The Pinboard Captain Anonymous

At 12:05 she emerged at the door of the classroom. In her hands she held my future, and yet, with an irreverence that made me flinch, she shook out the folded sheet she held in two brisk motions as she entered. “Here are the results of the class council elections.” My form tutor announced. “Bella will be the class captain and Oluchi her assistant!” My heart fell as the class erupted into whoops and cheers. I stared at my tutor but her lips seemed to move wordlessly as she continued to read the names of other candidates who would be appointed leadership roles of lesser importance. Her gaze met mine and rested there.

“Iman, did you hear me? You will be the Pinboard captain.”

Pinboard captain? As chortles spread around my desk my eyes darted to the ripped, foam board at the front of classroom. I had contested for the role of the class captain but had ended up with nothing but a board entrusted to my responsibility. No! I stuck my chin out in defiance. I would not be relegated to such an unimportant role. My tutor folded the election results and rapped on my desk with a single nail. “May I speak to you outside?” I followed her out into the hall and hung my head as she spoke. “I know you wanted to be the “chief” role. But your...