Chapter 11: A Lesson in Modernism
“Modern history is the period from 1945 to the present. Modern art refers to the period that began in the 1880s and lasted until the 1960s. Similarly, modern literature has its origins in the late nineteenth century.”
“What about modern fashion?” Maya asked.
“Trending fashions are considered modern. Anything in demand,” Miss Janet replied.
“What about modern culture?” Sarosh said with enthusiasm. She was always among the most active students in class. Nothing makes her more excited than learning about new things. Every subject was her favorite subject.
“Well, that’s your assignment. A comparison between traditional and modern cultures. It’s due next week,” Miss Janet said, ignoring the collective groans from her class.
“You had to ask,” Sarah muttered, turning her head to give Sarosh the evil eye glare from her seat in front of her.
Sarosh returned her glare with a sheepish grin and a shrug. “Sorry,” she mouthed as the bell rang, indicating the end of their lecture.
Chapter 12: Among Friends
“What’s your score?” Sarah asked, kicking a pebble with her foot.
“Fifty-four, at least, I passed,” Maya said, looking sheepish.
The girls were enjoying a stroll in the bright afternoon sun. The snow-covered mountain tops shone like diamonds. It was too beautiful a day to sit indoors.
“No, you didn’t. The passing score was sixty,” Sarosh said without sympathy. She knew Maya didn’t study for the test.
“What!” Now Maya looked horrified. “Are you sure about that?”
“Yep,” Sarah said, “she’s right. You didn’t know that?”
“Ugh!” Maya took a deep breath, adjusting her backpack as the three friends walked down the street. “Just my luck.”
“Don’t worry,” Sarah tried to make her feel better. “It’s just one quiz. Hardly 5% of the grade. You can make up for it.”
“I can try,” Maya said in a small voice. “But you know what? Let’s not talk about test scores anymore. Let’s not ruin this beautiful sunny day.” She tried to muster up a smile and failed. Her friends didn’t know this yet, but her grades were suffering and she wondered if she would graduate with them. It was horrifying to imagine she would have to repeat a semester or two.
“Let’s get ice cream. It’ll cheer you up.” Sarah must have noticed her gloomy mood.
“You know me well.” This time Maya’s smile was genuine as they walked on holding hands. Good friends, sunny days, and ice cream; what could go wrong?
© 2022 Fizza Younis. All Rights Reserved.
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Between The Pages Of A Book 