Chapter Eight

Sunday morning was spent in the school church. A different pastor was invited to the school each week to preach to the students. The students spent the afternoon and evening with their friends.

Principal Winter stayed true to his words and made sure the lights were turned off an hour earlier than usual.

Korah was up early on Monday morning. He took a bath, brushed his teeth and went to the cafeteria for his breakfast.

After eating his breakfast with Esther, Korah made his way to the Biology Lab (which was located on the second floor of the school) for his first class of the day. He did not speak with Jackson that morning.

Korah was one of the first students to arrive at the Biology Lab. He was five minutes early but he knew that their Biology teacher would always be there before the class started to prepare herself for the lesson. There was only one other boy in the classroom.

They usually had Biology in their classroom but since they were having Practical Biology, they were having it in the Biology Lab. The Biology teacher, Miss Greene was placing fruit samples on each of the lab tables, three samples per table.

There were five rectangular tables that were attached to the floor of the Biology Lab. They were placed horizontally and ran from one end of the room to the other but had passage ways on each side of the island for people to move to and fro. Four students sat at each table because there were twenty students in each class.

At the back of the Biology Lab were shelves and boxes in which laboratory apparatus and chemical reagents were kept.

Korah placed his bag on a stool behind one of the tables at the front of the lab. He then walked up to Miss Greene who was at the back of the lab.

"Do you need any help, Miss Greene?"

Miss Greene studied Korah's face. He had a very wide smile on his face and his hazel eyes shone brightly. His pink lips complemented his caramel skin. He wasn't handsome but a pretty boy. She reminded him of the redhead that she missed so dearly.

A scowl was quick to make its way onto her face.

Korah did not know why the woman was upset on such a beautiful morning but he was sure that she would brighten up soon.

Miss Greene was quiet for a while before she replied, "Yes, I actually do. Can you place iodine solutions on each table? That's all that needs to be done. I've already placed the test tubes and beakers where they are supposed to be as you can see."

Korah nodded and grabbed two beakers that were filled with iodine, "How many per table?

"Just one," Miss Greene replied without looking up at him. She occupied herself with placing the unused apparatus back in the boxes where they kept them.

There were only five tables, so it did not take Korah long to complete his task. After he was done he went back to Miss Greene and helped her pack the apparatus back into their respective boxes.

"Don't you think the weather is lovely, Miss Greene?" Korah attempted to start up a conversation. He only had two minutes before the class would start.

"No," Miss Greene replied bluntly. "It's too cold for my liking."

In all honestly, the weather was warm. It wasn't the warmest but it was warmer than it had been the past few days.

"But aren't you just glad for today?"

Miss Greene momentarily stopped what she was doing – placing the boxes back where they were supposed to be – and looked at him. She looked to be deep in thought before she replied. "Why? What is so great about today?"

Korah looked at her as he was not expecting that response. "The ability to see this day is a miracle on its own. Many haven't lived to see this day."

Miss Greene was quiet for a long while and took in a deep breath before replying, "Did I say that I wanted to see this day? If it were my choice I would skip this day. Every day is just full of sorrows a-and regret. What is the purpose of life when you have nothing and no one to live for? What is the purpose of life when you just spend each day cursing God for your failures and disappointment?"

Korah was completely dumbfounded. He was about to reply but the bell rang, cutting their conversation short. They did not notice during their conversation that many students had piled into the classroom.

Miss Greene placed the last box among the others.

"We're done. Thank you for your help, now go to your seat, Mr. Barden."

Miss Greene walked away without waiting for a response from Korah. She walked to the front of the laboratory and Korah walked to his stool.

"Good morning class, today I'm going to teach you about testing for starch..."

---

Korah was shocked that he managed to pay attention during the entire lesson despite how Miss Greene had replied to his questions. He considered himself an exceptional student.

When the lesson ended, the class was assigned to wash all the apparatus before leaving. Korah waited until everyone else had left before he walked up to Miss Greene. She had another class in the lab and that was why she had not yet left.

"Every day is another opportunity to praise God and correct mistakes. Some mistakes are irreversible but we should at least try to forgive ourselves and others. Holding grudges makes your life more miserable. I learned that from experience."

It was hard for Korah to accept his own words because he was still finding it hard to forgive his father for all that he had done to him. He was also finding it hard to forgive himself for the mistakes he made in the past. The mistakes that haunted him to date.

"That's easy for you to say," Miss Greene let out a humourless laugh. "You're young. You've had horrible days but your life is just starting. You don't know what I've experienced. You haven't experienced what true life is yet. You don't know what disappointment is and what failure feels like because you have your wealthy parents to look up to."

Korah's smile faltered and he looked at the ground. His mother was not wealthy. His father was but he was not sure whether he could still call that man his father. He had tried to forgive him but the more he tried, the more the man kept coming back to irritate him. He did not hate the man but he did not love him either.

"Goodbye, Miss Greene," Korah said.

Miss Greene responded with a grunt and Korah left the laboratory.

That was not the conversation Korah was expecting to have when he spoke to Miss Greene. All he wanted to do was start up a conversation with her and ask about the letters, but that was not what happened. He wondered what made the woman have such a sour attitude towards life.

Miss Greene was not always like that if he could remember clearly. He had been at the school for almost five years and she was a nice teacher, up until three years ago. Whatever happened to her, he did not know.

Korah sighed deeply as he made his way to his next class: English Language. He did not have to stop by his locker because he always kept his books in the bag he carried with him. That was why he was always early to class.

The teachers at Preston Prep Academy were always punctual for class. Mr. Douglas, the English Language teacher, was already at his table and resting his head on it. Korah walked up to him. This was another opportunity to ask about the washing machines.

"Good morning, Mr. Douglas!"

Mr. Douglas jumped up in fright at the sound of his name. He looked around the classroom and his eyes landed on the only other person in the classroom.

"Good morning, Korah. How are you today?"

Korah dropped his bag on one of the front desks and sat down on the chair behind it. "I feel great today and how about you, Sir?"

"It's not the greatest day but at least I'm alive," Mr. Douglas said in a sad tone.

What was wrong with the teachers today? The usually happy Mr. Douglas was in a not so happy mood.

"But the weather is wonderful, isn't it?"

"It depends," Mr. Douglas shrugged, "it is wonderful for some people but to others, it is not."

"Well, how is it for you?"

"It's a wonderful day. The day is a bit warmer than yesterday's weather, but it's a bad day," Mr. Douglas sighed.

Korah wanted to ask what made the day so bad but he chose not to. He remembered why he actually started a conversation with the teacher.

"What do you know about washing machines, Mr. Douglas?" Korah asked.

"Huh? Well, I know that they're used for simpler washing. To wash clothes of different materials and fabrics," Mr. Douglas replied.

Two other boys entered the class and sat at the far back.

"Are we getting any to make washing our clothes easier?"

Mr. Douglas thought for a while and then shook his head, "If we were then I'm pretty sure that the headmaster would have informed us about it. We aren't getting any washing machines."

"What about dishwashers?"

"Are you asking this because you usually help the lunch ladies to wash the dishes?" Mr. Douglas asked. "If so, then no. No dishwashers and no washing machines. In fact, the weekly meeting that we had on Saturday with the principal was about laziness. He said that he wants to lessen the work load of the lunch ladies and the school custodian by making you students do more work. He mentioned that we would never buy any machines because you guys are already so lazy. That is also why we had your phones confiscated."

"Interesting," Korah said to himself and leaned into his seat.

"Why do you ask?"

"For no reason," Korah asked. "Do we partake in any form of charities?"

"Why? Do you want to start a charity organization?"

Korah shook his head, "I was just wondering because I heard that the school's organizations are what made the school popular in the first place."

"The school indeed became popular because of their donations towards charity in 1949. In 1980 the school started their own charitable organization towards sick and homeless children but that ended in 1987. Since then we haven't participated in any charities and I don't think we will for the next few years," Mr. Douglas explained.

Korah nodded and kept quiet. He would have to tell the others his findings.

---

Korah was glad to meet his friends at lunch time. He was not afraid to inform them about anything despite the cameras because the noise in the cafeteria would block out their conversation.

Their lunch was rice with curry. They had three choices of curry; vegetable curry, chicken curry or beef curry. At their lunch table sat Korah, Andrew and Lisa, but Esther was nowhere to be seen.

"Where's Esther?" Korah inquired.

"Aren't you her best friend?" Lisa asked. "I honestly haven't seen her today."

"She doesn't usually skip class... unless... What's today's date?" Korah asked.

"Eighth February. Why?" Andrew asked.

"Ugh," Korah groaned. "She must be in the school church."

"Why? What's wrong?" Andrew asked.

"Esther's always in a bad mood on the eight of February," Korah replied. "I met her in Year Nine, four years ago, and February eighth is probably the day she avoids humanity the most. Last year, she stayed in her room the entire day and didn't even come out to eat."

"But you're her best friend," Lisa stated. "Hasn't she at least told you what happened on this day to her years ago?"

Korah shook his head, "I met her a few days after we went hiking as a grade in February, 2017 and we became friends. A year later we became best friends but every eight of February seems to be depressing for her."

"I remember hiking day," Andrew said. "I don't remember what exactly happened but the school was in mourning on the eighth, a day after we came back from hiking."

"I think I'll go talk to Esther," Korah said and stood up from his chair. "Please ask Bertha to save lunch for myself and Esther. I doubt she's eaten a thing since morning."

Korah ran out of the cafeteria and rushed to the school church. The school church was located outside the school building. It was within the school premises and adjacent to the school building but it was separate and had its own doors.

Esther was indeed in the school church, sitting on one of the chairs and crying. She was sitting at the back of the church, close to the entrance door. She wasn't in uniform but the previous night's pajamas.

Korah walked up to her and sat by her side. He had never seen Esther cry this way before. She looked really broken. He placed his hand on her back and rubbed it slowly.

Esther sat up and looked at her best friend and began to cry even harder.

"What's wrong, Esther?" Korah asked her.

Esther sniffed her nose and wiped her tears with her palms. "N-nothing. I-it's nothing."

"Don't lie to me Esther," Korah retracted his hand from her back and placed it on his thighs. "I've never seen you look so depressed in the four years I've known you. Tell me what's troubling you."

"I'll tell you tomorrow."

"No!" Korah said, his voice slightly loud. Esther was taken aback by his tone. "Not this time. That's the same thing you said last year but you still didn't tell me what was wrong with you. Who made you cry this much?"

His last sentence was said softly. He sounded really worried about her. Esther was glad to have a friend like Korah but she was rather introverted. She rarely spoke about her personal feelings to anyone. Korah would be the first person she would open up to in quite a long while.

Korah watched Esther as she took off the locket that she wore around her neck and handed it to him. Korah grabbed hold of the heart shaped locket and opened it. In it was a photo of a red haired pale and freckled boy. He had a wide smile on his face and his hair was large and composed of smooth curls.

Korah's jaws clenched. He tried his best to turn his eyes away from the picture but they involuntarily returned to stare at the jovial redhead and brown skinned girl.

"Ahem," Korah cleared his throat, "I-I think I've seen this kid somewhere before."

Tears filled Esther's eyes once again.

"That's Samuel," Esther said. "Samuel Greene."

"I-I think I know him. He used to learn here. We were in the same grade but different classes. Wait. Didn't he – didn't he pass on in Year Nine?"

Esther began to cry even harder, "You probably don't remember much of him because you two weren't really friends, and neither were the two of us by then. Samuel was my best friend... well... before you and I became friends. He was my childhood friend. We met in the park when I was seven, a few hours after my father died."

---

Esther could not believe her ears. It was impossible. How could her father have died? He was her rock. Her protector. And he had passed on without even saying goodbye?

Her father used to work for a politician and it so happened that the politician sent him on an errand. The politician gave him permission to use his car to run the errands. Her father did not have his own car. It just so happened that on that day, the brakes to the car did not work and her father was involved in an accident. He died after a long surgery and that was just two hours ago.

Esther walked to the park that was near their church. Her mother and four year old brother were still at the hospital (it was just a few minutes away from the park).

The weather was gloomy that day. The clouds were dark and it looked like it was about to rain.

Her mother did not know that she had left the hospital but Esther was sure nothing bad would happen to her. After all, the worst had already happened.

Esther sat on a bench and cried her eyes out. The other kids at the park looked at her in confusion. She wanted her father to be there with her right then, but that was not possible. Esther lowered her head and continued to cry at the thought of her father not being with her ever again.

She then felt a drop of water fall on her head, followed by another, and another.

Oh! The clouds were crying for her loss too! This all made her to weep even more.

It was now drizzling.

Esther was getting wet from the rain but something shielded her from it. Confused, Esther looked up and saw an umbrella over her head. A little boy was holding his Ben 10 umbrella over her head while he was getting soaked in the rain.

It was a little red head boy. He was probably her age too: seven.

"My grandma says that if you stay in the rain you'll get a cold," the little boy said and pointed at a woman who was sitting in a car. The woman was looking at them through the slightly lowered car window. She must have been his grandmother.

The boy placed the umbrella in her hand and sat by her side. Esther shifted closer to the boy, so that the small umbrella could shield the both of them.

"What's the matter?" The boy asked. "Why are you crying?"

Esther began to weep again and the boy looked afraid. He thought that he had said something wrong. He jumped up from the bench immediately.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean what I said! Look at me," the boy began to make funny faces in an attempt to make her laugh. "I'm a pig. Now I'm a monkey. Ooh! Ooh! Ah! Ah!"

Esther looked at him and giggled. Not because his faces were actually amusing but because of his pathetic attempt.

"Now will you tell me what's wrong?"

"My daddy died," Esther said with a sad face. "He left my mommy and me."

The boy returned to his seat by her side, "My daddy also left my mommy and me when I was four. He went to the army and he didn't come back. I miss him. I guess you miss your daddy too."

Esther nodded.

"My mommy always says that even though my daddy isn't here anymore, he still lives here," the boy pointed at his chest.

Esther nodded, "What's your name?"

"I'm Samuel but everyone calls me Sammy. What about you?"

"I'm Esther."

"Sammy!" The woman from the car called out. "Come on. It's time to go now."

"I have to go," Sammy told Esther.

"Here's your umbrella," Esther pushed the umbrella to him.

Samuel shook his head, "You can give it to me next time. Bye, Esther."

Samuel then stood up and ran to the car. Esther watched him enter the car and watched the car drive away. Samuel waved at her even as the car drove off and she returned the wave. She then looked at the umbrella that was in her hand. How in the world was she going to return the umbrella to him?

---

"I met him again three weeks later, a week after my father's burial, and we became friends. Best friends," Esther said. "The friendship carried on for seven years before... before..."

"W-what happened?"

"He committed suicide.