Chapter 3

Well it’s another day, I can’t say it’s beautiful but it’s okay. Any who its currently 06:45am and it meant that I had 25 minutes to go through my research notes that I found about Nathan. It also meant in these 25 minutes; 10 minutes were a way for me to find the right tone to use when interviewing him. As time went by, I went downstairs to make breakfast only to realise that I forgot to stock up the fridge, at this moment I had a mental breakdown. However, I mentally told myself I’ll stop by the coffee shop and get some coffee and a muffin. I headed back up upstairs and took a shower to ease the nerves. After I was done, I went straight to my closet and started looking at my choices and since I’m a reporter I have to make myself presentable but today something told me that I didn’t have to wear a complicated outfit. Hence, I chose a floral loose blue sleeve dress, the different flower patterns that were on it had a specific detail and for me it was a story being told. After I wore it, I curled my short pitch-black hair which looked so pretty and then paired the outfit with brown flat boots.

As I headed out of my apartment and made my way to Jolly’s coffee shop that was a 5-minute walk, I kept reminiscing as to how the interview will go honestly. Truth being told, I was afraid of the outcome and that it wasn’t going to end well for me. Arriving at my destination, I managed to get my usual cappuccino with a blueberry muffin and then made my way to the bus stop. As I sat patiently waiting for the bus, the hairs on my back stood up once again and that brought a sense of fear that I had yesterday. My mind started to go crazy cause this was the same feeling I felt last night. This time the weather was great but my gut told me it was far worse. I looked both sides and noticed a figure at the end of the street to my right in black. Frozen as a block of ice, I didn’t know what to do up until the bus suddenly arrived and my first instinct was to rush right inside for the sake of my life. Not knowing what was happening but the last thing I wanted was to be part of the story.

Thoughts kept circling in my mind about the encounter but soon faded away, so I could deal with the current task which was this interview. Finished my coffee and muffin, decided check if my phone was still had a full battery for my recorder. Good thing it was at 90% which meant it was still ok. As I drew my attention to the window during this long journey, this was my first time taking the bus this far. The sights that were visible brought out beautiful scenery and that intrigued me. The stories about the views in the south were true, ever since I came here for school, I actually never had time to be a tourist because my main focus was my job and my education than having fun. I really wanted to make my mother proud after she gave up everything for us to survive, the last thing I want is to talk about my painful past. As time went by, I was finally in the city of Blantyre and the remaining 30 minutes were meant for a cab ride to my final destination.

It’s strange how there so many universities in the city but this one was the furthest. While my thoughts were going crazy, the cab came to a halt and that instantly meant that I’ve arrived. The minute I got out I was blown away by what was in front of me. I knew the Polytechnic University was huge but not this huge, the size of it was like you were in Colosseum and the Burj combined but slightly smaller. Still in dreamland, a small figure appeared by the door as students kept passing him, it meant that they were waiting for me. “You must be Michelle Matthews”? he asked, “Actually it’s Michelle Crest, Matthews is my father’s name”, I didn’t want to hear the sound of that name honestly. “Hope I didn’t offend you, if I did, I’m dearly sorry”, I told him it’s okay and not to be bothered by it honestly. “If you may follow me, I am Steve your tour guide for today”, I should say for a student that he is, he sure does have enough energy. “After I’ll take you to the locker room where you can meet coach, it’s also were you’ll interview him before the main story himself”. He walked me through the university and show me the classes as well as the clubs that are present. He told me about the curriculum and how some students come for studies while others come for sports, that’s due to the sports scholarships that are given to them by scouts in high school. After the walk around the school, he then took me to the locker room which had the head coach is office. Approaching the door he banged it so loud that it startled me, I didn’t understand why he did it until I heard him say “Guys I know your all in there, please make sure that your changed”, my mind went blank and kept on thinking why he was saying this, when the next line shocked me, “I’m coming in with a girl who wants to interview coach”.

It was quiet for like a brief 30 seconds until someone said enter, this was going to be the day my eyes get ruined. We entered the locker room and my mind told me to look down but my eyes won the battle, as I looked at 20+ guys all in one space all bulked and tanned. Just with one look at them I could tell that they all loved this sport so dearly and I didn’t want to judge them for their dreams. The head coach came out of his office and greeted me so friendly, I adored it so dearly every time I’m about to talk to someone. “Okay boys, we as a team are being interviewed by the very own Michelle Crest, a reporter from FOXES & CO.” It felt weird to hear that. If it was another reporter, they would be bragging but me on the other hand doesn’t know how to brag. “She’s a very well-respected reporter and knowing you guys and your brains don’t even try.” I laughed at what he said about their brains, besides his not wrong about it. “That means no fooling and flirting around okay, now get ready for morning drills.” After briefing the guys, Steve said his goodbyes and the coach led me to his office so that I could conduct the interview.

Entering his space showed me how much he loved this sport. It felt very welcoming like your attending a get together. “I’m sorry if I startled you back there but these boys are quiet a wildfire”, he said and I can tell how much he loves these guys so much. “You didn’t actually, it made me laugh honestly”, still remembering the image of the boys embarrassed, “I haven’t laughed like that since I was very little so thank”. I told him until he said something that felt very personal, “well I’m glad that you found my shouting entertaining”, I noticed a picture of him, his wife and daughter and they were happy. “You have a really beautiful family coach Chitsulo”, the minute those words left my mouth his expression changed and I realised that I struck a nerve. “Don’t worry about it, besides it’s just me and my wife”. After he mentioned that, my heart sunk after his voice changed to sadness. Hearing him talk about how much he loves his daughter made me wish my dad was like him. “Well it’s good to know how much you love your daughter”. Suddenly I was on the verge of crying but then remembered that I’m a reporter and need to restrain myself “Now let’s get this interview started”.