20 Years Later
In the 20 years that had passed Carrietta Nicole White was hardly the mousy, neurotic and freckled teenager that she once was. Now a student guidance counsellor at the newly commissioned Bates High School the old school having been converted into a print works she was now a stronger, self disciplined, confident, more assertive and a caring tutor who put others before herself which earned her tremendous respect from staff and students alike.
She was also something of a diplomat, the peacemaker; hers was the voice of reason. Many times she had mediated between students and staff, defused conflicts, solved problems and enabled reconciliation. Confronted with any situation she was the one who would resolve it with tact and enthusiasm.
Far from being just a student councillor she also volunteered and filled in for the role of supply teacher mainly for English, history and once in a while she also covered religious studies and on one occasion a science seminar though she insisted it was not her strongest subject.
Nearly 35 she had grown to become a true Galatea elegant and graceful in her stride her appearance showed modesty but also a variety of colours and patterns rose, lime, cyan and yellow that she wore, the sort that her mother Margaret would never approve, the sort that Miss Collins would call pretty and the sort that anyone in the 70s would be described as groovy. However she never wore skirts or high heels. Even the most badly behaved lads would show self restrained and act like a true gentleman when Miss White everybody's favourite tutor walk past. All smiles and salutations accompanied by respect.
As Miss Collins had told her many years earlier before passing away "you take what you want and leave the rest behind*1" "beautiful girls will be fat, cute guys will be bald, the jocks might have beer bellies and the miserable one might have a happy life". And Carrie White was very happy, the ugly caterpillar that became a beautiful colourful butterfly.
Her words of wisdom to her students and protégés were on the par as what Miss Collins taught her as well as "let go of the past, don't worry about the future and focus on the present". Even so there were times when Carrie had to concede that her own troubled past did have some bearing on the events now. Once she was young, alone and there was no one to help her. Now in her own way she endured to be there for others at their greatest hour of need.
Despite being brutally subjugated by her fanatical mother in the name of religion for 16 years this did little to steer her away from it completely. Instead Carrie White maintained in touch with her faith, she always concealed a crucifix round her neck while out and about and was a good church going woman who never missed a Sunday service. She was good friends with her pastor and joined him for tea or lunch on most Sundays. Whereas Carrie's parents were Baptist before they left the church. Carrie attended a liberal church and was now a protestant. Whereas Margaret preached sin and retribution Carrie focused on forgiveness and salvation.
And as for the telekinesis well the better things got for her the more it seems to dissipate. And then finally the day came when it was gone. Carrie White was now just like a normal person, or so she thought. Perhaps for the last 12 to 15 years it would remain dormant. She did learn over the years that negative emotions such as anxiety or fear is the principal cause of the telekinesis sparking up. Just as every carrier learns to manage their condition so did she.
*1 From Carrie 2002
