EMMA'S DISCOVERY

"Oh my gosh guys, you won't believe what I found about Maria", the hottest girl at school said. "What is it this time, queen of gossip and flattery", said Leslie. "Don't you call me that Leslie, because I'm not," growled Emma. Maria and her family live in an old cottage and has three siblings. Her mother is a chairwoman and her dad a chandler. "Are you serious?" Valeria jumped in. "Of course I am", said Emma with a smirk. "You mean all six of them live in that cottage?" asked Fernanda. "Absolutely", said Emma without a hint of pity. "This is unbelievable", added Carmem who had been quiet all along. "I cannot wait to tell everyone about this, said Emma. Enough of all this Emma, what exactly has Maria done to deserve this hatred and mockery, have you not mocked and bullied her enough already? And for how long will you keep this shameful act of yours a custom? Put yourself in her shoes just for once and you'll know how it feels like to be bullied and called names. "Just shut it Leslie, you're no better than a brat to speak nice words of that wretched girl" retorted Emma. It's not surprising you are fighting for her anyway. Of late, you've been trying to ignore and change the topic whenever it's about her. I have also seen you on several occasions helping her in one way or the other. "By the way Leslie, is it that old cottage she lives in or her poor and tattered uniform that makes you speak so nice of her?" asked Emma. "I'm afraid it is none of these that make me speak nice of her," said Leslie. The thing is, she is friendly to all and sundry even though everyone is almost always hostile towards her, owing to you. Now that's why I speak nice of her. I like her generous and humble way of living. Besides, there are also some other good traits of her which could help one live life in a comfortable way if only one is ready to learn or be her friend. But unfortunately, none of these traits is possessed by you and here you are planting venom for her within you. Come on girls, don't start a fight, said Valeria. Let's get going guys, Miss Lisa will be in soon. You know she is not going to spare us if we are a minute late. Everyone is present but Maria, said Leslie with a concerned look on her face. Where could she be? It's almost time for lessons to begin. Probably on her way, said Fernanda. Talk of the devil and he appears, there she comes, said Valeria. Leslie heaved a sigh of relief as she had started to like her. Hi Maria, what kept you so long, asked Leslie. Please Leslie, I'm exhausted at the moment, can't we make it after class? That will be okay by me, said Leslie. What's going on there? Nothing Miss Lisa, said Leslie. Pay attention or I'll send you two out. "Yes Miss Lisa", chorused Maria and Leslie. Maria couldn't focus on her lessons that day. She wished the lesson would come to an end quickly but it seemed to be non-ending. She kept wondering about something she couldn't figure out herself. Could it be that she was thinking of why Leslie had suddenly become nice and warm towards her? Good bye miss Lisa, she heard the class say in unison. Ha! She sighed; at last, the lesson has ended. This was strange of Maria as she never wished or waited for a subject or a class to come to an end. "I'm so exhausted I barely heard a thing today," she said. Maria was lost in her thoughts again when she felt a tap on her shoulder. She looked up quickly only to find Emma staring down at her wickedly. What is it this time, Emma? Take it easy Maria. Just wanted to know how your wretched family was and also the condition of your cottage. Maria couldn't believe her ears. How on earth had Maria found out about where she lived? She just looked up at her without a word as if wishing for the earth to open up and swallow her. Stop it Emma, stop it now, Leslie said. Oh I can see you've gotten a new friend, said Emma. What do you gain from bullying Maria? Leave her family and her cottage alone. She might be calm and poor, but that doesn't give you the carte blanche to manipulate her alright, you spoilt thing. Not again guys, said Valeria who hated to watch any arguments and fights. "Carmem, why don't you talk to her, she's your best chum right?" said Leslie. Emma I think it would be best if you stop bullying Maria, said Valeria. Isn't she a darling, she helps anyone who ask her for a helping hand and even when she can't help it yet you're so hostile towards her. It's wrong for you to continue this behavior towards her. Are you now teaching me what's right and wrong, Valeria? No I just… Shut up Valeria. I don't want to hear a thing from you. And you Leslie, I'll get back to you for this. Come on Carmem, let's get outta here. It seems these brats want to be friends with Maria. Someone please open the door for them to go out of here, said Leslie.