chapter seven

The girl sat quietly in the rickety, jerky taxi.

' ugh!' her mother said irritably to the driver. This car is so slow and dirty as well.' she turned to her daughter. " Michelle, sit straight,you are looking dead.

Michelle ignored her mother, knowing it would irritate her further.

well, I trust we've found a place where even you will find it difficult to get into trouble,' her mother said,eyes glittering.

The car stopped in front of a grey building. A small, round woman wearing a gold wig and bright red lipstick was standing by the gate.

Grachi, Michelle! the woman shrieked.

her mother smiled. nan, this is michelle.' Michelle's aunt embraced her.michelle stood a little stuffly , somewhat embarrassed at her aunt's warmth.she smelt of a queer but not unpleasant mixture of strong perfume and oranges .

' such a long time. you remember me ? you.

' all alright' her mother interrupted. I'll be off.'

' so soon?' you are not coming down? my girl prepared spaghetti and meatballs with fried chicken.

I have a plane to catch. I'll write you a cheque . Michelle bye bye and be a good girl. don't give aunty Nancy any trouble.

The taxi sped off and Michelle helped her aunt to carry her luggages inside.her aunt kept chatting in a high pitched voice.

forcados is a nice school. they always have Excellent results every year. such a pity you were exp_er, had to leave your former school. I told a few people you were coming.

Remember Becky Smith? her father is a pastor Smith and she's such a sweet girl...

later that day, as Michelle was in her room unpacking, she heard her aunt Calling shrilly," Michelle,come out and meet someone!.

oh dear, Michelle thought.she took a deep breath and went out.

Becky and her mother had dropped by.

" Becky, this is my niece Michelle Charlotte", aunt Nancy said . Michelle, this is Mrs Smith and her daughter Becky.

Becky stared at Michelle. she'd had a hazy memory of her and she had been expecting_ well ,she wasn't sure what she had been expecting, but certainly not the girl standing in front her.

Michelle was tall and slender,with large eyes and long eyelashes. her hair fell in trangled plaits across her shoulders.

she had a delicate , mysterious beauty that made Becky think of a freshly blossoming flower. she certainly didn't look like someone capable of been expelled.

" Good afternoon' , Michelle greeted her visitors, curtseying a little. she had a surprising deep masculine voice.

' come here, you are pretty', Mrs Smith sang out, I hear you will be going to the same school as my daughter.'

hello , Becky said, feeling a little awkward. I don't think you'll remember me; I'm afraid I don't much remember you.'

" why don't both step outside and talk ?, aunty Nancy suggested.

The girls stepped out to the balcony.

I'm a commercial student, ' Becky began.what class do you attend ?'

science"

oh, you are brainy one .well, I suppose it doesn't matter whether we are in different classes. let me tell you a little about our school, morning assembly starts by eight, so I'll come over at seven_ thirty, if you like. you must plait your hair in the week's style. I'll show you where I do mine.'

I'd like that very much but thank you am good .

so tell me about your former school. girls only, wasn't it ? forcados is mixed ,..it may come as a shock.'

I hope not,' said Michelle. they both laughed , suddenly discovering they like each other .

Becky continued, do you remember two guys called Daniel and Jimi?"

Michelle frowned. I think I do .very troublesome boys , am I right?.

only one of them was.'

they laughed again.

I hope you'll like it here Becky said.

The next day, as students stood in front of the hall laughing and talking just before assembly,Jimi joined the other prefects trying to organize Everyone.

No more chains on trousers or dangling earrings for the girls. there will be inspection of fingernails and socks during assembly.principal's orders, he said . then he noticed Becky standing with an unfamiliar girl.

Michelle clung close to Becky .she felt uneasy,the object of curious attention.

Jimi moved over to Daniel. who's that girl, the one with Becky.?

oh that must be the new girl she was telling me about yesterday' Daniel said.

" A new student is joining us?"

strange isn't it? Becky said she once attended our kindergarten school, so she might recognize us, mic or something,um yes , Michelle.

Michelle. Jimi had never heard of her,but she looked rather nice,not bright, though.she had probably failed at her former school.well, Jimi Williams to the rescue.

come on; he said half dragging Daniel .let Becky introduce us ", Daniel sighted: he knew Jimi very well.

hello becky , said Jimi

Michelle, these are the boys I was telling you about. Jimi and Daniel,' Becky said. boys ,this is Michelle Charlotte'

Daniel murmured awkwardly: he always felt shy around girls. Jimi just stared, his mouth open a little,until Becky prodded him.

Jimi!!

oh, I'm sorry, he said.he stretched to his full height,flashed his brightest Mr cool smile and extended his hand. I'm Jimi williams.nice to meet you, although we are supposed to have met before .

Michelle stared at him,not taking his hands. I remember you,. she said frostily.you once put a dead lizard on my table .'...