chapter twelve

The term was Coming to a close, which means exams and more excitingly,the inter house sports tournament.there would be a lot of activities and football games and races between the four houses; tiger,lion cheetah and leopard.

everyday after classes,pupils gathered at the field to cheer their respective houses, their voices could be heard chanting;

for Becky , end of term meant organising the Carol night with the music teacher and she was sitting in the cafeteria talking to Michelle about it.

' we don't have enough male voices this year,as usual.michelle would you like to sing? you have a very nice low voice.you could sing in the tendon section'.

" I can't sing'.

' please sweetie for me'.

Michelle laughed in an unexpected rich contralto. I'm afraid I'll be busy' .

busy'?

' yes, I'm in an organization,it's a group designed for the advancement of women and children. I'm specially involved in a youth programme. Harriet got me...

who's Harriet

"miss harriet'

"yes. I've been going to lots of meetings. we're staging a protest on violence against women. And next week is the empowering youth forum, and we've been visiting the orphanage oh, and I've got a teen against HIV meeting this evening and for the rest of the week.

" Gosh Michelle, that's really busy,but I'm glad you've found something that interests you.

Michelle laughed musically again.

" she is glowing, Becky thought.she looks beautiful than ever before".

don't worry I will sing for you ,' Michelle said.

she stood up abruptly.' excuse me"

she left just as Jimi came over.he was wearing sleeveless cotton top and grass struck to the side of his legs .

hi" Beck's, we just won the basketball match.up tigers! I just saw Michelle here.

oh yeah Becky said. I'm not surprised you two don't get along.

" yeah yeah,. I know she left because of me.she just hates me'.

Michelle's sweet and nice if you get to know her'.

" she can't be like you', he muttered.

" she went to girls only school where things were very different and she's not used to all the things here.

what's that? he wanted to change the subject and pointed at the paper she was holding.

' the Carol list'.

" is Michelle singing?.

yes.

can I join the choir? you're always looking for boys'.

Becky was astonished.when did Jimi ever sing?

" Jimi are you sure? you need to have a lot of commitment'.

don't worry and I'll help you find some more boys,if you like '.

Becky stood up, " thanks Jim's, I'd appreciate it ' .

the final day of the inter house sports tournament dawned bright and clear.students wearing the coloured vests of their respective houses milled about eagerly discussing who would win the hundred metres race, which was the last event of the tournament.would it be Jimi or icheen? parents and teachers sat under shaded tents in the stands. an eager hush settled over the crowd and the eight boys were gathered on the start line,their faces stiff with concentration. Jimi could see Michelle in the stands with a slight malicious sneer on her face,as if she could see his fear. A flush of anger rushed through him Alright, he'd show her!.

The blast rang out and the boys were off, running like antelopes.from the corner of his eyes Jimi could see icheen. he strained against the air until he felt he was moving against water. move! move!! they crossed the finished line .

great race for tiger house" the microphone boomed.jimi Williams first,icheen second....'

" he won!' Becky said smiling

he won,' Michelle said unethusiastically. I'm sure he's feeling like a king now. the posturing peacock who panders to the gallery.

Michelle', please !' Becky said putting her hands on her ears .

oh please tell that to him,"

excuse me.

The end of year Christmas concert took place in the hall,with large decorated Christmas tree. during the concert Jimi wore a father Christmas cap on stage,which made everybody laugh, and he sang in the bass section of the choir. he had turned up for every rehearsal.

' master Williams, you have a very fine baritone,' the music teacher had said, delighted' where have you been hiding?'

Becky sang all the soprano solos and the group sounded so beautiful that no one could help but be touched.it was a lovely performance, everybody agreed.the music teacher felt like hugging them all.

for Michelle,the term had gone very well indeed. the principal had openly commended her on her excellent results and,best of all, she had met Harriet and they were doing things that mattered in the world,like helping the less fortunate, trying to make the world a better place.the only irritating thing had been Jimi was in the choir.

' what's up, baby doll?' he'd say everyday.

' for the last time, stop calling me baby doll!'

" miss Charlotte,' the music teacher always said pettishly, ' can you please pay attention".

only Daniel was not happy, even though he had the mural on stage, he had failed his first term exams and dreaded what his mother would say. probably; ' no more painting for you, Daniel .how many times must I tell you.....?

Jimi came to take a bow one last time,he won the best athlete's trophy and a prize for the best exam results again, and all the girls were cooing at him. the handsome schoolboy spread his arms wide and smiled. " everybody loves Jimi" the whole school seemed to be saying to him..