What is reincarnation?
Maybe it is just the soul drifting from place to place, from life to life. Thus, if the soul is the ground, maybe the personality is the tree that grows each time, and maybe it leaves parts of its shadow behind each time.
Why am I thinking like that? Because I remember when I was younger, purer, I sometimes used to have some impressions, like distant knowledges that were instinctively whispered in my mind, nothing complicated, like simple shadows I don't know the origin of, thinking that I have simply forgotten, or I have not paid sufficient attention, or even simple déjà vu. Maybe it is even the source of some dreams that are supposed to be reflections of the mind.
So I think the tree can be erased, but as we all know, energy never really disappears, and leaving a shadow behind is normal, until another tree grows, and buries the remnants of the past. And now, for me, that remnant has pushed itself back to the surface.
I'm saying all of that because our first class today, on this beautiful beginning of the new year, is a class of mathematics, not an art stream class. And it is with the old homeroom teacher, not only the same one as last year, but also literally old, with greyish hair, and weak energy.
Normally, I would wonder who in our class has offended someone from the school administration, but now, I'm actually finding the class interesting. That is where all my ramblings from earlier come into play.
The interest is because I'm finding math beautiful. The logic, the clear cut progression, and the pleasure knowing how it is useful for many things, everything. That… is the shadow in my head getting worked up. It is just that my past life did not have the talent, no, not the talent, I had it, and I'm still dotted with a good brain in this life, a more than good one, it seems, this time.
Anyway, there is a reason why that old love is growing inside me, and maybe with that, I will go from being smart to being a genius in this life. Quite a good prospect right?
I just found out that learning can be easy. What the teacher says, it can never compare to what he is thinking. The latter is clearer, and it is transmitted with more than just words, but also feelings, impressions and a slew of other things that make the knowledge easier to catch, and imprint it more deeply in the mind.
I have never been so focused on the teacher. And maybe because he is older, his focus is less scattered. All his mind is on the knowledge he is trying to transmit.
Indeed, cheating makes life easier, and an easy life is more enjoyable. Distractedly, my swirls, and an interest for science as a whole is stirring in me. It is becoming a wind that is shaking the plans I made. But I have time.
*Riiiing*
I blink, and suddenly feel a little exhausted, but it is worth it. While the teacher put his things away, I drink a bit of the milk in my water bottle. It is not cow milk, but it is replete with enough nutrients, and with where it comes from, I don't even have to worry about dieting to expel surplus calories. Though, when I put the bottle away and turn around, I almost jump on my seat from the wide eyes Emmie is giving me.
I hurriedly wipe my lips. She is lucky I don't have anything in my mouth. I would have given her a shower, if not.
"What!?"
"Since when are you so interested in mathematics?"
I roll my eyes while my heart calms down.
"And you almost caused me to have a cardiac arrest just for that?"
"What else? Changing after a few months apart is a given, but 'that' is too big of change!"
"I just suddenly find it interesting, that is all. I've been thinking about my future, and I suppose with taking maths seriously, many doors will remain inaccessible."
Emmie looks at me deeply, like she is searching for falsehood or deeper reasons. When she sees nothing on my face, she finally believes that from only seeing maths as a necessary class to suffer through, I'm serious in taking it seriously. But her long stare is making me uncomfortable.
"What? You should try to plan for your future too."
"I–"
Unfortunately, our teacher for the next course arrives and we have to stop talking. It seems we are not rebellious enough.
This time, we got nothing to fry our brain. Language class is easy, and not just me, many others also relax. At least, no one is sleeping, and that is good enough.
When we go out for recess, Emmie locks her arm with mine and brings back the conversation that has been interrupted.
"I have my own plans already. Boys are all perverts, and I want to do something that will be easy to accomplish with my body."
I look at her up and down, and I can't refute her. She indeed has the body that attracts the other side.
"Like what?"
"Hm… Like entertainment. I don't want to sing, so maybe modeling, or acting."
I shake my head.
"You can also consider going into business. Every male will want to get on your good side, and you will get a lot of conveniences."
"You are right! I can do that!"
I laugh at her reaction. I just hope that she does not overdo it. Teasing is fine, but provoking the beast and going too far can bring about a violent reaction.
I look at the smooth skin exposed with the cut below her collar and above her cleavage, and shake my head. She is shapely, she likes to dress up, and she is just short of showing off her body which is her pride.
"Hey, look, it's Mr Tyne!"
I roll my eyes at the fan girl Emmie transformed into, and look at the popular teacher. Like students, some teachers are also popular, and the one coming our way is one of the most handsome, but also intelligent and approachable teachers of the school.
And he really is handsome. I have to emphasize that.
'They are growing up so well. Maybe I should choose Emmie this time. She is ripe enough.'
'I still can't read Max's mind, but I can add her.'
Okay, not handsome enough for me to stomach that. Definitely not.