Nicole started at the office like her colleagues. She signed on the register and chatted with other teachers, unaware that her small dress produced side whispers and stares. When they all met at the staff room the Principal also noted her lengthy reveal of the thighs. He chose not to say anything. It’s the first day of school after all, and they were all used to Mrs. Gardner’s fashion sense. It came as no surprise at this point.

The brief meeting adjoined. Nicole went to her class, Room 23. The grade 11’s were making a lot of noise. But the noise stopped when she entered the class.

She stood at the front for a few seconds. A learner at the back whistled that flirtatious tone. Small giggles rose here and there. 

“Who was that?” She asked, eyes focused at the back. “I said who was that?” Nobody answered. She looked at them with a hard face and noticed three or four who were repeating the grade. She took a small chalk. When she turned around to write at the board, to write her name as a way of introducing herself, someone, perhaps the whistler, commented on her big, sexy ass. She turned back around and met the small laughter. They went quiet again.

She smiled. “Thank you. Who said that?” The learners gave no response. “If you don’t pick him out, I’m expelling all of you. For a week.” That had been it. They all pointed at the one at the back. His name was Julius Kekena. He had a shiny big head and a thin moustache. The fingers remained aimed at him. He looked around at them and blinked, licked his upper lip. He said his apologies, but it was too late. 

“How about I show you what this big, sexy ass can do? Come on.” She went to him at the back. 

“Ma’am, I’m sorry,” he said. 

“I forgive you, boy. Don’t worry.” Nicole thrust her hand at his left thigh between the legs. The boy screamed. She twisted her hand as she continued to pinch him. “Oww, I’m sorry. I’m sorry, Mrs. Gardner.” 

“I don’t hear you.”

“I’m sorry!” He was tapping at her shoulder now, crying. 

Two seconds later she let go. He lowered his head on the desk. He pressed his hands to where he was pinched, and moaned in pain. “There’ll be blood next time,” she whispered. 

Nicole stood up and brushed her hands together. “Now, where was I?” She returned to the board. Throughout the whole session the learners said nothing. They made no noise again.