Butterfly

Seven

March 2014

I've got to think about joining some extra classes. This whole year was really bad. I know mom doesn't tell me anything but she must be disappointed by my grades.

"Kritika, do you want some coffee?" Mom asked me.

"Mom, I think I should join some extra classes." I said ignoring her question. I was too worried about my grades this year to be thinking about coffee right now.

"Kritika, I told you, I'm not worried about your final score. It's okay. You don't always have to top. And it's not as bad as you think. 8 is a good score." she paused for a while. She came and sat beside me and took my hand in hers.

"It doesn't matter if you score less than you expect. What matters is whether you learn from your mistakes or not."

She made a point. I realised I was not studying hard enough. And if this continues I won't be able to score well in 10th too.

"Okay, if you think extra classes will be good for you, we'll search for it together." she said looking at my sad expression. "Now cheer up and let's make some cold coffee, it's really hot out there."

"Okay."

Mom knows how to cheer me up. She's the best.

Next five days, we spent on searching for a tuition, which would help me after school. Mom called some of her contacts and I asked some of my friends. Finally, we found a personal tutor through one of my classmate. She said the tutor was really helpful to her this year and so they will continue with her. We decided to pay her a visit to talk about when we should join.

"She says her name is Mrs. Helen Nathan. We can call her now; she has given me her number." I said looking to my phone as I was chatting with Kashish.

"Okay, then call her and ask her when can we visit her" my mom replied stirring the contents of pot on the stove. The aroma filled the room as I peeked over to see it was one of my favourite dishes.

I called the tutor and asked her for when is the good time to visit. A few moments later I went back to the kitchen to inform mom about the conversation.

"She says tomorrow or today would be good. But it's a bit far from here, like 20-30 minutes by vehicle." I said.

"I think we should go today, I might not be available tomorrow."

"Okay."

We went to her house that evening. She was very kind. She was in her mid-forties. She had dark brown eyes just like mine; dark coloured hair, medium built body. I was hesitant to talk to her at first but then I got comfortable. We talked about the fees and timings and that was it. Mom was glad to find her I think. Although distance was an issue but she was okay with it.

After dinner, I walked on to the roof. Looking up at the stars, I had a feeling that this is the beginning of a new chapter. I laid there for a while thinking about my new classes.

I'll be going to new classes. It won't be as bad as the previous one right? At least I'll have Kashish and Kaira. They are good friends of mine. We've been in the same classes since childhood. I've never had a good company in any of my previous extra classes. I'm pretty excited about it...but also a little nervous at the same time. Everything will be fine...

I thought as my eyes closed and in no time I was fast asleep.