Alaya

Chapter 3

    We got to the school and everyone got off of the bus. It was different, though because this time Ralph, Alaya, the bus driver, and I got off last. Ralph and Alaya had to go to the principal’s office with the bus driver for punishment. I wanted to come with, but I couldn’t. So, I went to my first period classroom. I entered the classroom and was a little worried about Alaya and how badly she would be punished. Instead of going to my assigned seat, I decided to sit down in one of the two seats that were in the back of the classroom. I really wanted to sit next to Alaya and no one else.

My teacher seemed to noticed I was sitting somewhere different, so she came up to me. “So, where’s this new girl I’m supposed to see?” she asked.

“Um… Well, she’s kind of in the principal’s office.” I bit my lip. I was nervous.

“Looks like I have to keep an eye on her.”

“No. She’s not a bad person. Actually, she is the kindest person I have ever met, even though she has been through so much.”

“Well, how much trouble can an eleven year old get in?”

“I will let her or my parents tell you that. I have no reason to tell people personal things about her, unless she says it’s ok, of course.”

“Ok. Go take a seat.”

“I am in a seat.” I said back.

I was kind of expecting her to yell, but instead she said, “Ok. Just make sure to pay attention when class starts, ok?”

I nodded.

I had a strong feeling that Mrs. Clayton knew something was upsetting me. Probably because I bit my lip and refused to talk about Alaya. Mrs. Clayton was always super understandable whenever she noticed a student was upset.

I sat there for a few minutes during class. Honestly, it was hard to focus. I was thinking about Alaya and Ralph being in the principal’s office. I wondered if they were going to give Alaya detention. Then, the intercom when off in our room.

“Mrs. Clayton?” the lady asked.

“Yes?” Mrs. Clayton shouted back.

“Could you send Kayla down to the office, please?”

“Yes I can.”

I looked up and saw Mrs. Clayton gesture her arms towards me to leave. I got up and walked out the door. Wondering about why I was called down, I pretty much ran down the halls until I reached the office. I walked in the office. I could hardly breathe. I told the lady in the front office that I was Kayla and I was called down. The lady, with a phone against her ear, pointed me directly to the principal’s office.

I sat in a chair waiting for the principal to tell me it was okay to come in. About three minutes later of staring at the clock, I heard the door open. I turned around to see Principal Ardon. He told me nicely that I could come in.

I walked in and saw Alaya and Ralph sitting down across from each other. Alaya still seemed worried. Her foot was shaking and she was biting her nails off. I looked at Ralph. He no longer had a bloody nose, but he still looked pretty angry. His face was probably as red as his hair. He too was shaking his foot, but he was glaring at Alaya, which made me feel sick.

 “Okay, let’s get started, okay?” began Principal Ardon. “Now, I called you down here, Kayla, ‘cause Alaya asked me to. She said you were a witness. Is that correct?”

I nodded my head. I kind of felt like I was in a courtroom and I was being testified.

“Could you tell me what happened please?” he asked me.

At first, I nodded my head. Then I looked at Alaya, then Ralph, and then back at the principal. “Well, Ralph tripped Alaya when she and I were walking down the aisle on the bus. Alaya didn’t do anything at first. Then, Ralph got up and laughed at her. Alaya then got defensive and yelled at him. Then she punched him ‘cause he wouldn’t stop picking on her.”

He looked at Alaya and Ralph in disappointment. “Well, I can’t ignore this. Both of you, I’m afraid, have to be punished. This kind of behavior will not be tolerated, do you understand?”

Alaya nodded. Ralph just rolled his eyes like it was no big deal and kept glaring at Alaya.

“Sir, may I say something?” I asked.

“Go ahead.”

“Ralph has repeatedly bullied kids throughout the entire school year. Alaya was defending herself, and it was her first bad thing she has done this year. She shouldn’t be punished.”

“I understand she was defending herself, but punching him was unnecessary. Kayla, go back to class. Thank you for coming.”

I walked out. I was a little upset that they punished her on her first day. I ran down the hall again to go back to my first period class. I entered the room and walked to the desk that I sat in before I went to the office. My teacher asked me if everything was ok. I decided to lie and tell her everything was going great. I got out my math binder and took out my note book. After every time my teacher wrote something down on the board, I copied down the work into my notebook. I didn’t even bother hearing what she was saying. I was worrying way too much about Alaya.

By the time my teacher handed out our homework, Alaya opened the door. She walked in super quietly. She saw me and walked towards me. Then, the teacher stopped.

“Well, looks like someone is late.” she announced.

Alaya paused. She seemed to know Mrs. Clayton was talking about her. “I was in the office. I’m sorry.” she said quietly.

“It’s okay. Would you like to introduce yourself to the class please?”

Alaya sat her things next to me. Then, she walked to the front of the classroom. She took a long look at everyone in the class. She started to open her mouth, but no words came out. I waved to her to tell her it’s okay, but she didn’t pay attention. All of a sudden, one kid started to laugh. It was Alex, one of Ralph’s best friends. He started to whisper to kids that were next to him. Then, more and more people started laughing. I got up and walked over to the front of the class. I was a little upset. I gave Alaya a hug and then I held her hand.

“Hey!” I yelled.

The class immediately grew quiet.

“This is Alaya, my best friend. She is super nice and kind. And before you start opening your mouths, I suggest you try to get to know her first. She could be the best friend you have ever had. I know she is to me.” I walked back to the seat I was in with Alaya, who was still holding my hand.

“Alright class, now behave. That was very rude of you to laugh at her like that. Now, since you laughed, you guys have to do the homework on your own. Now, be quiet and work.”

Alaya’s first day to school did not go the way I planned. It was supposed to be fun. Instead, Alaya was picked on and punished. The only thing I was worried about then, was my mother.