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Chapter 11 - THE SEARCH FOR IDENTITY

THE MAIN PURPOSE 

Dave had a History class to teach that morning. As he entered the classroom, his eyes searched for Arielle. At first he was surprised as he couldn't find her familiar face , because he knew she could never miss lessons . Then he remembered Arielle didn't take History; she had an advanced math class during the same period. 

Mabel, noticing Arielle's absence, decided to flirt with Mr Dave. History Lessons were Mabel's best class as Arielle was not there to caution her concerning her improper behavior. She made several attempts in a bid to get his attention.

Dave, however, ignored her completely. Nothing about her efforts amused him. His thoughts drifted again to Arielle. 

Without her presence, the class felt dull, lifeless even. Still, he knew he had to push through it was his job, after all. He reminded himself that teaching was what he signed up for, and the paycheck was encouraging.

After the lesson, Dave thought about the upcoming test, which was meant to determine which students would not be allowed to participate in the inter-school competition. He was particularly concerned about Arielle. She had always struggled with English, though she excelled at Math. He knew there was a real chance she might not do well or rather other students might do better thereby causing her to lose the chance of participating 

A plan began to form in Dave's mind. What if he gave her the test questions ahead of time? "It wasn't right" but it would give them an excuse to meet and besides, he wanted to see her again. The thought of spending some "sweet time" with Arielle felt too tempting to resist. 

That evening, Dave composed an email with the test questions attached. He kept it brief, adding a casual reminder for Arielle to keep the matter a secret "Just between us,"he wrote. "Don't let anyone find out, okay? It could get me in serious trouble."* With a final click, the email was sent. 

Two days later, the day of the test arrived. Arielle's parents wished her well that morning, encouraging her not to feel pressured. They knew essay writing wasn't her strength, and they didn't want her to stress over it. But Arielle felt unusually confident after all, she had already gone through the questions Dave had sent her. 

The classroom was quiet as the students took their seats, pens poised over their answer sheets. Arielle glanced at the paper in front of her, feeling a rush of relief. The questions were exactly what Dave had sent. She smiled to herself and began writing, her nerves easing with every word. 

Once the test was over, the students filed out, knowing the results would be announced in two days. 

Later that evening, Dave arrived home. Just as he sat down to relax, he received a call from his mother.

She found out Dave went to West land without informing. She knew the reason he was there was not to teach but to find his father's whereabouts.

Dave she called gently, some things are better left unknown what if he sees you and he rejects you. He might be somewhere with his new family, who know he might not even be in the westlands. 

Son, you were doing fine without him and you would do better, please son come back home.

No mom I won't come back , it's better I failed while trying than not trying. 

Mom I have always wanted to look for my father but the drive became more when I read your diary. 

He is not even aware of me because according to your letter, only his mother and your friend knew that you were pregnant,then you went into hiding , gave birth to me and then you ran to New Orleans.

Mom he called shakily, I want to know my origin. I am tired of being asked who my father is. Even if I don't find him here , I will keep looking for him as long as I am alive.

The call with his mom brought back some memories he didn't want to re call

Dave was in his first year in high school,being very good at basketball, he wanted to join the team , the coach would ask who their father was before he could allow them join the team. If he was familiar with your pops then you could join the team; if he was not he would ask you to play a trial with a very good basketballet , if you fail then you can't join the team

Dave knew that he would not be able to join the team, since his father was nowhere to be found, so he placed all hope on defeating the basketballer in a trial.

When it's turn the coach asked about his father and learned that he didn't know his father denied him access to the team and also denied him the chance to prove himself.

Dave went home sad, he cried hard, his hard work fell through because of his unknown identity 

 

He also had to break up with his previous girl friend because of her mother who convinced her that his father left him and he might also leave her and also called him a bastard 

Dave heard it when he came by the house.

They were also many more that gave him chills whenever he remembers it all because he was a bastard .

Dave was determined to change the name (bastard)that was given to him by the world .

He shook his head, trying to shake off past memories.

His mother's call made him remember his main purpose of coming to Westlands and he realized that he had not even begun a search for his father.

His mother refused to tell him his father's name and only told him his surname (McLean). 

According to her ,his name opens her old wound and brings back memories of the past.

Determined Dave went to the Internet and typed "Mclean"in westlands, it brought out 14 persons….

He had to do a deeper search to know who his father was among them. He then remembered his father also attended Westlands years ago . 

So he searched for "McLeans" who attended Westlands and he was left with four names.

Now he had to find out who is father was among the four people listed out