LIKE STARS

Chapter Thirty Four

Semiloore can't control her tears anymore as they come running down her cheeks and she tried hopelessly to wipe them.

Rolake walked up to the front looking everywhere.

"Hi.......uhmm.....I don't really know what am doing standing right here but I just wanna apologize for my treatment when you first came, you are a darling, beautiful inside out and the most fun loving person I've ever met in my entire life. You've taught me and I'm sure many other people to be happy all the life. Happy birthday sweetie. I love you" Rolake said and everyone started clapping as she also drops her gift.

Christian walked up to the front of the class flashing his million dollar smile.

"When everyone disliked her I kinda liked her,she was funny and fun loving and she doesn't give a fuck. She's really really pretty. Happy birthday pretty, don't forget to stay pretty, don't!" he said and winked at her as he dropped a wrapped box also.

Joshua dropped his wrapped gift before stepping backwards to talk.

"I don't really have much to say sweetie but I wanna you to know that I love you and I don't regret meeting you and in my next life I want you be your elder brother so I can be beat you all day long for calling me prick!" He yelled the last sentence and everyone burst into laughter as John also walked up and smiled at her.

"You know I'm not a person of many words. Happy birthday Semiloore thanks for being yourself"

Everybody looked back when Nathaniel didn't stand up. He was engrossed in whatever he was doing. Semiloore tears ran down her cheeks as she wiped them off and managed to keep calm.

Peter walked to the front and shook his head smiling" What can I say about this mull headed girl? She's so stubborn that's its annoying coupled with the fact that she's annoying on a normal note,she's been the best girlfriend ever. She taught me a lot of things and I'll be forever grateful to her. Happy birthday bes. I love you"

Semiloore wiped her tears and smiled. Maria walked up to the front and smiled and stared at Semiloore "I remember the first time we met,it was in the lab and she called me shorty,I have so many things to say Semiloore but am so happy that I can't even make them into words. Just you know you are the best, I love you"

Everyone clapped and Semiloore pulled Maria into a hug.

"Let's sing a birthday song for her"

"Wait"  Nathaniel said as he stood up.

Everyone turned as Nathaniel stood up and walked to the front of the class and slipped his hands into his pockets as he fixed his eyes on Semiloore.

"I don't ever remember ever liking her even for a second, she irritated me for every thing she did,she was very annoying I didn't hate her but at least I didn't want her near. My brother liked saying something,"don't judge people by what you've heard, get to know them yourself and then give your own judgment" I got lucky to know her personally and I guess that adage is true most people judgements aren't true. I got to know her and I changed my opinions about her. She has her own way of showing love to her friends, I think its nice. She can be funny and annoying at times, you might not even believe me if I tell you sometimes she acts like a five year old child,she's one of the strongest girls I know. On behalf on X class students,I am saying we are grateful you came into our lives,we couldn't wish for any better. Happy birthday Oluwasemiloore,live long"

Everyone was clapping by the time Nathaniel was done. He dropped a small box on her table and walked back to his seat.

"Happy birthday to youuu, happy birthday to you, happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birthday to you" everyone sang and clapped as Semiloore walked to the front of the class.

"I've never felt this happy on my birthday for a while now. Your words worth much greater than any of the gifts packed in there. I'm so grateful and to think I have such awesome friends and classmates, I'm grateful" Semiloore said hugging everyone as she kept stealing glances at Nathaniel who seemed unbothered.

Jeez,what kind of guilt did this guy just give me?

Semiloore arranged the pile of gifts beside her locker as the Maths teacher walked in.

"Its time for the debate"

"They'll win us for sure"

"Abi nah,its Snr Akin"

"A month and three weeks ago I would have said the same thing"

"Why?"

"Tamiloore isn't an opponent to back down easily"

"Hmmmmmm,that's true"

"I'll put my trust in her and hope we win the debate"

The hall was getting filled quickly and soon the programmed started. The two parties were called to give their points and it was first Akin's turn. He was already used to handling crowds and this wasn't his first time so he spoke eloquently and the whole hall clapped loudly and even the judges wore satisfied looks as he took his seat.

Tamiloore stood up as she picked the microphone. "Nigeria is one of the luckiest countries in the world. Blessed with natural vegetation,fertile soil, amazing tropical forests and we are well blessed with natural resources but despite all these Nigeria could be said to not be living up to potential. Why? Would Nigeria change if we had better leaders?
Before I continue as a cultured child I'll like to give honor to whom honor is given to. Good day The principal,The Chairman,panel of judges,accurate timekeeper,my teachers,my co-debaters and my fellow students. My name is Ajayi Oluwatamiloore I am here to support the notion which says "Nigerian is a better country with better leaders........ "

Everyone was held captive till when she started talking and even when she said thank you. Everyone was still dazed. As she sat down deafening claps were heard as a flash of surprise crossed Akin's face.

He had really underestimated this girl. SSS2 students were already hailing their representative.