During the holidays. Olivia and Natasha spent more time with Greg
and Ryan than before. They alternated between Olivia's house and
Natasha's, where they played pool. listened to music and just
‘chilled'. Neither death nor school were mentioned. but the blissful
period eventually ended.
School started on a cool Monday morning. and the first
assembly had them back in full swing within the first ten minutes.
The new principal, Mrs Bhamjee. was announced. She would be
acting principal until a permanent principal was appointed. She was
a stern. middle-aged woman, with pitch-lack hair pulled into a tight
bun. She wore a gold sari under her black school gown and a red
velvet tikka shone on her smooth dark forehead.
After the introduction of Mrs Bhamjee. the term ahead was
outlined for the learners. Career Guidance Day was scheduled for
the end of the month. The learners knew they would be facing
many lectures regarding their future. subject choices. and the
importance of working hard at school in order to secure
employment. They groaned at the prospect.
Lastly inter-high athletics was announced. The more serious
athletes were happy but for the rest thoughts of inter-house and
the fools they'd made of themselves earlier in the year flooded
back. They would be forced to take part and were no longer
willing to be humiliated by their seniors. Many learners moaned
audibly. Those who didn't take part in sport hated being forced to
support this annual compulsory event.
"I can’t understand he senior," Natasha spoke as the friends
walked to class. "Supporting the school is so cool". why don’t they
want to take part! Why don't they get excited about sport!"
Although they trained hard, none of the friends made team and
they, too. became supporters. By then. even enthusiasm was
waning they sat one rainy day cheering on half-hearted learners
training for events they didn't believe they could win. 'the. spirit of
the school sank to its lowest ebb ever.
Olivia and Natasha couldn't wait for Saturday evening when
(hey could go out with their boyfriends. Their relationship i had
been growing steadily and becoming deeper, and though the
girls worried about where these relationships were going, they
had no desire to stop them.
It was only when they were alone together that they
discussed their boyfriends and how far and fast things were
progressing. Then they became nervous enough to face up to the
truth. "I'm happy to just wait and see, I think," Olivia said to
Natasha after a lengthy discussion on the subject.
"Me. too, only because I don't want to face the possibility of
breaking up. I know I'm not ready for anything more than kissing
and even that scares me a little. I can feel Greg getting carried
away and I have to keep moving his hands back to safe
places."
"l knows. It's so scary, but ... but I enjoy it. It's very confusing.