A.N.: First of all, I would like to apologise for such a late update. I've probably lost half of my readers now…oh the interruptions of ones life!
But without further ado, here is the next chapter…
Chapter 4:
Italian – A
German – A
French - A
Latin – A
Russian – A
Japanese – A
Chinese (Mandarin) - A
Polish – A
Norwegian – A
Portuguese – A
Irish – A
Scottish – A
Danish – A
Polynesian – A
Arabic – A
Māori – B-
He was almost a straight A student in all of his languages. All but one; Māori.
"Something has to be done" Joseph mutters to himself as he looks over his marks from the past 3 years.
This was his final year and he still had a month to improve his Māori language mark. He wasn't going to let anything jeopardise his perfect record. Even if it meant extra tuition from someone who actually spoke the language, and staying up all hours of the night, he would do it. He knew he had the ability, anyone could see that by just looking at his academic records.
20 year old Joseph was a high achiever, and enjoyed every minute of his studies. He thrived from delving into the languages of many cultures, although there were many he still did not know. His professors were very impressed; never had there been such a student at their Madrid University. They also doubted that there would ever be another like him again. Joseph was truly unique.
Even his good friend Juanjo could see Joseph was a rising star. The sandy haired, lean and handsome young man had become a fast friend with Joseph as soon as they had laid eyes upon each other. They were quiet by nature, confident, and had the same level of passion for their studies. Their University years had been golden!
But still Joseph was not satisfied. The B- for his Māori language class was screaming out from the page at him, making him feel he had somehow failed himself. How could he have allowed himself to develop such a high expectation of his studies?
"Hey Joe!" Joseph turned to see Juanjo weaving through the student masses to get to him.
"Hey Juan" Joseph replied, his voice lacking in enthusiasm.
"What's up with you, Joe? Get up on the wrong side of the bed? Or are you hung-over, yet again?" Juanjo knew full well that Joseph didn't drink alcohol, unless on a very special occasion. Even then it was in very small amounts.
It was just another part of Joseph's personality that Juanjo admired greatly. After all, they were practically living at a University, the one place where young people overindulged in everything.
Juanjo was driven from his thoughts as Joseph thrust his results under his nose.
"Wow! This is awesome Joe! Look at all your straight A's! I don't think I've ever heard of such a perfect record!" Juanjo was stunned, this was definitely a moment worth remembering.
"Yeah well…it's not that great" Joseph muttered, and suddenly Juanjo caught on.
"Oh come on Joe, it's one paper. What harm can one paper do?" Juanjo instantly regretted his words when he saw the look on his friends' face.
"You know what, Joe? I know this chick from New Zealand who's always speaking Māori. Maybe she could help you?" Juanjo mentally congratulated himself for such a brilliant idea when he saw Joseph's reaction.
"What's her name? Where can I find her?" Joseph was almost ripping off Juanjo's arm in his eagerness.
"Hey! Calm down man!" Juanjo waited for Joseph to let him go and stand back before elaborating.
"Her name is Marama" Juanjo grimaced at his bad pronunciation.
"How's it spelt?" Joseph asked quite casually.
"M-a-r-a-m-a"
"Ok, you pronounce the 'A' as 'ah' like in 'father', and the 'R' is rolled slightly on the tip of your tongue" Joseph explained, demonstrating the two letters for Juanjo.
"The 'R' almost sounds like a 'D'" Juanjo said curiously.
"Ma-ra-ma" Joseph spoke the name in its appropriate syllables, nodding when they both had the pronunciation correct.
"How about I ask her to meet up with us for lunch tomorrow?" Juanjo asked.
"I can explain to her what you want before hand so she has time to think it over."
"Yeah, that sounds great," a smile spread over Joseph's elated features.
He was finally going to get just the help he needed. Now all they needed was for Marama to accept, and Joseph would be away laughing. Well…maybe not laughing…but he would be immensely pleased!
OoOoOoOo
"Kia Ora, boys!" Joseph heard from behind them as they sat down at a table outside the café.
"Hey Marama" Juanjo raised his hand in greeting.
Joseph pushed back his chair, stood, and then reached out to Marama as she got to the table. Placing his hand carefully on her shoulder, he pressed his nose to Marama's as she did likewise.
"Tēnā koe, Marama" Joseph said as he released Marama and sat back down.
"Tēnā koe. I'm guessing your Joseph?" Marama asked, clearly touched that Joseph had been considerate to give her a proper greeting.
"Āe" Joseph said, nodding in the affirmative.
From the look that Juanjo was giving, he knew he was slightly lost. Joseph laughed at his friends' expression.
"It's only basic greeting, Juan, chill out."
Marama laughed also, catching on at what Joseph found so funny.
"Yeah, don't stress Juan. We haven't started planning how to get rid of you."
Marama and Joseph made eye contact.
"Yet!" They chorused together.
Their table erupted in laughter as the formalities passed and they relaxed in one another's presence.
Joseph was comfortable with Marama already and could tell she knew what she was talking about. He also knew they would get along great and maybe, just maybe, she would agree to help him develop his Māori language so he could get the grade he deserved.
Joseph guessed correctly; Marama was going to be a great help.
Little did any of them know that Marama was going to introduce something even bigger into Joseph's life. Something none of them even considered.
A.N: sorry that was such a boring chapter but it was necessary to introduce the next ones. I'll up date as soon as possible but I'm so busy planning for teaching at the moment, that I may not get back to this for a few days. That's what comes from being a student teacher! Thank you so much for your patience!
PS- I promise I'll answer every review! So if you want a reply then I suggest you review this chapter for me! Thanks!