Franky had always loved memorization. She loved the thrill she got from recounting a definition exactly or reciting pi to however many decimals.
So, naturally, the best part about studying for exams was memorizing definitions.
She sat alone in her room on a Sunday night, with her list of exam words and definitions in front of her.
Agnathous
(ag-nuh-thuh s)
- adjective
1. having no jaws
Easy enough to remember. 'Gna' was a sound one might make without jaws. A softer 'na'.
Easy. A'gna'thous: having no jaws.
Next word:
Featly
(feet-ly)
- adverb
1. suitably; appropriately.
2. skillfully.
3. neatly; elegantly.
- adjective
4. graceful; elegant.
Franky read the definition and one thing came to her mind immediately: Mini McGuinness.
Neat: her body. Always orderly and perfect. Nothing where it shouldn't be. All unseemly and decidedly un-neat fat trimmed off by her extreme diet and exercise. Her hair always in place. Her nails always painted. Her makeup always done perfectly. Neat.
Graceful: her movements. The way she walked down the halls, her hips and arms and legs moving perfectly, never tripping or stumbling. The way she ran. Franky would watch her sometimes, as Mini often passed her house during her morning run. Her lithe body zooming past, all long legs and beautiful golden hair.
And, lastly, elegant: the way Mini talked. Some people might disagree, but Franky absolutely loved Mini's Scottish accent. Though Scottish accents are often described as rough, Mini managed to make it completely and utterly beautiful and elegant. Her lilting speech and musical tones could relax Franky in a moment.
The best way for Franky to remember the word 'featly' was for her to remember Mini.
So, on the day of the exam, when the word 'featly' came up, she found herself quietly whispering Mini's name under her breath and smiling, knowing the answer instantly.
