[It’s the next day. Melissa gets up and takes a shower. She leaves without having breakfast. On the way, she calls her friend, London.]
London: Girlfriend (enthusiastic)
Melissa: Hey (in a low tone)
London: Cheer up. Where you at?
Melissa: In a taxi, I am on my to Michael’s place.
London: So early?
Melissa: I had an argument with my mother last night regarding him. I left before she got up.
London: Argument with mother leads to spending quality time with boyfriend (she laughs).
Melissa: At least (smiles)
London: You are a lucky girl despite that he is our Physical Science teacher.
Melissa: Age is just a number.
London: Of course. See you at school.
Melissa: Kiss me through the phone (smiles).
London: Done. Cheers baby.
[Melissa approaches Michael’s house. She knocks. There is no response. She sends him a text.]
Baby, I am outside your place.
[She knocks again and this time Michael opens the door.]
(They hug and kiss)
Michael: I am sorry. I was taking a shower. (looks at her) You don’t seem like your usual self. What’s going on?
Melissa: Have you eaten? (she opens the fridge) What would you like to eat for breakfast, bacon?
Michael: (He takes both Melissa’s hands and puts them on his chest) What’s going on?
Melissa: My mother heard our conversation last night. She was upset.
Michael: Maybe it is time I met her.
Melissa: Not yet. Breakfast?
Michael: Don’t avoid this issue.
Melissa: I am not.
Michael: Are you having doubts about us?
Melissa: Never. I love you (she smiles).
Michael: Melissa Lodumo, I loved you the very first time that I laid eyes on you in Grade 10. We have been together for three years now.
Melissa: You know I love you too. Nothing will break us apart. Now, breakfast?
Michael: Of course. Come here (he grabs her. They kiss. He goes upstairs and gets ready for work.)
[They have breakfast. Then they are off to school.]
Melissa: I will see you later. Have a good day (she steps out the car).
Michael: (he blows her a kiss).
[Two teachers are watching as the lovebirds wave one another goodbye.]
Miss Pillay: This is a disgrace! (shocked)
Miss Bhengu: She’s an “A” student.
Miss Pillay: And beautiful too.
Miss Bhengu: Yet she is ruining her future with this old man.
Miss Pillay: Love is blind.
[They head to class. Later in the day it’s Period 7 and Physical Science is in class.]
Michael: Greetings pupils (smiles).
London: Hello there.
Michael: Miss London, it’s great to see you in class today. Your presence is appreciated.
Class: (laughs)
Melissa: She always comes to class though.
Michael: When it suits her, unlike you.
Melissa: Meaning?
Michael: You are my good student.
Portia: Is it? (amused)
Melissa: Portia!
Portia: If she can be good, I can also be good. (frowns)
Michael: I suppose.
Portia: (smiles)
London: Enough with the goofy talk.
[The lesson continues. After school Portia stays behind with Michael.]
Portia: So tell me something.
Michael: Anything.
Portia: What does she have that I don’t?
Michael: Who?
Portia: Melissa.
Michael: She is a good student, doesn’t bunk classes and submits her assignments on time.
Portia: I am not talking about school. She’s your girlfriend, isn’t she?
Michael: That’s my personal space.
Portia: Don’t be a bore.
Michael: But since you asked, yes she is my queen.
Portia: (laughs) Queen? You have to be kidding.
Michael: I will marry her one day.
Portia: But I am better than her (tempts him).
Michael: You had me once. We are done.
Portia: You still want me.
Michael: I moved on. I am happy with Melissa. She’s amazing.
Portia: Stop playing games.
Michael: You cheated remember? You played me.
Portia: That’s in the past.
Michael: You took my heart for granted (packs his books and laptop). Excuse me. Have a good day Miss (smiles and departs).
[Michael reaches the car and calls Melissa.]
Michael: Are you home?
Melissa: No, I am at the library.
Michael: Lunch?
Melissa: I can’t. I need to get home.
Michael: Oh! (disappointed)
Melissa: I will come by tomorrow morning. OK?
Michael: How about dinner tonight?
Melissa: My father is returning today.
Michael: Come on! (shouts)
Melissa: I don’t remember you shouting at me before. Is everything okay?
Michael: I am sorry, just a long day.
Melissa: I will come over tonight.
Michael: Are you sure? I don’t want to get you into trouble.
Melissa: Don’t worry. See you later.
[Melissa meets up with London.]
Melissa: I just spoke to Michael and he seemed tense.
London: It’s probably the chat Portia brought up in class today.
Melissa: Do you think he still loves her? We both know they dated before.
London: Dated? Who dates for 5 months? That’s not dating. Anyway, he is with you now.
Melissa: I know but I have a bad feeling (teary eyes).
London: You worry too much.
Melissa: Do I?
London: Yes. Plans for the Matric farewell?
Melissa: I haven’t thought about it as yet.
London: Come on!
Melissa: I need to go. Cheers.
(They hug)
***
Tell us what you think: Do you think a student should be dating a teacher? Do you think it’s love or abuse of power?