I had the perfect life. I lived in an amazing neighborhood with some of my family and my best friends. Even though I was about 7 years or younger than my friends, they included me in lots of their activities. Birthdays, parties, holidays, games, and much more. Although, it was when I turned 6 that I moved to a place that I didn't even know existed. Observatory Village. I cried at the thought of leaving my first and only home behind, but my parents told me that all of my friends are moving as well. That still didn't convince me to leave, but I had to listen to my parents. I looked forward to the new home, but I also felt rage bubbling up inside me, mixed with grief. My parents told me that the new home would be great, but I knew that there would be obstacles along the way.
It was the first time taking my first steps into the mysterious new school, Zach Elementary. It was just afternoon when I walked toward my classroom. I kept my eyes down but couldn't help admiring the school. My mom led me to a classroom that had their door open. The class was full of noise. My mom and I waited outside. The classroom fell silent as my new teacher stepped out of the classroom. My mom and the teacher talked together, introducing themselves. I learned that the teachers name was Mrs. Sinclair. My mom said her farewells and my teacher stepped back into the classroom to introduce me. The class held their breath. I still stared at the floor, hesitating. I finally stepped into the classroom. I looked up, and smiled. The class was silent. Everyone exchanged glances and I could tell some of them urged to whisper something to their neighbor. This is going to be a hard year, I thought, looking down once again. Do I look weird? Is it my hair? Is it my smile? A thousand questions filled my head. I knew this might happen. I knew it was going to be a hard year, but at least I have two other friends that moved here to Zack Elementary as well.
"You may go," said Jennifer, one of the lunch ladies. I nodded and said thanks, then walked toward Alex Pickett and Jack Nelson. I was in the lunchroom. I still couldn’t believe how large it was. I have known Alex and Jack since Kindergarten, and they have moved to the same school as me. When my mom broke the news to me that Alex and Jack were going to the same school, and I felt a spark of hope. So far they were still my only friends. We were in different classrooms, though. Alex had his hand raised, waiting for a teacher to call on him. I sat down next to Jack. "Hey! So, what is going on in class?" At that moment, the teacher called on Alex.
"Can we move seats?" He asked. The teacher nodded. I didn’t know what to do, so I just sat there staring at them in disbelief. They walked all the way to the other side of the room and sat down. Feeling hollow, I finally looked down at my food and started to eat, while surrounded by boys I didn't know. They moved on. I thought. I took a bite out of my chicken patty. I have to make new friends, I thought once again. But, how? I didn't know anyone else at this school. It wasn't until a few long days later when two girls, Sydney and DeLorey, walked up to me and asked me if I wanted to play with them at recess. They became my new friends that day. I never knew why Alex and Jack did what they did, but they have their reasons.
Change can be hard to accept, but I realized that I have become stronger. I even have friends now that I could never forget, and friends that never left me down. Sure, my life changed. Sure, people judged me. But every time that happens, all I think now is, this is just who I am. If they have a problem with that, that's their fault. I'm going to make mistakes, but that mistake will make me stronger in many, many ways. After all, this is just who I am.
No comments:
Post a Comment