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Past
1956
On the last day when I graduated from kindergarten, I was happy that, after it, I would never see Bethany again. However, I would miss the other people at kindergarten who were moving to different elementary schools, even though most of them were going to the same school I was headed to next.
Except a few days before elementary school began, my mother had news for me that changed everything. News that came to her from other parents she was talking with on the last day of kindergarten that she didn't tell me until now.
For starters, Bethany was going to the same school as her again, and possibly in the same class. So she was not moving. Second, Danielle at least moved, which was awesome because for the past two years she had been really awful to me. From what I heard, Brady also moved, which was sad because even though he's a boy, he's the only person who tried to talk to me and make me feel better all through my second year of kindergarten. Brady and Danielle both moved to Canada because of their parents jobs. I hope they don't go to the same school.
So I have to deal with Bethany all alone without any support. Through the next five years of elementary school. Did I mention Brady was the only person who understood that I hate Bethany?
It's the first day of elementary school. "It's okay. First grade means new things. It's a part of growing up. You'll make new friends." My mom said this on the drive to school. "Mhmm." I muttered. "Remember, you'll have Bethany." Mom said. Ugh. My mom doesn't see. Why even bother trying to explain to her?
Then we were here. "You can take the bus next year." Mom said. "This year, I'll be driving you. Good luck!" I watched as my mother drove out of sight. Then I turned to the doors of the school and walked in. Lots of students are inside, trying to find their classroom. I turned around, and a teacher asked what my name was when I was lost. "Are you Ashley Andrews?" A teacher said. "Yeah," I said. "Great! You're in my class." The teacher said: I gasped. Bethany was there. She's always here.
I lined up behind her. Finally, after a few minutes, the bell rang. "Follow me to our classroom." The teacher said, leading us to a classroom near the left hall. In the second classroom, she headed in and told us to sit on the carpet. "Okay, since we all don't know each other, we are going to do some icebreakers. When you catch this ball, tell us your name, your favourite colour, and your favourite season."
And that was the start of the class. And then we were doing more icebreakers until the teacher started teaching us some things and introduced herself. I immediately realized we didn't have a lot of playtime to play freely like I did last year. The teacher will reward us with free time if we're finished with our individual work, which I only did a little of last year, and this year she told us there was going to be a lot of schoolwork but still will give us half free time.
That was going to the system starting from the day after tomorrow. And more subjects. Finally, we had a first recess break, then more work, then lunch. Everything already felt new. I sat alone at a table and started eating.
"Can I sit here?"
I looked up. Someone was asking me that. "Sure," I said. She sat down on the chair and unzipped her lunch bag. "What's your name?" She asked me. "Sorry, there's so many new names to remember; I forgot your name. That's because you weren't interesting in the icebreaker games." "I'm Ashley. You're Carly, right?" I said. "Yup. Which kindergarten did you come from?" Carly asked. "Hazelwoods." I replied. "Cool! I went to a private school. My mom didn't have the money for me this year." Carly said. "Really? You know Dylan?" I asked. "Yeah, I do! How do you know him?" "He went to my preschool!"
We talked and ate at the same time. I already made a friend on the first day of school! I feel so happy. And she was even happier, and she understood how much I hate Bethany. Then the bell rang.
For lunch recess. We actually played together. I wish it was recess forever. Finally, for the first time, I knew everything was going to be okay. "Ashley, meet my friend from kindergarten, Penny!" Carly said, walking over to a girl with short hair. "Hi!" I said to her. "Penny, she's Ashley and my new friend." Carly said. "What should we play together?" Penny asked. "Hide and seek?" I suggested.
And we played that game until recess ended.
For the first time, I actually think school is fun.
Present
1997
Nicholas was working late today.
So it's just me and Hailey eating dinner. Sylvia is already out of the house and currently married to Zane, and they live on their own. It gets quiet without Hailey and Sylvia arguing over dinner. It's Hailey's first year dealing with this. Grade 8.
Sometimes Hailey gets lonely around the house without a sibling. "You know, I used to have an older brother. When he moved out, mostly I just talked to my friends and had more privacy." I said. "I used to have a friend who then moved to Canada."
"It's not the same. It's a sibling, not your friend." Hailey said, stabbing a piece of broccoli. "When you were younger, Sylvia would tease you. Aren't you happy she's out?" I asked. "It still gets boring." Said Hailey. "I remember when one day dad took Sylvia and you shopping, and when dad was done, he discovered he lost you while shopping. It wasn't until a stranger called us to report that he found you and to come over to his house late at night. It was very late, so I told your dad to get you in the morning, but dad went by himself to pick you up right then." I said to her, hoping she'd cheer up.
"And then Sylvia laughed at me, saying that I couldn't start elementary school like that. Being lost all the time." Hailey said. She looked down at her empty plate, then went over to put it away. "Can I have a pet?" She asked. "What kind?" I asked. "Can I have a dog?" She asked as I carried my dishes to the sink. "I'm not paying for it," I said. "Pleaseeee? I promise I'll pick up the poop and feed it every day. I'm responsible." She said. I thought about it for a moment. She does want company. "Can I have it for Christmas this year?" She asked. Then I knew right away that I had to use my own money. What else to buy a 13-year-old as a Christmas gift anyway?
"We will see."
It's the time of year. Christmas is just around the corner, right after school is over for Hailey for one week. I'm at the pet store looking at dogs. I don't know which one to get her. A puppy or an older dog? I'll get a puppy because it's cheaper. There are two breeds that cost the same price, and I don't know what to buy.
I ended up calling an employee for help to ask about how the dogs are different. "May I help you?" She asked. "Which one would you suggest, this dog or this dog?" I said, pointing to two cages. Then I looked at her name tag.
It said Penny. One of my old friends!
"Which one to buy?" Penny asked. Suddenly, I forgot why I was there. "Do I know you?"
And that's how I wasted an hour of my life—well, okay, I was doing something!
In the end, I decided I'd buy it again in two days.
I look at the planned list. I crossed Penny off. Then I looked at the hourglass beside it. I turned it over. Time is passing by fast. Bit by bit.
At least I bought the dog bowl and toys. I guess I'll wrap that up first.
There's still time left.
