My name is Hazel and I am 16. I am doing Grade 10 at Mpuma Secondary School. I am a short girl with straight hair and dark-chocolate skin. Boys from school adore my body even though I am slim.

The whole of my class has dated, except for myself and Angeline. People call us dull and boring. We are the A students in our class. We don’t have time for boys, we take education seriously. I envy being in love but I have not met “the one for me.”

In our first term a lot of newcomers come to our school. It is my first day and a new boy enters our class and sits down. I watch him. He looks handsome. He looks smart and wise too. My eyes can’t handle how I look at him.

The bell rings and my classmates are still making a lot of noise until Mrs Pinoco enters. Everyone seems to be afraid of her. The students sit down quietly and look to the front at the teacher.

“Morning class,” she says loudly.

“Morning ma’am,” the class says a bit louder.

I keep looking at the new boy. He sits in front of me, next to Prosper, the gang leader at school. Prosper is a big bully. My eyes can’t concentrate well. Mrs Pinoco seems to be staring at me. I see that the new boy has taken out his books and I have done the same.

“Oh yes, there is someone new here. Jason Nguni stand up so they can see you,” Mrs Pinoco says calmly, looking around at us.

The new boy stands up and looks towards the back. His eyes meet mine and my legs turn to jelly.
I am in love with a stranger. I have never felt love for someone before.

“Let’s welcome him, we will be learning with him,” Mrs Pinoco says and shakes his hand.

He sits down and Prosper looks at him as if he has plans to hurt the poor boy. He hates newcomers.

I can’t concentrate in class. At break, I see that Jason has no friends and I decide to greet him. I go closer to him, slowly watching that no one sees me. My legs are trembling as if I am going to fall. I turn back when I know I can’t speak to him.

“Oh you’re into this guy,” a voice says. When I turn I see Angeline and Prosper behind me. “You think he is better than us?” Prosper asks. He is getting on my nerves, I hate his bossy behaviour.

“Mind your own business, Prosper!” I shout, pushing him aside as I walk away.

Angeline runs towards me. She pulls at me and I stop.

“Hazzy, are you crushing on the new guy?” she asks, holding my hand.

“Are you asking for Prosper?” I ask angrily.

“I watched you when that guy entered the classroom, even now I saw you,” she answers sincerely.

“Yes, I think I have a crush on him. He is so different you know,” I admit.

“Don’t be shy, tell him, Hazzy,” she comforts me.

We go and sit on the benches and eat our lunch till the bell rings. We have to attend lessons after the break.

***

Tell us what you think: Do you think Hazel should tell Jason that she likes him? How would you go about it?