SAVAGE SOLACE

THRᕦᕦ.۝

Under the starry night, four separate bungalow buildings stood on the girls' dormitory plot, and they were named 'Houses.'

 ⁠•Atlanta House

⁠•⁠Maryland House

⁠•⁠ Oregon House

•⁠Iowa House, where I was assigned to be.

Each had its own house mistress who oversaw the affairs of the girls in that house.

The better building in the midst of these houses was the senior house mistress' home...

Currently, the total population of the girl boarders were gathered before the senior house mistress' place, having the mandatory evening devotion in this Presbyterian school...

Yours faithfully Ruby-Anne, I was standing before them, leading them in the devotion, as ordered by the senior house mistress who stood behind me on her porch.

When was the last time I ever attended church?

The middle-aged woman who was supposed to oversee the care of all the girls was now making my life a terror this night.

Today of all days when I had been through a lot and had a lot on my mind.

"We thank you, Lord..." I was singing, and everyone sang along, comporting themselves because of the presence of the senior house mistress who loved giving nonexistent punishments.

I raised the song, stopped singing, and let my thoughts wander...

What could I expect from this woman making me lead devotions? What did she have up her sleeve for me?

Some girls were peeking at me, I could see. I indeed had had enough for a day!

I raised another song, "Gracious One, you are with us..." leaving them to sing it.

I didn't remember the last time I attended church because my all-wise Dad never attended church due to his busy life. My stepma was always in the church looking for the fruit of the womb, but she knew better than to drag me along.

I quickly ended the singing session of the devotion by calling out Lovia's name to pray. Now that she was my enemy, I couldn't face any hardship alone.

In a loud tone, the senior house mistress cut in.

"Pray yourself!"

The girls began giggling. It was with the way this woman spoke.

I just knew I couldn't pray!

"Well," I muttered inaudibly, then audibly, "The Lord's prayer!"

They began reciting it, with the house mistress casting sidelong glances my way. When they finished, I attempted making my way to join my colleagues, but she held me back.

"So the announcement I have for you is...," she began speaking. People were looking at me more than the Madam herself. It was such a feeling!

"As you know, you are going home in no time. We have an Entertainment Night on Saturday for the whole school!"

With that announcement, the whole place turned into merrymaking, girls screaming and clapping delightedly.

What more better than an artiste coming over to this school, music and dance,and lots of performance all in one night? And no preps too!

"If you would like to sing, dance, or request a song or do anything on the night, see the Entertainment Perfect, Queenster Annan of the Maryland House."

Everyone was obviously excited! The land couldn't contain the joy.

Now my revenge on Lovia would take its full course on that night. The Entertainment Night was now my weapon. Couldn't wait to plan everything out!