OUR LOVE GLOWS

CATE JOINS HIGH SCHOOL

CHAPTER 3

Good morning class!

Good morning madam!

I am madam Fatima. I've taught for over thirty years, am I not old enough to be called madam granny?

The class burst into laughter.

Old is gold, I am the oldest teacher in the school but my five senses work perfect. You are welcome to Creamland high school.

Excuse me madam! May I ask a question?

Not now young lady. It's time for introducing ourselves, I start with this column.

Why are you seated here alone?

You scared me. Why do you talk behind me?

I am really sorry. I didn't intend to scare you.

It's okay but I won't forgive you next time.

My name is Lawrence. Did you say your father is a soldier!

(Smiles) Why? Does it bother you?

No, I wish to become a soldier but mum doesn't like it. What do you want to become in future?

I don't know yet but I want to become a good person just like my mum.

Do you have siblings?

(Laughs...) I have Nathan, Karen and Benjamin . It sounds like you are the only child in your family so your parents give you maximum attention.

I am grateful that I have a sister and brother as well.

That's great. If we have siblings then we are not bored at home.

That is not true. At times I get bored even in their presence.

It is time to go home. Goodbye Lawrence.

Why don't you wait for my driver? He can drop you at your house.

Thanks but I have to pick my sister.

(Three weeks later)

You told me about him the other time, do you like him?

Don't over think, Nathan. I didn't say that.

"Cate, accept that you are the victim in the trap. I just asked but you are over reacting." Nathan said then giggled.

I feel like..... How do I say it?

"You feel like falling in love." He said while he clapped around.

Keep your voice low. He's just a friend, you intimidator.

(Two months later)

Quiet everyone. Mr. Wilber is coming.

Well class, we had a maths test last week. The best student scored eighty seven marks and the last scored thirty two.

Almost half of the class rejoiced but the moment was bitter for Lawrence.

Why are you here?

I remember you asked me a question the first day of school. Why are you seated here alone?

I want to take a breath.

Aren't you going for baseball?

I would love to but I can't play when I have a bad score.

I can help if you want. I am also poor at literature but I don't look hopeless like you.

Mum does not want poor grades. She's going to get sad.

My mum said a student should not be punished for poor grades but instead be helped. I promise to help you get a better grade, can you smile now?

Your family must be happy with you, Cate.

Do your siblings study in a different school?

"Mark is two years younger than me. My twin sister studies with him in the same class." He piteously spoke.

(Smiles) Lawrence, are you really a twin?

You are doubting me. Don't I look like a twin?

Not at all. Then why aren't you in the same class with her?

My sister was always sick so she missed classes a number of times. That's the reason why she studies with Mark.

Sorry to hear, hope she's now better.

When I was ten, dad told me to study hard in order to become a doctor. That's the way I can help my sister.

"Don't cry Lawrence." Cate said then shed tears as well.

He eventually wore a fading smile, held hands and walked to the pitch.

Nathan, have you ever done fishing at school?

I've gone for fishing with dad several times. Why should I do it at school?

Someone asked me to go for fishing tomorrow.

"Cate, it was him again!" He joyously spoke at the top of his voice.

Cate was folding clothes while his brother cleaned the dining table. She called him by name then threw a cardigan onto his face.

"Good night cutie brother." She said while she entered her room.

It's time for breakfast. Karen, go call mum and Nathan.

I thought you were in your room, where are you coming from at this time?

We were at the police station. It was Benjamin .

Were you there with mum?

She told me that she would deal with the case hence asked me to come home.

What did that Benjamin do this time?

Mum discovered that he always picked money from her savings. He also made a fraud of the chairman's wife.

It's almost a year since you left. I am always at the police station due your son's trouble, what are you thinking Herbert?

Herbert heaved a sigh and drew closer to his angry wife.

I don't want to listen to any of your explanations. You should go with your son next time.

I am sorry honey. How do you see if we go for an outing with the children?

I am not interested. You can take the children.

Dad, I told Cate we often came for fishing and here I have more fish than her.

It was time for lunch. They were seated ready to eat.

Dad, will you leave again?

No dear. I am not going anywhere this time .

Dad, do you know that Nathan loves Laila?

"Who's Laila? Tell me about her." Herbert said while he smiled at his youngest daughter.

Catalina looked at his brother. Her brother always helped her therefore she couldn't allow such a tragedy to befall him.

Dad, do you know about my new school?

The plan worked accordingly. The conversation was diverted from Nathan to Cate's new school.

Can I have a word with you?

It's okay dad.

What's eating up your mind?

I miss the days when we went out fishing. I am scared that we've done it today so it might not happen again.

I was careless with life during my teenage so I don't want to go back to that life.

Dad! I thought you had quit smoking.

Just to calm my mind. Besides, who is Laila?

She is a friend. We attend the same school.

How do you cope up with Benjamin ?

We've never been at good terms. If you may excuse me, I'll go help Cate collect up the remaining material.