America the poor: A Wanderers Tale, Volume One

CHAPTER 31:A Future Juggler and Criminal in the works

Time passed, I developed a sad routine at my new school. I did what was necessary to keep a minimum of passing grades in this new place of so-called "learning". I learned the layout of every hallway, every possible shortcut, every stairwell, every hidden way to get across the building unnoticed whenever possible. I was a master at avoiding others, as I had to be by necessity.

I wasn't accepted here anymore then I was at past schools, maybe less so, since I had no brothers in arms like Joseph or Richard, I was completely on my own, but this was nothing new. I was a survivor, and very adaptable, little had changed since my earlier years.

Gym was something I avoided, same as normal for me, but one day I noticed a special class during gymtime, it was separate, yet taking place in the gymnasium in a far lonely corner. The school counselor, whom i've noticed before in the hallways seemed to be attempting to teach juggling to a specific few nerdy students. No football, no baseball, no badminton, nothing really athletically related(and therefore seemingly unpopular with other students), yet it was part of the gym curriculum, although on the sidelines. I started watching from the bleachers(since I still refused to change into shorts, I was exiled here, as per usual).

The counselor seemed like a genuinely nice guy, with curly reddish hair, and a perpetual smile on his face at all times. From a distance, I already liked him. We had never talked til that point, but within a day or two, I knocked at his office door. We shook hands, and he seemed as genuinely friendly as my initial impressions seemed to imply.

I explained, I was a social outcast, no friends in this new school(and few if any in the old schools), and 100 percent unlikely to ever make them, and I actively avoided being around other students whenever I could. I was very much a lost soul, but quite interested in learning how to juggle. A true skill I felt weirdly inclined towards, and something I felt I could actually get the hang of over time.

He seemed like a good soul, one of the very few I've ever come across in my life, and mentioned that if I was serious, and truly wanted to learn this talent, he could not only make it happen, but give me gym credit, so I wouldn't fail it. It counted as a physical activity apparently, no shorts nor locker room awkwardness needed ever. Basically replacing the gym class. Like a match made in heaven. I eagerly signed up.

So the very next gym session, I joined them at the far side of the gymnasium, with all the other misfits I guess. After all, what "normal" kids would choose juggling over football or baseball? The participants were few, not many takers on a unique talent that could last them the rest of their years. Also of note, there were NO females there, not a single one, since none were interested in such an esoteric talent.

Which suited me just fine, less distraction. Although let it be noted, there were lots of cute girls at this school, but I was still obsessed with Cee, that never changed. To my young mind, she was feminine perfection, and no other girl could ever top her allure for me.

I never forgot her, and through my own obsession and research, I kept up with her progress throughout her school years. More on her later, but for the moment, I was learning the very basics of coordination for juggling tennis balls.

There was one requirement that I got my Aunt Sandy to fulfill for me, a can of three tennis balls, much needed. The first class I merely watched, and borrowed here and there, but the second session, I had my own, and learned the starting lessons quite well. Before this I was known as a very clumsy kid, with no coordination. To be brutally honest, I was known as a complete klutz, by relatives, associates, peers, whomever. Even Joseph used to comment he had never seen a guy as bumbling physically as myself.

Regardless, I took to juggling as I had been born to do it. I didn't succeed overnight, not at all, but I was determined, as I was with very few things in life up to that point. I wanted this talent, very much. I had a number of talents already, but I loved them all. They were part of my very being, and therefore all were important to me. I considered them far more valuable than any possession I could ever have.