Hidden Dreams

Episode 14

Ms Jere…..
I had seen him brighten up. He looked more peaceful the past weeks and was always present for dance practice. .

I could see how he made work easy for me by helping his friends with most of the dances. All I had to do was add up to smooth everything up.

With the coming of Jay, the whole group seemed live. The boy had a way of pulling everyone towards him and I just loved it.
I could see he was trying to fight his inner battles and tried all I could to put him in the right track. In fact I mostly didn’t refer to him as a boy.

I recall one day when he came to the class which was practically my office.
Since I went to Luangwa secondary, I had not really made a friend. Most of the women were older than me and for some reason they all acted up around me. Someone even told me they feared I would grab their husbands because I was single and my looks where above theirs.

I couldn’t understand them cause for me I always thought my dressing as a woman had to always be on point. I kept my appearances and I didn’t really care If the so-called married women wanted to make themselves look old in their nakonde suits and long skirts and jackets. Besides I was a dancer, I had to keep my figure well defined to match up with what I did.

Overtime I found myself isolated and I found solace in helping the girls and boys realise their dancing skills and dreams. I saw the expression on the faces of happy girls and boys whenever they danced and that to me mattered most.

I was employed under music and arts and I specialised in dancing. Even when most people shot it down I was determined to achieve my dream of seeing the young ones develop their talent.

I recalled how a lot of debate had broke when I reported. Most people expected me to teach Music of which i didn’t object since it was part of what I did. But I told the Head teacher I didn’t go abroad to study dancing just to throw it away because people where displeased.

Lucky for me the head seemed to have a soft spot for me and he agreed and confirmed that if the ministry had sent me under arts then there was no reason to object it.
I remember how I started off with 3 pupils in the club. I didnt see it working but I was amazed when some grade 10s came and most of them joined. Though there was still a challenge with male students who were mostly hesitant to join.
Others would joined just for a day and then stopped coming and I laughed when I heard rumour that some boys especially the grade 11 and 12s went to the club to check out my figure.
I didn’t really care about the rumours as I had no intention of befriending any of them nor getting close.

However, things started changing when I met Jay. I practically forced him to start dancing. I saw how his face lit up when he danced with me and my heart was glad.
I didn’t think he would come back. Then I saw him walk to the class days later. He was still in his school uniform and he walked towards the class whilst I watched him through the window.
I smiled to myself not understanding myself, I didn’t know whether it was the joy of seeing him opening up or the fact that he looked handsome in his perfect tailored uniform.
Wishing I was 2 years younger and not a teacher in that school. I knew Jared was 19 from the records I was keeping in the file meaning he was 2 years younger than me.
I had completed my school at 16 and before 19 I was done studying Music and the year that followed my mother sponsored me to go study dancing specificalising in ball room dances.

I had scolded myself avoiding the thoughts of admiring a person who was my pupil.
” you are just lonely in this place Angela, focus!” I cautioned myself that day and welcomed him to the class with a smile.
Seeing him dance on one of the dance sessions was as usual appealing and I was set glancing at them as he danced with Tracy who I deliberately paired with since I noticed how much she eyed him. The fact that dancing ballroom involved passions and a drive of emotions I knew pairing them would make things easier for them. And I was right, they easily connected which lead them to direct other dancers too.
Lost in thoughts watching the dancers I heard an angry voice call out Jay.
” what are you doing?” The man asked standing amid the door .
My eyes shifted to Jared and I saw how pale his face turned.

Recalling what the instructer from a dance school I first saw Jay told me, I knew the man was pissed seeing his son dancing.
I slowly stood up trying by all means to look as mature as possible and walked to him.
He was still focused his gaze at his son. I could tell because Jay had his father’s looks and there was no mistaking that fact.
“Excuse me sir,” I started calmly standing in between him and Jay.
There’s a class here and I would appreciate If you asked for permission to come in before shouting at my students.
” your students? ” he asked turning to face me.
” yes sir, as you can see this is a class and am their teacher …”
I couldn’t finish my explanation and he cut in.
” well am sorry madam I didn’t know there was a teacher here I thought they are only students ” he faked a smile.
I felt a bit offended by his luck of courtesy but I fought the urge to rebuke him.
” anyway I came to see my son but to my disapointment someone told me he’s here dancing. Am sure he knows we do not approve of him doing this” he said extending his hand at the dance floor.
” in fact I had no idea this school has this I couldn’t have….”

I raised my hand a little to stop him.
” am sorry sir I think we need not say all that in front of everyone please take a seat if you may then we can talk properly I indicated to him softly.

I showed him a seat and the two girls with him stood afar looking around the room.
I dismissed the students except for Jay and asked the two girls who I assumed where related to Jay to wait outside.
After pulling the chair and making myself comfortable I cleared my throat and looked at Jay and his father.
” Now,” I sighed trying to find the words to tell the man before me. He just kept his gaze at me and I saw Jay bow his head without looking at either me or his father.
“So sir I got what you have said. But I have something to ask you.” I started
” no listen to me young lady, no offence because I can see you are almost or can I say close to my son’s age. I don’t know what this boy told you or didnt tell you but he knows this dancing is completely forbidden in my house. No son of mine will degrade himself to such an inferior thing when he has all the things he needs to get the best education. Just look at him he was supposed to have completed school 2 years ago and should probably be in college , but here he is in grade 11 because of this stupid ambition. Tell me if it were your child what could you have done.?