Paul and Franklin got to school just before assembly was due to start. Morning assembly took place in the large hall that stood in the centre of the school. students lined up according to their classes.

the senior prefect; James, stood up on the stage. He was tall and fat or rather huge.

‘Good day everyone!’ he said with confidence.

" Good day to you too" they all responded.

He called for the national Anthem.The school band began the tune, drums beating, and the students joined in. the juniors were eager and seemed to be happy while singing, but the seniors were uninterested.

Miss Cecilia, the principal, gave a brief talk, welcoming everyone. She was a young brilliant lady who appeared to be at her early 30s. She was pretty looking and spoke eloquently like an actress, in odd accent, as if she spoke through Her nose. The students loved imitating her.

When assembly was over, the students_ boys in white shirts blue ties and trousers, and

girls in blue pinafores over white shirts _ could be seen in the hallways ad corridors of the school, chatting. Some people greeted Frank, but many more crowded around Paul.

‘paul, where have you been

‘Missed you!’

Paul was soon lost in laughter and chatter.

He looked around. Still the same old people: Simon, who everyone now called biggie, a miserable bully; Teacher Ted, whom students

called ‘horror’ was always waiting for the next helpless student who would fall into his traps.

Paul was an intelligent student, he did excellently well in literally all the subjects. He had represented the school on several occasions in competitions and had done them proud.

He was athletic and generally good at sports and also very good looking.

Some people have all the luck, thought frank, but paul was such a friendly, likable person that people were hardly envious of him.

A plump girl with short, round gentle face came over. It was sandra.

she was one of their oldest friends. Frank was genuinely glad to see her. She had the sweetest smile and voice.

‘Hi Frank!’ she said in her light, pretty voice, ‘Glad to see you. ‘By the way, do you know anyone called Racheal? . She moved into the neighborhood during the holidays. same street as us.' Shes a nephew to miss summer, the army woman on our street.'

Frank wrinkled his forehead. ’yes!!!!, I do.’ "she's probably the girl that Paul was crushing on"? He said.

‘Really'? She laughed.

‘Oh, boring" Frank said as they both walked towards the classroom laughing.

After school, Paul walked into a classroom. It was empty there and closest to the back wall of the school, it was also very quiet there. He put on his headphones and connected it to his mobile device. loud hip-hop music filled his ears. he now wanted to be alone.

A sudden movement startled him. It was the senior prefect; James, "we have a prefect meeting with Miss Cecilia now." he said, turning to leave almost immediately.

As they got to the office, two people came out. One of them was a middle-aged woman. The other was a girl who was not wearing a school uniform.

Paul instantly recognized who they were.

He was completely shocked.

He must have mistakenly muttered something, which led to James asking him who they were.

He shrugged " I don't know".

"Racheal, what's wrong. You don't seem happy"

‘Well, I trust we’ve found a place where you will be comfortable and focused,’ her Aunt said, eyes glittering.

Racheal still remained mute.

The car stopped in front of a building. The taxi sped off and Racheal helped her aunt to carry some of the things they bought at the supermarket on there way coming back from the school.

Rechael was tall and slender, with large eyes and long eyelashes. She was extremely beautiful. With long, black braided hairs that fell over her shoulders.

Sandra came visiting that day with her mom. As they women sat discussing in the living room, The girls stepped out to the balcony. They have grown fond of each other already during the holidays and they could be seen speaking and laughing like old freinds. they now liked each other.

The next day, as the students stood in front of the hall laughing and talking. Paul walked in, Then he noticed Gladys standing with her. His crush- Racheal.

Racheal felt uneasy. She stayed so close to Sandra. being a new student, she was a centre of attraction and massive attention. It made it worst that she was beautiful.

Paul moved over to Frank. " Look who's with Sandra today"

‘hahaha. Yes your darling Racheal. Sandra told me about it yesterday,’ Come on,’ he said half dragging Paul. 'Let sandra introduce us'.

‘Hello Sandra’ said frank. With Paul almost hiding at his back

‘Racheal, these are the boys' Sandra said. ‘Boys, this is

Racheal williams’

' hi Racheal' Paul said forcing on a bright smile and extending his hand. "Nice to meet you. I'm Paul Hart.

Racheal stared at him ignoring his hands. "I remember you" she said frostly. You're one of the boys who came to my house during the holidays.

Paul was slightly embarrassed. He bent his head.

Sandra quickly asked is she could show her around. she noticed how awkward the conversation went.

As soon as the girls walked off, frank decided that he did not like her. " She seem rude" he said.

The bell rang and they both walked into the classroom

Throughout the class that day, Paul couldn't help staring at her.

Just when he had almost forgotten about her, she seemed to back again. He could see himself falling for her again. Even harder this time. He had concluded that she was a witch after the incident at her house. But as he sat staring at her now, he couldn't think of that.

" Even if she was, who cares. I love witches" he thought, Smiling to himself.

Take a sit as I tell you the story of how i

Paul

met Racheal.