Miss O'Connell | B.E

Ⅱ

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Divine adored math. Math. Math. Math. Numbers, equations, problem-solving—you name it, she reveled in it. She could spend hours immersed in the world of math, losing herself in its intricate beauty and logic. The top of her class and a gifted student, Divine had an exceptional talent for equations. 

With a dreamy smile, she would twirl her curls around her finger while effortlessly solving complex equations. Her tongue often stuck out to the side in concentration, occasionally wetting her plump lips as she scribbled down solutions. Her eyes would light up with excitement as she uncovered the patterns and connections that others might miss. For Divine, math was a source of joy and inspiration, a world where she felt truly at home.

Most teachers at The Blessed Mother's Catholic School for Girls were frustrated with Divine's rebellious streak. Her skirt? Too short. Her blazer? Always worn incorrectly, and her abundance of gold jewelry was far beyond the school's regulations. Yet, there was one teacher who saw past the cover of her book and recognized Divine's exceptional potential.

Mrs. Adebayo, the math teacher, embodied the spirit of old-school teaching. She used chalk on a blackboard, meticulously writing out nearly everything, not a projector in sight in her classroom. Mrs. Adebayo's stunning sundresses complemented her dark skin, and her soft, striking features added to her charm. Her hair was a glorious afro, a crown of curls that framed her face with effortless elegance. Her smile was warm and inviting, revealing a set of perfectly aligned, pearly white teeth that seemed to light up the entire classroom. She had wrinkles in all the right places, and her nose scrunched in the sweetest ways when she laughed. She was a sight to behold, her beauty only growing stronger with each passing year.

To Divine, Mrs. Adebayo was almost like a grandmother, an inviting woman she adored immensely. Mrs. Adebayo taught the 12th-grade extension math class with an infectious burst of energy, bringing life to every room she entered. Her presence was magnetic, her charisma undeniable. She possessed not only remarkable beauty but also exceptional intelligence. Divine marveled at her genius, considering her the smartest person she had ever met.

Mrs. Adebayo had a unique way of teaching that captivated every student. She would often start her lessons with an engaging story, weaving mathematical concepts into tales she had told for many years of precious life. Her voice would rise and fall dramatically, her delicate hands drawing vivid pictures in the air as she spoke. She always said, "You ain't ever too grown for a story."

When she turned to face the board, she would write with such fervor, explaining each number and equation as if it were a piece of art. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and she had a knack for making AP calculus look like a walk in the park. Divine could even recall a time Mrs. Adebayo used an actual walk in the park to explain a concept.

Her teaching resonated with her students. She would bring in objects, like her collection of seashells, to demonstrate geometric principles, or use her garden plants to explain patterns and sequences. Her lessons were not just about numbers; they were about understanding the world through the lens of math, a rarity in many teachings today.

In her class, math was not just a subject; it was an experience; Despite her age, Mrs. Adebayo's enthusiasm never waned. She was indeed old, but her beauty and spirit remained timeless. Her energy and passion for teaching shone through every lesson, leaving a lasting impression on Divine and her classmates. Mrs. Adebayo had a way of making each student feel special, always taking the time to listen and offer encouragement. She believed in Divine's potential, often reminding her that math was not just about solving problems but about seeing the beauty in patterns and logic.

Mrs. Adebayo's vibrant personality extended beyond her teaching methods. She would glide into the classroom each morning, her ankle-length skirts swirling around her with patterns on every inch of the fabric, greeting her students with a radiant smile that could melt the coldest of hearts. Her laughter was a melodic sound that filled the air with joy, and her eyes twinkled with mischief and wisdom. 

Divine knew that Mrs. Adebayo was more than just a teacher; she was a mentor, a role model, and a beloved figure in her life. The lessons learned in her classroom extended far beyond mathematics, encompassing the values of curiosity, perseverance, and the joy of learning. Mrs. Adebayo's legacy was not just in the equations she taught but in the lives she touched, leaving an indelible mark on Divine and all her students.

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Today, Divine sat in class, a soft smile spreading across her face as she rested her head on her hand, watching Mrs. Adebayo work her magic on the chalkboard. Her teacher moved with a grace that made teaching seem like a performance, each stroke of the chalk creating a symphony of numbers and equations. Students eagerly raised their hands to ask questions, and Mrs. Adebayo answered each one with delight, her joy in teaching evident. This woman was too good for the world, Divine thought.

By the end of the lesson, Mrs. Adebayo slowly turned to the class, placing her chalk carefully on the rim of the blackboard. A sad smile spread across her face as she let out a long sigh, looking up at the students she had had the delight of teaching for the last year and a half. She played with her fingers for a moment, gathering her thoughts. The class was silent, as they always were, unless answering or asking questions. There was never much unnecessary conversation in a math class as advanced as this one. They all stared at her, confused.

Divine noticed her expression, furrowing her brows as she observed her cheerful math teacher looking not so cheerful for the first time in her life. Mrs. Adebayo let out another breath, looking up at the class once more, her smile almost gone.

"I'm sure you can tell I'm old," she chuckled, a grin returning to her face as she heard her class laugh. "And I have been teaching for a good 60 years of my life..." Her voice trailed off. Divine raised a brow, her heart beginning to ache. She knew exactly where this was going.

"It has been a pleasure teaching this room of such bright minds," she smiled, raising a shaky finger and pointing at the class to emphasize her point. The students giggled in response, but the laughter quickly faded as the rest of the class also caught on to where this was going. "But... unfortunately, the time has come when I must retire."

There were a few gasps and "awws" as Mrs. Adebayo looked down at the ground, her eyes glossing over. Her voice began to get shaky as she spoke. "But! Don't you worry!" She tried to lighten the mood once more. "You will be in good hands... I have arranged for a fantastic teacher to take over. She is wonderful!"

"Not as wonderful as you, miss!" one kid yelled, and the class giggled in agreement. Mrs. Adebayo let her head hang, laughing at the joke as she shook her head.

"You kids are funny... but yes, I'm afraid this is my last week."

Divine's heart sank as she watched Mrs. Adebayo, the woman who had inspired her love for math since the 11th grade, prepare to say goodbye. The classroom, usually filled with the excitement of learning, now felt heavy with the weight of this announcement. Mrs. Adebayo had been more than a teacher; she had been a guiding light. The thought of her leaving was almost unbearable, but Divine knew that the lessons she had learned from Mrs. Adebayo would stay with her forever.

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A/N

Dw your pookie is cooming soon