Page 99 - The Mending Season

Marianne cleared her throat, exchanged looks with one or two girls and kept on reading.In the next class, Sister Shirley taught Biology with her usual focus. She had a way ofmaking Biology seem like a fas­ cinating game ofcells and tissues. She would explain what we were about to observe through a microscope and when she was finished we were all anxious to put our eyes on the lens. But that day her voice lacked its usual fervour. It was as if she had no substantial knowledge ofthe topic, like she was filling in for another teacher.None ofus knew what Beths parents had said to the prin­ cipal or what reason they had given for taking her away. I was curious about what Veronica was thinking and whether or not she was nervous, but I did not want to ask because I was try­ ing to look as detached as everyone else.That night my father called. It was nice to speak to him. His days were going well; he was close to finishing paying lobola for his girlfriend and was ready to get married. His job was all right but exhausting. When he asked about the new school, I told him about my new friend KB, the strict teachers and the beautiful buildings. He asked me about sports, if I was swimming yet. I made it all sound a lot more interesting than it really was. I knew the aunts were within earshot and did not want to talk about Beth and Veronica.“Do you have White friends?”he asked.“No, not really.”“Not really?Heee, you sound like them already!”he laughed. “How about Indians and Coloureds?”“I have one Indian friend,”I lied, thinking about Dirusha. He said that he was thinking of coming to visit, that hewould speak to the aunts and see when would be a good time. I bit the corner ofmy lip, not wanting to give the phone to my mother. As soon as she said “hello”, I cringed.99