Highschool Memories
It was my second year in high school, and I felt nervous.
I didn't really know anyone… except for a few familiar faces from my elementary batch. But even then, it didn't feel the same anymore. Everything felt new.
When I first walked into the classroom, I paused for a moment. I don't think I belong here.
It was just the first day, but everything already felt awkward. People were talking, laughing, forming groups like they'd known each other for years. And there I was… standing quietly, unsure where to go.
Until I noticed her.
A girl. Loud. Energetic. Laughing like she didn't care who was watching.
Shlee.
She was the complete opposite of me—funny, confident, easy to talk to. Somehow, she made the whole room feel less scary. I didn't expect anything that day. I didn't expect to fit in. I didn't expect to find someone. And I definitely didn't expect… that we would become friends.
Then our teacher came in, gave us seating arrangements, and asked us to introduce ourselves.
My hands started sweating like crazy. I didn't know why, but whenever I get nervous, my hands always do.
When it was my turn, I stood up slowly. My heart was beating fast. But somehow… I managed to get through it.
At the end of the day, nothing really changed. I still didn't have any friends.
The next day felt a little less heavy.
I was sitting quietly when suddenly—
"Do you have a patch?"
I looked up. A girl was standing in front of me. She was really pretty.
"Ah… yeah," I said, handing it to her.
"Thank you! I'm Queenie," she smiled.
"…Dhaniella."
That was how it started. A simple moment. A simple conversation. But somehow… we got close.
And not just her.
There was also Shane. At first, I really thought she and Queenie were classmates back in first year. They looked so close—like they had known each other for years. But it turns out, they were both transferees, not even from the same school. Still… their bond was strong. Somehow, I became part of it too.
As time passed, I got close to the girls at the back as well. That's when I met Mary Anne, our class secretary. She was kind and easy to be with. We got along really well, though honestly… I can't even remember how we first talked. Sorry, Anne! Haha.
Days turned into weeks. Weeks turned into months. And before I knew it… the school year was almost over.
It felt strange. Just when I finally found my place, just when I got close to everyone… it was already time to say goodbye. And somehow… that was the saddest part.
We last saw each other at recognition day. I felt happy to see them again—the girls who became my little squad, my safe space in the middle of all the chaos.
Looking back, I realize how lucky I was to meet them. Shlee, Queenie, Shane, Mary Anne… each of them brought something special into my life.
We laughed together, teased each other, shared secrets, and just… existed in those high school moments.
I really love the memories we made.
Even if the school year ended.
Even if we left our classroom.
Even if life moved on.
Our memories… they remain.
Those days, those friendships… they became a part of me.
And maybe that's what high school is really about.