The Bone Of Contention (bonus chapter)

My mind drifted while I read before falling asleep.

You might be wondering what I was thinking about, right?

I was thinking about how Mira and I  became frenemies.

I know I promised not to think about it again, but I know you would all like to know what happened back then.

                         ************************

It all started when we were in class four. We had finished writing our third term examinations. We still went to school every day even though we had nothing to do.

We played around and rehearsed for the upcoming graduation ceremony.

I was in class and drawing a picture of Tinkerbell when Mira walked into the class.

We weren't friends, but we exchanged pleasantries as we were in the same class.

"Elsie, the creative arts teacher is calling you," Mira said as she walked up to me with a smile on her face.

"Ooh! OK," I said as I turned to leave the class.

Getting to the door, I realised that I didn't ask her where the teacher was and so I turned back.

"Mira, Where's she?" I asked her in a loud voice.

"She's in her office," Mira replied.

I quickly went on my way to the office. As I went, I wondered why she sent for me.

We had already finished our exams and had seen our scores.

"Could it be about a presentation?" I asked myself as she was in charge of overseeing the graduation ceremony.

"No way, it can't be. There's no way anyone would consider me to do a presentation.  I'm not  outspoken."

"Then, what could it be?" I thought to myself.

                        ****************

I got to the office and knocked on the door.

"Please come in." A voice replied from inside the office I pushed open the door and went inside. The office was very large. The curtains were made out of beads and various paintings and portraits were hanging on the wall.

There were little clay sculptures and brick toys on the rows of shelves. The office was a sight to behold and befitting of a cultural and creative arts teacher.

The woman in the office had a grim expression on her face as she drew on a paper.

Immediately she saw me, a huge smile spread across her lips.

"You are here, please have a seat," She said as she pointed at a seat in front of her desk.

I pulled out the seat and sat down.

"You are Elsie Williams, right?" She asked me.

"Yes ma'am," I replied in a wobbly voice.

"I apologise for bringing you out of class during break time but this is very urgent," She said as she sat up properly and continued.

"Well, the school has decided to hold a beauty pageant this year and you are one of those chosen for it."

I was short of words with what she said for a moment. "Why would anyone choose me to perform? I'm not outspoken and hate social gatherings with large crowds." I thought to myself.

"Elsie, why aren't you saying anything?" She asked after I was silent for a while.

"Maam, what were the requirements for those chosen?" I asked her because I couldn't believe anyone could consider me for it.

She laughed so heartily at my question before pulling my cheeks and responding,

" We chose the contestants based on how long they have been with us and their academic records. You have been with us since you were in kindergarten and you have been topping your class."

"Ooh," I blurted out as it finally made sense to me.

"Give this letter to your parents and let me know their response by tomorrow," She said as she handed an envelope to me.

I took the envelope from her and stood up to leave but she called me back.

"Here, take this," She said as she gave me a bar of chocolate."

"Thank you, ma'am." I bowed before leaving the room.

While going back to my class, I was very happy with the chocolate bar she gave me. I couldn't wait to tell Katie about this big news and share the chocolate bar with her because she wouldn't let me eat it all alone.

When I got to the class, Katie, Ben and a few others were playing cards (whot)so I joined them. We played for a while before Katie and I gave up as we weren't winning anyways.

"I am so bored. Let's go to the playground," Ben suggested as he was already tired of playing cards.

"Yes, let's go to the playground. We can also use this opportunity to check if the fruits are ripe," said one of my classmates who was also playing cards with us.

We all rushed out to the playground and started playing dodgeball. We were careful not to make too much noise to avoid disturbing those in class six who were still writing exams as their class was close to the playground.

We continued playing until we heard the bell for dismissal around 2 pm. We were angry that the school bell rang, and we ignored it and continued playing. We were there till a teacher came and chased us out of the playground.

                          ******************

After school, Ben, Katie and I as well as some of our classmates who lived in the same neighbourhood walked back home together. Fred didn't go to school with me as pupils in kindergarten and nursery classes weren't allowed to come to school after exams.

We all walked together until everyone dispersed, leaving me and Katie alone. I took that opportunity to tell her about what the creative arts teacher told me.