By Yasmin Abubakar
Ayra, a brilliant and talented girl, joined the prestigious High School in her community on a scholarship. Her mother, her only parent, couldn’t afford the school’s exorbitant fees, but Ayra’s outstanding performance secured her a spot.
However, Ayra’s excitement was short-lived. Ayra had a talking disability, which made her stutter a lot. Her severe stutter made her an easy target for a group of popular girls – Aylah, Susan, Penelope, Aliya, and Chloe. They mocked her, bullied her, and made her do their homework and errands.
Aylah, the ringleader, exploited Ayra’s vulnerability, knowing her father’s wealth and influence would shield her from the consequences. The girls’ cruelty escalated to physical abuse, leaving Ayra with bruises and scars.
Despite her struggles, Ayra found solace in singing, which momentarily freed her from her stutter whenever she sang. One day, Chloe discovered Ayra’s talent while overhearing her singing after cheerleading practice, where she was cleaning the materials the girls used for their cheerleading. They shared a moment of understanding, but Chloe’s fear of her father’s job, because her dad works for Aylah’s dad, kept her from helping Ayra against Aylah and the other girls. Aylah’s dad is very wealthy and influential, and he contributes tons of money to the school to buy protection for Aylah.
As Ayra observed the girls, she realised each had hidden struggles:
– Aylah battled an eating disorder.
– Susan’s dad struggled with substance abuse.
– Penelope’s parents were divorced.
– Aliya faced rejection from her adoptive family.
– Chloe’s dad fought financial woes.
Despite this understanding, knowing their behaviour towards her might have been influenced by their parents. Ayra remained silent, bearing the weight of her pain, with a series of burns and bruises on her skin, which she covered with her long-sleeved shirt.
Tragedy struck one day when Ayra’s teacher delivered the devastating news: her mother had suffered a stroke and passed away. The girls’ relentless bullying continued, even in Ayra’s grief.
The loss of her mother, combined with the unrelenting torment, pushed Ayra to her breaking point. A week after her mother’s burial, Ayra’s performance in school worsened as she continued to struggle with her grades until the end of the academic year, and she had to repeat a class because it was too late to improve her grades due to her unpleasant experiences.
This heartbreaking story highlights the devastating consequences of bullying, exploitation, and the struggle to find support in a seemingly perfect facade.
Yasmin is of Lead British International School, Abuja
