DESDIMONA: High School Adventures

After primary school came high school. Desdimona lived a sheltered life; she had boy crushes like every other girl, but nothing happened. She remembers a neighbour that she had a major crush on; his name was Charlo. Desdimona was in love with Charlo and whenever he would ask her to play a game of Badminton, she felt honoured. When the game was over he would come over the fence and return the racket and when his hand touched hers, she melted like butter.That was the past, and now Desdimona was in high school and a teenager. Buru Buru Academy was an amazing school, located in the heart of Buru neighbourhood. The (matatus) ‘twegerane’ would leave Desdimona near the school gate and she would walk about five minutes to class. Desdimona joined many clubs and groups; she joined the music club, the girl guides and the poetry club. Lunch time was the best time of the day because Desdimona had a great time hanging out with friends. There was Marina, Rehema, Helen and some boys Ali, Kenneth and Peter who was Marina’s boyfriend. Desdimona and her friends would go to a chips and sausage canteen and then walk to their hangout. They would all sit at the bottom of one tree that had become their hangout spot.One day, after buying their chips and sausages, they started walking towards their spot. They walked past a gate with “Umbwa Kali” (Beware of Dogs). The gate opened for a car and two large, scary dogs ran out and came towards them. Desdimona was afraid of dogs and as her friends ran, she was left behind with the two vicious dogs. She felt trapped as the dogs came closer with their mouths wide open, exposing their big teeth. Desdimona was screaming and shooing the dogs away, but amazingly she did not drop her bag of fries! Luckily, Peter who lived in the neighbourhood came running to the rescue and scolded the rascals back into the gate. Desdimona was so relieved; she hugged Peter and thanked him for saving her life.On another occasion, Peter would be Desdimona’s partner again. One of Desdimona’s friends, Marina had a great chance to go out with her boyfriend Peter, but her parents were extremely strict. Peter had two tickets to a live concert to see Soul 2 Soul, one of the biggest 90’s music groups to come to Nairobi. Marina was angry with her parents, but they did not change their minds. Marina suggested that Peter ask her friend Desdimona because she trusted her. The day of the concert came and Peter arrived at Desdimona’s house to pick her up. Desdimona’s family was so excited because they knew how much she loved music and dancing. Peter and Desdimona arrived at the concert early and they sat and talked until the music started. Desdimona had the time of her life! At the end of their performance, Soul 2 Soul invited everyone to come down to the main floor and dance to their music. Desdimona could not believe that she was dancing with Soul 2 Soul. Desdimona danced the night away and at the end, Peter drove her home.Desdimona never forgot Marina’s thoughtfulness and to this day, they remain the Best of Friends.