Beyond Nostalgia

Welcome, future readers!

Join me on a heartwarming journey as I write my debut novel, a story that explores love, loss, and an emotional journey. Stay tuned for updates, sneak peeks, and more!

Please be kind and gentle with my work - it's my first book! I'm pouring my heart and soul into this story, and I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I do.

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Best,

BeeBrown

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.......The old brick building stood tall, its walls bearing the scars of countless generations of students who had laughed, learned, and grown within its sturdy embrace. The warm sun cast a golden glow over the vibrant courtyard, illuminating the colorful lockers and the bustling energy of the students. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the sound of laughter and chatter, punctuated by the occasional ringing of a bell.

As I stood in the courtyard, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions: excitement for the future, nostalgia for the past, and a hint of anxiety for the final exams that would determine my fate. The smell of freshly cut grass wafted through the air, transporting me to memories of lazy summer days. Would I get into the college of my dreams? Would I make my family proud? The sound of Julia's infectious laughter and Zoey's playful teasing filled the air, but I was lost in my own thoughts, my mind racing with visions of lecture halls, dorm rooms, and the endless possibilities that lay beyond these walls.

"Hey, what's up with you?" Julia asked, interrupting my reverie, her bright blue eyes sparkling with excitement. "I've been calling you forever!" she exclaimed, her annoyance evident.

I hummed, still trying to recover from my thoughts, the sound of my own voice barely audible. "Yeah, I'm here," I replied, directing my attention to her, my heart beating slightly faster. "Hannah, are you even hearing me?" she asked, her tone laced with frustration, her hands on her hips.

"Yeah, I'm here," I said, apologizing, my cheeks flushing slightly. "My mind was on the final exams and college choices."

"Oh yeah, more reason why I was looking for you," Julia said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Have you finally picked your college choice? We're almost done with exams." She took a sip from her water bottle, the condensation glistening on her hand.

"Not yet," I replied, sighing, the sound echoing through the courtyard. "I'm still deciding. Plus, with my JAMB score, I doubt I'll be able to get into any college this year to study medicine." I shook my head, feeling a pang of disappointment.

"Oh come on!" Julia said, almost hugging me, her perfume filling the air. "It's possible to still study medicine in some colleges with a 252 JAMB score. Plus, your SAT result isn't out yet, and we're still writing WAEC. There's Post UTME, and I doubt you'll need any of those if your SAT result is good enough. Or are you planning to study here in Nigeria?" She raised an eyebrow, her curiosity evident.

I shook my head, feeling overwhelmed. "I don't know...I'm starting to overthink everything." I took a deep breath, the scent of blooming flowers calming my nerves.

Julia assured me, "Hey, everything will be fine." She put her arm around me, her touch warm and comforting.

I changed the subject, asking her, "What's the plan with you?"

Julia's face lit up. "I've actually discussed things with your parents, and I'm starting my admissions process to Yale immediately after the SAT result is out." She grinned, her teeth gleaming in the sunlight.

I exclaimed, "OMG, I can't believe we're really splitting up!" Nostalgia hit me hard, and I said, "Enough of the emotional drama." I playfully rolled my eyes, trying to hide my own emotions.

Julia laughed, interrupting me. "I'm so excited for college - free life, people from all over the world...trust me, there will be enough hot guys!" she said dreamingly, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

I rolled my eyes, smiling. "Yeah, right." I teased, "You're such a hopeless romantic, Julia."

Just then, Zoey interrupted us, asking, "What's up with you guys?" Her voice was laced with curiosity, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Julia and I exchanged a look, and I replied, "We were just being excited about college."

Zoey dismissed our conversation, dragging us to an empty classroom. "You guys brought your phones to school," I said, surprised, my eyes widening in mock horror.

Zoey and Julia both admitted to it, "You guys are criminals!" I shook my head, laughing.

Zoey interrupted, showing us a picture of a guy on her phone. "This guy is a work of art!" she declared dramatically, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

"He's a Part 3 student in my choice of college, UNILAG."

"Wow, he's handsome!" Julia said, admiring the photo.

"I know, right?" Zoey replied. "And he's got a great sense of humor too. We've been chatting....

"Zoey, you're always getting into something exciting," I teased, shaking my head in amusement.

Zoey grinned mischievously. "Hey, life is short. I'm just making the most of it!"

Further more, "He wants us to meet up." I blurted out, "You two just started conversing ?"

Zoey continued, " that why I want you guys to come with me that day, just to be on the safer side." She pouted, her lower lip jutting out in a playful sulk. "Please? It'll be fun, I promise!"

I declined, "Count me out." I shook my head, my ponytail swishing behind me.

Zoey persisted, offering to pay for my transportation and drinks. "Come on, it'll be a blast! We can take selfies and make memories!" She batted her eyelashes, her eyes sparkling with persuasion.

I still refused, citing my parents' strictness. "My parents would kill me if they found out." I crossed my arms, my resolve firm.

Zoey scoffed, "Your parents are not always home. Don't give me that. I honestly don't know why you're always staying home. You have every high schooler's hope and don't make use of it. You're such an introvert, you hardly come online, you just watch K-dramas and listen to K-pops...honestly, don't know what's freaky about it." She teased, her voice laced with playful annoyance.

I interrupted, "If only you knew." I raised an eyebrow, a hint of mystery in my voice.

Zoey continued, "I wish I could just switch my parents with yours." She purred with wicked delight, "Please, can you make this an exception? God knows, after high school, you might never see me again." She made a dramatic face, her eyes wide with mock despair.

Oh, please!! You are going to study here in Nigeria specifically at unilag , literally just a short drive from where we live and school- duhh.

I rolled my eyes, and Julia finally spoke up, "Zoey, you're not even convincing me to go with you." She chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Zoey replied, "That's because I know you're already going, unlike this big head called Hannah." She teased, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

"You think I'm a pushover?" Julia asked, her voice laced with annoyance.

"Yeah, easy peasy!" Zoey chimed in, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Julia playfully kicked and jumped on Zoey, trying to get back at her for what she just said. "You're such a pain, Zoey!" she exclaimed, laughing.

"Yeah, yeah, I know," Zoey said, grinning. "You're just a softie, Julia. You can't resist my charm."

Julia blushed, laughing. "Shut up, Zoey. But yeah, fine. I'll come with you."

I watched them with a smile, shaking my head in amusement. "You guys are something else."

Zoey turned to me, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "And Hannah, you're coming with us, right?"

I hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Fine, yeah. I'll come."

Zoey squealed with delight, throwing her arms around me and Julia. "Yes! I knew you guys would see things my way!"

And so we spent the rest of our lunch break, laughing, joking and making memories that would last a lifetime ,as we walked back to our classroom ,arm in arm, I couldn't help but feel grateful to my friends. Despite our differences we had formed a strong bond over these years in "Atlantic Hall School"and I knew that no matter where life took us, our friendship would remain unbroken.

Thanks for reading🤭

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Stay tuned for an updated chapter 2 and maybe 3(once I survive this school)😪