Telesa - The Covenant Keeper by Lani Wendt Young Read Free Book Online Page A

students addressed them with deferential respect, even the ‘naughty’ ones like the burly boy, Maleko. Students raised their hands when they had questions and nobody argued with the teacher. Another difference was their dress. Back home it had almost been a sign of one’s status to be as sloppy and dishevelled as possible. Here, there were no extreme haircuts, no makeup, and definitely no jewellery. Girls wore their hair in neat braids. All the boys except Maleko had hair cut above the collar and Mr Matau sternly reminded two of them to tuck their shirts into their lavalava .
    The bell ringing for lunch was a huge relief, dying as I was to get out of the oppressive confines of the classroom and into the fresh air. Everyone else seemed impervious to the glory of the green and gold day, the way the wind ruffled the coconut palms overhead. Washington Girls had been stately grey and regimented cobblestones. Samoa College was a haven of color and light. I studied everything, but all while trying hard not to stare. Boys played rugby again on the expanse of field. A cluster of girls were shooting hoops on a grass court – netball – Simone explained airily at my puzzled glance. There was another sport I would have to Google, especially since there didn’t seem to be any nets involved anywhere? Other students grouped on the wooden benches lining the driveway as they ate their lunch. I had no idea where the lonesome newcomers were supposed to go but, again, Simone came to my rescue, calling to me impatiently as he walked past me,
    “Well, come on Leila, what are you waiting for? Let’s go get some lunch.”
    Awkwardly, I tripped after him as he continued calling out with the same graceful ease to all and sundry. At the canteen (which only seemed to sell carbs and more carbs, all drowning in generous amounts of oil), I refused a burger. Simone then proceeded to lead me to sit underneath a tamaligi tree beside the rugby field and subject me to the third degree.
    “So, whereabouts in the States are you from? Any brothers and sisters? Do you drive? Do you smoke? Do you party? Do you wear makeup to school back home? Why are you here? How long will you be here? Are those highlights natural? Why do you bite your nails so bad? When was the last time you trimmed your hair – your split ends are shocking. Did you have a boyfriend back home? Why not? Have you had sex? Have you kissed anyone? Have you … ” it went on and on. I was painfully relieved when the bell rang for class. Not only was I not used to answering such personal questions, I was especially uncomfortable with the fact that it was a BOY asking them. Even if he was the most graceful and feminine boy I had ever seen. I sighed as I followed Simone to our next class. I had tons of questions I wanted answering but I would have to put them aside for another day.
    The rest of the school day passed in a sweaty haze and I was grateful to see Uncle Tuala’s car pull up at the gate when the last bell rang. I was tired, hot and thirsty. But I was also mildly triumphant. I had done it. Survived my first day at school in Samoa. Nobody hated me – I think. I didn’t hate anybody. The work had been manageable. The people vaguely likeable. I even kind of had a ‘friend.’ A boy who was for all intents and purposes – a girl. Already this school was scoring higher than home. Yup. Fingers crossed it kept on this way. My good mood continued enough that I was even able to speak politely to Grandmother Folger when she called to check on me that night. Yes, I was fine. No, I didn’t need any money. No, there hadn’t been any trouble at school that day. Yes, I was fine. Asleep almost as soon as my head hit the pillow, my final drifting thought was – I’m fine . I could almost believe that.
     
    * * * *
     
    Day two at Samoa College started the same as the first. Morning assembly, only this time it was led by the stocky girl with thick braids. Simone whispered – that’s Manuia