Learning to Bow

Chapter 19: That First Day (Part 1)

"Same song and dance, everyone..." the voice echoed as Jack slipped open the door to our homeroom. I bit the inside of my cheek nervously.

Following Jack into the blue-walled room, I peered at the curious faces. It was a small class size it seemed, roughly a dozen students all sitting in the front two rows of seats.

Our homeroom teacher was a short woman with a belt that stretched around her round belly. I wondered rudely if she was pregnant. She probably was, but I felt guilty for the thought in the off chance she wasn't. Her dark hair was pulled back into a bun, she had big round glasses slid to the edge of her nose, and she was adorning a kind smile from ear to ear.

"Well look what we have here," she said in a cheerful voice. "I was beginning to think our new student was never going to arrive. I'm glad Jack showed you the way." She sent him a scowl, "For what other reason would he be late?" Jack let out a nervous laugh, his hand going behind his neck, a habit I was getting used to seeing him do.

"Yes, I was explaining how the schedule worked to Ara," Jack said, he turned and gave me a warm smile. I bit my lip and looked down at my shoes. "She wasn't sure what order we go to class and well, the bell rang while I was helping her." The lady looked unsure, giving him a questioning glance. She turned back to the wandering eyes of curious students. I followed Jack to the second row of seats and sat down, looping my backpack over the chair.

"What's your name, dear?" The lady asked. She must have known my name already. Jack said it, and I hadn't yet met someone who didn't already know my name.

"Ara Heely," I responded. She nodded kindly and turned to the class.

"Let's play a quick ice breaker," she said. I groaned internally. "Since we're going to be together till graduation, let's give Ara a chance to get to know everybody." She turned to me, an expectant smile on her face. "My name is Mrs. Nicholson. I have three dogs, I grow various herbs in my kitchen window, and I have two children at home." I nodded. "One of the 3 things I've said is a lie." I furrowed my eyebrows, confused. "Can you guess which one?" I turned to Jack, not sure what to say. He put his hand on his stomach and patted it lightly, and silly smirk on his face. I turned back to Mrs. Nicholson.

"Do you not have two children at home?" I asked. She smiled.

"Nope, I have one at home, and this little one on the way," she sang, her hand resting on her belly. She turned to the rest of the class. Several students were muttering to themselves, lost in small side conversations. Mrs. Nicholson cleared her throat, getting everyone's attention. "I'd like for everyone to come up with two truths and a lie. Ara is going to guess, so come up with some good facts so she can learn who you all are!" My eyes widened, my heart jumping up in my throat. What a cruel introduction activity.

I focused on breathing through my nose as the first person started. A bleach blonde girl with honey brown eyes went first. She looked nearly as shy as me.

"My name is Crystal, I am 16 years old, I live in Minnesota, and I love solving puzzles." I studied her face and considered the likelihood of her answers. She averted her gaze, looking past me.

"Do you not love solving puzzles?" I asked. She shook her head.

"I love solving puzzles," She said. I bit my lip.

"So you're 15 or 17?" I asked. She gave me a small timid smile.

"No, I'm 16." I stared at her confused, not responding.

"I actually take the bus from Wisconsin..." She said. Wisconsin? I figured we were close to the border, but not that close.

"Crystal," Mrs. Nicholson asked, "How long do you ride the bus for?" Crystal's cheeks turned pink.