Next Door Neighbor (Part One - 1966)

4 - School

Week 4

Dear Journal... I think I like this!, anyways, I can't surmise what's happening around here. Apparently my mother has some sort of.. adic.. addiction! I'm just hoping that James remains not aware of this.

That's all for now,

Aurora

January 24, 1966

Phoenix, Arizona

AURORA

"Okay everyone, remember, homework is due tomorrow at the beginning of class," my teacher's stern voice echoed through the class hall. She was a belligerent woman who was a keynote for strictness. No exceptions was her motto. I personally don't think she should be teaching a bunch of six years Olds. We're in first grade!

"Yes, Miss Packerson." The whole class stated. Ugh, we're robots! After a few awkward moments, the savior in a form of the bell came. Everyone started gathering their items, and rushing towards the door. I could hardly hear Miss Packerson's screech of 'single file' as the hallway filled with a sea of kids.

The day was over. I could go home. I could do my homework. Maybe make some dinner, for James and me. I didn't necessarily trust my mother to do that. She's probably gonna spend her day lumped over her bed. My bag was securely around my shoulders, and I headed towards the front where I saw them.

Great, here comes Pretty Pansy and her friends with about as much worth as a stack of wooden toothpicks. I tried my very best to blend into the crowd. But since pretty much everyone in this school is patch white, my tan skin is noticeable apparently.

"Oh look! Gorilla alert!" Pansy proudly proclaims. I feel the urge to roll my eyes.

"Ya! Her arms maybe bald, but they sure are hairy!" One of her minions screamed. A few chuckles came from the other girls.

I walked past them, as they kept egging me on. Pansy followed me and made a grab for my backpack. Ever had a snake around you? Yeah, she's a full on python.

"What's wrong, monkey? Can't speak, can you?" She taunted, placing her hands on her hips.

"That's really the best comeback you have?" I spoke up.

"Ooooooh, she can really talk! Maybe if you hop around, we'll give you a banana." A banana? What an imbecile. My face was still. Pansy cackled and did a rather impressive impression of a dying squid.

"No. But I can walk away and pretend you don't exist." I smiled.

"Ugh!" Came the immediate terse response. I ignored her to continue towards the door. That's when she said that word, and "You're all the same!"

I stopped. I turned. My fist curled up into a tight ball. And before I could get a good lick, a screechy wail came from behind Pansy. It's was Principal Pamperpom. "What is the meaning of this?!"

Oh, shoot.

By now, Pansy perfected her precarious pouty performance. She sniveled and cried... literally. Perfect Pansy fell to the ground in a puddle of her own tears. God, girl how can you cry so much?"

"Ms. Renee, what have you done?" I was immedietly faced with Pamperpom's poor breath. She helped Pansy off the ground, checking her for battle scars. Oh please.

"I didn't do anything!" I stated matter-of-factly.

"Then explain why Mrs. Parker is on the ground?"

"She threw herself on the ground." I explained. "Did you not hear her calling me a -"

"Liar!"

"Enough, Ms. Parker." The principal turned to me. "Until we can suit this out, I suggest you two follow me to my office so I can call your parents."

Fudge.

--

You know that feeling when you feel your behinds gonna get a beating? Yeah. Pansy was packed away in the corner, pouting profusely. I wasn't about to look in her direction. That thing got me in trouble.

Soon, the principle waltzed in and sat at her desk. A large oak desk with a couple picture frames, various piles of papers and a typewriter. Principal Pamperpom leaned against her arms, and glanced at the both of us dubiously.

"Now, I want you both to explain what has happened." The principal huffed.

"She tried to push me down, so I was defending myself!"

"That's a lie!" I repeled. "She called me a monkey, obviously, I wouldn't stand for that!"

"Nu-uh!"

"OK. OK. Enough. Ms. Parker, I suggest stop while you're ahead. Now, there are plenty of people saying the opposite."

"But!"

"Please don't interrupt me when I am speaking." said the principle. "Now, I am going to forgo my decision to inform your parents. However, if this should persist, I will not be so forgiving."

"But, I-" I began.

"Enough is enough, Ms. Renee."

What?! 

---

Perfect Pansy pouting particularly pestered me. 😊 Also, I feel like Aurora is me. I am suuuuuch a sarcastic and dry person, that it's hard to write differently heh-heh.

And again, I'm sorry for such a short chapter. It's been hard to find a time and place to get motivation for this story. I haven't abandoned it; it just isn't my first priority right now.