To My Dearest Roseanne

Chapter 3

It was always difficult for Roseanne to describe her looks. She didn't perceive herself as particularly beautiful or exceptionally ugly. Still, she enjoyed looking feminine and doing all the girly things that other 16-year-old girls do, such as fidgeting with make-up, eyelashes, and nail polish. Mr Orville, a teacher of English – and one of her favourite teachers, in fact – once said to Roseanne that she looks like Nikita from Elton John's music video. Roseanne blushed at the compliment, but she didn't notice any resemblance. The only common things between her and the fictional Nikita were a military uniform and a good standing posture. Indeed, Roseanne prided herself upon having a good posture. It was a big advantage that singled her out in PE lessons.

From the bus stop, Roseanne just had to cross the street and she was already at the entrance of her high school. It was a big, modern building, so at least the classrooms were clean (the same cannot be said about many post-socialist schools in the Land of Po). The girl was already late as it was quarter past seven, so she ran up the stairs and grabbed the handle of a classroom 203.

Mr Orville was sitting by his white desk, completely consumed by the activity of scribbling something on paper. He lifted his head at the sound of the opening door, and he immediately smiled upon seeing Roseanne.

"Good morning, Mr Orville!" Roseanne said with a happy-go-lucky enthusiasm.

"Good morning!" he said, emulating her elation.

"I apologise for being late."

Roseanne sat in the front row and prepared her coursebook. There was nobody else in the classroom because rarely anyone would come to school at 7 am on Thursday when the students had to endure six hours of harsh PE one hour later. Mr Orville was initially disheartened by this slacking attitude of Roseanne's classmates, but he never let his irritation get the better of him. In fact, Mr Orville relentlessly encouraged students to attend morning hours, rewarding early birds with commendations in the school log and activity points. Still, what Roseanne liked the most about Mr Orville was not just his peace of mind, but overall cheerfulness and kind-hearted attitude. He wasn't as stuck up as the rest of the teachers. He would never punish anyone for making a mistake during a lesson, misplacing homework, or fearing to read an assignment out loud. It was quite the contrary. He believed in positive reinforcement that would encourage students to engage in the process of learning English. Although he looked old-ish and tired for 30 years of age, this guy could put up a wonderful smile through his reading glasses. For Roseanne, he was like an uncle with whom she could chat about anything... as long as it was in English.

"So..." Orville started saying when placing an additional chair next to him, "Since, you are the only one in the class. It's time for a hot chair session, Roseanne."

"But of course, sir!"

Roseanne gladly sat on a red chair next to Mr Orville. The teacher devised the so-called 'hot-chair' sessions to help students get used to having prolonged and spontaneous conversations in English. Many hated this activity, but Roseanne absolutely loved it. In this manner, she could show off new words she learned, and also gossip with Mr Orville.

"I have to tell you Roseanne that this was like the first time when nobody came at 7 am sharp," Mr Orville initiated the conversation.

"I know. I'm very sorry I was late, but I have to honestly admit that I overslept."

"Were you cramming for some important exams?"

Roseanne rolled her eyes and her cheeks contracted gently.

"Well... if by cramming you mean watching a ton of horror films last night, then yes!"

Mr Orville couldn't help but let out a loud roar of laughter.