The Bee

The awaited event: the OHVA Spelling Bee.

The Pee Wee Bee was first. N and H did an excellent performance of refusing to say their names in the microphone. To top it off, MOM had to come forward and convince N to budge from her book amidst the microphone wires and step forward in order to utter something. After about 5 -10 minutes of an attempt, which inluded a choice of not participating in the bee or speaking up, MOM had to walk back to her seat leaving stubborn N with tightly zipped lips standing firmly in her place.

H refused too, but at least after all the other kids had had their turn, he stepped forward and gave off his radiant smile, yet shook his head when asked to say his name and grade. The teacher had to do it for him. N was more insistent on being stubborn, hence why MOM was called forward to tend to the situation. It wasn't a pleasant experience, but one MOM will never forget.

"Especially, especially," said Ms. E.

"Especially. E. S. P. E. C. I," he paused.

I winced in my seat.

"L.L.Y. Especially," ended H.

"That is not correct," said Ms. E.

I guess for a first grader and first Bee, H did pretty good. He walked back to me with his wide grin.

Right while he was walking back towards me, N spelled her word,

"Necessary. N.E.S.E.S.S.A.R.Y. Necessary."

"That is not correct," said Ms. Ebie.

Like two dead flies, they were both dropped from that round. I have to give it to them though. They did pretty good.

Meanwhile, S was sitting next to me saying nothing. Apparently, she was nervous. I did warn her to not behave like N did. Alhamdulillah she didn't.

Break time. Snack time. Then the 4th to 8th graders turn to have their spelling bee.

Alhamdulillah, S said her name albeit a little too softly in the microphone. I sighed with relief.

The round started and went by pretty quickly. One by one participants were kicked out of the rounds as they misspelled their words. I held my breath, expecting S to misspell and drop out of the rounds, but she kept on going until there was only three people left. Could she be champion again? There was an 8th grader, a very tall African American boy, and a cute smiling 4th grader along with her. She was the only girl left.

I kept telling myself, Were I that 8th grader, I would fight to death to be champion, because to do otherwise would be to admit defeat to the younger kids. Nevertheless, S seemed to be doing a very good job that I had that sliver of hope that she would be champion.

"Saxophone. Saxophone," said Ms. E.

"Saxophone. S.A.X.......A.P.H.O.N.E. Saxophone," said S.

Oh....that was it. I snapped her photo as she walked back towards me.

Alhamdulillah, all three kids did a marvelous job today. I was actually pleasantly surprised S stayed on until the last three, defeating the 5th, 6th and 7th graders. Masyaallah!

And now, I think I will take my nap as I have the house to myself while they all went to the recreational center for basketball pratice and pottery class. Ahh...no screaming children to contend with today. Bliss!