Blossoms in the Wind

by Ross Richdale

  "And the room number?" Jeff asked.

  Ryan pointed at a school map on his iPhone. "Room 336 is on Floor 3. Go up two flights of stairs in the corridor outside and just follow the crowd."

  Jeff nodded and began following other students out.

  Moments later he walked into a room filled with strangers with a reasonably young blonde woman standing at the front. There were about thirty in the room and over half were girls. He grinned and almost forgot about being nervous. It was certainly going to be different than if he had returned to Boys' High.

  AVA KNIGHT FELT STRANGE on the first day of the school term. As a Year 13, she didn't have to wear a school uniform but as a customer at the Joseph Ward Junior High School cafeteria at eight that Tuesday morning, she had been mistaken three times by the ten year olds in Year 7 as a teacher and asked directions around the school. She could help them, of course, but grinned as she glanced at her younger brother. He was a new Year 7 student at the school. With Dad at work, she had accompanied him here.

  Several other senior high students were also there, for the cafeteria was run by a private company and out of school hours, sold coffee and meals to the general public as well as the junior high students. The senior high was on the other side of the shared school fields so was only a five minute walk away.

  "Oh hello Ava," said a woman and sat down beside her. It was Karla Spicer the junior high principal. "How are your family and yourself coping?"

  "Not too bad, Karla but Dad still finds it hard." Ava glanced across at her brother who looked embarrassed as he squiggled in the opposite seat. "This is Logan, my little brother who is starting here this year. Logan this is Mrs. Spicer, your principal."

  "Hello Logan," Karla said. "Welcome to Joseph Ward Junior High. I'm sure you'll like it here." The principal chattered away for a few moments, commented on Ava's summer dress and excused herself.

  "You called her by her first name!" Logan gasped.

  Ava grinned. "Well, she's not my principal and many of us do it. She doesn't mind."

  "Oh hell," Logan bit into his scrambled eggs on toast and changed the topic. "The school's huge. How will I know where to go?"

  Ava laughed. "Don't worry, there are close to three hundred Year 7s including just about all the kids from your last school coming here. I told you that the assembly hall is where all the Year 7 students will meet. Teachers will guide you."

  "Yeah," Logan said. "Like those three who thought you were a teacher." He grinned. "Mind you do look pretty flash in that summer dress and no uniform. Haven't seen you in one all summer."

  "Oh hush up, Logan. It was only because Dad insisted."

  Logan glanced up and grinned. "A couple of kids from my old school just walked in." He stood up, waved and shouted. "Hi guys, over here. You know Sis don't you?"

  "Oh Logan," Ava flushed in embarrassment. "Keep your voice down. You are at school, you know."

  AT THE SENIOR HIGH a little over an hour later Ava was a little disappointed as most of her friends were in a different homeroom and not 13BR, the one selected for her. Apparently her quite high English NCEA 2 mark was part of the reason for the choice but other subjects she chose for her final year also made a difference. It didn't really matter she guessed for she'd see them in the various classes during the day.

  Her name was called out reasonably early but she had to wait until more students were selected before heading along to Miss Richmond's room. She glanced around and recognised most of the others. There was one obvious new student, though. He was quite tall and appeared somewhat shy.

  The girl next to her dug her in the ribs. "Came across from Boys' High, I heard. Name's Jeff something or other. Just your sort."

  "Oh shut up, Deanne. You're the one who flutters your eyes at every guy around."

  Deanne glowered. "And why not? At least I enjoy a social life and don't spend every lunch hour in the library."

  Ava shrugged. She quite liked Deanne but she flitted after the boys too much for her liking. "So you chat him up, " she suggested.

  "I just might do that," Deanne replied and walked away.

  CHAPTER 2

  Over the following month, Jeff had never worked so hard at school. Perhaps it was the Year 13 curriculum but he believed his new school was the main reason. Joseph Ward Senior High was a new school so tended to have younger teachers rather than staff at his previous school that had often been at the helm for twenty or more years. Most of Ward's staff were women and they all had high academic qualifications, his chemistry teacher even had a PhD degree. As well, more emphasis was placed on individual research and learning and less on the traditional getting high test scores to booster the school's academic record.

  There was a house system with classroom blocks actually like mini schools with the Year 13s divided into four areas but students came together for many of the subjects such as chemistry and Japanese that had smaller roll numbers.

  Different too, were the students themselves. The boys and girls tended to go their own ways in class with the girls on one side of the room and boys the other for more formal subjects. Again, though, open plans and an absence of the old fashion desks meant that students often moved around, even during lessons.

  Absent too, was a sort of fantasy the boys held for the opposite sex at the boys' school. Jeff soon realised that girls were every bit as different individually as boys; there were the extroverts, the flirty ones, the ones mad keen on sport, Facebook or socialising as well as quiet and conscientious ones.

  The Asian girls were particularly conscientious and tended to get the highest test marks though they appeared to be less sociable among themselves and perhaps not so innovative. He did notice Ava Knight who was in most of his subject classes. She was an attractive slim girl with darkish hair and a pleasant smile. Sometimes, though, she seemed somewhat reserved and was often by herself in the cafeteria, library or in the classrooms. Unusually too, she tended to wear dresses rather than tops and shorts or jeans that the other girls wore. In his eyes this made her seem more sophisticated, he guessed the word was.

  Being quite shy with the girls around, he had not had a lot to do with her; it was more a fascination from across the room. Sometimes though, she would notice him glancing at her and either give him a slight smile or an almost angry glare as if she resented an intrusion into her solitude.

  "Oh for God's sake, stop having the hots for Ava," Ryan who had really become his best friend said. "I reckon she's a snotty little madam, a bit like those Chinese girls. However, if you're interested go and ask for a date or something."

  "Yeah, I guess." Jeff flushed. If Ryan had noticed his interest in Ava perhaps she had too, hence that recent glower.

  "Better still, why don't you go for Deanne? She's got twice the personality of Ava and has the boobs to go with it. I reckon she'd do anything you want if you asked."

  Jeff frowned. "And with any other guy around, I reckon. Oh she's quite nice but is a bit flighty for me."

  "Have it your own way," Ryan responded. " I know who I'd rather have in my bed."

  "Oh shut up," Jeff retorted. "You're as bad as the sex starved boys at my old school. All they could talk about was their fantasies about girls and boobs. At least here, we realise that girls are just like us, there are the bossy bits and the snooty cows but most are ... oh hell, you know!"

  Ryan nodded. "I know," he said. "I have two younger sisters at home and they can be a real pain in the arse while at other times they can be quite charming, especially if they want something."

  AT HOME, EVERYTHING seemed better for Jeff, though he did notice that his mother was often deep in thought and appeared lonely. She covered it well though, and the tension around the house had gone. She talked a little about their finances and work, something she'd never done before and he knew she was well liked at the accountancy firm where she was a middle manager. The separation papers had come through and as well, she had succeeded in getting and anti molestation order against his father. He was not
permitted within two hundred metres of their home and could only contact her through his lawyer. However, other legal agreements over property rights etcetera still had to be finalised and because of local laws, their divorce would take two years to come through.

  He hadn't seen his father since the fight, nor did he wish to do so. That had also turned out well for no complaints had been laid against him for assault. In fact, his fear that the police would interview him over the incident had never materialised. He guessed that his father had a new mistress and had moved on. It was funny how people like him with no conscience what-so-ever, always seemed to land on their feet.

  "I hear the Year 13 Easter Dance is coming up soon, Sweetheart," Chloe said that evening. "Are you going to ask one of the girls to be your partner for it?"

  Jeff glanced up from his iPad where he was playing a game. "Don't think I'll go Mum. It's not me."

  "And why not? What about that Ava you're always talking about?"

  Jeff flushed. Oh hell, did he really talk about her with his mother? He remembered mentioning that she'd got higher marks in a chemistry test than he did and that she had reached the quarterfinals in the school's senior tennis tournament before being knocked out in the semis. Oh yes, he'd also mentioned she was in his graphics and technology class and had done some great online work. Perhaps he had mentioned her quite a bit.

  "I doubt if she'd be interested," he said.

  "But you would be?" his mother replied.

  Jeff shrugged. "She's a bit of a loaner and doesn't seem to mix with any boys." He closed the iPad cover and glanced at his mother. "This school's so different, Mum and not just because there are girls there. The girls are just like us but more conscientious, I guess but it's a bit like back at primary school where everyone was just friends."

  Chloe laughed. "I know, Jeff. I am one you know. Why don't you ask Ava to be your partner at the Easter dance? If she says no, so be it."

  "That's more or less what Ryan said."

  "A bit more colourful language, no doubt."

  Jeff laughed. Mum was more like a friend now and someone to talk with about everyday things.

  "Her father's a client at our firm so I know a little about Ava." Chloe continued. "She's had quite a sad time at home,"

  "Another separation like ours?"

  Chloe shook her head. "No, worse I'm afraid. Her mother died of cancer last year and she's at home with just her father and one little brother. Adrian, that's her father, is a nice guy but I heard that he's taken his wife's death quite hard."

  "Oh hell," Jeff replied "I never knew."

  "Of course you didn't. You don't tell your friends about that fight with your father, do you?"

  "Point taken, Mum," Jeff said. "Perhaps I'll get up my nerve and ask Ava after all. She'll probably just give me an icy stare and say no."

  "Yes, girls can be cruel at times but don't just assume that this will happen. Sometimes it's hard for us females. Even in these modern times it takes quite a brazen girl to go and ask a boy to take her to a dance."

  "I never thought of it that way," Jeff replied. "Thanks Mum."

  HELL HE WAS NERVOUS. Jeff chastised himself for being so but couldn't help it. He knew Ava was nearly always in the library during the lunch hour and there she was across the room reading what looked like a paperback novel.

  He gritted his teeth, took out his iPhone as if it was an emotional support tool and tried to look casual as he strolled across the almost empty room. She was dressed in a black summer dress with flowers and strawberries imbedded in the material. He gulped and stood opposite the tiny table she was resting her book on.

  He pretended to be doing something on his iPad, cursed for he suddenly found he had an erection. Shit, should he just leave? He glanced down but noticed his fly was hidden by the jacket he wore and doubted if she would notice his anatomy.

  He swallowed and glanced at her. She appeared immersed in her novel and hadn't even glanced up.

  "Oh hello Ava," he almost spluttered.

  She glanced up and her eyes were imbedded in his. "Hi Jeff," she replied. "Do you want something?"

  Jeff felt his cheeks heat up. Now he was all red in the face. What would she think?

  "I was wondering if..." he muttered.

  She gave a slight frown. "You want me to help with that graphic animation design you're having so much trouble with?"

  Jeff grinned and relaxed. "You noticed?" he asked.

  She smiled and her whole face lit up. "I did and wondered if you'd get around to asking for help. I had the same problem with the animation looking jerky." She shut her paperback and waved her hand out. "Take a seat, Jeff."

  He smiled, secretly relieved that his erection had subsided, found a chair and sat opposite her. "There's that too," he said. "I'd love help with the animation."

  She studied him and grimaced. "But..." she whispered. "There's something else, isn't there?"

  My God she could practically mind read.

  "There is," he blurted out. "The Senior Easter dance. How would you like to go with me?" He coughed, his cheeks reddened and his erection returned. "I mean that if you haven't been asked by one of the other guys and..."

  She reached out, grabbed his hand and looked directly into his eyes again. "You're asking me on a date to go to the Easter Senior Dance?"

  "Well, yes," he stuttered.

  She continued to stare unblinking at him before her face broke into a smile. "Oh Jeff, thank you, I'd love to come with you."

  "You will?" he gasped.

  "Of course but I thought you'd rather go with Deanne."

  He frowned. "Deanne! Why?"

  He noticed her face redden a little. "Oh just something she said but I guess I assumed too much."

  Jeff laughed. "Sounds like Deanne, doesn't it? No I never even considered asking her."

  Ava turned serious again. "Thank you Jeff. I suppose I'd better get Dad to buy me a new frock now. He's going to moan about that but won't really mind."

  "Sorry to hear of your Mum's death last year," Jeff said.

  Ava nodded. "Thanks Jeff. Dad's taken it hard but we're getting through."

  They were interrupted when the wall buzzer sounded. Afternoon classes would start in five minutes.

  "Where are you going?" Ava asked.

  "Wood technology, one of those extra subjects not connected to the NCEA exams. I'm building a chest of drawers."

  "Are you now?" Ava stood and together they walked out of the library, chatting like old friends.

  Jeff grinned and wondered why he had been so uptight and nervous in the first place.

  ON WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON Ava was exhausted and covered in perspiration as she accepted the two balls and glanced down the court at her tennis opponent. The Westlake Girls High girl was seeded the top of their team while she was just fifth in the Ward team. In theory, it was just a matter of time for the other girl to win. However, in spite of their different rankings and the fact that their own top seed had been beaten, she only had to take this rally to win.

  It was in her favour seven, six at the moment.

  She glanced up at the sea of red uniforms for they were playing an away match at the other school. The cheering of a few moments before had stopped and a hush settled across the grounds. She was about to start her volley when she noticed someone else. Seated among the parents and other visitors was Jeff! My God what was he doing here in school time and several kilometres across the North Shore?

  She was certain he gave her a thumbs up before she switched her attention back to her task. Her opponent would be expecting an almighty ball after the last one had skimmed over the net and landed just inside the far corner.

  Ava stuck the spare ball in her pocket and thought she would try a different tactic. She gave the impression of another smashing hit and already saw the other girl moving across the court in anticipation. However when she hit it, the shot was far less powerful and sort of looped over the net. It was a risk for if it failed to clear the net or t
he other girl got to it...

  But it didn't! Instead it landed across the net two metres in front of the Westlake girl, who too late, had seen what had happened.

  A cheer went up from her own team and a polite clapping from most of the spectators. She felt like screaming in delight and rushing up to the net. Instead she gave a modest wave, walked up to the net and shook her opponent's hand. The other girl gave a slight grin but was obviously chastised at loosing such an important game.

  "Game, set and match!" called the umpire as Ava walked off the court to be surrounded by her teammates. She was hugged and slapped on the shoulders and accepted an energy drink thrust into her hand.

  "You did it!" screamed Janice, their top seed. "You knocked the hell out of her. First time we've won in three years."

  After untangling herself from the team Ava looked up again and saw Jeff standing at the edge of the court. She ran over to him and received an almost spontaneous hug.

  "What are you doing here?" she spluttered.

  "Came to see you play, of course. That tricky last shot was a wonder."

  "Yeah but why aren't you back at school?"

  "I take orienteering as my sport elective. Let's say I misread my map and ended up here!"

  She gazed into his smiling eyes and without even thinking rose on tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek. Embarrassed, she stood back and grinned at him with her face burning.

  "Must away and have a shower," she said before Jeff must have realised what had happened. "Their facilities here are pretty grand."

  "Similar to my old school, I guess."

  "Want a lift back to school?" Ava said a quarter of an hour later and nodded at the Ward mini van that had brought them there.

  "Why not?" Jeff laughed. "Saves taking a bus."

  IN JEFF'S EYES, THE Easter Dance at Joseph Ward Senior High was better than he had ever imagined. The school gymnasium was decorated with streamers and balloons everywhere. He grinned down at the girl beside him. Ava was dressed in a long navy blue gown that she insisted was too long for it dragged a little on the floor. She wore an expensive diamond necklace with matching earrings and had just enough make up to make her just so beautiful, he guessed the word was and that faint whiff of perfume, her bare shoulders and curve of her breasts...