The Northern Lights

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

I woke up the next morning to the sound of my alarm clock. I slammed my hand down on the snooze button, annoyed. I wasn't one to sleep in, but I hated being woken up when I was sleeping. I liked to wake up on my own.

After I'd gotten ready, I went downstairs to grab some breakfast. Glenda and Jasmine were already there, sitting at the old antique kitchen table. Jasmine was finishing a piece of toast and Glenda was sipping coffee. They greeted me with drowsy smiles.

"Are you ready for your first day, Jen?" Jasmine asked me casually.

"I guess so." I answered, sitting don at my usual spot at the table.

"Oh, Jenny. Don't be nervous," Glenda said, reading my expression. "Those kids aren't critiquing you. In fact, they will probably be excited to have a young student teacher like yourself."

I stared at the place mat in front of me. Refusing to look up, I traced my fingers along the floral design until Glenda placed my breakfast on it. Eggs and toast. She spoils me way too much.

I ate my breakfast slowly, stalling as much as possible. High school students made me nervous. I'd heard such awful things about their behavior. I feared that they would try to take advantage of my lack of experience.

Glenda and I left a little bit later than she'd hoped, but still arrived on time. Once we'd pulled into the parking lot, I took in my surroundings. A large, brick building with teenage boys and girls traveling through the doors in packs. Couples kissed and hugged while groups of best friends laughed at other groups of students, all judging one another. It seemed as though I was putting myself through hell. We hadn't even left the car yet, and I wanted to leave.

"I don't feel well, Glenda." I said, clutching my stomach with one hand and grasping Glenda's shoulder with the other. I put my head down, staring at my jeans in attempt to add dramatic affect.

"Don't give me that, Jennifer!" Glenda scolded.

I threw my head back and rolled my head dramatically, letting my hands fall into my lap.

"Jenny, you're acting like a child!" she said, raising her voice and frowning.

"You have no idea how scared I am! I've never even set foot in a high school before! I'm sorry if I'm being childish, I just don't know what to expect is all." I explained.

Glenda's expression softened. "I know, dear. It's just that I'm so used to this, it seems silly to think it's a big deal." she rubbed my shoulder affectionately and I smiled sheepishly, looking down at my shoes.

"Come now, let's get inside. Don't want to be late." she urged.

Once inside, Glenda was already greeting students and scolding others like it was a second nature. She was respected at this school, which was lovely to see. Perhaps I too could earn their respect, if I played my cards right.

We entered a classroom and Glenda called out to the teacher, "Elmira! Yoo-hoo!"

The older woman looked up, exchanging a faint grin with her.

"Welcome to Fairbanks High School, Miss Summers!" she greeted me excitedly. "My name is Elmira Quimby. You may call me Elmira when there are no students around."

I smiled at her. "Hello, Elmira, I'm Jennifer Summers. Please! Call me Jenny." I practically stammered.

She laughed at me. "Ah, youth. I remember my days as a nervous student teacher. I passed out on my first d-"

Glenda cut her off making a cutting motion across her throat with her index finger, a cue for her to stop talking.

"Jen, I have to get going. I'll meet you here on my lunch and show you around before we eat. Have a great day!" Glenda said, kissing my forehead before turning away to leave.