18
MR BENSON: Let's see what you've got there.
(MR BENSON leans over to look at the page in
front of CYNTHIA, turns to the previous page,
pauses and then looks her in the eye.)
MR BENSON: You haven't started yet.
(CHARLENE and JO exchange a glance and then JO
goes back to her work while CHARLENE continues to
look on.)
CYNTHIA: I know.
MR BENSON: Well, why not, what's- (he notices CHARLENE
watching and turns to her) Go on with your work
please, Charlene.
CHARLENE: I've finished it.
MR BENSON: Then go on with the next exercise. Impress
me and show a bit of initiative. (he stands to address
the rest of the class) Anyone else who's finished,
check your work and then go on to exercise Twelve
C. (he turns back to CYNTHIA who is still staring
blankly at the table) Now what's the problem?
CYNTHIA: I don't know. I just can't do it.
MR BENSON: What are you finding difficult?
(CHARLENE begins to look on again)
CYNTHIA: All of it. I just don't understand it.
MR BENSON: But you understood it two weeks ago.
This is the same work, using the same principles.
CYNTHIA: (starting to cry) I know but I can't remember, it
just doesn't make sense anymore. (bursts into
tears) Nothing makes sense anymore.
(MR BENSON is somewhat taken aback by the outburst
and JO looks up from her work again as CYNTHIA
tries to control her sobbing.)
MR BENSON: Ah, the rest of you go on with your work please.
That means you too, Charlene. (to CYNTHIA) Do you
want
to go and have a drink of water or something?
CYNTHIA: (sniffs and shakes her head) I'll be alright.
MR BENSON: Are you sure?
CYNTHIA: Uh-huh.
MR BENSON: Alright then, shall we have a look at this work
then?
