Sorry, It’S My Entire Fault.

I wish I had not done it. If I had been more sensible, the accident would not have happened; but it’s no use saying that now.


        One day at school last term, we didn’t have very much to do. The teachers had all gone to a staff meeting, and most of us in Form 4A were chatting, joking and reading magazines. Vincent, who had to prepare for an overseas examination, was the only one who was working. He had a large Physics book in front of him and was making careful notes in an exercise book.


        He looked so serious that I suddenly had a marvelous idea for a joke. I crept up behind him and quickly snatched his glasses from his face. The others in the class roared with laughter, as I took him completely by surprise. Even the girls over on the other side of the room giggled. One girl told me to give the glasses back., but I knew she was not serious. Everybody was enjoying the joke except for Vincent.


        “ Please,” he begged, “give me my glasses.” He stood up and moved towards me. I turned round and threw them to Raymond, who was behind me. Unfortunately Raymond wasn’t expecting this and he missed them. The glasses fell on the cement floor and both lenses were shattered. One or two people laughed, but then the room fell silent. They had been expensive glasses with metal frames, and the lenses were tinted. Vincent had to wear them in the sun as well as indoors.


        “ Vincent, I’m sorry,” I apologized lamely. “ I meant it as a joke…”


        Vincent didn’t reply.


        I’ll help you buy a new pair,” I promised. But he wasn’t listening to me. If he had been angry, it would have been better; but by ignoring me, he made me feel very small. I didn’t know what to do.


        A lot of us in Form Four came to school by bicycle or motorbike. Vincent had a motorbike, given to him by his father. I was rather...