A HEART worth fighting for

Chapter 2

Ciari

It was Monday morning, approximately  six a.m. and I was not in the mood to wake up.

"Ciari deary?' She heard her aunt's footsteps approaching.

"Yes Aunty", I replied. Pulling the covers over my heading and willing her to go away.

"Are you awake?" she questioned.

I never understood why people always did that. Call out your name, in most cases the caller being the one to disrupt the serene realm of beautiful sleep, then the person asks if you're awake. Duh.. I’m thinking the fact that you replied is a dead giveaway... but hey that's just me. I could be wrong. Just saying..

I shove the covers off and put on my sweetest voice, 'Yes Aunt Beth I'm up and ready to greet the sunshine and sing with the birdies". At this she laughed as she pushed my door ajar.

How is my favourite niece this morning. This was no cliché, I was indeed her favourite. Throughout the years after my parents migrated to South Africa and practically abandoned me…well calling on birthdays and major holidays doesn’t count any.

 My aunt and I always kept in constant touch. She was in early forties and a complete joy to be around. She had long black hair , an oval face and the most beautiful dimples one could imagine. I was so blessed to inherit that legacy.. Apparently dimples are a plus to the facial features..So I've been told.

" I know things haven't been going as plan but don’t lose hope, I have a feeling things will be changing for the better soon" she encouraged, covering my hands in hers reassuringly. I nodded and smile, hoping she was right. I am beginning to think I’m jinxed ..Or something.

I gave her a warm hug, " I really so aunty, I really hope so too and thanks for being here for me".

She shook my hands excitedly as she spoke, " Welcome and day and anytime my sweet.” She assured. “On a brighter note, I made your favourite brekkie- cinnamon and vanilla pancakes with scrambled eggs and frankfurters, topped off with hot chocolate and marshmallows". She beamed.

She always cooked this for me whenever I visited, and the taste is to LIVE for...literally! I’m convinced her cooking has special healing powers that can bring even the dead to life. It was that good.. 

"You are the absolute best Aunt Beth, I mean it!" I said kissing her on the cheek, then leaping off the bed and making my way downstairs to the kitchen.

After an amazing breakfast I decided to continue my job hunt. Next stop – Western High School. Feeling much better than I did the previous day I strutted of in high spirits. Hopefully I could up the ante with my charm and wow someone into giving me a job to my liking.

As I approached Western High School my anticipation plummeted.. I had always loved teaching and somehow felt it was my calling. Although I was an only child I enjoyed being around children. Sharing a wealth of knowledge and shaping young eager minds brought out the best in me.

I glanced at the ad one last time before making my entrance.

High School MUSIC TEACHER NEEDED itread, in bold red letters.

Hopefully the applicants were minimal as I didn’t have much experience. I gathered after graduating with  a magna cum laude from college and four months teaching practice; I had enough to grant me the leverage I needed. 

Chin up, shoulders straight and my aunt’s words of encouragement at the forefront of my mind I knocked on the headmistress’s door.

"Come in" came the pleasant but authoritative respond.