A SEARCH FOR HOPE.

2. the first enemies l made.

CHAPTER 2

"Good morning." Lynda greeted her neighbour

"My name is Lynda but am sure you already know me. I introduced myself before the entire class yesterday. Since l am your closest neighbour, l am sure l may need to know. We are going to be interacting a lot."

"My name is Penlope. But you talk too much. You may need to reduce on the number of words that you utter out every minute if you don't want to be made fun of. Just small piece of advise to take you through!" The girl replied in a tone that clearly showed her disinterest in the conversation.

"Thanks for the advice Penlope though l am not sure if I will take it." She smiled at the girl who looked away instead.

"You smile a lot too, it's not good."

"Really, I never knew, you know..."

Suddenly, the door to the class opened and a young woman walked through it. The entire class stood up to welcome the lady before sitting again. The woman adjusted her glasses and then scanned the class probably to see Lynda. After what seemed like a minute, she walked to the  teacher's desk and placed her books on top of it. Every one silently watched.

Lynda looked at the beautiful teacher. Just like my mom. She thought. The lady walked gracefully with her hips swaying from side to side. She had an umber complexion. Her lips were thin and her eyes small. They fitted perfectly well in their sockets. She had a body of a gifted model but here she was, teaching. Her hair was curly, black and shinny. Her skin was flawless. After placing her books on the desk, she walked to the white board before the class. In capital letters, she wrote "ENGLISH". After underlining the word, she wrote "PRONOUNS" below it and underlined it as well. She turned to face the class.

"Good morning mighty Veros." Her voice was calm, sweet and soft

"Good morning Miss Claire." The class replied in chorus.

"You can write that already." She said."I have been told that we have some one new in here, do we?," She asked looking at Lynda.

The whole class replied in chorus,"yes Miss Claire."

" May you stand up for recognition please." She politely asked, Lynda stood up with a smile across her face. Her reaction made Penlope chuckle."Oh wow, another beautiful woman has joined us, what is your name, young lady."

" My name is Lynda Makoni." She replied.

"Former school?"

"New Horizons high school."

" Oh! okay, l have heard of that school, it's not bad! So, what subjects are you offering Linda?"

"Biology, Chemistry food and Nutrition and English."

"Oh,wow, good to hear. Anyway, here English is compulsory to all. Every one offers it, it's not an option." Miss Claire laughed.

"Among your three choices, which one is your favorite?"

"Biology and English." She smiled again.

"Wow! Biology and English,  Miss Beatrice must like you then. And as for me, you have to prove your love for English. Miss Claire walked to where Lynda was seated and touched her shoulder. "Let me have a look at your book" She demanded.

"I didn't carry it. I only have new books. Miss Beatrice told me l should not use the books. That l should forget everything l learnt from my former school and pick up the pace here." Lynda answered in a silly way causing a girl on the third column in the first row to laugh, her friends followed suit.

Miss Claire looked at them and they stopped immediately. " Cleopatra, l don't like that." She turned to Lynda. "Am sure it was just a serious joke. Maybe she didn't explain well. You are free to use your books as long as they have the correct information.  And as for me, you are free to approach me for help in case you don't understand anything in English. Don't hesitate to consult me, am always available." as Miss Claire walked to the front, she turned to face Lynda. "I need that book tomorrow." When she reached the front, she asked, "So, do you know all your classmates?" She was fully aware that Lynda didn't know them. Miss Beatrice didn't do the introduction well, not even once in all the five years she had taught in St. Verona.