19 Simple gestures (2/2)

In Gray academy, students met once a month as a class, for announcements, assessment and assigning of tasks. They may meet frequently as a group when they are organizing something. Their classroom teacher will assess their learning thru question and answer, activity, output or project, then another set of tasks, or manual will be given to the students to be studied. They will meet again after a month or two, even after a year, depending on the task. The tasks and manuals are divided into two.

One is for cultivation and the other one is for their course. Henry and his friends are taking the course for healers. They are aiming to become physician. Graduating on the academy is based on the performance of a student. A long checklist of task should be accomplished, before they graduate and earn a 1 star degree.

Like for healers, they need to be able to concoct a grade 1 pill. a separate checklist for the pills that they need to concoct is available. But it is as many as 100 types of pill. Recognizing herbs and knowing how to use it was also included in their checklist and so on.

”One of our task is to grow an herb garden. It is a group task. Our output will be assessed after a year.” Cheska updated Francis as he seated near them.

For some reason, Henry and his friends welcomed Francis in their group without any reservations. With this Helen felt devastated. Although she also made herself welcome to the group although she was in fact a stranger, having Francis around was like reliving her past. They became friends, she fell in love, she hoped for him to love her back until she died as an old maid. The tragedy can never repeat itself.

”Think Helen, how can you unlove someone whom you loved for the longest time?” she pondered while giving Francis secret glimpses.

Francis caught Helen's glimpses and he had goose bumps because of it.

”This lady must be planning to kill me secretly and throw me somewhere where beast can eat my flesh until I could not be recognized even by my late mother.” Francis thought to himself.

Helen was giving him sharp gazes from time to time, showing her utmost dislike towards him. What she did not realize was that Helen's face was very expressive and her thoughts were like an open book. Francis concentrated on listening to the professor but he was feeling creeped out.

”Aha, I will look for someone to fall in love. That's a great plan.” Helen smiled as thought of it.

Cheska noticed the reaction of Francis. She smiled and said.

”Our late friend has the same expression as that transmigrant soul.” Cheska said with painful smile.

”She is so weird that nobody wanted her as a friend. Until we met each other, we are a group of odd balls.” She added.

”I see, the transmigrant acts the same as Helen your late friend.” He rephrased.

”her emotions are like a roller coaster ride.” Cheska said again.

Just as they were talking, Helen's expression changed again to the one with a remorseful look. Cheska almost laughed out loud.

”Wait, this is a polygamous planet, if I marry someone of the same status as mine I would have to share my husband with another woman. Oh no no no.” she almost slapped herself thinking that she can't swallow marrying in this lifetime because she does not want to share her man.

”Oh no, I will die as an old maid again. No no no.” Helen was almost weeping.

Francis just shook his head as he smiled. Helen was very transparent.