“The art of
getting things done through people. Planning, organising, leading and
controlling,” defined the teacher who is wearing glasses with her hair neatly
tied up, dressed in a pair of black pants and blue blouse covered by a black
blazer. Nothing exciting, at whatever pace. Snared in the tedium, still, I
catch every detail of her speech on that new syllabus. Not that I refuse to
focus, but economics to me is an uninteresting subject. Likewise, the teacher
who is teaching economics in our class is anything but an affable woman who
keeps me unmotivated.
Time and again,
she put an effort to invent my mistake. There is always something that doesn't
hit her eyes. It’s like she’s observing me from each and every angle of the
institution, just to pick a hole in me. This strange fact that I had to swallow
all at once had turned off my interest in her class. Pressure and restlessness
struck me each time she gets into the division.
That has given me every reason why I feel demoralised to stay focus.
Unfortunately, I had no other choice but to attend.
My heavy eyes were
no longer able to bear the weight of this boredom. Countless of times I yawn
due to the drowsiness. Once again, I rubbed my face with both of my palms,
paying no heed to her voice that echoes in my ears. The teacher seemed very
enthusiastic with the lecture she presented whereas, I was only able to close
my eyes to her who never tired babbling in front of the classroom.
“Social unit in
which two or more people interact to achieve a common goal on a set of goals,”
she went on and chalk landed straight on my face as I scrawled the textbook
with my head lying on the desk.
“You, come here
and define management.”
She gave a firm command with a resolute tone of her voice I could never possibly refuse. The language she chose to indicate the antagonism left me a little shock. As a result, I spontaneously reacted in response, “huh... What the hell?” Then, I lifted my head, looked up to her feeling annoyed. For the umpteenth time, my patience brought to the test. Exasperation was all I feel at that moment.
She gave a firm command with a resolute tone of her voice I could never possibly refuse. The language she chose to indicate the antagonism left me a little shock. As a result, I spontaneously reacted in response, “huh... What the hell?” Then, I lifted my head, looked up to her feeling annoyed. For the umpteenth time, my patience brought to the test. Exasperation was all I feel at that moment.
“Here, and define
management to the class!” She commanded, raising her voice. How I hate being
treated like that. Still, it is clear to see that the teacher appeared to swell
with pride taking pleasure in her supremacy to domineer me, knowing I have no
power to disavow her. This had happened many times.
Given that, once
again, by compulsion, I walked sluggishly to the front of the classroom,
obeying her domination.
“What did you just
say?” As you might expect, the teacher stared into my eyes with her ferocious
face, and as usual, of course, no smile. Likewise, I rarely see her smiling. Certainly not at me.
“What the hell,
Miss.” Taking back her sight, I responded decently while my heart asking myself
the same question again. A question that requires an honest answer, “why does
she hate me this much?”
“Very well. Now
you can get the hell out of my class!”
It was not a
surprise, she did it again. True, we both habitually playing that game. There's
no harmony at all between me and the teacher, linking to the subject she
teaches. The economics, she, herself, all of these elements extremely burn me
out. The whole thing is just awfully boring to tears. Thereof, I never give up
an attempt to finding excuses to deflect away from attending her session. Alas,
there’s nothing I could do other than to present myself, feeling dispirited.
When all's said and done, to be driven out of her class was always something
I’m waiting for. This gives me a sense of freedom and pleasure. On that
account, without delay, I took my bag and made my move quickly out of the
classroom.
“Fucking old
chick...” Mumbled as I fed her a sloppy expression.
Like a dog with
two tails, I rushed to the café and buy me a coffee. Afterwards, I went
straight to the park, taking a seat under a tree to relax my brain while
waiting until her session is done. The combination of the smell from the coffee
and the smoke from the cigarette had triggered an idea the moment my eyes
switched to the parking lot, where I spot her car.
"Hmm... That’s indeed an appealing revelation.”
An unhealthy inspiration crossed my mind in a flash. On impulse, I stood up, taking a good look around. To the cafeteria, to the classes across the parking lot, to the field. Clear. Silent. Just perfect. During this hour, both the students and the teachers are still busy with their lectures. These opportunities have given me additional confidence and vigour to follow through my evil intentions. There was not the slightest doubt or fear in me at that time. Above and beyond, I felt vastly electrified to perform my mission.
Ultimately, my eyes set to that black car of hers.
"This is the right time to teach you something, Rina,” I whispered to myself as I slowly make my way, armed with self-assurance towards her car. My eyes cautiously watching all over the place, to ensure that there’s no one observing my action. Great, it was quiet and silent. No one would spoil my plan. I slipped behind the row of cars to reach her car which parked between two other cars. This position allows me to complete the crime without much effort. I bent down, taking the right side, at the driver's door, carefully reaching my backpack and clutched my best-loved Swiss Army Knife.
"Hmm... That’s indeed an appealing revelation.”
An unhealthy inspiration crossed my mind in a flash. On impulse, I stood up, taking a good look around. To the cafeteria, to the classes across the parking lot, to the field. Clear. Silent. Just perfect. During this hour, both the students and the teachers are still busy with their lectures. These opportunities have given me additional confidence and vigour to follow through my evil intentions. There was not the slightest doubt or fear in me at that time. Above and beyond, I felt vastly electrified to perform my mission.
Ultimately, my eyes set to that black car of hers.
"This is the right time to teach you something, Rina,” I whispered to myself as I slowly make my way, armed with self-assurance towards her car. My eyes cautiously watching all over the place, to ensure that there’s no one observing my action. Great, it was quiet and silent. No one would spoil my plan. I slipped behind the row of cars to reach her car which parked between two other cars. This position allows me to complete the crime without much effort. I bent down, taking the right side, at the driver's door, carefully reaching my backpack and clutched my best-loved Swiss Army Knife.
“There
you go… Now, let me teach you a lesson or two! I’m giving you a fucking
accurate definition of management, teacher!”
With no second thought given, swiftly I scratch the car door with blazing fury, fearless.
“I 💓 Rina. ” There, a line gorgeously marked on her machine. I was well aware; It is not difficult for her to find the culprit behind this incident and I'm positively sure that she will stretch me a severe punishment. Somehow, I feel so willing to deal with the teacher as if all I wanted was to confront her. Like an absolute thrill to me, I sense the gust tempting in my blood. Do I need to worry if my actions will force me to break my savings? Or should I feel upset if my offence comes to the knowledge of my parents? Or even if the teacher will drag my misconduct for a cruel penalisation? No, I don't give a fuck! Beyond doubt, I’m ready and all set for whatever up shots that might come up. Rina is calling for a lesson, on the face of it. The hatred, rage, anger and heartache buried deep inside my heart for so long towards the economics teacher crave for a release. I could not let her to continuously fool me as if I’m the most witless student in the school. The time has come for an explosion, no matter what it takes.
After decorating the grudge across the door of her car, I decided to skip the rest of school session that day. Wasting no time for thinking. I made my way, feeling fulfilled. That afternoon, I went to rest my mind by the lake, a place where I often spend my time skipping school.
Sometimes, I ask
myself, why did I choose to continue my study there? Why must I occupy the A
‘Level? Why don't I just further my study at a private college? Isn't that easier, much better and look more mature? Ahhh ... It's all because of dad. He is the one who decided
all this. It’s apparently not my idea. What is my power to disobey my
father's request or will?
"Your O'
Level result is very disappointing." Dad threw the paper in my face.
"This is not
what I expected." He added in an intonation that hurt my ears and my heart too.
"I want to
continue my studies at a private college, that would do for me if the university is not my place."
Looking at my face
with a cynical smile, I saw his fierce eyes penetrate the stalk of my heart and it has successfully numbed me. My mouth was helpless to discharge everything accumulated in my heart, let alone
to ask him to fulfil my wish.
"Choose one
of the two. A' Level or you get out of here, decide your own life."
His final word
took the lead, and then he left me alone, without giving me a chance to defend myself and my
request.
Perhaps the results of my O' Level are not to be proud of but with that, I am still eligible to take A
'Level. In fact, I am qualified to apply for at least a place at a polytechnic
or any college available across the country. But my father wanted the first, so
this is where my second life began. Halfhearted. Half a dead heart and this
dead heart of mine deserve to endure a resurrection.
A formal
invitation sent to me on the following day. Where to? Where else, sure enough
to the counselling room. Again. It wasn’t the first time. Doubtless, it has
been wholeheartedly expected. The room I call 'my second home' has watched
several dramas I caused throughout two years being a part of the establishment.
The gaffe is no longer an issue to me, in point of fact, this situation already synonymous with me.
“I hate economics
and commerce, management, whatever related to that,” being truthful, I voiced
what is locked in my heart for so long. The chance shouldn't be wasted. Therefore, without any hesitation, I gave them a genuine answer when they
question me about the scratches I made on the door of Miss Catherina Joseph’s
car.
“What it has to do
with my car?” The teacher came close to me, standing only an inch away,
piercing her furious eyes wrathfully into mine. Fierce, filled with antipathy,
just like a lion enjoying its victim.
“To tell you that
I hate your class.” Me, on the other hand not in the least affected by that
sharp look. Instead, I put back her sight directly into her eyes.
They both glanced
at each other. The chick and the fucker.
“I want to go
now.” At full tilt, my hand grabbed my backpack that lay on the floor before I
stood up, keen to leave. I took a peep at Rina who was signing a paper before
Mr Remy handed the document to me.
“Two weeks
suspension. Mark here,” ordered Mr Remy.
Wasting no time, I
snatched the paper and carelessly read it through. As my eyes brood over into
the eyes that glared at me with a sense of hostility while I was validating the
missive, generously I delivered her a trifling fake smile.
“At least, I'll be
free from school for two weeks… yuhuu.”
I passed over her,
deliberately bump my shoulder on hers.
Getting suspended
from school for two weeks, I feel free like a bird. The excitement sparked in
my entire being. That’s incredibly terrific. It was something that I at all
times look forward to. Recalling Miss Catherina Joseph who is so cocky,
arrogant and obnoxious, the school was nothing interesting. And of course, not
a place where I can have some fun. What annoys me to a greater extent is,
she, every day, this woman called Rina will be teaching in my class. Every day,
without a break. Economics, commerce, management, she masters all of the
subjects, which weakens my determination. Every day I pray that her place will
be substituted by any other teacher, but it turns out that my prayer is not answered. Maybe it will never be answered. How I wish that it would. I'm not having good luck. There were no
signs or rumours that she would retire from being my teacher.
Two pm. It was
still too early to go home, so, I opted to hang out at my favourite coffee shop
occupying my time to get pleasure from a cup of tea. I plan to spend the whole
afternoon at the lake, after that. The place where I appreciate to relish my
time in private. Being alone helps me to get into a mood to finding a pure
tranquillity of a peaceful mind. Away from all the noises and crowd, I am used
to be unaccompanied like this. To be all by myself is nothing new to me. This
enriches millions of philosophies. Safe and disengage, free to do whatever I
want, anything I like, without the need to wait for anyone to go on, let alone
the need for approval to proceed.
Along with each
swallow of the Earl Grey, my brain actively planning activities to organise
during the ‘holiday’. However, there was one thing that bothered me even though
at first, my anger had turned off all worries. Truth be told, thinking about how
to deal with my parents left me a bit unsettled, despite the airy sensation
knowing that I do not need to get up early for school. The thought of facing
them, especially my dad, had sent an unpleasing intuit inside of me. What
reasons must I fabricate this time? I just hope that my parents will be busy
with their businesses and have no time to 'entertain' such a problem.
My mind spinning
around, pondering the possibilities with each sip of the tea and the strains of
the songs from the mp3 player. Ordinary World from Duran Duran was
playing in my ears the moment when a hand came touching my shoulder, waking me
up from my thoughts. Tender, though off-the-cuff to shock me enough. I lowered
the volume, turning my head to the figure who’s standing right before me out of
the blue. Here, before my eyes, the teacher is taking the opposite seat
without an invitation, still with her fierce eyes clouded behind those glasses.
“Care for tea?” I
asked, a little hesitant. As it happened, Rina’s presence cramping me. She
smiled to some extent, breathing down on my neck. An annoyed smile. A hatred,
perhaps.
“Now, tell me...
The suspension flies you over the moon, hmm?”
Disregarding my
offer, she went straight to her point. I didn’t bother to provide a reply. So
sudden and so sweet I became speechless, throwing my eyesight at the street.
The best thing I can do was giving her permission to talk. To calm me down,
thus, I lit up a smoke.
“Anxious, aren’t
you?” She kept on asking.
“I considered you
have a smart conclusion for this.”
She looked relax
with an intimidating smile as she sat back, crossing her arms and her legs
while one of those legs deliberately bumping mine. I immediately divert
my legs to the other side, avoiding from being touched by hers.
Within the
nervousness, I reassured myself to stare straight into her face. Eyes meet
eyes, a few seconds passed. At length, I took the final puff on the cigarette
and then put it off.
“With what?”
Instead of passing on an answer, I took her back, leaning my body comfortably
on the seat.
“With my car that
you scratched, honey. Do you expect me to drive the machine with that writing
on it? I’m being tolerated with you politely now.”
The word ‘honey’
by some means caused my lips effortlessly sending her a grin.
“Point your wish,
Miss.”
“Ha, ha... Are you
telling me to cut this off? What a funny person you are. I suppose you own the
answer before you proceed. Exercise your brain healthily in the future,
Adriana.”
“I can’t afford
the repairing. I am sorry.”
She chuckled to my
answer, uncrossing her arms as I stood up to pull out my wallet.
“Let me check.”
Then, I took my seat and I passed her every cash I have.
“Well, look, this
is all I have… hmmm, exactly 45.70, after I pay the drink. Take it, I hope this
will do for your car.”
Looked into her
eyes, her face still beaming with that expression. The sort of beam that I hate
to view. A mocking smile that tells me how proud and vain and arrogant she is.
“Are you trying to
offend me?”
“No. I’m just
being honest with you. That’s all I can afford right now.”
“Look, I have an
idea. A healthy, smart and reasonable idea,” said the teacher while putting
back the money on my hand.
“Which is?”
“That motorbike,
it belongs to you, isn't it? Not a loan from your parents or someone else?” She
pointed her forefinger at my black superbike. I nodded. In response to that
soundless answer, she flashed a shining smile. Momentary, I caught sight of her
twinkling eyes.
“And yes, it’s a gift from my dad for my seventeenth birthday,” I added proudly as she didn’t
reply, just excitedly viewing my motorbike.
“Spoilt brat.
Anyway, cool... I fancy that bike.” She turned her head, looking back at me, examine my face with attentiveness.
“So?”
“Well... Let’s be
fair and square. I’ll keep that bike as collateral for the debt you are not
able to pay until you can afford the repairing, understand? Now, you can hand me
the key.”
Without extending
the preamble, she expressed her desire, her ‘healthy, smart and reasonable’
idea. Looking very much poised, with her intense eyes piercing on mine, she
forced me to give her the key. As soon as I realised that the key was lying on
the table, hence, I immediately grabbed it and put it inside the pocket of my
jeans.
“You can’t be
serious. Please, leave me alone.”
“Yes, I surely
am... And no, I will never leave, not until you give me the key. Pass it to me
now.”
“You can’t even
ride a motorbike.”
“You will see. I
said give me the key."
“Ahhh... You must
be kidding me.”
“No, I am not...
Take this for scratching my car.”
“No fucking
way...!”
She finally
raised, trying to take hold of my hands. I didn't dodge, instead, I joined
her, face to face, just a centimetre away. People around us were watching. Argghhh...
What a pure embarrassment. I hate her. God!!! I hate this woman. I feel like I just want to shout those words to her face. But my courage is gone. It's gone!!! And I don't know why...
She came
closer to me. Straight away, she slid her hand into my jeans’ pocket. Oh...
No... This time I had to dodge away, but she persisted to force and for some inexplicable
reason, I became too weak to resist the action of the teacher.
“There it is.”
She laughed as
held the key, swinging it to my face, left me wordless, powerless and obscured.
Her immediate act has put an end of my ability to respond as quickly as I
should.
Not enough with that, she pushed my shoulder, sinking me at the wall. Before I manage to think of anything else, she added my surprise by
putting her hand behind my head. She then pulled my face close to her and kiss
my lips for a few seconds, before she freed me, completing her victory with the
sentence, “and that’s for being very impolite to me all the time.”
I, who was so
taken aback, became speechless, embarrassed, startled, with a variety of
emotional states arise in my heart and judgments. The disagreements, they were
all gathered in my throat without the competence to jump out of my mouth. I
couldn't throw a single word as a consequent of her actions, especially the
kiss. The teacher I hate has kissed me. Rina kissed me!!! Is that a kiss of hatred? Anger? Revenge? Why did she kiss
my lips in a situation, in an incident that I, myself have no clue what to
call?
Isn't she supposed
to punish me with a sentence commensurate with the crime I committed? But why a
kiss? 'For being impolite towards her all the time'? A kiss I never dreamed of.
Truth be told, that kiss has awakened me from a dream. She has just kissed me
and she has also taken my motorcycle’s key. Those are not a dream. Rina made me
cringe and limp. Confused and puzzled.
“You wish to play
a game, huh? Let’s play, Andrey. This is merely a beginning...” She settled the
argument as she let loose of me. Afterwards, she took my helmet, walked down
the stairs to my motorcycle and started the engine as she blew me a kiss before
she drove away.
I couldn't believe
my eyes that the bitch just went away with my beloved bike and I did nothing to
stop her as if she has put me under a spell. What am I? A coward or something?
She left me standing there with pairs of eyes chuckling at me with grins and
smiles on their facial expressions. And me? She made me hailing a cab. What a
bloody shame!!!
That was the most
historic day in my life, where and how this story begins.
Post a comment