Savannah?, why her?, Dawn asked as she was surprised. What experience does she have to win a poem competition?, April asked furiously and they started talking amongst themselves.
Mrs Florence rubbed her temple and was about to say something when Savannah hit the table hard with passion and everyone flinched to the loud sound coming from the table she hit. A flash of anger crossed Savannah's face but she surpressed it then she clenched her teeth.
I think it's rude of you to question Mrs Florence's decision, I mean, I know it's rude of you to do that, Savannah said in a calm tone as she tried not to let her anger show in her tone then she plastered on a brief smile.
Can't you guys cooperate for once?, Mrs Florence said and looked at April. I gave all of you a chance to go to competitions so why are you questioning my decision?. What effontery do you have to turn against your teammate?, Mrs Florence asked furiously.
But Mrs..., Dawn was saying when Mrs Florence looked in her direction as hot flames literally coming out from her ears.
Don't but me, today's meeting is over, Mrs Florence said and left the clubroom furiously with her books under her right arm. Savannah stood up and left afterwards.
You guys should calm down, she's our teammate after all, Maya said with a brief smile then she stood up and left too.
It was closing hour and all the students had started leaving the school premises.
I don't understand, I'm no more a bad student, why do my teammates hate me?, Savannah asked looking conflicted as he walked alongside Ryan.
It's because that's how the world is and also this school has been to 25 poetry competitions but they were only lost 5 poetry competitions, they're probably scared you'll make them lose, Ryan said trying to comfort her.
Our coordinator, Mrs Florence is not stressed or scared that'll make the school lose the competition so why should they?, Savannah asked.
Well, I don't have an answer to that, I lost words to comfort you, Ryan said jokingly and Savannah slightly elbowed him and then chuckled making Ryan smile little because he succeeded in cheering her up.
There was silence for a while but Ryan broke the silence.
What motivated you to start reading your books?, Ryan asked and Savannah looked at Ryan for a few seconds then redirected her gaze.
Well, a little girl called Andrea James told me I was a genius and that if only I could read more, I will become a top student, Savannah said.
So your goal is to be a top student?, Ryan asked. Yes, but my main goal is to be Maya's rival, Savannah said as she now looked serious.
Her rival?, Ryan asked because he was confused as to which was better, Maya's rival or a top student.
Yes, she said and exhaled. To tell you the truth, I had always envied Maya for being a straight A's student. She is someone I had always looked up to and whenever she received an award she looked cool but I was not interested in studying. But now I want to be like Maya and be better than her, Savannah said in a passionate tone.
I love your enthusiasm but you should know Maya has a tutor teaching her every single day at home but you don't have any tutor, Ryan said.
Your mum is any tutor, Savannah said as she stopped in her tracks facing Ryan.
But my mum doesn't tutor you everyday, Ryan replied immediately Savannah said those words.
Well, someone said a student who rose to the top depending on his or her brain given to her by God is better than a student who rose to the top while depending on tutors, Savannah said in defence of herself.
Nobody has ever said that, you just made it all up, Ryan said looking at the confident Savannah.
Savannah rolled her eyes, whatever, let's go, Savannah said and then she spotted the ice cream stand and her face instantly lit up.
Ryan, she called out his name in a cute tone and Ryan looked at her.
What?, Ryan asked trying not to cringe.
Can you buy me an ice cream?, Savannah asked as she stared at Ryan like a baby.
Yes, anything to stop you from acting like that, Ryan said and Savannah ran to the ice cream stand like crazy while Ryan walked there in a mature manner.
Maya just came out of the school and as she was walking out of the school gate, Sheldon the second top student in grade 10 after Maya ran up to her.
Hey, Maya, Sheldon called out and Maya looked at him. I've always told you to wait for me, Sheldon added.
I'm sorry but I had to always get home as fast as I could everyday, Maya said.
Why?, Sheldon asked but Maya didn't give him a reply. There was silence between the two for a few seconds as they walked side by side but then Sheldon spoke up.
Anyways, don't you find it weird that teachers asks Ryan and Savannah questions almost all the time?, Sheldon asked. I mean, they don't even ask us any questions anymore, Sheldon said in addition.
Well, what did you expect?, two unserious friends became serious all of a sudden and you expect the teachers to ignore them and not test their brains?, Maya asked without looking at Sheldon.
But I must say those two surprised me with the sudden change in their attitudes towards learning especially Savannah. Savannah spent two days as a new student in our school before she twisted her ankle and everyone including the teachers who had seen her performance during those two days started talking about Savannah's dull brain and negligence towards her academics. They say she is a dullard like Ryan and Co but now the teachers compliments her way of answering questions. They say she answers questions like a genius, Sheldon said but Maya didn't say a word with her head bent downwards then she lifted her head and looked at Sheldon.
Sheldon, I thought you usually pass that corner to your house, Maya said as she acted like she cared.
Oh, I totally forgot, Sheldon said smiling like a fool. Um, bye, Maya, Sheldon said and shylishly ran off and Maya stopped walking.
Genius my foot, Maya said as she gritted her teeth. She inhaled and continued walking.
Ryan and Savannah were already in the bus sitting on one of the two seaters in the bus.
Ryan, I'm scared, Savannah said and Ryan immediately looked at her worriedly.
What are you scared of?, Ryan asked.
What if I lose the poem competition, what would happen to me?, Savannah asked in a teary tone.
Ryan exhaled and squeezed Savannah's cheeks. You're gonna do great at this so don't shed a tear because of your fear, he said and released Savannah's cheek. Wait, I just said words that sounds the same, "tear and fear". Was I born to be a poet?, Ryan asked himself and Savannah giggled.
Don't be silly, rhymed words is just one of the tools in poetry. Not all poems are filled with words that rhyme so don't think you're a poet because you said words that rhyme. Anyone can unconsciously rhyme words, Savannah said as Ryan acted like he wasn't going to boast again.
You're just jealous of my talent, Ryan boasted again as he raised his shoulders upwards. Savannah rolled her eyes and smiled.
The joking spirit Ryan had was swiftly replaced by a serious spirit. Savannah I know you that you are capable of being Maya's rival so trust me there is no reason to fear, Ryan said and Savannah exhaled deeply.
Okay, I can do it and if I get to be the winner, I'll be coming close to being Maya's rival, she said and smirked as Ryan nodded.