No Time for Forever

It was the first day of classes at Kennedy High School. Students are everywhere. The parking lot is full of cars belonging to the students and faculty. There are a few cars still roving the parking lot looking for empty spaces. The whole area looks like a marketplace, people yelling and waving at their friends to join them, some are already in groups talking animatedly. While some, well, they were just standing there, looking around them as if memorizing every building and every blade of grass around them. These people who looked like lost lambs are usually the new students, they just transferred from another school from some other city or country and haven’t made friends yet. Too reserved to go out and meet other kids when they moved or they must’ve moved just a few days ago.

As we were walking to our next class, Mark asked to see my schedule. Well, he didn’t really ask but just grabbed it from my hand. “Maybe we have other classes together.” He compared it to his schedule. As it turns out, we have four classes together plus lunch and study hall. “Would you look at that!,” he exclaimed, “I guess you’re stuck with me for the rest of the morning. Let’s hurry because Ms. Cartwright does not like latecomers in her class.”

My first day of school went by very smoothly, thanks to Mark. He accompanied me to most of my classes, even the ones that we’re not taking together. I was grateful for his hospitality because he made me feel comfortable and helped me settle in. I did not really expect it to be a breeze and I was glad for my newfound friend. I also met some nice kids who invited me to hang with them later. Maybe it won’t be so bad here after all.

Mom wasn’t home yet when I got home from school but there was a note in the fridge that told me to start with dinner preparations and that Jason was staying late in school for the basketball tryouts. She said she’s gonna pick him up on her way home. I opened the fridge to see what I can make and I guess she has not made a grocery run yet because we don’t have any veggies in the fridge nor meat in the freezer. I guess this calls for spaghetti night.

As soon as I stepped out I saw my brother coming from the opposite direction, also coming home from school. “Dang Cassie, cool car! he exclaimed looking at the car with awe and admiration.