What it's like to be a Cherry Blossom

Chapter 4: First Day of Classes

The official first day of classes. The day of enrollment we had to write what activity we would be dedicating our time to, aside of obligatory classes. Last night, when Mai and I returned to our dorm, our schedules had arrived with our school books. Both of us were ballerinas, so we had a very similar schedules. The thing was that when I had Physics, Mai had Math.

We headed towards the cafeteria, where we would find Luna. The three of us went to get breakfast and sat on a booth. The cafeteria looked like we were in the 1950s.

"What's your first class?" Mai asked Luna.
"English with Mr. Doyle. What about you guys?" She replied.

"Same." Mai and I replied in unison. I guess because she was a violinist/composer her schedule was similar. The three of us where in the music group. After we finished, we left our plates and went to class.

***

"Good morning students!" Our English teacher said. "I am Thomas Doyle. So, today I want to start by telling you about this class. English might be boring to you. Reading stories and books written by people long dead, writing, even analyzing writing," A bunch of people laughed out loud, and he cracked a smile."I was just like you when I was younger."

"Like, 500 years ago?" A boy interrupted.

"Sixteen years ago, actually. I bet you're wondering, Why in the world is he teaching English?" He paused, making it more dramatic. "The answer is, English showed me my true self. I learned about life in this very classroom. I graduated from HCSA with lessons of life and myself. In this class, we will read short stories such as The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe, and we will read books like To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee."

I saw a bunch of people gag. They really must hate reading.

"We will write creative writings and essays, and we will have open discussions of books and stories. Words change you. For the greater good or worse. They might help you survive life, find your true self, and will certainly change your life." Mr. Doyle ended, smiling, knowing he that his words had touched us deeply.

He proceeded to roll call, and when he finished he went to the board and wrote instructions down.

"I want you to write in your notebooks your favorite words, books, and stories. Do it individually."

I opened my notebook, and started writing down words. After the words, I wrote books, but only three. Finally, I wrote down one story. I wasn't a big fan of reading.

"At the end of the school year, you will do this again. We'll see if your list has increased or changed at all." Mr. Doyle said, and ended class.

I joined Luna and Maiko, who were sharing notes. We saw a girl about our age come towards us. She had long dark hair and icy blue eyes. Her expression was sweet yet intimidating. She waved at us and continue coming towards us.

"Excuse me," She said in a heavy British accent. "Are you the girls who were dancing at the theater on the day we arrived? And are you the girl who played the violin? I really liked your performance. My name is Clara Wilson."

"Yes we are. My name is Grace de Rege. This is Luna Carter, and this is Maiko Yukimura. It's nice to meet you." I replied.

"It's nice to meet you too. But I'm serious about your dancing, Grace. I really liked it. It was very emotional and graceful. I was sitting in the front row. I'm not much into music or dancing, but your performance definitely had an impact on me."

"Arigatou gozaimasu!" Mai said, followed by a bow (It's Japanese etiquette, and you could see Mai was flustered, a simple reaction I guess?). "What activity do you do? You don't do music so..."

"Oh, I'm a horseback rider. I own a nine year old horse." She replied.

"Can we meet him?" Mai asked enthusiastically.

"Sure. At the end of the day?"
"Sounds good. Where should we meet?" Luna asked.

"At the stables, of course! See you later!" Clara said, leaving us.

"I like her. She seems so nice." Maiko blurted out.

Luna and I giggled. We waved goodbye, and went to our next class.