I, Benesha, entered the classroom of class 1-D, my fiancé, Tshikuta, walking beside me. The moment I stepped inside, all eyes turned to me.
"Doesn't she look peculiar?" I heard a girl whisper.
"Her hair is such a dark shade of gray... and her eyes are blue!"
"Are those purple lips natural?"
"She's extraordinarily beautiful!"
I barely paid them any mind. My gaze had already locked onto someone far more significant—my niece, Adanna. I hadn't seen her in years.
"Isn't that Adanna?" Tshikuta asked, sounding surprised.
"Yes, isn't that obvious?" My voice carried an edge. Seeing her again unsettled me.
Adanna. Even I couldn't deny that she was a striking young woman—tall, fit, with a wheat complexion, silver-blue eyes, and reddish-brown curls. She carried two royal bloodlines, one from our shared Badilite heritage and another from her mother, Dutch Queen Elara's younger sister. It made her impossibly elegant, the kind of beauty that turned heads effortlessly.
Before I could dwell on my thoughts, the homeroom teacher entered the room.
"Looks like everyone is here now," he announced.
So Tshikuta and I had arrived last. We found our seats next to each other. I took a quick glance around—ten male students, ten female. A perfectly balanced number. I wondered why.
"My name is Bart van Bossen," the teacher introduced himself. "I'll be your homeroom teacher. I'm happily married and a proud father of a wonderful six-year-old daughter. It's a pleasure to meet you all."
A girl raised her hand. "How old is your daughter?"
"She just turned six," he answered with a warm smile. "And since you're the first to speak, why don't you introduce yourself next?"
One by one, the students introduced themselves, each sharing a little piece of their story:
Sofia Jansen – a bookworm who loved losing herself in stories but also enjoyed cycling and city adventures.
Xiomara Hernandez – a music lover who couldn't resist dancing to a good beat.
Ismahan Yusuf – a Somali newcomer adjusting to Amsterdam's chilly weather while cherishing time spent cooking traditional dishes with her mother.
Aïsha Diallo – a Moroccan-born Amsterdammer with dreams of launching her own fashion line.
Daan Dekker – a tech enthusiast who also volunteered at an animal shelter.
Mehmet Yildiz – a Turkish-Dutch student who loved big family gatherings and celebrations.
Jurre van den Berg – an avid football fan who worshipped Ajax.
Kaya Lichtstroom – an artist and photographer with a deep love for Surinamese cuisine.
Liam Jones – a recent arrival from England, struggling with Dutch jokes but passionate about rock music.
Fatima Bekker – a half-Moroccan, half-Dutch girl with a flair for fashion and a love for baking.
Noor van Leeuwen – a quiet bookworm who loved writing stories and spending time in nature.
Ismail "Izzy" Ahmed – a Somali-Dutch football fanatic who worked weekends at his family's restaurant.
Rosa Ramirez – a Colombian girl who lived for salsa dancing and sunshine.
Lucas de Jong – a history buff with a strong dislike for littering.
Kwasi N'Duka – a Ghanaian-born aspiring rapper who hated early mornings.
Olivier Dubois – a Parisian transplant who missed fresh French baguettes more than anything.
Daan van Rijn – a skateboarder and foodie who hated excessive homework.
Finally, it was our turn.
Tshikuta spoke first. "My name is Tshikuta Badila. I'm 18 years old, and I enjoy playing sports and spending time with my loved ones."
Then I introduced myself, keeping it brief. "I am Benesha Badila, 17 years old."
The teacher raised an eyebrow. "Are you two siblings?"
"No," Tshikuta answered. "You could say we come from the same tribe. And... we're engaged."
The class erupted into murmurs. They hadn't seen that coming.
"Interesting," the teacher chuckled before turning to the last remaining student. "And what about you?"
All eyes shifted to Adanna.
She straightened her posture before speaking, her voice steady and refined. "I am Adanna van Nassau-Badila. I am 17 years old and the world's champion youth archer. Besides archery, I enjoy spending time with my mother and younger brother."
The reaction was instant.
Gasps. Stunned whispers. Stares of admiration.
Adanna's reputation preceded her. She wasn't just beautiful—she was famous. A global sensation. An exotic blend of African royalty and European nobility, embodying grace and strength in a way that captivated both boys and girls alike.
The teacher smiled, unfazed by the excitement. "Well then, now that we've all been introduced... it's time to elect a class president."