Generation

unlaced

betty

"So betty," Madison asked, "Are those your actual school shoes...or just decoration?"

Classes started a few days ago, and this dorm feels more like a living hell then a sleeping quarter. My dorm-mates this year aren't my first choice; Madison Kane and Laura Reed have been inseparable since 1st year, and Carissa Martin is an honor roll math-obsessed freak. I admit, judging them automatically is harsh, but watching them obsess over every little thing in the room is driving me insane.

"School shoes..." i said trying to laugh it off.

Having a uniform here has its pros and cons. of course, no self expression, but it helps not having to decide an outfit at 7 in the morning. People here usually express themselves through shoes, jewelry, hair, or just by being themselves. My favorite part is the shoes. I'm not very original, but every year i come to school with a new stitch or drawing on my new shoes. It drives my mother mad of course, but i do it for me.

My mom is the president of our local university. She is the most professional woman i've ever met, and I envy her. Her and I are sort of opposites; she likes things neat, i don't mind mess, she wears fancy clothes, i stay in uniform, and she hates my shoes. Which is odd, coming from a woman with more shoes then every student here. I'm afraid of my mom, not because she's scary, but because she is so much better then i am. Everybody says i'm more like my dad, which always felt like a slap in the face. I couldn't tell if it's because they thought we looked more alike, or that I am not my mothers daughter. But they might be right, i've always been closer to my dad. He taught me how to play piano, how to write a perfect essay, how to ride a bike, he is my best friend. He was the one who taught me how to make my shoes more me.

After I unpacked my things I walked down to the welcoming ceremony. I've been hearing the same words come out of Headmaster Prewitt's mouth for 5 years, now I just come to see everyone. Josh and Henry were doing their usual teasing, while Leo and I watched. We all had science together, which is exciting, but I'm the only one in my English class.

"I mean no offense Bet," Henry said looking right at me, "But you're way better at English than us. It's a year 7 class!"

He was right, but I still would've liked to be with them. There was this small feeling in my chest like I was going to be very lonely this year. I'm sure what set it off. Maybe it was the class, this year, or my shitty dorm mates... but i wasn't having fun. I've never been "excluded" from the group, but sometimes i just felt halfway outside of it. Now is one of those times.

"I was thinking maybe I should join one of those clubs?" I uttered. Maybe I should.

"Yeah? That sounds fun!" Josh responded

"Soccer is reallyyyy fun!" Leona chimed in

"No way not in a million years"

Honestly I hadn't even let the thought wander before I said it out loud, but it wasn't a bad idea. Everyone here does clubs, why would it be different for me?

After the welcome ceremony everyone was allowed to walk around the school until curfew. Josh, Henry and I decided to sit in the common room and talk. Leona wanted to practice for tryouts, so she left to play on the field.

"I'm sorry you're so far from us this year." Josh began to fidget

I laughed it off, hoping he wouldn't feel bad.

"Josh it's really alright," I responded, "It doesn't mean we won't see eachother."

"On the bright side," Henry chimed in, "Betty gets to be with all the smart people."