lemonade stand // c.h.

[01]

[01]

                “Now, this is going back to the sixteenth century…” Mr. Ross – world history teacher – rambles on, losing the attention of his class within just a few seconds. The lesson today was about history in China, something none of the students were interested in. And if this course wasn’t mandatory, none of them would be here.

                One particular girl sitting at the front, right by the window – one of the more intelligent students at that – had zoned out long ago. Although she’s smart, world history was never her forte, and bored her to a great degree. But even though it wasn’t often she paid attention, she still managed to pass the course with no problem, something many people didn’t really understand.

                It was a particularly hot day outside, nothing surprising when it comes to living in the heart of Sydney, Australia. The sun shining, glistening in through the glass windows, its rays casting light upon the hazel-eyed-girl’s face. She also loved the sun, its radiant shine upon the city always brightened her day immensely. It reminded her a lot of her childhood, and the many days she spent outside on days like these.

                And albeit, things have changed a lot since then – perhaps in more ways than she had originally hoped – she has always found the sun was something that never changed. It continues to display the most beautiful light, day after day, and never fails to make up for the rare rainy days they receive here.

                Just thinking about the sun, makes the brunette smile. It isn’t often that she smiles genuinely, a lot having gone on in her life over the past few years, and although she feels much happier than she used too, she still finds herself feeling relatively sad. She’s much quieter than she used to be, more shy and introverted. She doesn’t know if this is a good thing or not, she used to be a bold little girl, and she’s almost the living example of the saying ‘People change as they grow up’, and she knows that more than anyone.

                She watches out the window as two butterflies fly past, chasing after each other. She watches in admiration, noting how graceful they are as they fly, flying farther and farther away from the school building, to the point, where they are completely out of sight.

                “Miss. Webb, do you know the answer?” Mr. Ross’ voice booms through the silent classroom, and interrupting the girl’s elegant thoughts. Her head snaps towards the front of the classroom, Mr. Ross looking at her with an expecting look on her face. She feels her face heat up in embarrassment when she realizes that everyone in the class has their eyes fixed on her. After all, she’s come to hate being the centre of attention.

                “Uh-” She begins, hesitating. But much to her relief, the school bell rings through the full classrooms, and empty hallways, signalling the end of the school day, and week. “Saved by the bell,” she whispers to herself, under her breath as everyone hurries to pack up their things, chatter filling the classroom.

                So she follows slowly behind everyone else, closing her world history binder, and stuffing it in her book-bag, along with her thin textbook, and worn-out pencil case. She stands up from her desk, pushing in her chair like they had taught her in elementary school, and hurrying past her teacher, in hopes of him not calling her back. However, she comes up short.

                “Miss. Webb,” he calls after her, causing her to stop in her tracks, and turn slightly to face him. “I would recommend you start to pay attention in my class, I will not hesitate to move you away from that window,” he warns, giving her a pointed look.