Pic1000: Jocelyn's Frustration

Image Source

• What do you I see?

I see a student lying down, holding a dictionary in one hand and the other hand placed on her forehead.

• What do I feel?

I can sense her frustration as she is trying to learn new words.

Story

"I won't take this lying down", Jocelyn said in anger. She just got back from school and could barely wait to drop her bags before she rushed to the table in her room where she keeps her books. She took out the biggest Oxford Dictionary her parents bought for her the previous year.

Seeing her daughter's frustration, her mum tried cheering her up but all to no avail. *"I know I always tell you to read your books but it's for you to understand what you have been taught and retain them but your attitude today is something else entirely. "Did you have a rough day in school or did something happen that didn't sit well with you?". Mrs Adam asked Jocelyn who nodded, sighed and began her narrating what had happened.

Mom, yesterday, a new student was transferred to my school. She is in my class and she is not only pretty but also very intelligent. Today she pronounced some big words that I haven't heard before. Her British accent is also top-notch. It's been barely two days and almost everyone is making her feel like she is the most brilliant student in class, something that was originally mine.

"Ah!, I see! And you are not comfortable with sharing the spotlight, huh?, Mrs Adams asked her daughter while giving her a light smile".

"Mom!, I have worked so hard to stay on top of the class, I can't allow some girl to come in last minute to take my spot, Jocelyn said almost slamming her hands on the table".

"Now, calm down young lady, we do not act that way in this home. Now, take a deep breath and calm your nerves okay"

*"I get that you want to be the best, but this is not the way to go about it. I am not saying you shouldn't study or try to improve yourself but do it for you and not to impress anyone or to conquer anyone.

"The new girl is probably trying to get people to notice her and she is succeeding. You just need to focus on you and work hard at your studies like you always do to be on top".

"Have you tried relating with her? Who knows you might end up being good friends".

Mrs Adams further advised her daughter that while a little competition doesn't hurt, it's best to keep it healthy and Jocelyn should also learn things in order to gain knowledge and use it well as opposed to what she wants to use it for.

Jocelyn hugged her mum and thanked her for the advice. She dropped the dictionary on the table and went down to the dining for her sumptuous lunch. Gone was the feeling of revenge and anger she felt earlier.

Thank you all for reading.

This is my entry to the freewriters contest. You can also join in here