Chapter 2

      ⚜ A ticket to Belize     ⚜

Due to late-night fantasies, I hardly slept and soon it was morning. My cranky stepmother, Joyce poured cold water on me.

"Get up, you are going to be late for your classes," she said.

By now I was used to her mistreatments that I barely complained about. One time I tried to report her but all was in vain. At least her husband, Mr Randall was a bit nicer to me.

"Soon you will need to get a job for yourself, young lady. Just a matter of months and you will be outta here"

"Thanks, Joyce"

She was pissed as she spoke. "Thank me when you are 21 and out of my house, missy!"

She had always treated me badly but I never disrespected her. If you want to survive around your enemy, comply. Joyce spent most of her money on booze and cigars. Even when I went to bed hungry, I never complained. I can't wait to turn 21 and leave this place.

"No breakfast for you today, the bread and milk are for your siblings," said Joyce.

She always said that every morning.

  Food was the least of my worries at the moment. I hurriedly prepared myself and left for school. I had missed two sessions already and one more was left to call it a day.

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As I walked to class I bumped into Larissa.

"Sorry. Didn't see you there" she began and I was perplexed with her sudden apology.

I nodded. "No worries" and turned to leave.

"Wait, Chloe. I know am not the best person to tell you this but I hope you win" Larisa seemed sincere.

"Thank you but I have to go now", I said and this time walked away.

Lucky for me, the session had not yet begun so I took my seat.

"Hey Chloe, heard the rumours?" Almira asked.

I shook my head. "Hi Ally, no. Just arrived."

Ally was a nickname I gave Almira.

"Matt dumped Wanda and she thinks it's because of you. Oh! And I heard from a good source, don't ask me who but the results are out and that stupid bimbo Annie won"

I asked perplexed. "Matt? I don't know any Matt. I believe she bribed her way again"

"Matt. The tall handsome tanned guy who can't stop staring at you in the hallway. Drives a red Porsche and hangs around 3 dudes? Another version of trolls?"

I arched my brows and wondered who was that before heading to class.

I didn't want to think about the rumours so as soon as I was done with classes I left for home. To my surprise, nobody was in. I switched on the TV and nothing that interested me was being aired. Suddenly breaking news about the death of two DEA officers caved in. It was sad though seeing such young men lose their lives in the line of duty.

"Poor souls, handsome and young gone too soon", I murmured.

I spent my evening reading a novel until late midnight I finally retired to bed.

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The following three days I didn't have classes so I decided to spend them indoors reading and writing. Time went by and I was back in school again. As I walked on the corridor people kept giving me glances which gave me a weird feeling. Most students were in groups of four to five probably gossiping.

I walked to where my best friend was and hugged her. We talked for a while until the bell rang for briefing. I didn't want to attend but Almira insisted.

"Come on Chloe, it might be important. Let's attend for a while if you feel uncomfortable then will both leave", She said.

"Fine, but only for a while", I said.

The Vice-chancellor and a few lecturers were standing on the podium.

"Am disappointed with the low turn up of contestants. I expected all the final year students to participate but only twenty did. What a shame though." he said

Everyone was silent.

"Well, to those who took part congratulations. I was pleased with some of your projects and must admit that your efforts won't go in vain"  he paused then continued, "It's with pleasure to announce the following winners. Third place Annie Mclaren. Second place is Daniel Thompson and our winner is Chloe McCarthy."

No one saw that coming.

The trolls glared in shock. Probably they too didn't see it coming. Everyone started murmuring. Some cheered, to others the news probably left them speechless.

"Miss McCarthy, please step forward." He said.

My legs were too weak to even take a step.

I wonder where the courage I had gone to?

Claps and cheer could be heard everywhere. I slowly walked to the podium and stood with my hands folded.

"Everyone tried their best, but I believe Chloe did the best. Miss Chloe, Like I said earlier the prizes are yours. The trip to Belize is set for next Thursday. If you don't have a passport will help get you one. I will see you later in my office. Congratulations! bravo!!", She said while everyone applauded.

I couldn't believe my ears. Just a few days ago I doubted my capabilities after hearing the rumours and now it turns out I won.

"Briefing is dismissed. You may go back to your classes", She said.

Almira embraced me. We walked back to a noisy class. Seems like people were happy that Annie lost. I never heard from her again. That evening, I decided to write my resume just in case a job offer came by. I had a passport which I bought on my sixteenth birthday. Now all I needed was the visa and am good to go. My plan after Belize vacation was to get a job, rent out somewhere and live my life. With the money I would get from the prize, I could get a place of my own too.

  I stayed up googling about Belize and its vicinity. I was too excited to sleep and couldn't wait for the next day to collect my prize. I learnt that I did not need a visa being an Us citizen unless I intended to stay more than a month.

   I woke up earlier than usual the next morning and headed straight to university to see Mr Gerald, the vice-chancellor.

"Am happy to see you miss McCarthy. Hope you are well this morning?"

I nodded. "I am fine, thank you, sir"

"I am sending you to Jacob to assist you with the necessary documents you will need for your trip to Belize come Thursday. You mentioned you didn't have a bank account and I think you should open one so you can cash in the cheque."

"Thank you, sir" I beamed with happiness.

He then gave me the trophy and sent me to Jacob's office.