(Un)perfect love

Chapter II

- Thank you, Peter, for such an interesting and useful report on investing. So, next up is Mia Anderson with a report on the topic "The role of Sweden in the global economy." Hannah Eriksson is preparing,-  Karl Johansson announced. 

Karl Johansson was a tall, handsome, middle-aged blond man. His high forehead, straight nose, expressive gray eyes and thick eyebrows gave him an external attractiveness.

He has been teaching economics at the international school for 20 years. Many of his former students describe him as "a teacher,  whom was lucky to meet in life".  It is worth saying that he really could be called a good and talented teacher who skillfully passed on his knowledge and experience to students. Johansson experienced the successes and failures of his students as his own. Perhaps the most important thing was that he was always distinguished by politeness, correctness, respect, tact towards people and, of course, good sense of humor thanks to which he had an indisputable authority among colleagues and students.

A tall, slim girl in dark blue skirt and beige blouse with long blond hair ashy color and gray eyes walked to the blackboard. The sound of her shoes echoed loudly throughout the audience. Looking at her, it was safe to say that she always tried to look like a million dollars: natural and beautiful makeup, posh shoes, expensive yet modest accessories. However, despite all attempts to look as good as possible, she was far from beautiful. Her external features, far from ideal, were too conspicuous:  a long nose with a downward-curved tip and a wide convex forehead.

Mia Anderson stood by the blackboard and began to read out the text of the report without looking up.

-All right, Mia, - the teacher interrupted her, - you have an excellent report. Perhaps this is one of the best reports for today. So, you said that Sweden is one of the leaders in the field of green economy. My question is: what is this so-called "green" economy?

- Well, this is an economic sphere that... Hmm.. - Mia tried to give an answer to the question posed, taking a long pause,- Unfortunately, I can't answer this question.

The teacher was slightly perplexed by the answer to such a simple question.

- What factors influence the economic success of our country? - the teacher decided to ask another question.

- Of course, this is a high level of education, a developed social policy, innovations and technological process... - Mia recited without taking her eyes off the text.

- I completely agree with you. Are there any questions? - the teacher asked, addressing the audience, - There are no questions...Thank you, Mia. - said Johansson,- So, the final report is devoted to the current economic situation in our state. Hannah Eriksson, please, you have the floor..

Hannah came to the blackboard and began to tell clearly and confidently about the causes, types of problems of the Swedish ecomomy and ways of solving them. Towards the end of the report, the teacher interrupted her speech.

- Hannah, you've done a very decent job. If I were you, I'd publish it as an article in a scientific journal. My only question to you is: what did you refer to in your work?

- I referred to the statistics of this year, as well as to the scientific works of a number of economists, such as McConnell, Brew, Flynn...

- Well done, - interrupted her, - thank you, Hannah.

Hannah headed for the seat in the back row. Mia and Lotta, who were sitting at the first desk, followed her with a dissatisfied look and a smirk.

- Thank you all for the interesting reports. The results of our school scientific and practical conference will be summed up soon...

The  ceremony took place in the assembly hall of the school. After awarding the students, the experts noted that they were struck by the variety of topics and the depth of the content of the students' works. The students who took the first places were especially praised.

After the ceremony, Hannah left the assembly hall and headed to the foyer. On her way she met Mia and Lotta.

- Mia, well done, you performed well, - Hannah said, - An honorable third place...

- Thanks, - Mia replied with a contemptuous smile, - let's go, - she whispered to Lotta and quickly headed for the foyer.

"They must be in a hurry," - Hannah thought.

On the way to the foyer, Hannah picked up her phone, opened the messenger and sent a message, attaching  a photo of the certificate:

"First place at the conference." 

In the foyer she saw Mia and Lotta.

- We will need to prepare a presentation on law by next week. But I can't find enough information.... - said Mia to Lotta.

- You can look in the Royal Swedish Library - hearing their conversation, Hannah prompted.

- Hannah, why are you meddling in our conversations? Did someone ask you? - Mia quipped.

- I'm just.. - Hannah began.

-You should mind your own business, - Lotta replied with contempt.

Mia and Lotta headed for the exit.

Hannah was perplexed by this attitude.

"Maybe they're just not in the mood", - Hannah thought.

Suddenly Anna came up to Hannah.

- Don't worry about what they're saying. They're just two envious girls. I realized that a long time ago. You know, I've noticed their sidelong glances before,- Anna said.

-Maybe it is, but  I didn't think Mia and Lotta would treat me like that. They were very friendly  to me. I helped them with the selection of materials for their reports,- Hannah answered her.

-How ungrateful they are! - Anna exclaimed - They just used you, - she continued, - You know, when people want something from you, they suddenly start loving you. And when they get what they want, they cut you out of their lives. Sounds cruel, of course... It's happened to me once. Fortunately, not all people are like that... Well, I need to go now. See you soon, Hannah.

- Bye, Anna.

Hearing the notification sound, Hannah picked up her phone and read the following new message:

"1st place at the conference? Great job! I'm waiting for you near the school."

Christopher was at the other end of the foyer. He was talking with his new classmates as his eyes alight on the girl he saw on the metro yesterday. He glanced at her with amazement. Hannah was standing in front of the mirror, doing makeup and hair straightening. Christopher wanted to go up and meet her... but he was kind of off his game. 

"She seemes to be in a great hurry. She's just not up to it... Maybe the next time?"  

"But what if she rejects me?"

All these words echoed in his mind as he stood there staring at her.

Hannah quickly headed for the exit. When she left the school, she immediately saw a tall, blond man dressed in black leather jacket, dark jeans and white sneackers. When he saw her, he smiled, put the headphones away and waved.