintained my inner gentleman.

"Pooh, hey isn't that your girlfriend" she pointed at Ann's table.

She was smiling and talking with Brian(I think that's his name) while he examines her hair then ruffles it. They said some things to each other then stood up and left hand in hand. I turned back to my food trying not to give a fuck.

"She seems quite cozy with him for her first day" she said with mischief in her voice.

"Yeah they were best friends or Whatever before she relocated" I turned to face her.

"Yeah...why don't you break up with your girlfriend, I'm bored" she said placing her fingers down my arm.

"You know what I'm done" I declared dropping my cutlery. "Elliot, James, Austin see you at the dorm. Bye Sophia" I said and walked out. The nerve she has.

*Ann's POV*

Bree was currently dragging me to his room and my wrist is starting to hurt. Once we were in he closed the doors and I folded my arms over my chest.

"So this is your dorm nice" I said inspecting the room. Little messy tho but that can be fixed.

"So who are you staying with" I asked.

"Eguonor, Noah and Rylie"

"Nice...so what happens after"

"Well we usually attend clubs then other stuff" he informed.

"Yeah true, nat and i  joined a dance club today "

"Yeah I'll take you there just be ready by 3 o'clock" he said and escorted me to my dorm.

We arrived at a big hall with like 150 people inside including Elliot and well we danced. It was fun tho, maybe my stay here would be enjoyable.

★★★★★

Its Wednesday half way through the programme. It was third period and I was at the back of the class secretly gisting with some people but surprisingly its only me the teacher decided to interrogate. I tried apologizing but she wouldn't give in and sent me out.

Wow what a great impression I'm leaving I thought as I walked through the halls. I decided to slide down my locker and read a novel on the floor.

"Ann" someone called out.

"Nat what are you doing here" I asked surprised.

"Long story" she said scratching the back of her neck

"Ok whatever just seat with me" I said tapping the spot beside me and she sat down running her hands through her face. After a while of silence she broke it.

"Hey no one really knows us in this school right?" She said.

"Yep"

"Class,names, identities?"

"Nope"

"Wanna do something fun"

"Does it lead to my expulsion"

"Nope"

"Suspension"

"Nope"

"Detention"

"Probably" she shrugged

"Ok let's do it" I stood up and helped her up.

She took me to a set of classes and we peeped through the window on the door and saw the teacher pointing at the projector.

"Ok there's Bree, we're gonna join his class there are two empty seats near him" Natalie explained.

"Are you crazy, what if we get caught walking to the seats" I whisper yelled at her crazy plan.

"We're not walking we're crawling and try not to get caught" she scolded back.

"Gee thanks I'll try me best" I shot her a fake smile.

"Just follow my lead" she said opening the door slightly and we snuck in.

Some students gave us weird looks but we just smiled at them. On passing I saw Emma and waved at her and she waved back looking confused as ever. I finally got to the seat and sat on it quickly and nat safely sat on the once closer to Bree.

I saw a ball of paper under the locker I was seating on and threw it hitting Bree's head making him turn and I smiled innocently.

"What the hell are you doing here" he mouthed.

"It was my idea, we missed you" Nat mouthed.

"Aww thanks I love you guys but I'll laugh at y'all when you get detention" he mouthed and chuckled.

"Mr nmero is there a problem" the teacher asked.

"No sir I'm listening" Bree replied but the teacher still narrowed his eyes at him before focusing back while I try not to laugh my ass out.

We kept on bickering when we could before the bell rang for the next period.

★★★★★

I entered a big room for the art and photography club and looked around to sit next to the only person I knew there, Elliot.

"Hi" I greeted and he turned surprised to see me here.

"Hey, I didn't know you were interested in art" he smirked.

"I'm not I like my pictures taking" I said truthfully.

"Hello class pair yourselves, each member would be in charge of one aspect to chose within yourselves" the teacher interrupted.

"Ok you could be in charge of the art aspect and I could be in charge of the photography part" he declared.

"Why can't I take the pictures" I whined.

"Do you know how to take proper pictures" he raised a brow.

"Good point"

"So today we're gonna draw our partners...begin" she said and exited. Hmm what a teacher.

"I should have taking the art aspect" Elliot said lowly going to get our materials.

He sat on a chair and posed. "Don't worry I got you" I said confidently picking a pencil and some paint.

"Are you almost done" Elliot whined.

"Shut up I'm doing the finishing touches...and done" I clapped.

"Finally let let see" he said relaxing his body and I turned the portrait for him to see and his smile instantly dropped

.

"I've been in a pose for over an hour and half for a stickman drawing"

"What it looks like you..it has a head and well stick limbs" I said innocently.

"Plus its the best thing that I can draw"

"Whatever let's just wait for the next task" he said annoyed which was funny to me.

30mins later our lovely teacher stepped back in. "Ok now what we're gonna do is simple picture taking. I'll each give you themes and try your best to portray it" she said handing each pair a small not. She Gave Elliot our and he turned it to me. The 90's nice

"Ok we need clothes and a nice background" he said and we started work"

I wore a lot of outfits including lots of plaid,chains, belts, sleeves and boots topping it with got makeup and took shots out in the sun on the pathway creating that "the breakfast club vibe". The pics were amazing.

" I'm so putting these on my IG" Ellie said and we submitted our works.

Author's Note:

Hey FAM I'm so sorry for keeping y'all waiting, I've just been distracted and need your motivation to continue writing.

Tell me what you think of the book, what you want more of, what I'm doing wrong, what I'm doing right, what you want less of.

What exciting or dramatis thing do y'all want to happen during the programme.

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