The Letter

My heart raced as I reached for the door and made that knock. Is this the end? I wondered. My thoughts were drenched with fear. I could feel my heart pulsating rapidly against my chest as his voice echoes in my head. Oh, that monster! Oh how I dread him. I know that he hates me. Why -did my parents send me here?

As I stood behind the closed door, my mind went back to that day; my last visit to his office.

It was on a Monday morning, the beginning of spring. Everything was in full bloom. The plants and the flowers glowed with the early morning dew. The birds seemed extra cheerful as they chirp the sweetest melodies known. At school, even the students seem to be enjoying this glorious beginning, as they continuously hoist themselves like wild animals on the sides of mountains.

That was when it happens. It was nothing short of miraculous. “It must be blamed on my reflexes. How could I have known that he would have been injured so badly? I just gave him one fist on the chin…Just one hit sir. Just one hit!”

“I will have none of that of you young lady, to my office immediately!” Mr. Johnson, the school principal barks. “You are self-conceited and wicked. If there is a re-occurrence of this act, I will have you expelled immediately,” he continues.

Those words haunt me as I heard my name echoed over the microphone.

“Tempest Rampassard, please report to the principal’s office immediately!”

What have I done wrong this time, I wondered? My parents will kill me if I should get expelled. Oh no! What have I done wrong, I questioned as I choked on my hidden tears.

As I stood in front of the huge mahogany door, cold sweat began to rush down my face. My mouth went dry and my hands trembled. I was overwhelmed with fear as I patiently await my judgment. How could I possible face this red eyed monster? He will rip me to pieces with the sharp edges of his tongue.

As I stood there my mind was mesmerized by the hypnotizing thoughts of a horrendous, vindictive, ghastly red eye monster that was blood thirsty and wants to rob me of my life. Should I run away? Should I stay and wait for the out-come? These and many un-answered questions flashed across my mind.

As I pondered on the various options available I made a sharp abrupt knock on the door.

“Yes, who is it?” was the emotionless respond from behind the door.

“Tempest sir, Tempest Rampassard,” I said in a stuttering voice.

“Come in child,” was the familiar husky sound of Mr. Johnson’s voice.

I opened the door and walked in a slow motion towards his desk. Mr. Johnson with his back forever straight, strides across the luxurious carpet in his office; which bounced back into position after the pressure of his feet, with purposeful steps, moved towards his desk. He folds a paper meticulously that was lying on his desk. He then reaches for his black leather briefcase and places the letter in one of the side pockets. He then flashes his hands at me in a wavy motion, pointing to a seat in-front of his desk.

Sit! He said. His voice was low, but seems to possess sharp cutting edge.

He then reached for an enveloped that was on his desk and handed it to me. “Give this to your parents” he said sternly.

My fingers trembled as I took the envelope from his hands.

That evening after school nothing seems to be normal. As I hurried home from school my spirit sank as I thought of what that letter entails. “How will my parents react?” what will they say? What will become of me?

That evening I went to bed early. I heard when my parents entered the front door but I pretended to be a sleep when they knocked at my door.

During breakfast the following morning the atmosphere seems dense. You could feel the tension as everyone was dead silent. I tried to read my parents facial expression but it seems blank. Did they see the letter, what will become of me? I wondered.

The fear of my unforeseen fate was soon to be ended as my father broke the silence. “Congratulation my child, you have won, you have won the Miller’s family scholarship for your outstanding academic performance. Hard work, dedication and discipline are truly the keys in attaining success my child. You have truly made us proud.”

I fainted.

 Nordia Lewis

(Class of 2012)